Sundance Deals: Once, Weapons
Filed under: Independent, Deals, Sundance, Lionsgate Films, Distribution, Cinematical Indie
I thought the number of distribution deals that were finalized at Sundance yesterday was impressive -- and then I woke up this morning and found out about yet more deals. Distribution companies seem to be buying films left and right. Here are the latest deals reported from the film festival:- After Dark Films bought the worldwide distribution rights to the teen-crime film Weapons for an estimated price of slightly over $1 million. After Dark will likely distribute the film theatrically through Lionsgate, with which it has a partnership, and plans to release the film late this year. Weapons is written and directed by Adam Bhala Lough, and is about a group of angry, violent youths. Scott Weinberg has described this film as "bleak and listless" -- look for his review on Cinematical later this week.
- Summit Entertainment acquired the worldwide rights (except Ireland) for the Irish musical Once for an undisclosed amount. The low-budget film was written and directed by John Carney. James Rocchi found the movie charming, and called it "a true pleasure that only the rankest cynic couldn't enjoy." Somehow I think I'd prefer this movie to Weapons, but obviously I'm not the target demographic for that film.
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(Page 1)2. Does The Go-Getter have a deal? It was amazing. With M. Ward scoring and that cast, it will bring out the hipsters in force.
Also, Smiley Face has major BO appeal because of the Harold and Kumar and Scary Movie crowds. I think I would pay the most for that. It wasn't that great, but could easily be a big hit.
Posted at 2:08PM on Jan 25th 2007 by Nate
1. Teeth got a deal, and from what I've read of the reviews, it's definitely the film I'm most interested in seeing one of these days. Hounddog will definitely get picked up, if only because the controversy will drive decent B.O.
Posted at 2:15PM on Jan 24th 2007 by JTS