Grindstone/Lionsgate to release Hemlock Circle Productions comedy in the US.
Myriad Pictures has boarded international rights to the completed comedy The Re-Education Of Molly Singer starring Britt Robertson, Ty Simpkins and Jaime Pressly and has begun talks at EFM.
Andy Palmer directed the story about a young lawyer who gets the chance to win back her job and must pose as a university freshman in order to help her boss’s awkward teenage son navigate his first semester.
Grindstone/Lionsgate will release the Hemlock Circle Productions comedy in the US. The cast includes Nico Santos, Wendie Malick, and Cierra Ramirez.
Myriad Pictures has boarded international rights to the completed comedy The Re-Education Of Molly Singer starring Britt Robertson, Ty Simpkins and Jaime Pressly and has begun talks at EFM.
Andy Palmer directed the story about a young lawyer who gets the chance to win back her job and must pose as a university freshman in order to help her boss’s awkward teenage son navigate his first semester.
Grindstone/Lionsgate will release the Hemlock Circle Productions comedy in the US. The cast includes Nico Santos, Wendie Malick, and Cierra Ramirez.
- 2/18/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Eliza Taylor stars in girls’ night out comedy.
Myriad Pictures has bulked up its AFM sales slate with worldwide rights to girls’ night out comedy It Only Takes A Night from A Touch of Madness Studios.
Eliza Taylor (The 100) stars in the film, styled as being in the vein of Bridget Jones’s Diary and Sex And The City, about four best friends on a wild night who end up on a path none of them expected and find it only takes one night to find true love.
Callan Durlik makes her feature directing debut and It Only Takes...
Myriad Pictures has bulked up its AFM sales slate with worldwide rights to girls’ night out comedy It Only Takes A Night from A Touch of Madness Studios.
Eliza Taylor (The 100) stars in the film, styled as being in the vein of Bridget Jones’s Diary and Sex And The City, about four best friends on a wild night who end up on a path none of them expected and find it only takes one night to find true love.
Callan Durlik makes her feature directing debut and It Only Takes...
- 11/3/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
LA-based distribution company Myriad Pictures has picked up international rights to Zátopek, the Czech Republic’s 2021 Oscar Entry. The film has also sold in the US to Gravitas Ventures.
The deal was negotiated between John McGrath of UTA, on behalf of the producers, and Scott Bedno, Senior Vice President of Sales & Acquisitions at Myriad Pictures
Zátopek follows the story of four-time Olympic champion Emil Zátopek. It is the seventh film by prolific Czech director David Ondříček.
The film stars Václav Neužil (Dabing Street), Martha Issová (Dukla 61), and Australian James Frecheville. Zátopek dominated the 2022 Czech film awards with eight wins, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.
Director David Ondříček said: “When we premiered Zátopek at Karlovy Vary Festival in 2021, the response from audiences and international critics was so strong that we knew we had a film that...
The deal was negotiated between John McGrath of UTA, on behalf of the producers, and Scott Bedno, Senior Vice President of Sales & Acquisitions at Myriad Pictures
Zátopek follows the story of four-time Olympic champion Emil Zátopek. It is the seventh film by prolific Czech director David Ondříček.
The film stars Václav Neužil (Dabing Street), Martha Issová (Dukla 61), and Australian James Frecheville. Zátopek dominated the 2022 Czech film awards with eight wins, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Cinematography, and Best Editing.
Director David Ondříček said: “When we premiered Zátopek at Karlovy Vary Festival in 2021, the response from audiences and international critics was so strong that we knew we had a film that...
- 9/9/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Myriad Pictures has acquired the international rights to “Zátopek,” Czech Republic’s 94th Academy Award Best International Feature Film submission. Gravitas Ventures has North American rights to the feature.
The deal was negotiated between John McGrath of UTA, on behalf of the producers, and Scott Bedno, senior vice president of sales and acquisitions at Myriad Pictures.
“Zátopek” is about the greatest Czech athlete of all time, four-time Olympic champion Emil Zátopek. It is the seventh film by prolific Czech director David Ondříček. His film “In the Shadow” was the Czech Oscar submission in 2012.
“Zátopek” stars Václav Neužil (“Dabing Street”), Martha Issová (“Dukla 61”), and Australian James Frecheville.
The film dominated the most prestigious Czech film awards, Czech Lions, with eight wins including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Cinematography and Best Editing. It was nominated for 13 Czech Lions.
Ondříček said: “When we premiered ‘Zátopek’ at Karlovy Vary Festival in 2021, the...
The deal was negotiated between John McGrath of UTA, on behalf of the producers, and Scott Bedno, senior vice president of sales and acquisitions at Myriad Pictures.
