Burgeoning Los Angeles-based production company Upgrade Productions has bolstered its growing team with two new high-profile profile hires.
The company has signed Akshay Mehta as Executive Vice President, Content Strategy and Business Development, and Vanessa Saal as Executive Vice President, Production & Distribution.
Seasoned production and sales execs Matt Brodlie and Jonathan Kier created Upgrade Productions at the end of 2021 to develop and produce premium local language productions for a global audience.
Mehta and Saal will both report directly to Brodlie and Kier.
Mehta will be responsible for the execution of Upgrade’s overall content strategy and seek out new partnership opportunities.
He is taking the lead on managing these relationships, structuring the financing for the slate and was instrumental in negotiating Upgrade’s equity investment from Constantin Film.
Working closely with Brodlie and Kier to lead the company in growth, he will run day-to-day operations as a senior member of...
The company has signed Akshay Mehta as Executive Vice President, Content Strategy and Business Development, and Vanessa Saal as Executive Vice President, Production & Distribution.
Seasoned production and sales execs Matt Brodlie and Jonathan Kier created Upgrade Productions at the end of 2021 to develop and produce premium local language productions for a global audience.
Mehta and Saal will both report directly to Brodlie and Kier.
Mehta will be responsible for the execution of Upgrade’s overall content strategy and seek out new partnership opportunities.
He is taking the lead on managing these relationships, structuring the financing for the slate and was instrumental in negotiating Upgrade’s equity investment from Constantin Film.
Working closely with Brodlie and Kier to lead the company in growth, he will run day-to-day operations as a senior member of...
- 11/15/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Protagonist executive Saal will head production and distribution while Mehta leads content strategy and business development.
LA-based Upgrade Productions has appointed Vanessa Saal as executive vice president of production and distribution and Akshay Mehta as executive vice president of content strategy and business development.
Saal will be based in the UK and will spearhead Upgrade’s global distribution strategy while building out its European operations and ventures.
She most recently served as managing director, sales and distribution, at Protagonist Pictures, where she worked from 2014 to 2020. Other previous roles include senior vice president of international sales at Studiocanal and a founding executive at Kinology.
LA-based Upgrade Productions has appointed Vanessa Saal as executive vice president of production and distribution and Akshay Mehta as executive vice president of content strategy and business development.
Saal will be based in the UK and will spearhead Upgrade’s global distribution strategy while building out its European operations and ventures.
She most recently served as managing director, sales and distribution, at Protagonist Pictures, where she worked from 2014 to 2020. Other previous roles include senior vice president of international sales at Studiocanal and a founding executive at Kinology.
- 11/15/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Music artist to give film away for free following premiere.
Musician and animal rights activist Moby will open the 29th Slamdance Film Festival with his feature directorial debut Punk Rock Vegan Movie on January 20 2023 and has vowed to give the film away for free after the premiere.
The festival, which runs in Park City and Salt Lake City from January 20-26 and online on the Slamdance Channel from January 23-29, has also announced a partnership with the University of Utah dedicated to the first in-person showcase of the Unstoppable Program, a free showcase of “raw and innovative filmmaking”.
Punk Rock...
Musician and animal rights activist Moby will open the 29th Slamdance Film Festival with his feature directorial debut Punk Rock Vegan Movie on January 20 2023 and has vowed to give the film away for free after the premiere.
The festival, which runs in Park City and Salt Lake City from January 20-26 and online on the Slamdance Channel from January 23-29, has also announced a partnership with the University of Utah dedicated to the first in-person showcase of the Unstoppable Program, a free showcase of “raw and innovative filmmaking”.
Punk Rock...
- 11/15/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Oscilloscope Laboratories has swooped on North American rights to Costa Rican-Swedish filmmaker Nathalie Álvarez Mesén’s debut feature Clara Sola here in Cannes.
The film generated to good buzz after its premiere in Directors’ Fortnight. Set in a remote village in Costa Rica, it follows 40-year-old Clara who endures a repressively religious and withdrawn life under the command of her mother. Her uncanny affinity for creatures large and small allows her to find solace in the natural world around her. Tension builds within the family as Clara’s younger niece approaches her quinceañera, igniting a sexual and mystical awakening in Clara, and a journey to free herself from the conventions that have dominated her life.
Oscilloscope is eyeing an awards corridor theatrical release for the film in late 2021 / early 2022.
Producers on the pic are Swedish boutique production company Hobab in co-production with U.S. outfit Resolve Media,...
The film generated to good buzz after its premiere in Directors’ Fortnight. Set in a remote village in Costa Rica, it follows 40-year-old Clara who endures a repressively religious and withdrawn life under the command of her mother. Her uncanny affinity for creatures large and small allows her to find solace in the natural world around her. Tension builds within the family as Clara’s younger niece approaches her quinceañera, igniting a sexual and mystical awakening in Clara, and a journey to free herself from the conventions that have dominated her life.
Oscilloscope is eyeing an awards corridor theatrical release for the film in late 2021 / early 2022.
Producers on the pic are Swedish boutique production company Hobab in co-production with U.S. outfit Resolve Media,...
- 7/13/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Vanessa Saal has stepped down from her position as managing director, sales and distribution at London-based international sales, finance, and production company Protagonist Pictures, which has a stellar record representing arthouse hits like Pawel Pawlikowski’s “Cold War,” Taika Waititi’s “Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” Sean Baker’s “The Florida Project,” and Yorgos Lanthimos’ “The Lobster.”
As well as leading the company’s international sales, she was also instrumental in bringing in projects such as Mariano Cohn’s and Gaston Duprat’s “Official Competition,” starring Penelope Cruz, Antonio Banderas, and Oscar Martinez, one of the top-selling titles at this year’s Berlin’s European Film Market.
Saal relocated to London to join Protagonist as head of worldwide sales in 2014. Prior to that, she was senior VP of international sales at Paris-based Studiocanal, and international sales and development exec at Paris-based Kinology. She started her career at New York-based Focus Features.
As well as leading the company’s international sales, she was also instrumental in bringing in projects such as Mariano Cohn’s and Gaston Duprat’s “Official Competition,” starring Penelope Cruz, Antonio Banderas, and Oscar Martinez, one of the top-selling titles at this year’s Berlin’s European Film Market.
Saal relocated to London to join Protagonist as head of worldwide sales in 2014. Prior to that, she was senior VP of international sales at Paris-based Studiocanal, and international sales and development exec at Paris-based Kinology. She started her career at New York-based Focus Features.
- 6/5/2020
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Saal led sales on films including ‘Cold War’, ‘The Florida Project’ and ‘The Lobster’.
Vanessa Saal, managing director, sales and distribution at the UK’s Protagonist Pictures, is leaving the company. Her last day at the sales, finance and production outfit is today (Friday June 5).
Saal joined Protagonist as head of worldwide sales in 2014. During her six years at the company, she has overseen award-winning films including Pawel Pawlikowski’s Cold War, Sean Baker’s The Florida Project, Taika Waititi’s The Hunt For The Wilderpeople and Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Lobster.
She was also instrumental in bringing in projects including...
Vanessa Saal, managing director, sales and distribution at the UK’s Protagonist Pictures, is leaving the company. Her last day at the sales, finance and production outfit is today (Friday June 5).
Saal joined Protagonist as head of worldwide sales in 2014. During her six years at the company, she has overseen award-winning films including Pawel Pawlikowski’s Cold War, Sean Baker’s The Florida Project, Taika Waititi’s The Hunt For The Wilderpeople and Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Lobster.
She was also instrumental in bringing in projects including...
- 6/5/2020
- by 88¦Louise Tutt¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Speakers at the Screen Finance Forum discussed the polarisation of the market.
Four industry leading lights highlighted the polarisation of the UK film business at Screen International’s UK Film Finance Forum in London today (December 5) – but identified the opportunites that are out there.
Danny Perkins, founder and CEO of Elysian Film Group, said: “There is a dichotomy of a production boom, all these things happening in the UK, but in terms of the independent sector there are real challenges and struggle.”
“But there are still massive opportunities and big audiences,” added the former Studiocanal UK CEO. “Everyone has a...
Four industry leading lights highlighted the polarisation of the UK film business at Screen International’s UK Film Finance Forum in London today (December 5) – but identified the opportunites that are out there.
Danny Perkins, founder and CEO of Elysian Film Group, said: “There is a dichotomy of a production boom, all these things happening in the UK, but in terms of the independent sector there are real challenges and struggle.”
“But there are still massive opportunities and big audiences,” added the former Studiocanal UK CEO. “Everyone has a...
- 12/5/2019
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
Speakers at the Screen Finance Forum discussed the polarisation of the market.
Four industry experts highlighted the polarisation of the UK film business at the Screen Finance Forum in London today (Dec 5) – but identified prospects for the future.
Danny Perkins, founder and CEO of Elysian Film Group, told an audience of producers and executives at the event hosted at the Everyman Broadgate: “There is a dichotomy of a production boom, all these things happening in the UK, but in terms of the independent sector there are real challenges and struggle.”
“But there are still massive opportunities and big audiences,” added the former Studiocanal UK CEO.
Four industry experts highlighted the polarisation of the UK film business at the Screen Finance Forum in London today (Dec 5) – but identified prospects for the future.
Danny Perkins, founder and CEO of Elysian Film Group, told an audience of producers and executives at the event hosted at the Everyman Broadgate: “There is a dichotomy of a production boom, all these things happening in the UK, but in terms of the independent sector there are real challenges and struggle.”
“But there are still massive opportunities and big audiences,” added the former Studiocanal UK CEO.
