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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES "QUITTING"
CANNES... Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) and Fortissimo Film Sales (FFS) today announced that SPC has acquired "QUITTING" by Zhang Yang, considered one of China's hottest young directors. SPC acquired distribution rights for the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
QUITTING is a powerful drama based on true events about one of China's leading actors of the late 1980's and early 1990's and his fall from grace. When everyone around him abandons him, only his family is left to save him. It is a moving story of love and family set in the turbulent world of contemporary China.
"It is a pleasure to continue to be in business with Zhang Yang, one of China's major talents and his producing partner Peter Loehr," said SPC's Michael Barker, adding, "For us they represent some of the highest quality talent in Asian cinema today."
American-born Beijing-based producer Peter Loehr comments: "We are very proud to continue our excellent relationship with Sony following the success of Zhang Yang's previous film Shower. Loehr's Imar Productions is a leading independent producer whose films include All the Way, Spicy Love Soup and last year's acclaimed hit Shower, all of which are distributed internationally by Fortissimo.
Michael Barker and Dylan Leiner negotiated the deal on behalf of SPC. Wouter Barendrecht and Michael J. Werner negotiated the deal on behalf of FFS.
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Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Breaks A Groundbreaking $100 Million Dollars In North America Creating An Extraordinary Record As The Highest Grossing Foreign Language Film In History.
18 March 01. New York. Ang Lee’s CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON released by Sony Pictures Classics has grossed over$100 million dollars in North America over the weekend creating an extraordinary new record as the highest grossing foreign language film in history. “We are really proud that a small company like Sony Pictures Classics can show that a film like CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON, can reach an audience of this magnitude effectively using specialized marketing techniques,” comments co-Presidents Michael Barker and Tom Bernard. “We are especially proud of our staff and feel privileged to have been involved with Ang Lee’s production from its inception. Hopefully, this level of success will help open the door, however slight, to the future accessibility of foreign films.” Nominated for 10 academy awards including Best Picture and Best Director, CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON most recently earned Ang Lee The David Lean Award for Achievement in Direction from BAFTA, the Director’s Guild Award for Best Director, and two Golden Globe Awards including Ang Lee for Best Director, (the first time a director of a foreign language film has received these awards in the history of both the Director’s Guild and The Hollywood Foreign Press). The film has also been named the Best Picture of the Year from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, Time Magazine and over 100 film critics across America. CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON is in the widest release of any foreign language film on 1861 screens and expects to go over two thousand screens this Friday.
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Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon Hits Over 100 Million Dollar Mark Worldwide
New York, New York. 11 February 2001. Ang Lee’s CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON has grossed a spectacular $100 million dollars worldwide and has earned the honor of becoming the highest grossing foreign language film ever in the United States.
CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON released by Sony Pictures Classics, became over this past weekend the highest grossing foreign language film in the widest release of any foreign language film on over 1200 screens. It has grossed just over $60 million as of today. CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON holds house records allover the country, including New York (Lincoln Plaza Theatre), Los Angeles (Monica Theatre, Showcase Theatre, Colorado Theatre), Chicago (Renaissance Place, Century Evanston), Boston (Coolidge Corner Moviehouse, West Newton Cinemas), North Carolina (Carolina Durham), Ann Arbor (Michigan Theatre), Northern California (Piedmont, Park Lafayette, Tower Angelika, San Jose Camera), and Virginia (Vinegar Hill).
Internationally, the film is being handled by Columbia-Tri Star Film Distributors International and Good Machine International. The film has already become the highest grossing foreign language film in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, (poised to become the highest grossing foreign language film in Australia), and has opened in the number one box office position in Taiwan (where it won 5 Golden Horse Awards including Best Picture), Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Paris (and the biggest opening ever for an Asian movie, the number two box office position in its opening week in France).
CROUCHING TIGER HIDDEN DRAGON, already one of the most honored films of the year, recently earned director Ang Lee two Golden Globe Awards including Best Director, (the first time a director of a foreign language film has received this award in the Hollywood Foreign Press’ 58 year history). The film has also earned 14 BAFTA Nominations including Best Film, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actress (Michele Yeoh) and Best Supporting Actress (Zhang Ziyi); and has been nominated for numerous guild awards including the Producer’s Guild nomination for Best Picture, the DGA nomination for Best Director, the Writer’s Guild nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, an ASC nomination for Best Cinematography, the Art Directors Guild for Best Art Direction, and the ACE for Best Editing. The film has also been named the Best Picture of the Year from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, Time Magazine and over 100 film critics across America.