“Zátopek” is about the greatest Czech athlete of all time, four-time Olympic champion Emil Zátopek. It is the seventh film by prolific Czech director David Ondříček. His film “In the Shadow” was the Czech Oscar submission in 2012.
“Zátopek” stars Václav Neužil (“Dabing Street”), Martha Issová (“Dukla 61”), and Australian James Frecheville.
The film dominated the most prestigious Czech film awards, Czech Lions, with eight wins including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Cinematography and Best Editing. It was nominated for 13 Czech Lions.
Ondříček said: “When we premiered ‘Zátopek’ at Karlovy Vary Festival in 2021, the...
- 9/9/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Clay Epstein, the president of Film Mode Entertainment, has been elected chair of the Independent Film & Television Alliance for the 2021-2023 term, IFTA said Monday. He’s been a board member since 2008 and served regularly on its executive committee.
Seven others were elected to the organization’s 15-person board including: J.D. Beaufils (Vmi Worldwide), Jason Buckley (Lakeshore Entertainment), David Fannon (Screen Media), Lisa Gutberlet (Blue Fox Entertainment), Nat McCormick (The Exchange), Michael Ryan (Gfm) and Rob Williams (Participant Media).
They’ll join directors in the second year of their two-year terms: Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Jody Cipriano (MarVista Entertainment), Patrick Ewald (Epic Pictures Group), Will Machin (Metro International Entertainment), Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate), Lise Romanoff (Vision Films) and Nick Spicer (XYZ Films).
IFTA, led by CEO Jean Prewitt, is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution and sales companies and has been a particularly crucial...
Seven others were elected to the organization’s 15-person board including: J.D. Beaufils (Vmi Worldwide), Jason Buckley (Lakeshore Entertainment), David Fannon (Screen Media), Lisa Gutberlet (Blue Fox Entertainment), Nat McCormick (The Exchange), Michael Ryan (Gfm) and Rob Williams (Participant Media).
They’ll join directors in the second year of their two-year terms: Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Jody Cipriano (MarVista Entertainment), Patrick Ewald (Epic Pictures Group), Will Machin (Metro International Entertainment), Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate), Lise Romanoff (Vision Films) and Nick Spicer (XYZ Films).
IFTA, led by CEO Jean Prewitt, is the global trade association for independent film and television production, finance, distribution and sales companies and has been a particularly crucial...
- 10/4/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Sales veteran succeeds Michael Ryan.
Los Angeles-based Film Mode Entertainment president Clay Epstein has been elected chairperson of Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) as the group announced the results of its annual elections for the 2021-2023 term.
Epstein was first elected to the IFTA board in 2008 and has served regularly on its executive committee. He succeeds outgoing chair Michael Ryan, a longtime officer of the organisation and founding member of IFTA and the American Film Market who served as chair for three consecutive terms since 2015 as well as two terms between 2003 and 2007.
The following were elected to serve on...
Los Angeles-based Film Mode Entertainment president Clay Epstein has been elected chairperson of Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) as the group announced the results of its annual elections for the 2021-2023 term.
Epstein was first elected to the IFTA board in 2008 and has served regularly on its executive committee. He succeeds outgoing chair Michael Ryan, a longtime officer of the organisation and founding member of IFTA and the American Film Market who served as chair for three consecutive terms since 2015 as well as two terms between 2003 and 2007.
The following were elected to serve on...
- 10/4/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: UK distributor Lightbulb Film Distribution has made its highest-profile acquisitions to date out of the recent Cannes virtual market, including comedy Ride The Eagle, starring Jake Johnson, D’Arcy Carden, J.K. Simmons and Susan Sarandon.
The movie follows Leif (Johnson) who inherits a picturesque log cabin after his estranged mother Honey (Sarandon) dies. But there is a condition; he must first complete her elaborate to-do list. With the help of his ex (Carden), local eccentric (Simmons) and Nora, his faithful canine companion, Leif embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Trent O’Donnell directs and co-wrote the screenplay with Johnson. The deal was struck with Scott Bedno of Myriad Pictures.
“We are thrilled to be bringing Ride The Eagle to UK audiences this autumn. Shot entirely during lockdown, it’s a film that will make you laugh – and that’s something we need more than ever”, commented Lightbulb’s Sales & Acquisitions Director Peter Thompson.
The movie follows Leif (Johnson) who inherits a picturesque log cabin after his estranged mother Honey (Sarandon) dies. But there is a condition; he must first complete her elaborate to-do list. With the help of his ex (Carden), local eccentric (Simmons) and Nora, his faithful canine companion, Leif embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
Trent O’Donnell directs and co-wrote the screenplay with Johnson. The deal was struck with Scott Bedno of Myriad Pictures.
