Metrograph Pictures has acquired North American rights to “Good One,” one of the breakouts of the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The indie film had its world premiere in the U.S. Narrative Competition section. It’s the feature debut of writer and director India Donaldson, and stars newcomer Lily Collias, whose performance captivated critics, alongside James Le Gros (“Showing Up”) and Danny McCarthy.
This marks the first title acquired by Metrograph Pictures, which recently expanded into releasing films theatrically under the leadership of David Laub, a former A24 executive who now heads distribution for the new studio growing out of Metrograph’s New York theater. The film will receive a national theatrical release in summer 2024.
“We are extremely proud to have the opportunity to release India Donaldson’s wonderful Sundance breakout as our first acquisition under David’s new leadership of Metrograph Pictures,” Christian Grass, CEO of Metrograph, said in a statement.
This marks the first title acquired by Metrograph Pictures, which recently expanded into releasing films theatrically under the leadership of David Laub, a former A24 executive who now heads distribution for the new studio growing out of Metrograph’s New York theater. The film will receive a national theatrical release in summer 2024.
“We are extremely proud to have the opportunity to release India Donaldson’s wonderful Sundance breakout as our first acquisition under David’s new leadership of Metrograph Pictures,” Christian Grass, CEO of Metrograph, said in a statement.
- 2/13/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Metrograph is expanding its theatrical distribution business and has hired former A24 executive David Laub as head of Metrograph Pictures.
Laub will reported to CEO Christian Grass and will assemble a team to build a slate of prestige theatrical releases covering independent, international, and documentary.
The company aims to acquire completed films and board projects at earlier stages to potentially provide financing, and is looking at projects with an aim to get up to 10 “robustly supported” releases per year.
Laub will attend Berlin next week to scour the festival and market for potential acquisitions.
Until Tuesday’s announcement the company,...
Laub will reported to CEO Christian Grass and will assemble a team to build a slate of prestige theatrical releases covering independent, international, and documentary.
The company aims to acquire completed films and board projects at earlier stages to potentially provide financing, and is looking at projects with an aim to get up to 10 “robustly supported” releases per year.
Laub will attend Berlin next week to scour the festival and market for potential acquisitions.
Until Tuesday’s announcement the company,...
- 2/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive:f David Laub, a longtime distribution executive at A24, is joining Metrograph to build a new slate of theatrical releases as head of Metrograph Pictures, a label that’s been focused mainly on restorations of classic films.
Laub will consider American independent, international and documentary features, both finished films and earlier stage projects to potentially provide financing. The company is aiming to get to 10 releases a year.
“We are excited to work with a wide range of films and filmmakers, and be a robust new presence in the distribution landscape,” said Laub, who will hit the ground for Metrograph at the upcoming Berlinale and European Film Market next week.
It’s not an easy time for indie film distribution. Metrograph in is announcement said the industry “in dire need of fresh thinking and inventive distribution options.”
Laub will report to and work closely with Metrograph CEO Christian Grass, who joined...
Laub will consider American independent, international and documentary features, both finished films and earlier stage projects to potentially provide financing. The company is aiming to get to 10 releases a year.
“We are excited to work with a wide range of films and filmmakers, and be a robust new presence in the distribution landscape,” said Laub, who will hit the ground for Metrograph at the upcoming Berlinale and European Film Market next week.
It’s not an easy time for indie film distribution. Metrograph in is announcement said the industry “in dire need of fresh thinking and inventive distribution options.”
Laub will report to and work closely with Metrograph CEO Christian Grass, who joined...
- 2/6/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
International exhibitors gathered at Berlin’s majestic Kino International on the eve of the Berlin Film Festival on Wednesday to discuss challenges and innovative concepts that are pulling audiences back into theaters.
Opening the Berlinale edition of Cinema Vision 2030 conference, Christian Bräuer, chairman of Germany’s Ag Kino – Gilde e.V. cinema association, which organized the event, said the country’s cinemas were “still suffering from the effects of the pandemic and we still find ourselves in a world in crisis, we feel the consequences of the war, such as the massive increase in energy prices.”
He therefore welcomed the opportunity to hear about new ideas and business models that could bolster the sector.
“You are here today to tell us German exhibitors about your experiences and thoughts about the cinema of tomorrow,” he said, noting that the market was in a state of “rapid change.”