- 12/5/2019
- by 1100453¦Michael Rosser¦9¦
- ScreenDaily
Screen’s UK Film Finance Forum takes place on December 5 at Everyman Broadgate.
Llewellyn Radley, managing director, UK, and executive vice president, international Stx Entertainment, Mary Burke, BFI senior production and development executive, and Danny Perkins, former CEO of Studiocanal UK and now co-founder of Elysian Film Group, have joined the Screen International’s UK Film Finance Forum taking place in London on December 5.
Radley and Perkins will join Andy Mayson, co-ceo of Altitude and Vanessa Saal, managing director, sales and distribution at Protagonist Pictures, to talk about how UK films play in the local and international market.
Burke joins Hugo Heppell,...
Llewellyn Radley, managing director, UK, and executive vice president, international Stx Entertainment, Mary Burke, BFI senior production and development executive, and Danny Perkins, former CEO of Studiocanal UK and now co-founder of Elysian Film Group, have joined the Screen International’s UK Film Finance Forum taking place in London on December 5.
Radley and Perkins will join Andy Mayson, co-ceo of Altitude and Vanessa Saal, managing director, sales and distribution at Protagonist Pictures, to talk about how UK films play in the local and international market.
Burke joins Hugo Heppell,...
- 12/2/2019
- ScreenDaily
They include producers Damian Jones and Melissa Parmenter, and Altitude co-ceo Andy Mayson.
Eight further speakers have been confirmed for Screen International’s UK Film Finance Forum taking place at Everyman Broadgate in London on December 5, 2019. They are:
Damian Jones - producer Andy Mayson - co-ceo, Altitude Hugo Heppell - head of investment, Screen Yorkshire Melissa Parmenter - producer Vanessa Saal - managing director, sales and distribution, Protagonist Pictures David Smith - director of screen, Screen Scotland John Glencross - CEO, Calculus Capital Catherine Davies - co-founder, producer and creative director, Skipyard Productions
They join previously announced speakers including producers...
Eight further speakers have been confirmed for Screen International’s UK Film Finance Forum taking place at Everyman Broadgate in London on December 5, 2019. They are:
Damian Jones - producer Andy Mayson - co-ceo, Altitude Hugo Heppell - head of investment, Screen Yorkshire Melissa Parmenter - producer Vanessa Saal - managing director, sales and distribution, Protagonist Pictures David Smith - director of screen, Screen Scotland John Glencross - CEO, Calculus Capital Catherine Davies - co-founder, producer and creative director, Skipyard Productions
They join previously announced speakers including producers...
- 11/26/2019
- by 14¦Screen staff¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
“Bad Education,” a dramedy starring Hugh Jackman as the embezzling superintendent of district of schools in Long Island, N.Y., was set to be this year’s “I, Tonya.” The movie has the same biting tone, shifting between comedy and tragedy. It received strong reviews out of the Toronto Film Festival. And like “I, Tonya,” it even co-stars Allison Janney, this time playing a corrupt school administrator instead of the heartless matriarch to Tonya Harding.
But while “I, Tonya” soared out of Toronto two years ago, landing a fast distribution deal with Neon to the tune of $5 million, “Bad Education” has yet to stick the same landing. The movie debuted at Tiff on Sept. 8 to a jam-packed Sunday screening, running up against showings of high-profile films such as “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” with Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers; “Hustlers,” carried by Constance Wu and Jennifer Lopez; and “Jojo Rabbit,...
But while “I, Tonya” soared out of Toronto two years ago, landing a fast distribution deal with Neon to the tune of $5 million, “Bad Education” has yet to stick the same landing. The movie debuted at Tiff on Sept. 8 to a jam-packed Sunday screening, running up against showings of high-profile films such as “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” with Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers; “Hustlers,” carried by Constance Wu and Jennifer Lopez; and “Jojo Rabbit,...
- 9/16/2019
- by Ramin Setoodeh, Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
We’ve seen how this movie plays out.
Festival audiences lose their mind for, say, an uplifting drama or a biting satire. Their rapturous response sends studios scrambling for their wallets. Cue an all-night bidding war, and to the victor goes … an indie movie with iffy commercial prospects.
From “Late Night” to “Blinded by the Light,” many of the big sales at this year’s Sundance ended in financial failure. As the movie business gears up for the Toronto Film Festival, studios may be more wary of cutting big checks. Will an all-too-familiar narrative of frenzy resulting in flops change once Hollywood touches down in Canada?
“People have short memories,” says Tom Quinn, founder of Neon, the indie distributor behind “Parasite” and “Apollo 11.” “A lot of these failures are the result of companies chasing the moment and the headline. A big acquisition is alluring for a company that is...
Festival audiences lose their mind for, say, an uplifting drama or a biting satire. Their rapturous response sends studios scrambling for their wallets. Cue an all-night bidding war, and to the victor goes … an indie movie with iffy commercial prospects.
From “Late Night” to “Blinded by the Light,” many of the big sales at this year’s Sundance ended in financial failure. As the movie business gears up for the Toronto Film Festival, studios may be more wary of cutting big checks. Will an all-too-familiar narrative of frenzy resulting in flops change once Hollywood touches down in Canada?
“People have short memories,” says Tom Quinn, founder of Neon, the indie distributor behind “Parasite” and “Apollo 11.” “A lot of these failures are the result of companies chasing the moment and the headline. A big acquisition is alluring for a company that is...
- 9/3/2019
- by Brent Lang and Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
The evening event was held at Hotel Café Royal to celebrate this year’s Stars.
Screen celebrated the launch of the UK & Ireland Stars of Tomorrow 2019 with a party at Hotel Café Royal in Soho, London on Thursday July 11.
Click here for this year’s Stars of Tomorrow line-up
Alongside most of the class of 2019, guests at the event included Gabrielle Stewart, managing director at HanWay Films; Dave Bishop, CEO and Vanessa Saal, managing director at Protagonist Pictures; Eva Yates, commissioning executive at BBC Films; and several previous Screen Stars including Craig Roberts and Rhianne Barreto.
The event was sponsored...
Screen celebrated the launch of the UK & Ireland Stars of Tomorrow 2019 with a party at Hotel Café Royal in Soho, London on Thursday July 11.
Click here for this year’s Stars of Tomorrow line-up
Alongside most of the class of 2019, guests at the event included Gabrielle Stewart, managing director at HanWay Films; Dave Bishop, CEO and Vanessa Saal, managing director at Protagonist Pictures; Eva Yates, commissioning executive at BBC Films; and several previous Screen Stars including Craig Roberts and Rhianne Barreto.
The event was sponsored...
- 7/15/2019
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Filming has started on “Blithe Spirit,” an adaptation of Noel Coward’s classic comedy about love that just won’t die. Judi Dench, Isla Fisher and Dan Stevens are among the cast in the picture, which is helmed by Edward Hall (“Downton Abbey”). Protagonist has closed a raft of pre-sales on the project, which was previously adapted for the screen by David Lean in 1945.
Other cast members in the movie from Fred Films, Powder Keg Pictures, British Lion Films, Align Pictures and Protagonist Pictures include Leslie Mann, Julian Rhind-Tut, Emilia Fox, Dave Johns, and James Fleet.
The story tracks crime writer Charles (Stevens), who is struggling with writer’s block and a deadline for his first screenplay. His second wife, Ruth (Fisher), is doing her best to keep him focused in the hope of fulfilling her dream of heading to Hollywood. When Charles invites medium Madame Arcati (Dench) to perform a séance,...
Other cast members in the movie from Fred Films, Powder Keg Pictures, British Lion Films, Align Pictures and Protagonist Pictures include Leslie Mann, Julian Rhind-Tut, Emilia Fox, Dave Johns, and James Fleet.
The story tracks crime writer Charles (Stevens), who is struggling with writer’s block and a deadline for his first screenplay. His second wife, Ruth (Fisher), is doing her best to keep him focused in the hope of fulfilling her dream of heading to Hollywood. When Charles invites medium Madame Arcati (Dench) to perform a séance,...
- 6/18/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Aleksandra Terpinska’s “Other People” and Peter Dourountzis’s “Rascal” won the inaugural Arte Kino International Prize at the 10th edition of Les Arcs Film Festival’s Co-Production Village.
The award was given by Remi Burah, who runs Arte France Cinéma and launched in 2016 ArteKino Festival, a European online festival in partnership with the digital service Festival Scope. Each “Other People” and “Rascal” will receive 2000 Euros.
Mixing comedy, drama and musical, “Other People” tells the story of a man who lives with his mum and teenage sister who starts a romance with Iwona, a woman in her early 40’s who cannot cope with her marriage. “Other People” was selected as part of this year’s focus on Poland. Terpinska’s last short “The Best Fireworks Ever” premiered at Cannes’s Critics’ Week and won two awards.
Meanwhile, “Rascal” in a French-language thriller following a charming young man who arrives in...
The award was given by Remi Burah, who runs Arte France Cinéma and launched in 2016 ArteKino Festival, a European online festival in partnership with the digital service Festival Scope. Each “Other People” and “Rascal” will receive 2000 Euros.
Mixing comedy, drama and musical, “Other People” tells the story of a man who lives with his mum and teenage sister who starts a romance with Iwona, a woman in her early 40’s who cannot cope with her marriage. “Other People” was selected as part of this year’s focus on Poland. Terpinska’s last short “The Best Fireworks Ever” premiered at Cannes’s Critics’ Week and won two awards.
Meanwhile, “Rascal” in a French-language thriller following a charming young man who arrives in...