“We are thrilled to be bringing Ride The Eagle to UK audiences this autumn. Shot entirely during lockdown, it’s a film that will make you laugh – and that’s something we need more than ever”, commented Lightbulb’s Sales & Acquisitions Director Peter Thompson.
- 8/5/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Decal will release theatrically in US.
Myriad Pictures has acquired international sales rights to Ride The Eagle and will premiere the indie comedy starring Jake Johnson, Susan Sarandon, and J.K. Simmons at the pre-Cannes screenings in late June.
Decal holds North American rights to the film about a man who can only inherit his mother’s picturesque Yosemite cabin if he completes an elaborate to-do list designed by his mother while she was alive as a way of making amends from beyond the grave.
Trent O’Donnell directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with Johnson. The cast includes D’Arcy Carden.
Producers are O’Donnell,...
Myriad Pictures has acquired international sales rights to Ride The Eagle and will premiere the indie comedy starring Jake Johnson, Susan Sarandon, and J.K. Simmons at the pre-Cannes screenings in late June.
Decal holds North American rights to the film about a man who can only inherit his mother’s picturesque Yosemite cabin if he completes an elaborate to-do list designed by his mother while she was alive as a way of making amends from beyond the grave.
Trent O’Donnell directed from a screenplay he co-wrote with Johnson. The cast includes D’Arcy Carden.
Producers are O’Donnell,...
- 5/27/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Lightbulb Film Distribution has picked up UK rights to three films out of the EFM, including BFI-backed dystopian thriller Undergods.
Kate Dickie (The Witch), Ned Dennehy (Peaky Blinders) and Geza Rohrig (Son Of Saul) star in the collection of post-apocalyptic fantasy tales about ill-fated characters and doomed fortune. Release is scheduled for summer.
“Following its European premiere at Glasgow Film Festival, we are delighted to be bringing Undergods to UK audiences later this year. Director and writer Chino Moya has created an incredible world and his debut feature doesn’t just require repeat viewings – it demands it”, commented Lightbulb’s Sales & Acquisitions Director, Peter Thompson.
The deal was negotiated with Scott Bedno of Myriad Pictures.
Lightbulb has also picked up Canadian thriller The Oak Room, starring Rj Mitte (Breaking Bad).
Set during a raging snowstorm, the film follows a drifter who returns home to the blue-collar bar located in...
Kate Dickie (The Witch), Ned Dennehy (Peaky Blinders) and Geza Rohrig (Son Of Saul) star in the collection of post-apocalyptic fantasy tales about ill-fated characters and doomed fortune. Release is scheduled for summer.
“Following its European premiere at Glasgow Film Festival, we are delighted to be bringing Undergods to UK audiences later this year. Director and writer Chino Moya has created an incredible world and his debut feature doesn’t just require repeat viewings – it demands it”, commented Lightbulb’s Sales & Acquisitions Director, Peter Thompson.
The deal was negotiated with Scott Bedno of Myriad Pictures.
Lightbulb has also picked up Canadian thriller The Oak Room, starring Rj Mitte (Breaking Bad).
Set during a raging snowstorm, the film follows a drifter who returns home to the blue-collar bar located in...
- 3/10/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
The Independent Film & Television Alliance, which produces the annual American Film Market, has elected eight new members to its board. The new directors include executives from such companies as Lionsgate, Myriad Pictures and XYZ Films.
The latest additions to IFTA’s board are J.D. Beaufils (Vmi Worldwide), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Jody Cipriano (MarVista Entertainment), Patrick Ewald (Epic Pictures Group), Will Machin (Metro International Entertainment), Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate), Lise Romanoff (Vision Films) and Nick Spicer (XYZ Films).
Beaufils, Machin and Spicer are first-time board members.
They join Michael Ryan of Gfm Films) — who continues as chairperson of the board — and other members who are serving the second year of their two-year term: Caroline Couret-Delegue (Film Seekers Limited), Clay Epstein (Film Mode Entertainment), Jeffrey Greenstein (Millennium Media), Jay Joyce (Cardinal Xd), Jeannine Tang (Participant Media) and Adam Wright (Voltage Pictures).
“Our new board members are taking their seats at...
The latest additions to IFTA’s board are J.D. Beaufils (Vmi Worldwide), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Jody Cipriano (MarVista Entertainment), Patrick Ewald (Epic Pictures Group), Will Machin (Metro International Entertainment), Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate), Lise Romanoff (Vision Films) and Nick Spicer (XYZ Films).
Beaufils, Machin and Spicer are first-time board members.
