indieWIRE > Buzz / Rumors (Acquisitions)

iW NEWS | Sony Classics Turns Up "Loud"

Academy Award-winning director Davis Guggenheim's "It Might Get Loud" has been acquired by Sony Pictures Classics, the company confirmed Monday afternoon. SPC picked up the title from producer Thomas Tull, chariman and CEO of Legendary Pictures. The Little Film Company was the sales agent on the film. Guggenheim's ("An Inconvenient Truth") is a celebration of the electric guitar. It brings together musicians The Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White, examining a creative process of the three though their own words and music. "'It Might Get Loud' is a music lover's dream," SPC said in a statement. "The film covers three generations of guitar players (The Edge, Jimmy Page, Jack White) and our plan is to attract the three generations of fans when we open the film next summer. We are pleased to be in business with director Davis Guggenheim and producer Thomas Tull, whose obsession with the subject has brought so much to the high quality of the film." A theatrical release date was not disclosed. [Brian Brooks]

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November 13, 2008

iW NEWS | LongTale Has "Sensation of Sight"

Aaron J. Wiederspahn's "The Sensation of Sight" has been acquired by LongTale International. LongTale has taken the exclusive international distribution rights to the film, which stars David Strathairn andJane Adams. "This is a new American classic starring a great American actor," says Omar Kaczmarczyk, Managing Director of LongTale, in a statement. The film won Best Feature Film in the New Hampshire Film Festival and has screened at the Sao Paulo International Film Festival, Denver Film Festival, San Sebastian International Film Festival, and the Cinequest Film Festival. [Peter Knegt]

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November 11, 2008

iW NEWS | Arthouse Takes "Chuck"

Arthouse Films announced today that it has acquired worldwide rights to the feature documentary "Chuck Close," directed by the late Marion Cajori. The doc examines the working process of acclaimed American painter Chuck Close, and solidifies his place in Contemporary Art as the re-inventor of the portrait. The deal was negotiated by David Koh and Lilly Bright on behalf of Arthouse Films & Curiously Bright Entertainment along with Isabel Jay and George Griffin on behalf of The Art Kaleidoscope Foundation and the Estate of Marion Cajori. Arthouse Films plans a theatrical release in early 2009, followed by a DVD release on the Arthouse Films label. [Peter Knegt]

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iW NEWS | here!, Regent Like "Patrik"

Swedish director Ella Lemhagen's "Patrik, Age 1.5," which made its U.S. premiere at last week's AFI Fest, has been acquired by here! Films and Regent Releasing. here! Films acquired the North American rights to the film from Svensk Filmindustri, and its sister company Regent Releasing will distribute the film in select U.S. cities during the summer of 2009. "'Patrick, Age 1.5' was delightful discovery for Regent as we continue our commitment to showcase the best in gay cinema," said Mark Reinhart, West Coast General Manager and Executive Vice President Distribution and Acquisitions in a statement. "Ella does an amazing job portraying the sentiments and trials of these two loving men trying to build a new home and family together." The acquisition deal for "Patrik, Age 1.5" was negotiated by Quinn Coleman, Vice President of Acquisitions for Regent and Ann-Kristin Westerberg, Senior Vice President, International, for AB Svensk Filmindustri. [Peter Knegt]

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November 10, 2008

iW NEWS | First Independent Goes "Gigantic" in the U.S.

U.S. rights to Matt Aselton's "Gignatic" have been picked up by First Independent Pictures. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September and screened at this year's American Film Market (AFM) in Santa Monica, CA. First Independent plans a Spring '09 release. The film is described as an "offbeat comedy revolving around Brian (Paul Dano), a mattress store worker who wants to adopt a Chinese baby. Brian meets Happy (Zooey Deschanel), a hot, potty-mouthed girl who he falls head over heels for. Together, they negotiate their increasing intimacy, and the appearances of their many eccentric relatives, as Brian awaits the call from the adoption agency..." Executive Producers are Scott Ferguson, Jeff Preiss, Jerry Soloman and John Wells and Charles Pugliese co-produced. [Brian Brooks]

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iW NEWS | Cinema Libre Takes Slew of Beineix Rights for U.S.