For more information on the film, please visit crouchingtiger.com and cablejump.com.
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Sony Pictures Classics’ Awards
JACQUOT
COLIN NUTLEY’S HOUSE OF ANGELS
THE ACCOMPANIST
GERMINAL
IN CUSTODY
THE SLINGSHOT
MI VIDA LOCA MY CRAZY LIFE
I DON’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT
A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE
MARTHA & ETHEL
WINDOW TO PARIS
AMATEUR
WINGS OF COURAGE – IMAX 3D
A PURE FORMALITY
LOVE AND HUMAN REMAINS
MUTE WITNESS
ACROSS THE SEA OF TIME – IMAX 3D
THE MASTERWORKS OF SATYAJIT
RAY
ANNE FRANK REMEMBERED
Academy Award – Best Documentary Feature
THE FLOWER OF MY SECRET
DENISE CALLS UP
BEAUTIFUL THING
THE GARDEN OF THE FINZI-CONTINIS
LES VOLEURS (THIEVES)
CALL ME VICTOR
BROKEN ENGLISH
WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY
DREAM WITH THE FISHES
THE TANGO LESSON
CHARACTER
Academy Award – Best Foreign Language Film
WILDE
A FRIEND OF THE DECEASED
HENRY FOOL
MARIE BAIE DES ANGES
WHATEVER
THE GOVERNESS
DANCING AT LUGHNASA
THE WINSLOW BOY
THIS IS MY FATHER
THE LOSS OF SEXUAL INNOCENCE
THE THIRD MIRACLE
THE COLOR OF PARADISE
ME MYSELF I
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL / JOURNEY OF MAN – IMAX 3D
KIKUJIRO
GROOVE
TRIXIE
GOYA IN BORDEAUX
BROKEN HEARTS CLUB—A ROMANTIC COMEDY
JUST LOOKING
THE HOUSE OF MIRTH
2001
ME YOU THEM
BROTHER
SHADOW MAGIC
THE LUZHIN DEFENSE
VERTICAL RAY OF THE SUN
ORION CLASSICS (1983-1991)
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Sony Pictures Classics Co-Presidents
Michael Barker, Tom Bernard, and Marcie Bloom are the co-Presidents of Sony Pictures Classics -- a company founded in January 1992 that distributes, finances and produces independent films from America and around the world. Their releases are evenly divided between co-productions and acquisitions (either pre-bought at the script stage or upon the film’s completion).
As co-Presidents, Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom have distinguished themselves as champions of the world’s finest independent filmmakers including Akira Kurosawa, John Boorman, Louis Malle, David Mamet, James Ivory, Zhang Yimou, Wim Wenders, Jim Jarmusch, Allison Anders, Agniezska Holland, John Sayles, Errol Morris, Alan Rudolph, Hal Hartley, Pedro Almodovar, Mike Figgis, Woody Allen, and Ang Lee. They have released some of the best and most successful independent films over the past decade including HOWARDS END, CRUMB, SAFE, LIVING IN OBLIVION, VANYA ON 42ND STREET, PERSUASION, ORLANDO, WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE, LONE STAR, WAITING FOR GUFFMAN, IN THE COMPANY OF MEN, THE SPANISH PRISONER, THE OPPOSITE OF SEX, CENTRAL STATION, RUN LOLA RUN, THE WINSLOW BOY (which they produced and fully financed), THE TAO OF STEVE, and SWEET AND LOWDOWN.
According to Variety, this team has distributed more of the top sixty Foreign Language films than any other team or company since 1960. Six of their films have won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film (Babette’s Feast, Indochine, Belle Epoch, Burnt By The Sun, Character, All About My Mother), and seven Golden Globes Awards for Best Foreign Film (Cyrano De Bergerac, Europa Europa, Indochine, Farinelli, Ma Vie En Rose, Central Station, All About My Mother).
Sony Pictures Classics has also played a significant role in preserving film’s heritage. Together with the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and the Merchant Ivory Foundation, they have restored and released nine classics by master filmmaker Satyajit Ray. With Academy Award winning producer Arthur Cohn, they preserved and reissued legendary filmmaker Vitorio de Sica’s, The Garden of the Finzi-Continis.