They join Michael Ryan of Gfm Films) — who continues as chairperson of the board — and other members who are serving the second year of their two-year term: Caroline Couret-Delegue (Film Seekers Limited), Clay Epstein (Film Mode Entertainment), Jeffrey Greenstein (Millennium Media), Jay Joyce (Cardinal Xd), Jeannine Tang (Participant Media) and Adam Wright (Voltage Pictures).
“Our new board members are taking their seats at...
- 11/18/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Michael Ryan of Gfm Films continues as chairperson of the board.
Patrick Ewald of Epic Pictures Group and Nick Spicer of XYZ Films are among eight executives to join the board of Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA).
The new intake includes J.D. Beaufils (Vmi Worldwide), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Jody Cipriano (MarVista Entertainment), Will Machin (Metro International Entertainment), Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate), and Lise Romanoff (Vision Films).
This marks the first time Beaufils, Machin, and Spicer will serve on the board.
Michael Ryan of Gfm Films (pictured) continues as chairperson of the board.
The executives join those currently serving the...
Patrick Ewald of Epic Pictures Group and Nick Spicer of XYZ Films are among eight executives to join the board of Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA).
The new intake includes J.D. Beaufils (Vmi Worldwide), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Jody Cipriano (MarVista Entertainment), Will Machin (Metro International Entertainment), Wendy Reeds (Lionsgate), and Lise Romanoff (Vision Films).
This marks the first time Beaufils, Machin, and Spicer will serve on the board.
Michael Ryan of Gfm Films (pictured) continues as chairperson of the board.
The executives join those currently serving the...
- 11/18/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
BFI, Wallonia Brussels Fund, Estonian Film Institute, Film I Vast among backers.
Los Angeles-based Myriad Pictures has come on board to handle international sales on Fantasia International Film Festival selection Undergods.
Chino Moya’s fantasy feature directorial debut stars Géza Röhrig and Kate Dickie and takes place in a future-set Europe where individual vignettes and recollections of a shared nightmarish past intertwine.
Burn Gorman, Johann Myers, Michael Gould, Hayley Carmichael, Ned Dennehy, Khalid Abdalla, Eric Gordon, and Tanya Reynolds round out the cast.
Producers are the UK’s Z56FILM in co-production with Velvet Films from Belgium, Homeless Bob Production from Estonia,...
Los Angeles-based Myriad Pictures has come on board to handle international sales on Fantasia International Film Festival selection Undergods.
Chino Moya’s fantasy feature directorial debut stars Géza Röhrig and Kate Dickie and takes place in a future-set Europe where individual vignettes and recollections of a shared nightmarish past intertwine.
Burn Gorman, Johann Myers, Michael Gould, Hayley Carmichael, Ned Dennehy, Khalid Abdalla, Eric Gordon, and Tanya Reynolds round out the cast.
Producers are the UK’s Z56FILM in co-production with Velvet Films from Belgium, Homeless Bob Production from Estonia,...
- 10/7/2020
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Myriad Pictures has taken world rights to Undergods, UK filmmaker Chino Moya’s debut feature which had its world premiere at Fantasia in August.
The pic is a journey through a foreign, futuristic world, set to an original score by Wojciech Golczewksy. Cast includes Kate Dickie (The Witch), Ned Dennehy (Mandy), Geza Rohrig (Son Of Saul), Adrian Rawlins (Chernobyl) and Jan Bijvoet (Borgman).
Film was made with the support of the BFI using funds from the National Lottery, the Wallonia Brussels Fund for Audiovisual and Cinema, the Estonian Cultural Fund, the Estonian Film Institute and Sweden’s Film I Vast, the film is produced by the UK’s Z56FILM in co-production with Velvet Films (Belgium), Homeless Bob Production (Estonia), Media Plus (Serbia), Filmgate Films (Sweden) and Ridley Scott Creative Group’s Black Dog Films and Rsa Films.
“Undergods is visually stunning and perfectly reflects our moment in time. We...
The pic is a journey through a foreign, futuristic world, set to an original score by Wojciech Golczewksy. Cast includes Kate Dickie (The Witch), Ned Dennehy (Mandy), Geza Rohrig (Son Of Saul), Adrian Rawlins (Chernobyl) and Jan Bijvoet (Borgman).
Film was made with the support of the BFI using funds from the National Lottery, the Wallonia Brussels Fund for Audiovisual and Cinema, the Estonian Cultural Fund, the Estonian Film Institute and Sweden’s Film I Vast, the film is produced by the UK’s Z56FILM in co-production with Velvet Films (Belgium), Homeless Bob Production (Estonia), Media Plus (Serbia), Filmgate Films (Sweden) and Ridley Scott Creative Group’s Black Dog Films and Rsa Films.