- 12/19/2018
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Nora Fingscheidt’s “System Crasher” and Theo Court’s “White on White” won the top prizes at Les Arcs Film Festival’s Work-in-Progress session. Both titles were among the 18 films in post-production pitched during the 10th edition of the Work-in-Progress showcase which is spearheaded by Frederic Boyer, the artistic director of Les Arcs and Tribeca festivals.
“System Crasher,” which won the TitraFilm Award, follows the wild journey of a 9-year-old girl through all possible stations of Child Protective Services. “System Crasher” is produced by Weydemann Bros and Kineo Filmprodudktion, and co-produced by Oma Inge Film.
The jury, which included Gaia Furrer, the head of programming for Venice Days, Trevor Groth from 30West and Alex Traila, the head of Romanian international affairs Sarajevo Cinelink, praised “System Crasher” for its “electrifying portrait of an issue that affects cultures around the world.” “(It) isn’t of ten shown, and is done so through...
“System Crasher,” which won the TitraFilm Award, follows the wild journey of a 9-year-old girl through all possible stations of Child Protective Services. “System Crasher” is produced by Weydemann Bros and Kineo Filmprodudktion, and co-produced by Oma Inge Film.
The jury, which included Gaia Furrer, the head of programming for Venice Days, Trevor Groth from 30West and Alex Traila, the head of Romanian international affairs Sarajevo Cinelink, praised “System Crasher” for its “electrifying portrait of an issue that affects cultures around the world.” “(It) isn’t of ten shown, and is done so through...
- 12/18/2018
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Hamilton upped to head of sales at UK company.
London-based sales outfit Protagonist Pictures has upped George Hamilton to head of sales.
As part of his expanded remit, Hamilton will become an integral part of the company’s work with producers to help structure and find finance for projects.
He will continue to report to Vanessa Saal, managing director, sales and distribution.
Hamilton joined Protagonist in 2013, rising to the role of international sales director.
“Through the years, George has gone from strength to strength, and been able to deliver in a challenging market. We’re thrilled to recognize all his...
London-based sales outfit Protagonist Pictures has upped George Hamilton to head of sales.
As part of his expanded remit, Hamilton will become an integral part of the company’s work with producers to help structure and find finance for projects.
He will continue to report to Vanessa Saal, managing director, sales and distribution.
Hamilton joined Protagonist in 2013, rising to the role of international sales director.
“Through the years, George has gone from strength to strength, and been able to deliver in a challenging market. We’re thrilled to recognize all his...
- 11/3/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Roughly 50 prominent European independent film industry execs assembled Thursday at the Locarno Festival’s annual StepIn think tank to discuss the challenges they face while contending with the disruption prompted by global streaming platforms.
But whereas last year the discussion was dominated by the upheaval in distribution and the future of theatrical, this edition of StepIn introduced the topic of how new technologies can prompt changes in how movies are conceived. While the seismic shift is causing some indie filmmakers to proclaim that the film industry is “broken,” as one exec said in a closed-door session, there were also more upbeat considerations such as: “Producers already have a new role; that of curating content and projects to meet specific audiences,” as Eurimages Project Manager Susan Newman-Baudais noted presenting the conclusions of the round-table on “A New Era For Film Producers.”
The others StepIn sessions were on: “The Role of Film Markets in This New Landscape,...
But whereas last year the discussion was dominated by the upheaval in distribution and the future of theatrical, this edition of StepIn introduced the topic of how new technologies can prompt changes in how movies are conceived. While the seismic shift is causing some indie filmmakers to proclaim that the film industry is “broken,” as one exec said in a closed-door session, there were also more upbeat considerations such as: “Producers already have a new role; that of curating content and projects to meet specific audiences,” as Eurimages Project Manager Susan Newman-Baudais noted presenting the conclusions of the round-table on “A New Era For Film Producers.”
The others StepIn sessions were on: “The Role of Film Markets in This New Landscape,...
- 8/5/2018
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Sundance premiere sells to Italy, Scandinavia, China, Korea.
Following the film’s market debut at last month’s European Film Market in Berlin, the Maggie Gyllenhaal-starring The Kindergarten Teacher has added a raft of international distribution territories.
UK sales outfit Protagonist Pictures has sealed agreements for Italy (Officine Ubu), Benelux (Splendid), Cis (Russia World Vision), Scandinavia and Baltics (Non Stop Entertainment), Former Yugoslavia (McF), Hungary (Ads), Israel (Lev Films), Poland (M2 Films), Greece (Strada), Portugal (Alambique), Turkey (Filmarti), Middle East (Front Row Entertainment) and Cinesky (Airlines). In the Asia region the film sold to China (Times Vision), Taiwan (Movie Cloud...
Following the film’s market debut at last month’s European Film Market in Berlin, the Maggie Gyllenhaal-starring The Kindergarten Teacher has added a raft of international distribution territories.
UK sales outfit Protagonist Pictures has sealed agreements for Italy (Officine Ubu), Benelux (Splendid), Cis (Russia World Vision), Scandinavia and Baltics (Non Stop Entertainment), Former Yugoslavia (McF), Hungary (Ads), Israel (Lev Films), Poland (M2 Films), Greece (Strada), Portugal (Alambique), Turkey (Filmarti), Middle East (Front Row Entertainment) and Cinesky (Airlines). In the Asia region the film sold to China (Times Vision), Taiwan (Movie Cloud...
- 3/13/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
For smaller Berlin buyers, it was hard to connect with the right material.
The presence of several eye-catching packages helped to bolster spirits at the Efm, although the chasm between the haves and have-nots remains as wide as ever.
Buyers who could afford the most desirable commercial product from the blue-chip sales companies responded enthusiastically to Lionsgate International’s John Wick: Chapter 3, Sierra/Affinity’s Official Secrets and Front Runner and Kung Fury from Bloom.
There was plenty of interest too in Late Night, The Aeronauts and The Personal History Of David Copperfield from FilmNation, STXinternational’s Finest Kind and The Marsh King’s Daughter, Voltage Pictures’ Roland Emmerich epic Maya Lord, and The Exchange’s Drew Barrymore comedy The Stand-In.
Studiocanal’s Mia And The White Lion has sparked activity, as have TrustNordisk’s competition selection U-July 22 and Protagonist’s Sundance hit The Kindergarten Teacher, among others. UK buyers in particular seemed happy to get their...
The presence of several eye-catching packages helped to bolster spirits at the Efm, although the chasm between the haves and have-nots remains as wide as ever.
Buyers who could afford the most desirable commercial product from the blue-chip sales companies responded enthusiastically to Lionsgate International’s John Wick: Chapter 3, Sierra/Affinity’s Official Secrets and Front Runner and Kung Fury from Bloom.
There was plenty of interest too in Late Night, The Aeronauts and The Personal History Of David Copperfield from FilmNation, STXinternational’s Finest Kind and The Marsh King’s Daughter, Voltage Pictures’ Roland Emmerich epic Maya Lord, and The Exchange’s Drew Barrymore comedy The Stand-In.
Studiocanal’s Mia And The White Lion has sparked activity, as have TrustNordisk’s competition selection U-July 22 and Protagonist’s Sundance hit The Kindergarten Teacher, among others. UK buyers in particular seemed happy to get their...
- 2/20/2018
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Thunderbird Releasing takes UK rights on Sara Colangelo’s Sundance hit.
UK sales outfit Protagonist Pictures has moved fast to tie up a UK deal on the newest title on its slate, Sara Colangelo’s Sundance hit The Kindergarten Teacher.
Thunderbird Releasing has picked up UK rights to the well-received Park City premiere, which stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and Gael García Bernal.
In the film, a remake of Nadav Lapid’s acclaimed 2014 feature, Gyllenhaal plays a teacher who becomes obsessed with a five-year-old child in her class whom she considers to be gifted, which spirals her onto a desperate path to nurture his talent.
Writer-director Sara Colangelo scooped Sundance’s best director prize following the film’s debut in the festival’s Us Dramatic programme.
Talia Kleinhendler and Osnat Handelsman Keren produced through Pie Films with Trudie Styler and Celine Rattray under their Maven Films banner, alongside Gyllenhaal.
The...
UK sales outfit Protagonist Pictures has moved fast to tie up a UK deal on the newest title on its slate, Sara Colangelo’s Sundance hit The Kindergarten Teacher.
Thunderbird Releasing has picked up UK rights to the well-received Park City premiere, which stars Maggie Gyllenhaal and Gael García Bernal.
In the film, a remake of Nadav Lapid’s acclaimed 2014 feature, Gyllenhaal plays a teacher who becomes obsessed with a five-year-old child in her class whom she considers to be gifted, which spirals her onto a desperate path to nurture his talent.
Writer-director Sara Colangelo scooped Sundance’s best director prize following the film’s debut in the festival’s Us Dramatic programme.
Talia Kleinhendler and Osnat Handelsman Keren produced through Pie Films with Trudie Styler and Celine Rattray under their Maven Films banner, alongside Gyllenhaal.
The...
- 2/18/2018
- by Tom Grater
- ScreenDaily
Dave Bishop appointed CEO; expanded roles for Vanessa Saal, Dimitra Tsingou; Len Rowles joins.
Protagonist Pictures has promoted Dave Bishop to CEO.
The appointment comes as part of an internal management restructure for the diversifying international sales company.
Bishop will oversee Protagonist’s slate of films as a sales agent, as well as the company’s continued push into development, production and finance. Bishop’s former position as head of worldwide acquisitions will be replaced in the coming months.
Dimitra Tsingou, who is chief operating officer, adds the title president of production to her role and she will spearhead the company’s drive into production with Bishop.