Upcoming releases include Ang Lee’s CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON; Ed Harris’ POLLOCK starring Ed Harris, Marcia Gay Harden, and Amy Madigan; Terence Davies’ HOUSE OF MIRTH starring Gillian Anderson, Dan Aykroyd, Laura Linney, and Eric Stoltz; and Marleen Gorris’ LUZHIN DEFENSE starring John Turturro and Emily Watson.
Awards and honors are consistently bestowed upon their films from all over the world. Films released by this team have received 55 Oscar nominations and 12 Academy Awards. Seven of their films have been Opening Night presentations at the New York Film Festival. At Sony Pictures Classics their recent honors include the Gotham Award Industry Lifetime Achievement, The FINDIE Award at the IFP/West Spirit Awards, the 1998 GLAAD Media Award, and a recent retrospective at the George Eastman House in Rochester, New York. This year at the Sony Global Management assembly, Michael, Tom, Marcie and Sony Pictures Classics received the distinguished 1999 Special Recognition Award for their continued success and achievement.
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard have worked together for over twenty years previously at Films Incorporated, United Artists Classics (where they released such classics as The Last Metro, Diva, and Fassbinder’s Lola). Marcie Bloom worked at the Film Society of Lincoln Center, for Gaumont under Columbia’s Triumph Films label and for PMK Public Relations where she joined Barker and Bernard as publicist for over five years before becoming their partner in 1989. The pictures they worked on together during that period include RAN, BABETTE’S FEAST, AU REVOIR LES ENFANTS, WINGS OF DESIRE and MY BEAUTIFUL LAUNDRETTE.
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Sony Pictures Classics’ Large Format Film Cirque du Soleil™ Journey of Man takes top honors at the Giant Screen Theater Association 2000 conference in Frankfurt, Germany
Sony Pictures Classics’ Large Format Film Cirque du Soleil™ Journey of Man took home top honors at the Giant Screen Theater Association 2000 conference in Frankfurt, Germany. Cirque du Soleil™ Journey of Man received the GSTA Film Award for Best Film and Best Cinematography.
The receipt of two GSTA Film Awards by Cirque du Soleil™ Journey of Man marks the first time ever that the GSTA has presented awards for excellence in film. Traditionally, they have reserved its awards solely for marketing achievements and creativity.
The ceremony was held at the Kurhaus Wiesbaden opera house where Sony Pictures Classics Vice President - Large Format, Derval Whelan accepted the award for Best Film. "We are proud that this exceptional film has been recognized by our peers in this industry and are especially proud to be the very first recipient of these awards," remarked Whelan.
Other firsts in the six year history of Sony Pictures Classics Large Format Division include the release of two of the first narrative Large Format films, Wings of Courage and Across The Sea of Time. Having released the highly successful Thrill Ride: The Science of Fun, and the dramatic Mark Twain’s America, along with this year’s release of Cirque du Soleil™ Journey of Man, Sony Pictures Classics Large Format Division has proven with its distribution record that it continues to push the envelope and set new standards for the industry.
Cirque du Soleil™ Journey of Man was written by Peter Wagg, produced by Peter Wagg and Andre Picard, Co-Produced by Antoine Compin and Charis Horton, and Directed by Keith Melton. Filmed at various historical and natural landmarks around the world, Cirque du Soleil™ Journey of Man features the famed performers of Cirque du Soleilî in an allegorical tale about the adventurous journey from childhood to adulthood.
Headquartered in St. Paul, MN; the GSTA is a non-profit organization comprised of exhibitors, distributors, filmmakers, directors and producers. Formed almost 25 years ago as a forum for the development and presentation of Large Format Films, it has grown into a global association of over 300 members in 31 countries.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES "POLLOCK"
New York, August 31, 2000 -- Sony Pictures Classics announced today that the company has acquired North American rights to "Pollock," the directorial debut of Ed Harris. The film is about to screen as a Special Presentation at the Toronto Film Festival, and is the Centerpiece Film at the New York Film Festival.
Harris also plays the title role in this biopic about the late Abstract Expressionist artist, Jackson Pollock, who is frequently touted as America’s first "Art Star." The film traces Pollock’s career through his turbulent life with Lee Krasner, his wife and greatest supporter (played by Marcia Gay Harden). The film also stars Amy Madigan, Jennifer Connelly, Jeffrey Tambor, Bud Cort, John Heard, and Val Kilmer.
"We are pleased to be bringing this beautiful film to the American public," commented Michael Barker. "We have worked with Ed Harris in the past and feel honored to be releasing his directorial debut."