Independent production/distribution company Cinema Libre Studios has finalized a pact with French auteur Jean Jacques Beineix for U.S. rights for eight of his films including docs and shorts. The company's acquisition includes all US rights to the following titles, as well as the Director’s Cut of “Betty Blue’,” "Mortal Transfer" (Comedy/Thriller, 2001), "Locked-In Syndrome" (Documentary, 1997), "Otaku" (Documentary, 1994), "IP5: The Island of Pachyderms" (Drama,1992), "Roselyne and the Lions" (Drama, 1989), "Betty Blue" (Drama, 1986), "The Moon in the Gutter" (Drama, 1983), "The Dog of Mr. Michel" (Drama, short, 1977 also known as 'Le Chien de Monsieur Michel’). The company has recently produced "The End of Poverty?" which premiered this year during the Cannes Film Festival and has been selected to fourteen international festivals with a March 2009 theatrical release planned. [Brian Brooks]

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November 8, 2008

iW NEWS | Magnolia Gets Fontaine's "Monaco"

Yesterday at the American Film Market, Magnolia Pictures closed a deal giving Magnolia U.S. rights to Anne Fontaine's "The Girl From Monaco." Described as a "delightfully wicked satire" by the Toronto International Film Festival, the French film stars Fabrice Luchini, Roschdy Zem, and Louise Bourgoin. Written by Fontaine and Benoit Graffin, "Monaco" was produced by Bruno Pesery and Philippe Carcassonne. Magnolia's Tom Quinn and Dori Begley brokered the deal with Yoann Ubermulhin from Pyramide International, which has also sold the film in numerous other territories, including Benelux (Films de l'Elysee), Switzerland (Pathe), Germany/Austria (MFA+), Poland (Hagi), CIS/Baltic States (Luxor), Romania (Prorom), Canada (Seville Pictures), India (Alliance Lumiere), and Brazil (Imovision). "'The Girl From Monaco' is an extremely funny crowd pleaser from the superb Anne Fontaine," said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles, in a statement. "It also will be the notable introduction to American audiences of Louise Bourgoin, whose unbelievably allure make her a can't-miss star." [Eugene Hernandez]

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November 7, 2008

iW NEWS | Latest Goldwyn Deal: "Free Style" from Rigel

In its third deal of the week, Samuel Goldwyn Films is planning at least a 500 screen theatrical release in February '09 for William Dear's "Free Style" from Rigel Entertainment. Ahead of the movie's American Film Market premiere tomorrow, Goldwyn and Fox Home Entertainment scored U.S. theatrical and home video rights to the film. Described as "an uplifting story about a young man and his determination to win a coveted spot on the Grand National motocross racing team," the movie stars Corbin Bleu, Penelope Ann Miller, Madison Pettis and Sandra Echeverria. It was written by Jeffrey Nicholson and Joshua Leibner, produced in assocation with Up North Entertainment and Canal Street Films and features music from Nickelback, The Jonas Brothers and "High School Musical" star Corbin Bleu." Fox has secured Latin American rights, launching it in Mexico this Christmas. Yesterday, Goldwyn confirmed deals for Tim Disney's "American Violet" and Michael Keaton's "The Merry Gentleman." The company is currently releasing Isabel Coixet's "Elegy" and Alex Kendrick's "Fireproof." [Eugene Hernandez]

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November 6, 2008

iW NEWS | Strand Takes Trapero's "Lion's Den"

Strand Releasing has announced another deal today, this one for U.S. rights to Pablo Trapero's Brazilian, Argentine and Korean co-production, "Lion's Den," the Argentinean entry for foreign language consideration at the Academy Awards. A Cannes Film Festival debut, the drama is described as the story of "a young, beautiful college student who is imprisoned after being convicted for a murder [who] discovers that she is pregnant while incarcerated." It was produced by Matanza Cine, Cineclick Asia (Fantom), Patagonik, and co-produced by Videofilms with the support of INCAA-Programma Ibermedia. It was executive produced by Martina Gusman, associate produced by Juan Pablo Galli, Alejandro Cacetta and Juan Vera. Producers are Trapero and Youngjoo Suh and co-producer Waltes Salles. Strand's Jon Gerrans made the deal with Youngjoo Suh from Fine Cut. [Eugene Hernandez]

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iW NEWS | Magnolia Gets "Food, Inc"

Documentary coverage sponsored by SnagFilms.