Vanessa Saal, who is head of worldwide sales, now takes on the role of managing director, sales and distribution, overseeing the company’s films through all stages of sales and release while working closely with acquisitions and production.
Longstanding head of marketing Bridget Pedgrift rounds out the senior management team.
As...
Protagonist Pictures has promoted Dave Bishop to CEO.
The appointment comes as part of an internal management restructure for the diversifying international sales company.
Bishop will oversee Protagonist’s slate of films as a sales agent, as well as the company’s continued push into development, production and finance. Bishop’s former position as head of worldwide acquisitions will be replaced in the coming months.
Dimitra Tsingou, who is chief operating officer, adds the title president of production to her role and she will spearhead the company’s drive into production with Bishop.
Vanessa Saal, who is head of worldwide sales, now takes on the role of managing director, sales and distribution, overseeing the company’s films through all stages of sales and release while working closely with acquisitions and production.
Longstanding head of marketing Bridget Pedgrift rounds out the senior management team.
As...
- 7/25/2017
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Protagonist Pictures has promoted Head of Worldwide Acquisitions Dave Bishop to CEO as part of a restructure following the exit of Mike Goodridge last month. Bishop will oversee Protagonist's growing slate of prestige films as a sales agent as well as its expanding development, production and finance businesses. As part of the revamp, COO Dimitra Tsingou is adding the title President of Production, and Head of Sales Vanessa Saal will add Managing Director, Sales and…...
- 7/25/2017
- Deadline
Protagonist Pictures has promoted its head of worldwide acquisitions Dave Bishop to CEO, replacing Mike Goodridge who stepped down last month to become artistic director at the Macao International Film Festival.
The announcement, made Tuesday by the U.K. banner's chairman Nigel Williams, comes as part of a major internal management restructuring.
Dimitra Tsingou, currently COO, adds the title president of production to her job, while head of worldwide sales Vanessa Saal takes on the role of managing director, sales and distribution.
Longstanding head of marketing Bridget Pedgrift rounds out the senior management team. A new head of worldwide acquisitions will...
The announcement, made Tuesday by the U.K. banner's chairman Nigel Williams, comes as part of a major internal management restructuring.
Dimitra Tsingou, currently COO, adds the title president of production to her job, while head of worldwide sales Vanessa Saal takes on the role of managing director, sales and distribution.
Longstanding head of marketing Bridget Pedgrift rounds out the senior management team. A new head of worldwide acquisitions will...
- 7/25/2017
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Goodridge has been at the company since 2012.
Mike Goodridge has stepped down from his position as CEO of London-based finance, production and sales company Protagonist Pictures, the company announced today (13 June).
Goodridge will remain on the board of directors and will continue to work with the management on growth and strategy. He will announce his future plans shortly.
He said: “It’s been a bittersweet decision to leave the day-to-day running of Protagonist Pictures behind. I am passionately invested in the brand, the films and the outstanding team of people, but feel that for my personal progression, it is time to change direction. I am delighted that I am able to remain involved on the board of directors and have a voice in the future growth of the company.”
The Protagonist board will look to announce his replacement in the coming weeks.
Previously editor of Screen International, Goodridge joined Protagonist in 2012. During this time company has been...
Mike Goodridge has stepped down from his position as CEO of London-based finance, production and sales company Protagonist Pictures, the company announced today (13 June).
Goodridge will remain on the board of directors and will continue to work with the management on growth and strategy. He will announce his future plans shortly.
He said: “It’s been a bittersweet decision to leave the day-to-day running of Protagonist Pictures behind. I am passionately invested in the brand, the films and the outstanding team of people, but feel that for my personal progression, it is time to change direction. I am delighted that I am able to remain involved on the board of directors and have a voice in the future growth of the company.”
The Protagonist board will look to announce his replacement in the coming weeks.
Previously editor of Screen International, Goodridge joined Protagonist in 2012. During this time company has been...
- 6/13/2017
- by orlando.parfitt@screendaily.com (Orlando Parfitt)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Well-received Cannes title goes to Germany, Australia, Scandinavia and more.
Sean Baker’s The Florida Project, which premiered to rave reviews in this year’s Cannes Directors’ Fortnight sidebar, has racked up a series of deals for sales outfit Protagonist Pictures.
Adding to previous deals done for North America (A24), UK (Altitude) and France (Le Pacte), the film has now virtually sold out worldwide.
Territories to have now sold are: Prokino (Germany), Icon Film Distribution (Australia / New Zealand), Sun Distribution Group (Spain and Latin America), Cinema Srl (Italy), Scanbox (Scandinavia), September Films (Benelux), and FilmCoopi (Switzerland).
Rights have also gone to Klockworx (Japan), Mirror Stage Films (Taiwan), Aud (South Korea), DDDream (China), Golden Scene (Hong Kong), Filmarti Films (Turkey), Front Row (Middle East), Seven Films (Greece), McF Megacom Film (Former Yugoslavia), M2 Films (Poland), and to Blue Lake (worldwide airlines).
The news comes as Protagonist has also scored a series of deals for fellow Directors’ Fortnight...
Sean Baker’s The Florida Project, which premiered to rave reviews in this year’s Cannes Directors’ Fortnight sidebar, has racked up a series of deals for sales outfit Protagonist Pictures.
Adding to previous deals done for North America (A24), UK (Altitude) and France (Le Pacte), the film has now virtually sold out worldwide.
Territories to have now sold are: Prokino (Germany), Icon Film Distribution (Australia / New Zealand), Sun Distribution Group (Spain and Latin America), Cinema Srl (Italy), Scanbox (Scandinavia), September Films (Benelux), and FilmCoopi (Switzerland).
Rights have also gone to Klockworx (Japan), Mirror Stage Films (Taiwan), Aud (South Korea), DDDream (China), Golden Scene (Hong Kong), Filmarti Films (Turkey), Front Row (Middle East), Seven Films (Greece), McF Megacom Film (Former Yugoslavia), M2 Films (Poland), and to Blue Lake (worldwide airlines).
The news comes as Protagonist has also scored a series of deals for fellow Directors’ Fortnight...
- 6/7/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Protagonist inks sales on Chloé Zhao’s Directors’ Fortnight winner.
Altitude Film Distribution has taken UK and Ireland rights for Chloé Zhao’s The Rider, which won the top prize in this year’s Cannes Directors’ Fortnight sidebar.
The deal was struck between Altitude’s Will Clarke and Vanessa Saal from sales outfit Protagonist Pictures.
The Rider was previously picked up for by Sony Pictures Classics for North America, Latin America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Eastern Europe.
Protagonist has now also sold to film to: Les Films du Losange (France), Weltkino (Germany), Caramel Films (Spain), Cherry Pickers (Benelux), Cineworx (Switzerland), NonStop (Scandinavia and Iceland), Shani Films (Israel), Front Row Entertainment (Middle East), Fabula Films (Turkey) and Blue Lake (worldwide airlines).
Separately, Protagonist has also scored a series of further deals on fellow Directors’ Fortnight title The Florida Project, which Altitude took for the UK during Cannes.
Following its warmly-received Directors’ Fortnight berth, The Rider was presented...
Altitude Film Distribution has taken UK and Ireland rights for Chloé Zhao’s The Rider, which won the top prize in this year’s Cannes Directors’ Fortnight sidebar.
The deal was struck between Altitude’s Will Clarke and Vanessa Saal from sales outfit Protagonist Pictures.
The Rider was previously picked up for by Sony Pictures Classics for North America, Latin America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Eastern Europe.
Protagonist has now also sold to film to: Les Films du Losange (France), Weltkino (Germany), Caramel Films (Spain), Cherry Pickers (Benelux), Cineworx (Switzerland), NonStop (Scandinavia and Iceland), Shani Films (Israel), Front Row Entertainment (Middle East), Fabula Films (Turkey) and Blue Lake (worldwide airlines).
Separately, Protagonist has also scored a series of further deals on fellow Directors’ Fortnight title The Florida Project, which Altitude took for the UK during Cannes.
Following its warmly-received Directors’ Fortnight berth, The Rider was presented...
- 6/7/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
Protagonist Pictures sells Amandla Stenberg, George Mackay, Abbie Cornish coming-of-age drama.
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (Spwa) has acquired most international rights excluding select European territories and Australia from Protagonist Pictures to Amma Asante’s Second World War drama Where Hands Touch.
Amandla Stenberg, George Mackay and Abbie Cornish star in the Germany-set coming-of-age story, which is currently in post and centres on the romance between a biracial girl and the son of a high-ranking SS officer.
Charlie Hanson of Tantrum Films produces alongside Pinewood Pictures, UMedia, the BFI, Isle Of Man Film, British Film Company, Head Gear Films, and Metrol Technology.
“Amma Asante is a skilful storyteller whose films reach a wide audience”, said Protagonist Pictures CEO Mike Goodridge. “We couldn’t be happier that our friends at Spwa have embraced her bold vision of a young biracial girl struggling to survive in Nazi Germany.”
Goodridge and head of worldwide sales Vanessa Saal brokered the deal with...
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (Spwa) has acquired most international rights excluding select European territories and Australia from Protagonist Pictures to Amma Asante’s Second World War drama Where Hands Touch.
Amandla Stenberg, George Mackay and Abbie Cornish star in the Germany-set coming-of-age story, which is currently in post and centres on the romance between a biracial girl and the son of a high-ranking SS officer.
Charlie Hanson of Tantrum Films produces alongside Pinewood Pictures, UMedia, the BFI, Isle Of Man Film, British Film Company, Head Gear Films, and Metrol Technology.