Guest speakers Claire Binns,...
Opening the Berlinale edition of Cinema Vision 2030 conference, Christian Bräuer, chairman of Germany’s Ag Kino – Gilde e.V. cinema association, which organized the event, said the country’s cinemas were “still suffering from the effects of the pandemic and we still find ourselves in a world in crisis, we feel the consequences of the war, such as the massive increase in energy prices.”
He therefore welcomed the opportunity to hear about new ideas and business models that could bolster the sector.
“You are here today to tell us German exhibitors about your experiences and thoughts about the cinema of tomorrow,” he said, noting that the market was in a state of “rapid change.”
Guest speakers Claire Binns,...
- 2/16/2023
- by Ed Meza
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: MGM has acquired the rights to produce Every Day, the feature adaptation to David Levithan’s bestselling Ya novel that Michael Suscy will direct with Angourie Rice starring. Me And Earl and the Dying Girl scribe Jesse Andrews adapted the novel, and with MGM aboard, the film has been fast tracked to begin production next month in Toronto. Pic is a co-production between Likely Story and Filmwave, and Christian Grass, Paul Trijbits, Anthony Bregman and Peter Cron…...
- 6/14/2017
- Deadline
Universal Pictures co-chairman Donna Langley appointed Peter Kujawski to the post of Evp Worldwide Acquisitions. Kujawski is currently Evp International Sales for the Universal-owned specialty film label Focus Features. The Universal features team got a vote of confidence when chairman Adam Fogelson was given an early re-up, and Langley is also negotiating to extend her term with the studio. Kujawski is charged with centralizing and streamlining Universal’s acquisitions and to maximize distribution opportunities. He’ll report to Langley and be based in Los Angeles. He isn’t replacing anyone directly, but does pick up some of the slack left when Christian Grass left the studio in July. Kujawski will also work closely with Universal Pictures President of International David Kosse. “Peter’s vast experience selling specialty films gives him a unique perspective on the global marketplace and undeniably qualifies him to lead our acquisitions efforts,” Langley said. At Focus,...
- 9/26/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Focus Features And Universal Pictures International To Distribute Miramax.S Espionage Thriller The Debt, Starring Helen Mirren And Sam Worthington
The espionage thriller The Debt will be distributed for Miramax by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International (Upi). Focus will release The Debt in the U.S. nationwide on Wednesday, August 31, and Upi will release the film internationally.
Directed by Academy Award nominee John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), The Debt stars Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington (Avatar, Clash of the Titans), Jessica Chastain (soon to be seen in The Tree of Life), Marton Csokas (Universal.s upcoming Dream House), Jesper Christensen (Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace), Ciarán Hinds (Focus. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day), and two-time Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson. The screenplay, by Matthew Vaughn & Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan, is adapted from the 2007 Israeli film Ha-Hov. The producers of The Debt are Mr. Vaughn...
The espionage thriller The Debt will be distributed for Miramax by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International (Upi). Focus will release The Debt in the U.S. nationwide on Wednesday, August 31, and Upi will release the film internationally.
Directed by Academy Award nominee John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), The Debt stars Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington (Avatar, Clash of the Titans), Jessica Chastain (soon to be seen in The Tree of Life), Marton Csokas (Universal.s upcoming Dream House), Jesper Christensen (Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace), Ciarán Hinds (Focus. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day), and two-time Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson. The screenplay, by Matthew Vaughn & Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan, is adapted from the 2007 Israeli film Ha-Hov. The producers of The Debt are Mr. Vaughn...
- 2/11/2011
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The espionage thriller The Debt will be distributed for Miramax by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International (Upi). Focus will release The Debt in the U.S. nationwide on Wednesday, August 31st, and Upi will release the film internationally.
Directed by Academy Award nominee John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), The Debt stars Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington (Avatar, Clash of the Titans), Jessica Chastain (soon to be seen in The Tree of Life), Marton Csokas (Universal’s upcoming Dream House), Jesper Christensen (Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace), Ciarán Hinds (Focus’ Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day), and two-time Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson. The screenplay, by Matthew Vaughn & Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan, is adapted from the 2007 Israeli film Ha-Hov. The producers of The Debt are Mr. Vaughn and Kris Thykier through Marv Films, Eitan Evan, and Eduardo Rossof; Tarquin Pack is the film’s executive producer.