Magnolia Pictures has acquired all U.S. rights to "Food, Inc," which debuted earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival and is on tap for the Berlin International Film Festival in February. Producer-director Robert Kenner and investigative authors Eric Schlosser and Michael Pollan's doc, from Participant Media and River Road Entertainment, exposes the U.S. food industry. The film was produced by Kenner and Elise Pearlstein, with Schlosser, Richard Pearce and Melissa Robledo serving as co-producers. Executive producers are Bill Pohlad, Robin Schorr, Jeff Skoll and Diane Weyermann. Josh Braun of Submarine Entertainment, repping Participant and River Road, made the deal with Tom Quinn from Magnolia Pictures. Fortissimo Films is handling international sales. The film is set for a release in the first half of 2009. "Food, Inc. is a thought-provoking, beautifully crafted doc that not only addresses an issue of fundamental importance to many Americans, but tells them what they can do an individual to make a difference. It's an enthralling, empowering take on the subject," said Magnolia's Eamonn Bowles, in a statement. "There's nothing more elemental than what you eat and we think there's potentially a large audience for the film." [Eugene Hernandez]

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iW NEWS | Goldwyn Makes "Violet" Deal

Samuel Goldwyn Films has announced a deal for U.S. rights to Tim Disney's "American Violet," which debuted earlier this year at the Telluride Film Festival. The film, starring Alfre Woodard, Michael O'Keefe, Charles Dutton , Will Patton , Timothy Blake Nelson, Xzibit , and newcomer Nicole Beharie, is based on the story of a single mom battling the criminal justice system in a small Texas town. The film, from Uncommon Productions, was written and produced by Bill Haney and executive produced by Peter Newman, with co-executive producers Jennifer Eplett, Sean Reilly and Tom R. Camp. A March theatrical release is on tap with international sales on track for this year's American Film Market. "We were completely taken by 'American Violet' and astounded by the power of this woman's true story," said Goldwyn's Meyer Gottlieb, in a statement. "Credit to Bill and Tim for doing such a remarkable job assembling this talented cast and bringing this incredibly compelling story to the screen." Goldwyn's Peter Goldwyn negotiated the deal with Peter Newman and MJ Peckos for Uncommon Productions. [Eugene Hernandez]

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iW NEWS | Strand Likes "Nancy"

The U.S. rights to Johan Renck's "Downloading Nancy have been acquired by Strand Releasing. The Sundance Film Festival alum, starring Maria Bello and Jason Patric, follows a housewife who searches the internet for a partner to fulfill her sexual fantasies. "We've been pursuing 'Nancy' since Sundance where we were captivated by it's bold, but honest approach to a very controversial subject," said Strand's Jon Gerrans in a statement. "In this age of Facebook and Myspace, the film has specific relevance. We're thrilled to be able to work on this project." The deal was negotiated between Gerrans and Traction Media's Doug Stone and Maren Olson. The film is set for an early 2009 release. [Peter Knegt]

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iW NEWS | Keaton's "Gentleman" Heads To Lightning

Michael Keaton's "The Merry Gentleman" has found a home with Lightning Entertainment, which acquired the international distribution rights to the film. Starring Keaton and Kelly Macdonald, the film premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival. It follows Kate (Mcdonald), who runs away to Chicago to find anonymity after her marriage implodes. The film will join Lightning's American Film Market slate. The Samuel Goldwyn Company is releasing "Merry Gentleman" theatrically in the U.S. in March 2009. [Peter Knegt]

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November 5, 2008

iW NEWS | "Reef" For Lightning

Andrew Traucki's "The Reef" has been acquired by Santa Monica-based sales and distribution company Lightning Entertainment. Lightning has all distribution rights outside Australia and New Zealand. The film, inspired by true events of survival on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, is scheduled to begin principal photography in March 2009. The deal was negotiated by Rich Goldberg and Richard Guardian for Lightning with the director and producer. [Peter Knegt]