“Amma Asante is a skilful storyteller whose films reach a wide audience”, said Protagonist Pictures CEO Mike Goodridge. “We couldn’t be happier that our friends at Spwa have embraced her bold vision of a young biracial girl struggling to survive in Nazi Germany.”
Goodridge and head of worldwide sales Vanessa Saal brokered the deal with...
- 5/20/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Amandla Stenberg, George Mackay, Abbie Cornish star in Amma Asante coming-of-age drama.
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (Spwa) has acquired most international rights excluding select European territories and Australia from Protagonist Pictures to Amma Asante’s Second World War drama Where Hands Touch.
Amandla Stenberg, George Mackay and Abbie Cornish star in the Germany-set coming-of-age story, which is currently in post and centres on the romance between a biracial girl and the son of a high-ranking SS officer.
Charlie Hanson of Tantrum Films produces alongside Pinewood Pictures, UMedia, the BFI, Isle Of Man Film, British Film Company, Head Gear Films, and Metrol Technology.
“Amma Asante is a skilful storyteller whose films reach a wide audience”, said Protagonist Pictures CEO Mike Goodridge. “We couldn’t be happier that our friends at Spwa have embraced her bold vision of a young biracial girl struggling to survive in Nazi Germany.”
Goodridge and head of worldwide sales Vanessa Saal brokered the deal...
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (Spwa) has acquired most international rights excluding select European territories and Australia from Protagonist Pictures to Amma Asante’s Second World War drama Where Hands Touch.
Amandla Stenberg, George Mackay and Abbie Cornish star in the Germany-set coming-of-age story, which is currently in post and centres on the romance between a biracial girl and the son of a high-ranking SS officer.
Charlie Hanson of Tantrum Films produces alongside Pinewood Pictures, UMedia, the BFI, Isle Of Man Film, British Film Company, Head Gear Films, and Metrol Technology.
“Amma Asante is a skilful storyteller whose films reach a wide audience”, said Protagonist Pictures CEO Mike Goodridge. “We couldn’t be happier that our friends at Spwa have embraced her bold vision of a young biracial girl struggling to survive in Nazi Germany.”
Goodridge and head of worldwide sales Vanessa Saal brokered the deal...
- 5/20/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions has made a multi-territory deal for Amma Asante's World War II drama Where Hands Touch starring Amandla Stenberg, George Mackay and Abbie Cornish. Protagonist Pictures is handling sales for the pic here in Cannes. Spwa has picked up most of international excluding select European territories and Australia. The deal was negotiated by Protagonist CEO Mike Goodridge and Head of Worldwide Sales Vanessa Saal with Spwa Evp Acquisitions Joe…...
- 5/20/2017
- Deadline
Altitude inks deals with Protagonist and Wild Bunch; Sony Classics to release Loveless in North America and Latin America.
Altitude has picked up UK rights from Protagonist Pictures to Sean Baker’s coming of age drama The Florida Project, which receives its world premiere in Cannes 2017 Directors’ Fortnight.
The film is co-written with frequent collaborator Chris Bergoch (Tangerine).
The film stars Willem Dafoe, Caleb Landry Jones and newcomers Brooklynn Prince and Bria Vinaite in the story about a precocious six-year-old and her rag-tag group of close friends whose summer break is filled with childhood wonder, possibility and a sense of adventure, while the adults around them struggle with hard times.
The film is produced by Sean Baker, Chris Bergoch, Kevin Chinoy, Andrew Duncan, Alex Saks, Francesca Silvestri and Shih Ching Tsou.
The deal was struck between Will Clarke for Altitude and Vanessa Saal from Protagonist Pictures. Altitude plans to release in early 2018.
Altitude Distribution has also acquired...
Altitude has picked up UK rights from Protagonist Pictures to Sean Baker’s coming of age drama The Florida Project, which receives its world premiere in Cannes 2017 Directors’ Fortnight.
The film is co-written with frequent collaborator Chris Bergoch (Tangerine).
The film stars Willem Dafoe, Caleb Landry Jones and newcomers Brooklynn Prince and Bria Vinaite in the story about a precocious six-year-old and her rag-tag group of close friends whose summer break is filled with childhood wonder, possibility and a sense of adventure, while the adults around them struggle with hard times.
The film is produced by Sean Baker, Chris Bergoch, Kevin Chinoy, Andrew Duncan, Alex Saks, Francesca Silvestri and Shih Ching Tsou.
The deal was struck between Will Clarke for Altitude and Vanessa Saal from Protagonist Pictures. Altitude plans to release in early 2018.
Altitude Distribution has also acquired...
- 5/17/2017
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Protagonist Pictures handles worldwide sales.
Orion Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films have acquired all Us rights to Francis Lee’s God’s Own Country starring Josh O’Connor and Alec Secareanu.
Protagonist Pictures licensed rights and handles worldwide sales on the film that premiered in Sundance where it won the World Cinema Competition special jury award for directing, and screened in Panorama in Berlin.
The distributors plan an early autumn theatrical release on the story about a relationship that forms between a lonely English sheep farmer and a Romanian migrant worker.
Manon Ardisson and Jack Tarling produced the Shudder Films and Inflammable Films production of a BFI and Creative England presentation in association with Met Film.
Peter Goldwyn of Samuel Goldwyn Films brokered the deal with Protagonist Pictures head of worldwide sales Vanessa Saal.
Orion Pictures and Samuel Goldwyn Films have acquired all Us rights to Francis Lee’s God’s Own Country starring Josh O’Connor and Alec Secareanu.
Protagonist Pictures licensed rights and handles worldwide sales on the film that premiered in Sundance where it won the World Cinema Competition special jury award for directing, and screened in Panorama in Berlin.
The distributors plan an early autumn theatrical release on the story about a relationship that forms between a lonely English sheep farmer and a Romanian migrant worker.
Manon Ardisson and Jack Tarling produced the Shudder Films and Inflammable Films production of a BFI and Creative England presentation in association with Met Film.
Peter Goldwyn of Samuel Goldwyn Films brokered the deal with Protagonist Pictures head of worldwide sales Vanessa Saal.
- 5/8/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Separately, Tribeca selections Elián goes to Gravitas Ventures while From The Ashes lands at National Geographic. Factory 25 takes Tribeca 2016 entry Icaros: A Vision.
Kino Lorber has acquired all North American rights to Tom Of Finland, Dome Karukoski’s biopic about the life and work of Finnish artist and gay icon Touko Laaksonen.
Laaksonen was a pioneer in postwar erotic art whose work inspired the early days of the gay liberation movement and became a symbol for generations of Lgbtq people worldwide.
Pekka Strang, Lauri Tilkanen, Jessica Grabowsky, Taisto Oksanen, Seumas Sargent, Jakob Oftebro and Niklas Hogner star in the Helsinki Film production.
The film’s screenwriter Aleksi Bardy produced alongside Miia Haavisto and Annika Sucksdorff of Helsinki Film.
Gunnar Carlsson of Anagram Väst in Sweden, Miriam Nørgaard of Fridthjof Film in Denmark, and Ingvar Thordarson and Sophie Mahlo of Neutrinos Productions Germany were co-producers, in collaboration with Mike Downey and Sam Taylor of Film and Music Entertainment...
Kino Lorber has acquired all North American rights to Tom Of Finland, Dome Karukoski’s biopic about the life and work of Finnish artist and gay icon Touko Laaksonen.
Laaksonen was a pioneer in postwar erotic art whose work inspired the early days of the gay liberation movement and became a symbol for generations of Lgbtq people worldwide.
Pekka Strang, Lauri Tilkanen, Jessica Grabowsky, Taisto Oksanen, Seumas Sargent, Jakob Oftebro and Niklas Hogner star in the Helsinki Film production.
The film’s screenwriter Aleksi Bardy produced alongside Miia Haavisto and Annika Sucksdorff of Helsinki Film.
Gunnar Carlsson of Anagram Väst in Sweden, Miriam Nørgaard of Fridthjof Film in Denmark, and Ingvar Thordarson and Sophie Mahlo of Neutrinos Productions Germany were co-producers, in collaboration with Mike Downey and Sam Taylor of Film and Music Entertainment...
- 4/13/2017
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The event will provide a platform for festival professionals to discuss key topics; delegates from Berlin, Sundance, Venice and Karlovy Vary expected to attend.
The Jerusalem Film Festival is launching a new industry initiative for its 2017 edition.
‘Think Fest’ will invite film festival professionals from around the world to participate in an event dedicated to providing a platform for discussion about the burning issues affecting the film festival business.
International festival directors, programmers and organisers will gather in Jerusalem for a three-day programme at the beginning of the festival, which will run July 13-23 this year.
Speaking to Screen, festival directors Noa Regev and Elad Samorzik said they believed there was a gap in the market for an event specifically focused on film festival workers.
They reported strong early feedback to the idea from festival professionals they had contacted, including representatives of Berlin, Sundance, Venice, Karlovy Vary, Sarajevo, Tribeca, Rotterdam, Istanbul and Sydney...
The Jerusalem Film Festival is launching a new industry initiative for its 2017 edition.
‘Think Fest’ will invite film festival professionals from around the world to participate in an event dedicated to providing a platform for discussion about the burning issues affecting the film festival business.
International festival directors, programmers and organisers will gather in Jerusalem for a three-day programme at the beginning of the festival, which will run July 13-23 this year.
Speaking to Screen, festival directors Noa Regev and Elad Samorzik said they believed there was a gap in the market for an event specifically focused on film festival workers.
They reported strong early feedback to the idea from festival professionals they had contacted, including representatives of Berlin, Sundance, Venice, Karlovy Vary, Sarajevo, Tribeca, Rotterdam, Istanbul and Sydney...