Directed by Academy Award nominee John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), The Debt stars Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington (Avatar, Clash of the Titans), Jessica Chastain (soon to be seen in The Tree of Life), Marton Csokas (Universal’s upcoming Dream House), Jesper Christensen (Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace), Ciarán Hinds (Focus’ Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day), and two-time Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson. The screenplay, by Matthew Vaughn & Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan, is adapted from the 2007 Israeli film Ha-Hov. The producers of The Debt are Mr. Vaughn and Kris Thykier through Marv Films, Eitan Evan, and Eduardo Rossof; Tarquin Pack is the film’s executive producer.
- 2/10/2011
- by Allan Ford
- Filmofilia
The espionage thriller "The Debt" will be distributed for Miramax by Focus Features and Universal Pictures International. Focus will release "The Debt" in the U.S. nationwide on Wednesday, August 31st, and Universal Pictures International will release the film internationally.Directed by Academy Award nominee John Madden (Shakespeare in Love), The Debt stars Academy Award winner Helen Mirren, Sam Worthington (Avatar, Clash of the Titans), Jessica Chastain (soon to be seen in The Tree of Life), Marton Csokas (Universal’s upcoming Dream House), Jesper Christensen (Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace), Ciarán Hinds (Focus’ Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day), and two-time Academy Award nominee Tom Wilkinson. The screenplay, by Matthew Vaughn & Jane Goldman and Peter Straughan, is adapted from the 2007 Israeli film Ha-Hov. The producers of The Debt are Mr. Vaughn and Kris Thykier through Marv Films, Eitan Evan, and Eduardo Rossof; Tarquin Pack is the film’s executive producer.
- 2/9/2011
- LRMonline.com
Universal Pictures International has climbed on board Detlev Buck's upcoming project called "Rubbeldikatz" starring Matthias Schweighoefer ("Friendship"). Based on a screenplay by Anika Decker ("Rabbit Without Ears"), the comedy (also known as "Woman in Love") follows an unsuccessful actor whose life takes a dramatic turn after he is mistakenly cast as a woman in a big Hollywood flick. Alexandra Maria Lara ("Farewell") co-stars in the Film 1, Boje Buck and Universal co-production. Also starring is Buck as well as Max von Thun, Maximilian Brueckner and Denis Moschitto. Variety reports that Christian Grass, Universal's president of international production and acquisitions co-produces with Henning Ferber and Marcus Welke of Film 1...
- 12/14/2010
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Universal Pictures International has announced the acquisition of the rights to distribute recent Norwegian sensation The Troll Hunter. The company now owns the rights for a number of European countries including France, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. "It's one of the most original and highly anticipated projects in the marketplace right now," Screen Daily reports Upi's Christian Grass as saying in the announcement. "It's innovative in terms of storytelling but has fantastic special effects and (more)...
- 10/24/2010
- by By Tom Ayres
- Digital Spy
Paris -- Universal Pictures International and Quad Production will breathe life into French comedy "Living is Better than Dying" starring Oscar-winning actress Marion Cotillard and national heartthrob Romain Duris, Upi's president of acquisitions and production Christian Grass, Upi France's Stephane Huard and Quad's Nicolas Duval Adassovsky said Wednesday.
Pascal Chaumeil will be back behind the camera again directing Duris after the two paired on recent hit comedy "Heartbreaker" co-starring Vanessa Paradis.
Francois Damiens will round out the cast for the story about a dreamer running from the police who becomes an action hero when he pitches an idea to a Hollywood film producer.
Shooting will kick off in the summer of 2011. Upi France is planning a 2012 release and nm3358231 autoGregoire Melin[/link]'s Kinology is handling international sales.
Upi is hoping the film will be its next "Heartbreaker" after that title, co-produced by Upi and released by Upi France, has sold...
Pascal Chaumeil will be back behind the camera again directing Duris after the two paired on recent hit comedy "Heartbreaker" co-starring Vanessa Paradis.
Francois Damiens will round out the cast for the story about a dreamer running from the police who becomes an action hero when he pitches an idea to a Hollywood film producer.
Shooting will kick off in the summer of 2011. Upi France is planning a 2012 release and nm3358231 autoGregoire Melin[/link]'s Kinology is handling international sales.