"I think Sony Pictures Classics is the Rolls-Royce of independent film distribution," noted Executive Producer Peter Brant. "We decided to go with them because Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom really understand this type of product. Ed and I felt they were the most serious about the film, and we look forward to working with them for many years to come."
The deal was negotiated by Co-Presidents Michael Barker, Tom Bernard, Marcie Bloom and Dylan Leiner, Sony Classics’ Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Production, with Peter Brant.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS CONTINUES THE GERMAN FILM RENAISSANCE WITH THE ACQUISITION OF TOM TYKWER’S "THE PRINCESS AND THE WARRIOR"
New York, August 1st, 2000 -- Sony Pictures Classics announced today that the company has acquired North American, Latin American, New Zealand and Australian rights to Tom Tykwer’s thriller love story "The Princess and the Warrior," his follow-up film to the critical and commercially successful "Run Lola Run," also distributed by Sony Pictures Classics.
"The Princess and the Warrior" is the unlikely love story of a young female hospital worker (played by Franka Potente, star of "Run Lola Run") and the heroic thief who unexpectedly saves her life. Based on an original screenplay by Tom Tykwer, the film combines the same visual style that brought acclaim to "Run Lola Run" with a deeper, fantastical background to its dramatic story.
"We are extremely pleased to be continuing our fruitful relationship with Tom Tykwer and X-Filme," commented Michael Barker. "We have a great respect for Tom’s groundbreaking filmmaking talents and enjoy being able to present his works to the American public."
Tom Tykwer noted, "Over the last few years I have developed both a personal and a professional relationship with Tom, Michael and Marcie, and am very impressed with the individualized attention they give to the films they distribute. I am thrilled to be working with them again."
Producer Stefan Arndt of X-Filme echoed this sentiment: "After the great success we had with 'Run Lola Run,’ we are happy to be continuing the association with this great company."
Sony Pictures Classics released "Run Lola Run" last year to overwhelming critical acclaim and enthusiastic audience response. The film went on to become one of the highest-grossing foreign language films of the decade, and effectively reignited interest in German-language films in the United States.
The deal was negotiated by Co-Presidents Michael Barker, Tom Bernard, Marcie Bloom and Dylan Leiner, Sony Classics’ Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Production, with Stefan Arndt of X-Filme.
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Deputy Director at (212) 465-8200 ext. 221.
MICHAEL BARKER, TOM BERNARD, AND MARCIE BLOOM TO RECEIVE SPECIAL AWARD: INDUSTRY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AS PART OF THE IFP GOTHAM AWARDS
June 16, 2000 (New York, NY) -- Michelle Byrd, Executive Director of the Independent Feature Project, (IFP) announced today that Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom will receive an award created specifically for them as part of the 10th anniversary IFP Gotham Awards gala. The trio will receive the Special Award: Industry Lifetime Achievement for their decade-long partnership as one of the most effective distributors and co-producers of independent film and for their 20 years of service as champions of independent filmmakers. This special Industry Lifetime Achievement award is sponsored by The New York Times. The IFP Gotham Awards will be held on Wednesday, September 20th, at PIER SIXTY, Chelsea Piers, in Manhattan.
The Gotham Awards are the primary fund-raiser for the Independent Feature Project and were created to celebrate New York as a vibrant filmmaking center. The awards ceremony, which takes place during the IFP’s annual Independent Feature Film Market, is attended by some 1,000 luminaries from the world of entertainment. Called "The hipsters’ Oscars" by New York Magazine, the IFP Gotham Awards ceremony has become the premiere annual event of the New York film industry. The event will be aired for the first time on Bravo, The Film and Arts Network.
"Whether heading Sony Pictures Classics, as they currently do, or previously as the heads of Orion Classics, Michael, Tom, and Marcie collectively represent one of the most committed and effective management teams in the industry," says Byrd. "Their dedication to each other, and the way they pioneer and continue to nurture independent filmmakers is truly exemplary."