- 2/12/2017
- by tom.grater@screendaily.com (Tom Grater)
- ScreenDaily
The Toronto Film Festival’s latest big buy is Roadside Attractions’ acquisition of U.S. and Canadian rights to critics’ fave “Lady Macbeth,” starring breakout star Florence Pugh (“The Falling”) in a 19th-century take on the Shakespeare character.
William Oldroyd’s feature debut, programmed in Tiff’s Platform section, was adapted by playwright Alice Birch from Nikolai Leskov’s 1865 novella “Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District.” Set in rural 1865 England, “Lady Macbeth” follows Katherine (Pugh) through her stifling marriage to an older man who falls in love with one of her husband’s estate workers.
Distributors huddled after the film’s world premiere screening last week. Produced by Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly, “Lady Macbeth” is a Sixty Six Pictures and iFeatures production, a Creative England, BBC Films and BFI presentation in association with Oldgarth Media. The cast also includes Cosmo Jarvis, Paul Hilton, Naomi Ackie, and Christopher Fairbank.
One of...
William Oldroyd’s feature debut, programmed in Tiff’s Platform section, was adapted by playwright Alice Birch from Nikolai Leskov’s 1865 novella “Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District.” Set in rural 1865 England, “Lady Macbeth” follows Katherine (Pugh) through her stifling marriage to an older man who falls in love with one of her husband’s estate workers.
Distributors huddled after the film’s world premiere screening last week. Produced by Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly, “Lady Macbeth” is a Sixty Six Pictures and iFeatures production, a Creative England, BBC Films and BFI presentation in association with Oldgarth Media. The cast also includes Cosmo Jarvis, Paul Hilton, Naomi Ackie, and Christopher Fairbank.
One of...
- 9/15/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
The Toronto Film Festival’s latest big buy is Roadside Attractions’ acquisition of U.S. and Canadian rights to critics’ fave “Lady Macbeth,” starring breakout star Florence Pugh (“The Falling”) in a 19th-century take on the Shakespeare character.
William Oldroyd’s feature debut, programmed in Tiff’s Platform section, was adapted by playwright Alice Birch from Nikolai Leskov’s 1865 novella “Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District.” Set in rural 1865 England, “Lady Macbeth” follows Katherine (Pugh) through her stifling marriage to an older man who falls in love with one of her husband’s estate workers.
Distributors huddled after the film’s world premiere screening last week. Produced by Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly, “Lady Macbeth” is a Sixty Six Pictures and iFeatures production, a Creative England, BBC Films and BFI presentation in association with Oldgarth Media. The cast also includes Cosmo Jarvis, Paul Hilton, Naomi Ackie, and Christopher Fairbank.
One of...
William Oldroyd’s feature debut, programmed in Tiff’s Platform section, was adapted by playwright Alice Birch from Nikolai Leskov’s 1865 novella “Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District.” Set in rural 1865 England, “Lady Macbeth” follows Katherine (Pugh) through her stifling marriage to an older man who falls in love with one of her husband’s estate workers.
Distributors huddled after the film’s world premiere screening last week. Produced by Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly, “Lady Macbeth” is a Sixty Six Pictures and iFeatures production, a Creative England, BBC Films and BFI presentation in association with Oldgarth Media. The cast also includes Cosmo Jarvis, Paul Hilton, Naomi Ackie, and Christopher Fairbank.
One of...
- 9/15/2016
- by Anne Thompson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: UK outfit promotes sales executives, delivery manager.
UK sales outfit Protagonist Pictures has promoted three executives.
Within the sales team, which is headed up by Vanessa Saal, Jennifer Fattell has been promoted to international sales director, with responsibility for France, Canada, Benelux, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Airlines, Middle East, Turkey, South Africa, Greece and Portugal, and co-handling Latin America.
George Hamilton has become international sales manager, responsible for Australia, Cis, Ee, Asia (excluding Japan), and co-repping the UK.
Saal commented: “Jennifer and George have both successfully taken on increasing responsibilities and have been instrumental to the sales team and Protagonist during this period of growth. These promotions are very-well deserved.”
In a further move, delivery manager Hashim Alsaraf is promoted to operations manager, with a wider remit to embrace third-party business.
The company, which has a handful of films playing at Toronto including Ben Wheatley’s Free Fire and Michael Fassbender drama Trespass Against Us, is currently...
UK sales outfit Protagonist Pictures has promoted three executives.
Within the sales team, which is headed up by Vanessa Saal, Jennifer Fattell has been promoted to international sales director, with responsibility for France, Canada, Benelux, Scandinavia, Switzerland, Airlines, Middle East, Turkey, South Africa, Greece and Portugal, and co-handling Latin America.
George Hamilton has become international sales manager, responsible for Australia, Cis, Ee, Asia (excluding Japan), and co-repping the UK.
Saal commented: “Jennifer and George have both successfully taken on increasing responsibilities and have been instrumental to the sales team and Protagonist during this period of growth. These promotions are very-well deserved.”
In a further move, delivery manager Hashim Alsaraf is promoted to operations manager, with a wider remit to embrace third-party business.
The company, which has a handful of films playing at Toronto including Ben Wheatley’s Free Fire and Michael Fassbender drama Trespass Against Us, is currently...
- 9/12/2016
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Festival’s new $20,000 international competition prize goes to Albert Serra for The Death Of Louis Xiv; One Week And A Day wins best Israeli feature.
The 33rd Jerusalem Film Festival, which wraps on Sunday, has awarded its top prizes to The Death Of Louis Xiv by Albert Serra (best international film), One Week And A Day by Asaph Polonsky (best Israeli feature), and Dimona Twist by Michal Aviad (best Israeli documentary).
The international jury was comprised of Cornerstone Films’ Alison Thompson, Icelandic director Grímur Hákonarson, and Israeli director Talya Lavie, who praised Serra “for creating a bold and distinctive chamber piece in a beautifully detailed world. For its stunning set design and cinematography that captures its period brilliantly. For creating an intimate and moving look at the sunset of a great figure in history.”
An honourable mention went to Tobias Lindholm’s A War.
The Death Of Louis Xiv wins the $20,000 cash prize for the festival’s new international...
The 33rd Jerusalem Film Festival, which wraps on Sunday, has awarded its top prizes to The Death Of Louis Xiv by Albert Serra (best international film), One Week And A Day by Asaph Polonsky (best Israeli feature), and Dimona Twist by Michal Aviad (best Israeli documentary).
The international jury was comprised of Cornerstone Films’ Alison Thompson, Icelandic director Grímur Hákonarson, and Israeli director Talya Lavie, who praised Serra “for creating a bold and distinctive chamber piece in a beautifully detailed world. For its stunning set design and cinematography that captures its period brilliantly. For creating an intimate and moving look at the sunset of a great figure in history.”
An honourable mention went to Tobias Lindholm’s A War.
The Death Of Louis Xiv wins the $20,000 cash prize for the festival’s new international...
- 7/15/2016
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Festival’s new $20,000 international competition prize goes to Albert Serra for The Death of Louis Xiv; One Week And a Day wins best Israeli feature.
The 33rd Jerusalem Film Festival, which wraps on Sunday, has awarded its top prizes to The Death of Louis Xiv by Albert Serra (best international film), One Week And A Day by Asaph Polonsky (best Israeli feature), and Dimona Twist by Michal Aviad (best Israeli documentary).
The jury was comprised of Cornerstone Films’ Alison Thompson, Icelandic director Grímur Hákonarson, and Israeli director Talya Lavie, who praised Serra “for creating a bold and distinctive chamber piece in a beautifully detailed world. For its stunning set design and cinematography that captures its period brilliantly. For creating an intimate and moving look at the sunset of a great figure in history.”
An honourable mention went to Tobias Lindholm’s A War.
Louis Xiv wins the $20,000 cash prize for the festival’s new international competition, supported...
The 33rd Jerusalem Film Festival, which wraps on Sunday, has awarded its top prizes to The Death of Louis Xiv by Albert Serra (best international film), One Week And A Day by Asaph Polonsky (best Israeli feature), and Dimona Twist by Michal Aviad (best Israeli documentary).
The jury was comprised of Cornerstone Films’ Alison Thompson, Icelandic director Grímur Hákonarson, and Israeli director Talya Lavie, who praised Serra “for creating a bold and distinctive chamber piece in a beautifully detailed world. For its stunning set design and cinematography that captures its period brilliantly. For creating an intimate and moving look at the sunset of a great figure in history.”
An honourable mention went to Tobias Lindholm’s A War.
Louis Xiv wins the $20,000 cash prize for the festival’s new international competition, supported...
- 7/15/2016
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Matan Yair’s Scaffolding [pictured] and Keren Yedaya’s Red Fields were among the winners at the 11th edition of the event.
The winners of the 11th edition of Pitch Point at Jerusalem Film Festival (July 7-17) have been revealed, with Matan Yair’s Scaffolding taking the $5,200 Van Leer Award.
The drama depicts a 17-year-old student whose life is thrown into turmoil when his literature teacher and role model commits suicide.
The jury, which included Dylan Leiner of Sony Pictures Classics, Vanessa Saal of Protagonist Pictures and Remi Burah of Arte France Cinema, commended the project for its “passion and inspiration” that will help it “cross all borders”. The film already has support from the Israeli Film Fund and the Polish Film Institute and was produced by Gal Greenspan, whose previous projects include Tom Shoval’s Youth.
Read: Pitch Point in focus
The event, aimed at connecting Israeli productions with international partners, presented the $17,000 Cinelab...