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November 4, 2008

iW NEWS | TLA Encounters "Finding Me" at AFM

All North American rights for filmmaker Roger S. Omeurs Jr's "Finding Me" have been acquired by TLA Releasing, the company announced from the American Film Market (AFM). The company plans a Spring 2009 release through the TLA Releasing lable. The company picked up the film from OmeProductions, LLC; OmeProductions was represented by President, Tim Yates; TLA Releasing was represented by Acquisitions Director Jennifer Arndt-Johns. "'Finding Me' is refreshing entertainment that turns its lens on the gay, black experience," commented Raymond Murray, President of TLA Releasing in a statement. "Director Omeus Jr.'s debut blends romance, drama and a "pop" sensibility and is an important voice as gay cinema continues to find diversity within the community." [Brian Brooks]

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iW NEWS | Sony Classics Has Got "Soul"

Documentary coverage sponsored by SnagFilms.

The North American and Latin American rights to Jeffrey Levy-Hinte's "Soul Power" have been acquired by Sony Pictures Classics. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, details the 12-hour, three-night long concert held in Kinshasa, Zaire in 1974. "Zaire '74,' is a legendary musical festival which circumstances have conspired to conceal from a wider public," said Levy-Hinte in a statement. "In my quest to share the festival as broadly as possible, I could have no better partner than Sony Pictures Classics." Submarine Entertainment is repping the film and negotiated the deal with SPC which secured the rights over other companies actively vying for the film. Celluloid Dreams previously acquired the international rights. [Peter Knegt]

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iW NEWS | Wolfe Acquires Titles at AFM

Wolfe Video has announced it has acquired North American rights to several gay titles at this year's American Film Market. Among them are Richard Le May's "Whirlwind" and Chip Hale's "Mulligans." "Whirlwind," a comedic ensemble film about relationships, was showcased at NewFest and Outfest and will be released on DVD on January 27, 2009. "Mulligans," about secrets within a family, won the Audience Award at Q Cinema Texas, and will be released on DVD in Spring 2009. [Peter Knegt]

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November 3, 2008

iW NEWS | "Dorothy" For Arthouse

Megumi Sasaki's "Herb & Dorothy," which recently won best documentary and the audience award at the Hamptons International Film Festival, has been acquired by Arthouse Films. The film documents the lives of Herbert and Dorothy Vogel, a postal clerk and a librarian, who managed to build one of the most important contemporary art collections in history. The deal, which includes the film's worldwide rights was negotiated by David Koh, Lilly Bright, Stanley Buchthal, and Maja Hoffmann on behalf of Arthouse Films, Curiously Bright Entertainment and LM Media GmbH along with Megumi Sasaki. Arthouse Films plans a theatrical release of the film in early 2009 followed by a DVD release on the Arthouse Films label. [Peter Knegt]

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iW NEWS | Fortissimo Takes "Miao Miao"

Fortissimo Films has acquired the worldwide rights (outside China, Taiwan and Hong Kong) to Cheng Hsiao Tse's "Miao Miao." The film, a "multi-sexual love triangle," stars Fan Chih Wei, and marks the feature directorial debut for Tse. It is set to be released in Taiwan this month, through Warner Brothers. Fortissimo Co-Chair Michael J. Werner brokered the deal with producer Jet Tone's Jacky Pang Yee Wah. "We are thrilled to work with Jet Tone and J.A. Movies (H.K.) to bring this new wave of Taiwanese cinema to the world stage," said Werner in a statement. "'Miao Miao' highlights the multi-layered and multi-sexual texture of Taiwan's dynamic youth culture." [Peter Knegt]

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October 30, 2008

iW NEWS | Lightning Takes "Beckoning"

Elio Quiroga's "The Beckoning" has been acquired by Santa Monica-based sales and distribution company Lightning Entertainment. Lightning acquired all distribution rights outside of Spain to the Spanish ghost story, which stars Ana Torrent and Francisco Boira. The distribution deal was negotiated between Richard Guardian for Lightning and Margaret Nicoll for the production company. [Peter Knegt]

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