Pictures released by this team have received 55 OscarÅ nominations and 12 OscarÅ wins. Films they have released include MYSTERY TRAIN, SLACKER, HOWARDS END, CRUMB, SAFE, LIVING IN OBLIVION, VANYA ON 42ND STREET, PERSUASION, ORLANDO, WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE, LONE STAR, WAITING FOR GUFFMAN, IN THE COMPANY OF MEN, THE SPANISH PRISONER and THE OPPOSITE OF SEX. In the past year, they have released CENTRAL STATION, THE DREAMLIFE OF ANGELS, THE WINSLOW BOY, TWIN FALLS IDAHO, the box office hits RUN LOLA RUN (IFP/ West Spirit Award Winner) and ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER (Oscar Winner), SWEET AND LOWDOWN (with Oscar nominees Sean Penn and Samantha Morton), AMERICAN MOVIE (the Grand Prize winning documentary at Sundance), and the San Francisco rave music movie GROOVE.
Over the years, they have worked with some of the world’s finest filmmakers including Akira Kurosawa, John Boorman, Louis Malle, David Mamet, James Ivory, Zhang Yimou, Wim Wenders, Jim Jarmusch, Allison Anders, Gary Oldman, Agniezska Holland, John Sayles, Errol Morris, Alan Rudolph, Hal Hartley, Pedro Almovodar, Mike Figgis, Woody Allen and Ang Lee. Their upcoming productions include Ang Lee’s CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, the Alan Rudolph / Robert Altman film TRIXIE with Emily Watson and Nick Nolte, Takeshi Kitano’s first American movie BROTHER starring Omar Epps and produced by Jeremy Thomas, and Marleen Gorris’ LUZHIN DEFENSE starring John Turturro and Emily Watson.
Presenting Sponsors for the Gothams confirmed to date include ABC, Bravo The Film and Arts Network, Entertainment Weekly, HBO, The Independent Film Channel, The New York Times Arts, Variety and WinStar TV & Video.
The IFP Gotham Awards ceremony is the annual fundraising event for the Independent Feature Project, the nation’s largest membership organization for the independent film industry. With proceeds from the past few years, the IFP has been able to launch a paid mentorship program to support greater ethnic and gender diversity in the industry. Funds raised at the Gotham Awards also enable the organization to provide fellowships and a host of year-round services for filmmakers, and to develop public programs that help promote independent film. They have also established grants for filmmakers who have developed unique models for bringing new audiences to their work.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES "THE COLOR OF PARADISE"
New York, October 12th, 1999 -- Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom, Co-Presidents of Sony Pictures Classics, announced today that the company has acquired North American rights to Iranian director Majid Majidi’s "The Color of Paradise."
Winner of the top prize at the 1999 Montreal Film Festival and an audience favorite at the Toronto Film Festival, the film is a touching and absorbing portrait of family life, as well as a joyous celebration of nature’s beauty. It tells the story of Mohammad, an eight-year-old blind boy who has returned home for the summer holiday. Unbeknownst to Mohammad, his father, a widow anxious to remarry, considers his son a burden and is looking for a way to remove him from the family home.
"I have been friends with Tom Bernard, Michael Barker, and Marcie Bloom for over twenty years, and I am exceptionally happy to be in business with them on this very special film," said Neil Friedman, Co-President of Menemsha Entertainment. Added Co-President Paula Silver, "We really wanted to be with Sony Pictures Classics; Tom, Michael and Marcie really do a great job."
The deal was negotiated by Barker, Bernard, Bloom and Dylan Leiner, Sony Classics’ Vice President of Acquisitions, with Neil Friedman and Paula Silver of Menemsha Entertainment.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES "SHOWER"
New York, September 27th, 1999 -- Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom, Co-Presidents of Sony Pictures Classics, announced today that the company has acquired North American, Australian and New Zealand rights to Zhang Yang’s second film, SHOWER.
The film, which recently played to receptive audiences at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it won the FIPRESCI International Critics Prize, and the San Sebastian Film Festival, where over the weekend it won the Best Director Prize and the Ecumenical Prize. The film centers around a decrepit Beijing bathhouse run by an old man with two sons: one who has run away to make his fortune in the modern world, and one who has remained at his father’s side. Once considered an important community focal point, the bathhouse now caters to retirees and slackers who gather daily for massages, hot swims, gossip and games. When the errant son returns home after mistakenly hearing his father has passed away, he is forced to face the responsibilities of caring for the family he has left behind.
"Sony Pictures Classics has a tradition of working with new filmmakers, and we were particularly struck by the comedic and heartwarming nature of SHOWER" commented Co-President Tom Bernard. "We are excited to be bringing Zhang Yang’s second film to America, and are very pleased to be working for the first time with our friends at Fortissimo Film Sales."