The winners of the 11th edition of Pitch Point at Jerusalem Film Festival (July 7-17) have been revealed, with Matan Yair’s Scaffolding taking the $5,200 Van Leer Award.
The drama depicts a 17-year-old student whose life is thrown into turmoil when his literature teacher and role model commits suicide.
The jury, which included Dylan Leiner of Sony Pictures Classics, Vanessa Saal of Protagonist Pictures and Remi Burah of Arte France Cinema, commended the project for its “passion and inspiration” that will help it “cross all borders”. The film already has support from the Israeli Film Fund and the Polish Film Institute and was produced by Gal Greenspan, whose previous projects include Tom Shoval’s Youth.
Read: Pitch Point in focus
The event, aimed at connecting Israeli productions with international partners, presented the $17,000 Cinelab...
- 7/11/2016
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Protagonist concludes deals on Rebecca Miller comedy, which was sold to Sony at Toronto.
Protagonist Pictures has concluded global deals on Rebecca Miller’s comedy Maggie’s Plan, which was scooped up by Sony Pictures Classics for North America, UK and Australia/New Zealand and other selected territories after Tiff in a deal negotiated by CAA and Cinetic Media.
Prior to Tiff Protagonist inked a deal with Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (Spwa) for Spain, Italy, Latin America, Scandinavia and South Africa.
Other deals to have closed on the film include Germany (Mfa), France (Diaphana), Japan (Shochiku), Korea (Aud) and airlines(Cinesky).
In further deals, the film has been acquired for Greece (Feelgood Entertainment), Portugal (Lusomundo), Switzerland (Frenetic Films), former Yugoslavia (McF), Czech/Slovak Republic (CinemArt) and Turkey (Bir Film).
Other agreements were secured for the Middle East (Front Row Entertainment), Hong Kong (Golden Scene), India (PVR), Indonesia (Pt Prima), Taiwan (Cai), Malaysia (Tanweer), Benelux (Imagine), Israel...
Protagonist Pictures has concluded global deals on Rebecca Miller’s comedy Maggie’s Plan, which was scooped up by Sony Pictures Classics for North America, UK and Australia/New Zealand and other selected territories after Tiff in a deal negotiated by CAA and Cinetic Media.
Prior to Tiff Protagonist inked a deal with Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (Spwa) for Spain, Italy, Latin America, Scandinavia and South Africa.
Other deals to have closed on the film include Germany (Mfa), France (Diaphana), Japan (Shochiku), Korea (Aud) and airlines(Cinesky).
In further deals, the film has been acquired for Greece (Feelgood Entertainment), Portugal (Lusomundo), Switzerland (Frenetic Films), former Yugoslavia (McF), Czech/Slovak Republic (CinemArt) and Turkey (Bir Film).
Other agreements were secured for the Middle East (Front Row Entertainment), Hong Kong (Golden Scene), India (PVR), Indonesia (Pt Prima), Taiwan (Cai), Malaysia (Tanweer), Benelux (Imagine), Israel...
- 10/8/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
This is a great piece by Claire La Combe of Cineuropa that explains in detail what happens during Us in Progress and the benefits that it can offer filmmakers who are looking to take their projects to the next level.
By Claire La Combe
On 11 June at Us in Progress Paris, American participants met with more than 15 major European sales agents and distributors. These one-to-one consultations, organized in the style of ten-minute speed dating sessions, were the culmination of the three-day event devoted to Us indies. From both the European and American participants’ points of view, the day was tough but interesting, with meaningful links being forged.
Since the projects presented at Us in Progress were all works in progress, it would have been exceptional for a sales or distribution agreement to be made during those meetings. In fact, for most of the European professionals who were present on the day, the point was rather to discover new filmmakers to follow. “We always make sure that someone comes here every year because we want to keep up to date on what’s happening… What we mainly get out of these meetings is a list of valuable films and filmmakers; we will follow their progress, and in the future, we may actually buy something from them,” commented Emma Yap from Bankside Films.
In the space of ten minutes, participating teams had to briefly pitch their project to the Europeans, together with their future work plan and their wrap-up strategy for the film. In most of the meetings, participants asked for feedback on the potential of their movie - the more specific, the better. “We already have a much clearer view of which festivals to target now,” remarked one participant during the lunch break. While admitting that low-budget Us indies could be very local and personally orientated, and thus difficult to export to non-American audiences, Vanessa Saal, head of sales at Protagonist Pictures, added: “For some projects here, Venice, San Sebastian, the side sections of Cannes and Berlin, or Locarno and Karlovy Vary are really interesting options.” Most of the participants recognised that they had very little knowledge of the European markets, so these meetings were the perfect opportunity for them to fine-tune their international strategy. “We talked a lot with the team of Diverge (the awarded film) about whether they needed a sales agent on board before or after having a festival strategy,” revealed Saal.
European agents and distributors all showed an interest in these low-budget titles. They did not differentiate an awful lot between European low-budget indies and Us ones. Regarding the difficulties of selling low-budget films, Yap confirmed that the most important qualities were still the story and the talent of the filmmaker, no matter the origin. “I think the difficulty really depends on who you’re selling to and what you want to do with a film… The English language probably helps to make sales easier, but in the end, it really depends on the film itself.”
At the end of the day, some of the participants were more thrilled than others. Some had to hear that, unfortunately, their film would be very difficult to sell to European markets, while others were whispering about potential deals. In the end, they all expressed their agreement about the importance of such meetings, and they will all travel back to the Us with a much more open-minded view of the international film market.
By Claire La Combe
On 11 June at Us in Progress Paris, American participants met with more than 15 major European sales agents and distributors. These one-to-one consultations, organized in the style of ten-minute speed dating sessions, were the culmination of the three-day event devoted to Us indies. From both the European and American participants’ points of view, the day was tough but interesting, with meaningful links being forged.
Since the projects presented at Us in Progress were all works in progress, it would have been exceptional for a sales or distribution agreement to be made during those meetings. In fact, for most of the European professionals who were present on the day, the point was rather to discover new filmmakers to follow. “We always make sure that someone comes here every year because we want to keep up to date on what’s happening… What we mainly get out of these meetings is a list of valuable films and filmmakers; we will follow their progress, and in the future, we may actually buy something from them,” commented Emma Yap from Bankside Films.
In the space of ten minutes, participating teams had to briefly pitch their project to the Europeans, together with their future work plan and their wrap-up strategy for the film. In most of the meetings, participants asked for feedback on the potential of their movie - the more specific, the better. “We already have a much clearer view of which festivals to target now,” remarked one participant during the lunch break. While admitting that low-budget Us indies could be very local and personally orientated, and thus difficult to export to non-American audiences, Vanessa Saal, head of sales at Protagonist Pictures, added: “For some projects here, Venice, San Sebastian, the side sections of Cannes and Berlin, or Locarno and Karlovy Vary are really interesting options.” Most of the participants recognised that they had very little knowledge of the European markets, so these meetings were the perfect opportunity for them to fine-tune their international strategy. “We talked a lot with the team of Diverge (the awarded film) about whether they needed a sales agent on board before or after having a festival strategy,” revealed Saal.
European agents and distributors all showed an interest in these low-budget titles. They did not differentiate an awful lot between European low-budget indies and Us ones. Regarding the difficulties of selling low-budget films, Yap confirmed that the most important qualities were still the story and the talent of the filmmaker, no matter the origin. “I think the difficulty really depends on who you’re selling to and what you want to do with a film… The English language probably helps to make sales easier, but in the end, it really depends on the film itself.”
At the end of the day, some of the participants were more thrilled than others. Some had to hear that, unfortunately, their film would be very difficult to sell to European markets, while others were whispering about potential deals. In the end, they all expressed their agreement about the importance of such meetings, and they will all travel back to the Us with a much more open-minded view of the international film market.
- 6/17/2015
- by Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired distribution rights to Louise Osmond's documentary "Dark Horse." The non-fiction feature was a major crowdpleaser at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and went on to earn the Audience Award in the World Cinema Documentary Competition. "Dark Horse" tells the true story of a group of friends in Wales who decide to take on the elite "sport of kings" and breed themselves a racehorse. Against all odds, they raise their young foul on a nearby wasteland and train him to become a champion. The deal was negotiated with Sony Pictures Classics by Protagonist head of sales Vanessa Saal. Osmond's previous works include "Deep Water" and the BAFTA-nominated "Richard III: The King in the Car Park." Read More: All Sundance 2015 Acquisitions As They Come In...
- 2/6/2015
- by Zack Sharf
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Sony Pictures Classics nabs hit Sundance doc about rags to riches racehorse.
Sony Pictures Classics has snapped up all North American rights to hit Sundance documentary Dark Horse from Protagonist Pictures.
Louise Osmond’s crowd-pleaser about a horse brought up on a South Wales allotment who goes on to win one of racing’s biggest prizes, won the Audience Award in the World Cinema Documentary Competition at Sundance last week.
The deal was negotiated with Spc by Protagonist head of sales Vanessa Saal.
Spc will be hoping to replicate the success of acclaimed feel-good documentary Searching for Sugar Man - also launched at Sundance and also bought from UK outfit Protagonist – which went on to win a Best Documentary Oscar in 2013.
Docu-drama Dark Horse follows the true story of a group of friends from a working men’s club in Wales who decide to take on the racing elite by breeding a race-horse. Against the odds...
Sony Pictures Classics has snapped up all North American rights to hit Sundance documentary Dark Horse from Protagonist Pictures.