“Undergods is visually stunning and perfectly reflects our moment in time. We...
- 10/7/2020
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
British film executive Michael Ryan of Gfm Films has been re-elected to a two-year term as chair of the Independent Film & Television Alliance.
Ifta announced the results from its annual members’ meeting on Thursday, a day after its American Film Market opened for its 40th iteration at the Loews Hotel in Santa Monica, Ca. An estimated 7,000 attendees and 375 exhibiting companies, including 77 new exhibitors from 22 countries, are in attendance.
“Ifta is the only organization that unites the collective voice of the independents around the world and works with international governments and decision makers to realize the massive economic and cultural contributions of their work,” Ryan said. “I am pleased to continue as chairperson and collaborate with this exceptional board to further tell our story on a global level.”
Others elected to serve on Ifta’s 15-person board for the next two years: Tannaz Anisi (13 Films), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Caroline...
Ifta announced the results from its annual members’ meeting on Thursday, a day after its American Film Market opened for its 40th iteration at the Loews Hotel in Santa Monica, Ca. An estimated 7,000 attendees and 375 exhibiting companies, including 77 new exhibitors from 22 countries, are in attendance.
“Ifta is the only organization that unites the collective voice of the independents around the world and works with international governments and decision makers to realize the massive economic and cultural contributions of their work,” Ryan said. “I am pleased to continue as chairperson and collaborate with this exceptional board to further tell our story on a global level.”
Others elected to serve on Ifta’s 15-person board for the next two years: Tannaz Anisi (13 Films), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Caroline...
- 11/8/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Tannaz Anisi, Caroline Couret-Delégue, Clay Epstein, Patrick Ewald among those voted to board.
Michael Ryan of Gfm Films has been re-elected as Independent Film & Television Alliance (Ifta) chairperson and will serve from 2019-21.
The organisation’s 15-person board comprises newly elected members voted in at Wednesday’s annual elections: Tannaz Anisi (13 Films), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Caroline Couret-Delégue (Film Seekers Limited), Clay Epstein (Film Mode Entertainment), Patrick Ewald (Epic Pictures Group), Jeffrey Greenstein (Millennium Media), Jay Joyce (Artist View Entertainment), Jeannine Tang (Participant), and Adam Wright (Voltage Pictures).
They join those serving the second year of their two-year term:...
Michael Ryan of Gfm Films has been re-elected as Independent Film & Television Alliance (Ifta) chairperson and will serve from 2019-21.
The organisation’s 15-person board comprises newly elected members voted in at Wednesday’s annual elections: Tannaz Anisi (13 Films), Scott Bedno (Myriad Pictures), Caroline Couret-Delégue (Film Seekers Limited), Clay Epstein (Film Mode Entertainment), Patrick Ewald (Epic Pictures Group), Jeffrey Greenstein (Millennium Media), Jay Joyce (Artist View Entertainment), Jeannine Tang (Participant), and Adam Wright (Voltage Pictures).
They join those serving the second year of their two-year term:...
- 11/7/2019
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
Magnolia Pictures holds Us rights to SXSW selection.
Myriad Pictures has boarded international sales for Cannes on Andrew Bujalski’s comedy SXSW selection Support The Girls.
The film has an all-female ensemble cast led by Regina Hall, alongside Haley Lu Richardson, Dylan Gelula, Aj Michalka, Lea DeLaria, Brooklyn Decker and newcomer Shayna McHayle. Magnolia Films is handles Us distribution.
Support The Girls takes place over the course of a long day at a sports bar, where the optimism and faith of the general manager of optimism are tested to the limits. Houston King and Burn Later Productions’ Sam Slater produced.
Myriad Pictures has boarded international sales for Cannes on Andrew Bujalski’s comedy SXSW selection Support The Girls.
The film has an all-female ensemble cast led by Regina Hall, alongside Haley Lu Richardson, Dylan Gelula, Aj Michalka, Lea DeLaria, Brooklyn Decker and newcomer Shayna McHayle. Magnolia Films is handles Us distribution.
Support The Girls takes place over the course of a long day at a sports bar, where the optimism and faith of the general manager of optimism are tested to the limits. Houston King and Burn Later Productions’ Sam Slater produced.
- 4/23/2018
- by Jenn Sherman
- ScreenDaily
John Fremes has joined Voltage Pictures as president of international sales and distribution and will report to president and COO Jonathan Deckter.
Fremes arrives from Nu Image / Millennium and replaces Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard, who is transitioning into a production deal with Nicolas Chartier’s company and to that effect will be on set in Ireland for John Moore’s I.T. starring Pierce Brosnan.
