Boyle to direct London Olympics opener

LONDON, June 17 (UPI) -- Oscar-winning "Slumdog Millionaire" director Danny Boyle is to serve as artistic director for the London 2012 Olympic Games' opening ceremony, organizers said.

Boyle told BBC Radio 4's "Today" program Thursday he understands his job is "to provide a thrilling, enthralling, captivating evening."

"Hopefully, it'll take its place in the list of openings, but it'll be a new beginning, as well," he said.

Boyle's film credits include "Trainspotting," "The Beach," "Millions" and "28 Days Later." He is to make his National Theatre directorial debut this winter with a new production of "Frankenstein," the BBC noted.