Upi is hoping the film will be its next "Heartbreaker" after that title, co-produced by Upi and released by Upi France, has sold...
- 9/22/2010
- by By Rebecca Leffler
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Recorded Picture Company, lead producer on David Cronenberg’s latest project, has changed the title from The Talking Cure to A Dangerous Method. I did think at the time the title was a trifle dull. Production starts in Germany next month. Universal Pictures International has announced it is taking Cronenberg’s new movie -- about psychiatrist Carl Jung’s passionate affair with a disturbed young patient -- for Germany, Austria, Spain, Switzerland and South Africa. Christian Grass, president of international production and acquisitions or Upi, negotiated the deal with producer Jeremy Thomas. Michael Fassbender stars as Jung, with Viggo Mortensen as Freud and Keira Knightley [...]...
- 4/23/2010
- by TIM ADLER
- Deadline Hollywood
A year after Universal merged its international production group and Focus Films International, the studio is moving nm2649193 autoChristian Grass[/link]'s division back under Universal and naming Grass Upi's president of international production and acquisitions, reporting to new Upi president and president of international for Universal Pictures David Kosse and Universal co-chairman Donna Langley. Basically, last January ex-Universal co-chairman David Linde, who once ran Focus with James Schamus, had sold Focus's Rogue genre label to Relativity Media, and was helping to buttress Focus's numbers. But in the past year, Grass's robust push into local production---including an eight-picture deal with Germany's Ufa Cinema, the $20-million hit Black Lightning (a co-production with Timur Bekmambetov's Bazelevs Productions in Russia), and the Dutch hit The Storm--has boosted the Upi side of the ...
- 2/12/2010
- Thompson on Hollywood
London -- Christian Grass, the co-ceo of Focus Features International, has been named to oversee Universal Pictures' reorganized international production efforts.
Universal chairman Adam Fogelson and co-chairman Donna Langley said Thursday that the change is part of efforts "to streamline Universal's global production and distribution operations and in recognition of the international production group's contributions to the growth of Upi."
Grass becomes president of international production and acquisitions at Universal Pictures International, reporting to David Kosse, who recently assumed an expanded role as president of international for Universal Pictures, and to Langley.
"Under the new structure, Grass and his team can continue to play an integral role in our production and acquisitions business, which is an important component in our plan to expand Universal's global operations," Langley said.
Grass, who has led Universal's international production group since October 2007, and his team have sealed a slew of pacts, including a...
Universal chairman Adam Fogelson and co-chairman Donna Langley said Thursday that the change is part of efforts "to streamline Universal's global production and distribution operations and in recognition of the international production group's contributions to the growth of Upi."
Grass becomes president of international production and acquisitions at Universal Pictures International, reporting to David Kosse, who recently assumed an expanded role as president of international for Universal Pictures, and to Langley.
"Under the new structure, Grass and his team can continue to play an integral role in our production and acquisitions business, which is an important component in our plan to expand Universal's global operations," Langley said.
Grass, who has led Universal's international production group since October 2007, and his team have sealed a slew of pacts, including a...
- 2/11/2010
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Universal City, CA, and London, England, February 11, 2010 –Universal Pictures today announced the studio is re-organizing its international production efforts under Christian Grass. Grass, who currently serves as co-ceo of Focus Features International (Ffi), will become President of International Production and Acquisitions for Universal Pictures International (Upi). This change streamlines Universal’s global production and distribution operations, and in recognition of the international production group’s contributions to the growth of Upi. Grass and his team will report to David Kosse, who recently assumed an expanded role as President, International for Universal Pictures. Grass led the international production group for Universal [...]...
- 2/11/2010
- by Nikki Finke
- Deadline Hollywood
London -- Matthew Vaughn's action comedy "Kick-Ass" will storm theaters in the U.K., Germany, Australia, Latin America, Austria, Switzerland and New Zealand via Universal Pictures International after a multiterritory pact struck between Focus Features International and Lionsgate international sales unit Mandate International.
Ffi co-ceo Christian Grass and Lionsgate president and co-coo Joe Drake, who also oversees Mandate, announced the multiterritory deal.
Vaughn's movie will be released stateside via Lionsgate from April next year while Ffi will rollout the Nicolas Cage starrer using Upi's distribution network in the seven territories from the same month.