For the last three years Fremes served as president of international sales and distribution at Nu Image / Millennium, where he sold titles like Expendables 2 and 3, Olympus Has Fallen, Homefront and the upcoming London Has Fallen and Mechanic: Resurrection.
Voltage has also brought in Scott Bedno from Spotlight Pictures as vice-president of international sales. Bedno, along with Voltage’s international sales coordinator Mike Quinn, will report directly to Fremes.
The moves underscores Chartier’s plans to ramp at the company up after he brought in Deckter as partner last month.
“We are thrilled...
Fremes arrives from Nu Image / Millennium and replaces Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard, who is transitioning into a production deal with Nicolas Chartier’s company and to that effect will be on set in Ireland for John Moore’s I.T. starring Pierce Brosnan.
For the last three years Fremes served as president of international sales and distribution at Nu Image / Millennium, where he sold titles like Expendables 2 and 3, Olympus Has Fallen, Homefront and the upcoming London Has Fallen and Mechanic: Resurrection.
Voltage has also brought in Scott Bedno from Spotlight Pictures as vice-president of international sales. Bedno, along with Voltage’s international sales coordinator Mike Quinn, will report directly to Fremes.
The moves underscores Chartier’s plans to ramp at the company up after he brought in Deckter as partner last month.
“We are thrilled...
- 4/24/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
John Fremes is joining Voltage Pictures as President of International Sales and Distribution as the company beefs up its sales team. Additionally Scott Bedno has joined Voltage as VP International Sales. Fremes will report to Voltage President and COO Jonathan Deckter. Bedno and Mike Quinn, Voltage's international sales coordinator, will report to Fremes. Fremes comes from Nu Image/Millennium, where he served for three years as President of International Sales and…...
- 4/24/2015
- Deadline
For new filmmakers and veterans alike, navigating the waters of the international film sales scene can be a daunting task. Halfway through the hectic Cannes Film Market I had a chance to sit down with Scott Bedno of hard-working indie sales outfit Spotlight Pictures. He took a few minutes to help shine a spotlight on the film industry from the international sales agent's perspective.
So tell me a bit about Spotlight; who are you and how long have you been in business?
Spotlight Pictures is a full-service film sales company licensing all media rights of feature films worldwide. Spotlight started in 2005, but the core members of the Spotlight team have decades of experience in the international arena.
What is your position in the company and what is your background?
I am the President of International at Spotlight Pictures. I started at Spotlight in September 2011, but I have known the company CEO, Matthew McCombs, since I first started in the business, as an assistant to legendary buyer’s rep, Gordon Steel. I don’t want to mention how long ago that was! After working with Gordon, I then worked as an acquisitions executive for the Australian distributor, Becker Entertainment, working under Mark Gooder, where we acquired titles such as “The Blair Witch Project” and “Buena Vista Social Club.” I dabbled in the “new media” space for a while, then settled into sales about a decade ago.
You seem to be doing better than just surviving, but actually growing in the past couple markets, what's your secret?
We find that as we’ve grown as a company, producers have gravitated towards us. They appreciate our straight-talk; some sales companies are prone to give out overblown sales estimates just to secure a film, we analyze the market for them realistically. We also try and lay out a road map of the sales strategy and discuss marketing ideas with our producers, as it truly is a partnership. We know how much time and energy our producers put into making the film, so we want to match that time and energy in selling the film. We don’t represent a large number of titles so we can devote enough time and resources to the films we do represent.
Lionsgate acquires Summit, eOne gobbling Alliance, seems like the pond is shrinking; as an "indies' indie" what's your take on the current climate for independent financing and distribution?
Certainly independent financing has taken a hit since the banking crisis. However, there always seems to be a steady stream of investors who want to be involved in the film business, so I feel the death of independent cinema is exaggerated to some degree. Mergers and acquisitions seem to be cyclical as well. At one point, there were no mini-major studios or studio/indie hybrids, then there were a bunch of them, now there aren’t as many. Two years from now, who knows? All I know is, quality product will find a market.
What are some of the titles you currently have, and how was Cannes for you?
We had a great Cannes, I’m pleased to report. We closed deals in Germany, Japan, Latin America, Turkey, Middle East, UK, just to name a few. I will also be closing deals after the market. Our recent titles include “Atlas Shrugged: Part I” which had a theatrical release in the States on over 450 prints, “Millennium Bug,” a creature feature using only practical effects (no CGI!) which buyers loved, the family/dog, “I Heart Shakey 3D,” and the zombie comedy, “Detention of the Dead.” As you can see, it’s a diverse slate, but we know different buyers are looking for different types of product, so we want to make sure we have something for everyone. What they have in common is the passion of the filmmakers behind them.