"We are thrilled to have finally clinched a deal with Sony Pictures Classics after several near misses, not least because they’ve proved over the years their passion for auteur cinema, including such films from China, and have shown time and time again that they have the ability to optimize the release of their acquisitions," said Barendrect.
The deal was negotiated by Barker, Bernard, Bloom and Dylan Leiner, Sony Classics’ Vice President of Acquisitions, with Wouter Barendrecht of Fortissimo Film Sales.
Sony Pictures Classics has proven to be the leading distributor of independent films with a history of bringing new filmmakers to American audiences. These filmmakers include RÈgis Wargnier with INDOCHINE, Don Roos with THE OPPOSITE OF SEX, Erick Zonca with THE DREAMLIFE OF ANGELS, and Tom Twyker, whose film RUN LOLA RUN is currently enjoying a long and successful arthouse run.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ANNOUNCES THE BEGINNING OF PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON ALAN RUDOLPH’S "TRIXIE"
New York, July 22nd, 1999 -- Michael Barker, Tom Bernard, and Marcie Bloom, Co-Presidents of Sony Pictures Classics, announced today that principal photography has commenced in Vancouver on Alan Rudolph’s "Trixie," starring Emily Watson, Dermot Mulroney, Nick Nolte, Nathan Lane, Brittany Murphy, Lesley Ann Warren and Will Patton.
The film will be produced by Robert Altman and is being jointly financed by Sony Pictures Classics and France’s Pandora Cinema. This project marks the continuation of Alan Rudolph and Robert Altman’s association with Sony Pictures Classics, as their last film "Afterglow" was released by the company in 1997. "Afterglow" earned Julie Christie the 1997 Best Actress Award from the New York Film Critics Circle as well as an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
"We are thrilled to be continuing our working relationship with Alan Rudolph and Robert Altman. These guys are the best, " commented Barker.
"Trixie," which is being touted as an unlikely combination of film noir and screwball comedy, stars Watson as a down-on-her-luck detective who takes what she thinks will be a cushy job at a lakefront casino. Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a complicated tale of politics, sex and blackmail as she falls in with a corrupt state senator Avery (Nolte) and his shady entourage. Trixie also makes the acquaintance of Dex (Mulroney), a raffish ladies’ man who quickly works his way into her heart. Dex is the only person who is there for Trixie when she is framed for the murder of a lounge singer who is linked to Avery by a mysterious and elusive videotape.
"This is a murder mystery of larceny and language. The cast is as creative and committed as one could hope. And Sony Pictures Classics is always a friend," said Rudolph.
Altman added: "I am thrilled to be working with a filmmaker-friendly distributor once again."
The film’s screenplay was written by Rudolph based on a story co-written with John Binder; it is being executive produced by James McLindon.
The deal was negotiated by Barker, Bernard, Bloom, and Dylan Leiner, Sony Classics’ Vice President of Acquisitions, with Ken Kamins of ICM.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES "THE THIRD MIRACLE" FROM FRANCHISE PICTURES
New York, July 2nd, 1999 -- Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom, Co-Presidents of Sony Pictures Classics, announced today with Elie Samaha, Chairman of Franchise Pictures, the acquisition of acclaimed filmmaker Agnieszka Holland’s most recent feature, "The Third Miracle."
The film, which stars Ed Harris, Anne Heche and Armin Mueller-Stahl, tells the tale of Frank, a disillusioned Catholic priest who is known in ecclesiastical circles as "The Miracle Killer." Frank is sent to investigate and disprove a "miracle" in the courtyard of a Chicago convent. The local priest claims that a marble statue there is crying tears of blood - and that they are caused by Helen O’Regan, a deeply devout woman who had lived in the convent until her recent death.
Struggling with his faith and unwilling to once again pay the emotional toll of an investigation proving fraud, Frank is nevertheless persuaded to scrutinize Helen’s life. His inner turmoil only increases upon interviewing Helen’s daughter Roxanne, for he finds himself very attracted to her. Slowly, as the days pass and his feelings for Roxanne grow, Frank begins to believe in the miracles that he once attempted to dispel.
"We are thrilled to be working with Agnieszka once again, as our experiences in distributing her films 'Europa, Europa’ and 'Olivier Olivier’ were very positive and productive ones," comments Barker and Bernard. "We initiated the acquisition process for 'The Third Miracle’ in Cannes and are very happy to have concluded these negotiations with Elie Samaha."