The deal was negotiated by Focus president Andrew Karpen and Drake, wearing his Mandate hat.
Directed, produced and co-written by Vaughn, "Kick-Ass" is based on a comic book by Mark Millar ("Wanted") and John Romita Jr.
Vaughn co-wrote the script with his "Stardust" writing partner Jane Goldman and it details the story of average teenager...
Ffi co-ceo Christian Grass and Lionsgate president and co-coo Joe Drake, who also oversees Mandate, announced the multiterritory deal.
Vaughn's movie will be released stateside via Lionsgate from April next year while Ffi will rollout the Nicolas Cage starrer using Upi's distribution network in the seven territories from the same month.
The deal was negotiated by Focus president Andrew Karpen and Drake, wearing his Mandate hat.
Directed, produced and co-written by Vaughn, "Kick-Ass" is based on a comic book by Mark Millar ("Wanted") and John Romita Jr.
Vaughn co-wrote the script with his "Stardust" writing partner Jane Goldman and it details the story of average teenager...
- 11/19/2009
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Berlin – Focus Features International, Universal Pictures International (Upi) and German production outfit Ufa Cinema have signed a wide-ranging distribution and financing deal that will see Universal take over exclusive distribution of Ufa films for German-speaking Europe.
The three-year agreement will also see Focus take on international sales duties on certain Ufa titles and will see Focus and Ufa cooperate on the financing and production of a select number of English-language films.
Upi will handle theatrical and video distribution in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for Ufa's upcoming slate, starting in 2010 with the release of four films: The Papua New Guinea set coming of age tale "Jungle Child;" German screwball comedy "Tauben auf dem Dach;" kids soccer film "The Devil Kickers" and "Hanni and Nanni," a would-be franchise based on Enid Blyton's "St. Claire's" boarding school series.
The Ufa deal follows on similar international partnerships between Universal and local production labels including ones with Alfonso Cuaron,...
The three-year agreement will also see Focus take on international sales duties on certain Ufa titles and will see Focus and Ufa cooperate on the financing and production of a select number of English-language films.
Upi will handle theatrical and video distribution in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for Ufa's upcoming slate, starting in 2010 with the release of four films: The Papua New Guinea set coming of age tale "Jungle Child;" German screwball comedy "Tauben auf dem Dach;" kids soccer film "The Devil Kickers" and "Hanni and Nanni," a would-be franchise based on Enid Blyton's "St. Claire's" boarding school series.
The Ufa deal follows on similar international partnerships between Universal and local production labels including ones with Alfonso Cuaron,...
- 4/24/2009
- by By Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
London -- Universal Pictures has taken a minority stake in Italian production banner Cattleya, while Focus Features International, Uni's recently realigned international sales unit, will partner with the shingle to develop, co-produce and distribute its films.
Universal Pictures International will distribute a minimum of two films a year in Italy as a result of the two pacts, the parties said Monday. The deal marks the first time that a major U.S. studio has invested directly in a local production company in Italy, according to Universal.
Rome-based Cattleya is headed by Riccardo Tozzi, Giovanni Stabilini and Marco Chimenz, with producer Francesca Longardi leading development. Recent output includes last year's Donatello winner "Mio Fratello E Figlio Unico" (My Brother Is an Only Child) and the Oscar-nominated "La Bestia nel Cuore" (Don't Tell).
The first film released through the Universal/Cattleya deal will be Umberto Carteni's "Diverso da Chi," starring Luca Argentero and Claudia Gerini,...
Universal Pictures International will distribute a minimum of two films a year in Italy as a result of the two pacts, the parties said Monday. The deal marks the first time that a major U.S. studio has invested directly in a local production company in Italy, according to Universal.
Rome-based Cattleya is headed by Riccardo Tozzi, Giovanni Stabilini and Marco Chimenz, with producer Francesca Longardi leading development. Recent output includes last year's Donatello winner "Mio Fratello E Figlio Unico" (My Brother Is an Only Child) and the Oscar-nominated "La Bestia nel Cuore" (Don't Tell).
The first film released through the Universal/Cattleya deal will be Umberto Carteni's "Diverso da Chi," starring Luca Argentero and Claudia Gerini,...
- 1/19/2009
- by By Stuart Kemp
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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