What's your advice to indie producers?
My advice to producers is to make the film you want to make, but it couldn’t hurt to talk to a sales agent before you start down the path. Our current producers bounce ideas off us for their next projects all the time, and we’ll give them our advice from what our buyers are saying to us. We have no ego, so you can say, “I’m making this movie about a dandelion growing in the desert, as it’s a symbol of a young woman’s coming-of-age in post-World War II Mongolia, and you can’t talk me out of it!” And we’ll say, “If that’s your passion, and you have to make the film, then go for it…but can you at least have some name cast?”
What one piece of information would producers be surprised to know?
All producers are concerned about piracy, as are we. However, most producers have been given the advice that you don’t want to have your film released in foreign territories ahead of the Us release, due to piracy. In fact, the opposite is true. There is more piracy flowing out from the States than flowing into the States. Which makes sense, as pirates take advantage of the promotion and awareness from the Us release. You’ve seen the studios catching on to this, as “Battleship” was released very successfully in foreign territories well in advance of the Us release.
Are you open to being contacted even if a film hasn't won a prize at Sundance?
Certainly! We’re always looking for quality product, and that doesn’t mean you need festival accolades to be considered. Producers please check out our website, www.spotlight-pictures.com, and contact us directly regarding your project.
Next up...The Distributor
Written by Zack Coffman. Follow Zack's film marketing tips and adventures @choppertown on Twitter.
So tell me a bit about Spotlight; who are you and how long have you been in business?
Spotlight Pictures is a full-service film sales company licensing all media rights of feature films worldwide. Spotlight started in 2005, but the core members of the Spotlight team have decades of experience in the international arena.
What is your position in the company and what is your background?
I am the President of International at Spotlight Pictures. I started at Spotlight in September 2011, but I have known the company CEO, Matthew McCombs, since I first started in the business, as an assistant to legendary buyer’s rep, Gordon Steel. I don’t want to mention how long ago that was! After working with Gordon, I then worked as an acquisitions executive for the Australian distributor, Becker Entertainment, working under Mark Gooder, where we acquired titles such as “The Blair Witch Project” and “Buena Vista Social Club.” I dabbled in the “new media” space for a while, then settled into sales about a decade ago.
You seem to be doing better than just surviving, but actually growing in the past couple markets, what's your secret?
We find that as we’ve grown as a company, producers have gravitated towards us. They appreciate our straight-talk; some sales companies are prone to give out overblown sales estimates just to secure a film, we analyze the market for them realistically. We also try and lay out a road map of the sales strategy and discuss marketing ideas with our producers, as it truly is a partnership. We know how much time and energy our producers put into making the film, so we want to match that time and energy in selling the film. We don’t represent a large number of titles so we can devote enough time and resources to the films we do represent.
Lionsgate acquires Summit, eOne gobbling Alliance, seems like the pond is shrinking; as an "indies' indie" what's your take on the current climate for independent financing and distribution?
Certainly independent financing has taken a hit since the banking crisis. However, there always seems to be a steady stream of investors who want to be involved in the film business, so I feel the death of independent cinema is exaggerated to some degree. Mergers and acquisitions seem to be cyclical as well. At one point, there were no mini-major studios or studio/indie hybrids, then there were a bunch of them, now there aren’t as many. Two years from now, who knows? All I know is, quality product will find a market.
What are some of the titles you currently have, and how was Cannes for you?
We had a great Cannes, I’m pleased to report. We closed deals in Germany, Japan, Latin America, Turkey, Middle East, UK, just to name a few. I will also be closing deals after the market. Our recent titles include “Atlas Shrugged: Part I” which had a theatrical release in the States on over 450 prints, “Millennium Bug,” a creature feature using only practical effects (no CGI!) which buyers loved, the family/dog, “I Heart Shakey 3D,” and the zombie comedy, “Detention of the Dead.” As you can see, it’s a diverse slate, but we know different buyers are looking for different types of product, so we want to make sure we have something for everyone. What they have in common is the passion of the filmmakers behind them.
What's your advice to indie producers?
My advice to producers is to make the film you want to make, but it couldn’t hurt to talk to a sales agent before you start down the path. Our current producers bounce ideas off us for their next projects all the time, and we’ll give them our advice from what our buyers are saying to us. We have no ego, so you can say, “I’m making this movie about a dandelion growing in the desert, as it’s a symbol of a young woman’s coming-of-age in post-World War II Mongolia, and you can’t talk me out of it!” And we’ll say, “If that’s your passion, and you have to make the film, then go for it…but can you at least have some name cast?”