Louise Osmond’s crowd-pleaser about a horse brought up on a South Wales allotment who goes on to win one of racing’s biggest prizes, won the Audience Award in the World Cinema Documentary Competition at Sundance last week.
The deal was negotiated with Spc by Protagonist head of sales Vanessa Saal.
Spc will be hoping to replicate the success of acclaimed feel-good documentary Searching for Sugar Man - also launched at Sundance and also bought from UK outfit Protagonist – which went on to win a Best Documentary Oscar in 2013.
Docu-drama Dark Horse follows the true story of a group of friends from a working men’s club in Wales who decide to take on the racing elite by breeding a race-horse. Against the odds...
- 2/6/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Sony Pictures Classics Acquires ‘Testament of Youth,’ Starring ‘Game of Thrones’ Actor Kit Harington
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the North American, Latin American and Asian rights to Protagonist Pictures’ World War I drama “Testament of Youth,” starring “Game of Thrones” actor Kit Harington, the company announced on Friday.
The film, based on Vera Brittain’s memoir of the same name, follows the open-minded author’s journey to overcome prejudices of her family and hometown to win a scholarship to Oxford University, only to join her peers’ fight for their country by volunteering to be a nurse helping the wounded in France.
See photos: 19 Biggest Snubs and Surprises: Oscars 2015
Swedish actress Alicia Vikander (“Seventh Son...
The film, based on Vera Brittain’s memoir of the same name, follows the open-minded author’s journey to overcome prejudices of her family and hometown to win a scholarship to Oxford University, only to join her peers’ fight for their country by volunteering to be a nurse helping the wounded in France.
See photos: 19 Biggest Snubs and Surprises: Oscars 2015
Swedish actress Alicia Vikander (“Seventh Son...
- 1/16/2015
- by Greg Gilman
- The Wrap
First World War drama sold by Protagonist Pictures to North America, Latin America and Asia.
Sony Pictures Classics announced has acquired the rights in North America, Latin America and Asia to Testament of Youth. Based on Vera Brittain’s First World War memoir of the same name, the deal was negotiated with Mike Goodridge and Vanessa Saal for Protagonist Pictures and Spc.
The film, directed by James Kent and adapted by Juliette Towhidi, stars Alicia Vikander and Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington.
Vikander plays Brittain, who idyllic life in the countryside is shattered when the First World War sees those closest to her called to the front line. It follows her story as she abandons a Oxford University scholarship to enter the fray as a nurse and deals with the struggle of love and loss during wartime.
Speaking of the deal, director Kent said: “The prospect of this extraordinary story being cherished by an American audience is extremely...
Sony Pictures Classics announced has acquired the rights in North America, Latin America and Asia to Testament of Youth. Based on Vera Brittain’s First World War memoir of the same name, the deal was negotiated with Mike Goodridge and Vanessa Saal for Protagonist Pictures and Spc.
The film, directed by James Kent and adapted by Juliette Towhidi, stars Alicia Vikander and Game of Thrones’ Kit Harington.
Vikander plays Brittain, who idyllic life in the countryside is shattered when the First World War sees those closest to her called to the front line. It follows her story as she abandons a Oxford University scholarship to enter the fray as a nurse and deals with the struggle of love and loss during wartime.
Speaking of the deal, director Kent said: “The prospect of this extraordinary story being cherished by an American audience is extremely...
- 1/16/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired North American, Latin American and Asian rights to James Kent’s Testament Of Youth starring Alicia Vikander (The Man From U.N.C.L.E.) and Kit Harington (Game Of Thrones). The film is an adaptation of Vera Brittain’s epic First World War romantic drama. Juliette Towhidi wrote the script.
Testament Of Youth is produced by David Heyman and Rosie Alison of Heyday Films, co-produced by Celia Duval, and executive produced by Christine Langan and Joe Oppenheimer of BBC Films, Richard Mansell, Zygi Kamasa of Lionsgate UK, Hugo Heppell of Screen Yorkshire, and Henrik Zein of Nordisk. The film was funded by BBC Films, Screen Yorkshire’s Yorkshire Content Fund, BFI, Nordisk Film Production, Lipsync and Ingenious.
The deal was negotiated with Mike Goodridge and Vanessa Saal for Protagonist Pictures and Sony Pictures Classics.
“I have known Michael and Tom for many, many years and have admired their vision,...
Testament Of Youth is produced by David Heyman and Rosie Alison of Heyday Films, co-produced by Celia Duval, and executive produced by Christine Langan and Joe Oppenheimer of BBC Films, Richard Mansell, Zygi Kamasa of Lionsgate UK, Hugo Heppell of Screen Yorkshire, and Henrik Zein of Nordisk. The film was funded by BBC Films, Screen Yorkshire’s Yorkshire Content Fund, BFI, Nordisk Film Production, Lipsync and Ingenious.
The deal was negotiated with Mike Goodridge and Vanessa Saal for Protagonist Pictures and Sony Pictures Classics.
“I have known Michael and Tom for many, many years and have admired their vision,...
- 1/16/2015
- by Ali Jaafar
- Deadline
A24 has acquired Us rights to music video director Adam Smith’s feature directorial debut starring Michael Fassbender and Brendan Gleeson.
Lyndsey Marshal, Rory Kinnear, Sean Harris and Killian Scott also star in the story of a family of robbers in England.
The film is currently in post and will feature original music from The Chemical Brothers.
Alastair Siddons wrote the screenplay and produces alongside Gail Egan and Andrea Calderwood of Potboiler Productions.
The film was developed in association with Film4 with funding from Film4, The BFI, Animal Kingdom and LipSync.
A24 negotiated the deal with Protagonist Pictures head of sales Vanessa Saal.
Kino Lorber has acquired all Us rights from Capricci Films to Aleksei’s German’s sci-fi Hard To Be A God, based on the novel by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky.
Lyndsey Marshal, Rory Kinnear, Sean Harris and Killian Scott also star in the story of a family of robbers in England.
The film is currently in post and will feature original music from The Chemical Brothers.
Alastair Siddons wrote the screenplay and produces alongside Gail Egan and Andrea Calderwood of Potboiler Productions.
The film was developed in association with Film4 with funding from Film4, The BFI, Animal Kingdom and LipSync.
A24 negotiated the deal with Protagonist Pictures head of sales Vanessa Saal.
Kino Lorber has acquired all Us rights from Capricci Films to Aleksei’s German’s sci-fi Hard To Be A God, based on the novel by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky.
- 12/16/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: A24 has acquired U.S. rights to director Adam Smith’s anticipated feature debut Trespass Against Us, starring Michael Fassbender (X-Men: Days Of Future Past) and Brendan Gleeson (Calvary).
The heist pic charts the fortunes of the outlaw Cutler family led by father and son duo Gleeson and Fessbender. When the law catches up with Fassbender’s character, he is torn between adhering to his rowdy father’s ways or doing what he believes is best for his children.
Smith made a name for himself directing music videos, including The Chemical Brothers: Don’t Think, as well as episodes of TV series’ Little Dorrit, Doctor Who and Skins.
The rest of the cast includes Lyndsey Marshall (The Hours), Sean Harris (Prometheus), Rory Kinnear (Skyfall) and Killian Scott (Love Hate).
The film is written by Alistair Siddons, who produces alongside Gail Egan (The Constant Gardener) and Andrea Calderwood (The Last King Of Scotland...
The heist pic charts the fortunes of the outlaw Cutler family led by father and son duo Gleeson and Fessbender. When the law catches up with Fassbender’s character, he is torn between adhering to his rowdy father’s ways or doing what he believes is best for his children.
Smith made a name for himself directing music videos, including The Chemical Brothers: Don’t Think, as well as episodes of TV series’ Little Dorrit, Doctor Who and Skins.
The rest of the cast includes Lyndsey Marshall (The Hours), Sean Harris (Prometheus), Rory Kinnear (Skyfall) and Killian Scott (Love Hate).
The film is written by Alistair Siddons, who produces alongside Gail Egan (The Constant Gardener) and Andrea Calderwood (The Last King Of Scotland...
- 12/16/2014
- by Ali Jaafar
- Deadline
UK sales outfit Protagonist Pictures has appointed former StudioCanal executive Vanessa Saal as head of sales, part of a company restructure that includes launching a Us presence fronted by producer Eddie Vaisman.
Vaisman joins as head of production and acquisitions, Us.
As part of the shuffle, Dave Bishop has moved from his existing sales position to the newly created role of head of worldwide acquisitions; Emily Gotto has been promoted to acquisitions executive; George Hamilton to sales coordinator; and Hashim Alsaraf has been hired as deliveries manager.
Saal comes to Protagonist from Studiocanal’s Paris base where she was svp, international sales, handling territories including the Us and Canada, Germany, Japan, Italy, Latin America and Spain.
She joined Studiocanal in 2010 as vp, international sales, and while at the company worked on the sale of films such as The Gunman, Non-Stop and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. She previously worked at Kinology when the company started operations in 2008 and...
Vaisman joins as head of production and acquisitions, Us.
As part of the shuffle, Dave Bishop has moved from his existing sales position to the newly created role of head of worldwide acquisitions; Emily Gotto has been promoted to acquisitions executive; George Hamilton to sales coordinator; and Hashim Alsaraf has been hired as deliveries manager.
Saal comes to Protagonist from Studiocanal’s Paris base where she was svp, international sales, handling territories including the Us and Canada, Germany, Japan, Italy, Latin America and Spain.
She joined Studiocanal in 2010 as vp, international sales, and while at the company worked on the sale of films such as The Gunman, Non-Stop and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. She previously worked at Kinology when the company started operations in 2008 and...
- 8/28/2014
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
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