What one piece of information would producers be surprised to know?
All producers are concerned about piracy, as are we. However, most producers have been given the advice that you don’t want to have your film released in foreign territories ahead of the Us release, due to piracy. In fact, the opposite is true. There is more piracy flowing out from the States than flowing into the States. Which makes sense, as pirates take advantage of the promotion and awareness from the Us release. You’ve seen the studios catching on to this, as “Battleship” was released very successfully in foreign territories well in advance of the Us release.
Are you open to being contacted even if a film hasn't won a prize at Sundance?
Certainly! We’re always looking for quality product, and that doesn’t mean you need festival accolades to be considered. Producers please check out our website, www.spotlight-pictures.com, and contact us directly regarding your project.
Next up...The Distributor
Written by Zack Coffman. Follow Zack's film marketing tips and adventures @choppertown on Twitter.
- 6/14/2012
- by Zack Coffman
- Sydney's Buzz
A few days after debuting the new teaser art for The Ghostmaker (formerly Box of Shadows), the powers-that-be sent us over a bunch of behind-the-scene imagery for you guys to check out. Dig it!
From the Press Release
The wait is finally over. With 300 visual effects now completed for The Ghostmaker (formerly Box Of Shadows), the movie is going to be unveiled at the American Film Market courtesy of Spotlight Pictures.
“Spotlight is a great fit for us,” said director Mauro Boirrelli. “They are loaded with incredible enthusiasm for what we created and have a really good understanding of how to market the picture to the world at large. Just look at the new poster they put together to launch their marketing campaign. It completely captures the spirit of the movie, and we’re totally thrilled to have them onboard.”
“From the first scene of The Ghostmaker, I was hooked,...
From the Press Release
The wait is finally over. With 300 visual effects now completed for The Ghostmaker (formerly Box Of Shadows), the movie is going to be unveiled at the American Film Market courtesy of Spotlight Pictures.
“Spotlight is a great fit for us,” said director Mauro Boirrelli. “They are loaded with incredible enthusiasm for what we created and have a really good understanding of how to market the picture to the world at large. Just look at the new poster they put together to launch their marketing campaign. It completely captures the spirit of the movie, and we’re totally thrilled to have them onboard.”
“From the first scene of The Ghostmaker, I was hooked,...
- 11/1/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
HollywoodNews.com: Robert Baruc, President of Screen Media, announced today the acquisition of North American rights to “White Lion,” a live-action family adventure film about a rare white lion cub who rises above many challenges to become one of the most powerful and revered lions in all of Africa.
Directed by Michael Swan, the film features over 30 real-life lions trained by famed “lion whisperer” Kevin Richardson. Richardson also served as a producer.
“White Lion” was shot on location, at The Kingdom of the White Lion, an enterprise 50 miles outside of the city of Johannesburg, along the Crocodile River, established especially for this film. This marks the first production – entirely about lions – starring real lions from South Africa.
“White Lion” was the recipient of three South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) awards including Best Cinematography (Michael Swan), Best Music Composition (Phillip Miller) and Best Sound Design (Ivan Millborrow, Nicky De Beer...
Directed by Michael Swan, the film features over 30 real-life lions trained by famed “lion whisperer” Kevin Richardson. Richardson also served as a producer.
“White Lion” was shot on location, at The Kingdom of the White Lion, an enterprise 50 miles outside of the city of Johannesburg, along the Crocodile River, established especially for this film. This marks the first production – entirely about lions – starring real lions from South Africa.
“White Lion” was the recipient of three South African Film and Television Awards (Saftas) awards including Best Cinematography (Michael Swan), Best Music Composition (Phillip Miller) and Best Sound Design (Ivan Millborrow, Nicky De Beer...
- 9/13/2010
- by Linny Lum
- Hollywoodnews.com
Screen Media has acquired North American rights to Michael Swan's "White Lion," which feature more than 30 lions trained by "lion whisperer" Kevin Richardson, who also served as producer.
The film won three South African Film and Television Awards, including best cinematography, best music composition and best sound design.
To promote the release of the family adventure film, Screen Media will partner with local zoos across the country.
The deal for "Lion," which was shot in South Africa, was brokered by Robert Baruc and David Fannon at Screen Media and Scott Bedno and David Jackson at Showcase Entertainment.
The film won three South African Film and Television Awards, including best cinematography, best music composition and best sound design.
To promote the release of the family adventure film, Screen Media will partner with local zoos across the country.
The deal for "Lion," which was shot in South Africa, was brokered by Robert Baruc and David Fannon at Screen Media and Scott Bedno and David Jackson at Showcase Entertainment.
- 9/10/2010
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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