"This is our third film with Sony, after 'Shadrach’ and 'This is My Father,’" notes Elie Samaha. "Although there was strong interest from other distributors for 'The Third Miracle,’ we felt most comfortable going with the team at Sony Pictures Classics. Their strong belief in Agnieszka’s work and their support over the years prompted them to buy the film at the script level."
"I am a big fan of Michel Barker and Tom Bernard and the team at Sony Pictures Classics," comments Holland. "For me there was no other choice for the distribution of my film, as my relationship with them in the past has been very rewarding."
The deal was negotiated by Barker, Bernard, Bloom and Dylan Leiner, Sony Classics’ Vice President of Acquisitions, with Samaha. Holland is represented by John Ptak at C.A.A.
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WOODY ALLEN’S "SWEET AND LOWDOWN" TO BE RELEASED BY SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Latest film stars Sean Penn, Uma Thurman and Samantha Morton
New York, July 21st, 1999 -- Woody Allen’s newest film, "Sweet and Lowdown," has been acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for domestic distribution, it was jointly announced today by producer Jean Doumanian and Sony Pictures Classics. SPC will release the film in the United States and Canada.
"I couldn’t be more delighted having my film distributed by Sony Pictures Classics because I’ve always admired the films they choose to work with and the way they handle them," commented Woody Allen.
Written and directed by Woody Allen, "Sweet and Lowdown" stars Sean Penn, Uma Thurman and Samantha Morton. Filmed on location in the New York area last year, it is a period movie in color showing the adventures of a wild and eccentric jazz guitar genius (Sean Penn) in the 1930s. It takes the character through a series of hilarious and harrowing events as he clashes with lovers, musicians and gangsters in a comic and touching farce of his own crazy making.
"Sweet and Lowdown" marks Mr. Allen’s 29th feature film and will be released later this year.
"This is going to be a very exciting and productive relationship," stated producer Jean Doumanian. "We are all thrilled to be working with our friends at Sony Pictures Classics once again. Their love of film and their considerable expertise in presenting some of the best the film community has to offer is unparalleled."
"We have watched our mentors work with Woody Allen at United Artists in the seventies, and Orion in the eighties, and we have continued to admire his recent brilliant films," commented Michael Barker, Co-President of Sony Pictures Classics. "We consider it a particular honor that Mr. Allen and his producers have entrusted us with the release of 'Sweet and Lowdown.’ It represents a new high water mark for our company."
"Sweet and Lowdown" marks the sixth Woody Allen film produced by Jean Doumanian Productions. The company specializes in the development of films for both broad audience and art-house appeal. The company is currently producing "Women Talking Dirty" in association with Rocket Pictures, the independent film company founded by Elton John, David Furnish and Polly Steele and will soon release "Just Looking," the directorial debut of actor Jason Alexander. Other films from the company include David Mamet’s "The Spanish Prisoner" and Barbara Kopple’s "Wild Man Blues," "Into my Heart," starring Claire Forlani, Rob Morrow, Jake Weber and Jayne Brook, and "Story of a Bad Boy," with Julie Kavner and Stephen Lang. In addition to the above motion pictures, Jean Doumanian Producions has produced three highly successful off-Broadway plays: the acclaimed "Death Defying Acts," which broke box office records; the musical "Dinah Was," which was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award; and "Things You Shouldn’t Say Past Midnight" which is currently playing at the Promenade Theatre.
With 1998 and 1999 as two of the most successful years in the company’s history, Sony Pictures Classics has proven to be the leading distributor of independent films. The company’s slate last year included such hits as David Mamet’s "The Spanish Prisoner," produced by Jean Doumanian; the film was one of the highest-grossing specialized releases of 1998. Other titles included "The Opposite of Sex," the critically acclaimed comedy which garnered the New York Film Critics Circle award for Lisa Kudrow (Best Supporting Actress) and a Golden Globe nomination for Christina Ricci (Best Actress); "Dancing at Lughnasa," starring Meryl Streep; and "Central Station" (for which Fernanda Montenegro received a Golden Globe nomination and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress).
Sony Pictures Classics is currently enjoying box office success with "Run Lola Run," "The Winslow Boy," and "The Dreamlife of Angels" (winner of the 1998 Best Actress Awards at the Cannes Film Festival).
Upcoming films include the Sundance Grand Prize Winner "American Movie," the Cannes Best Director Pedro Almodovar’s "All About My Mother," Agnieszka Holland’s "The Third Miracle" starring Ed Harris and Anne Heche, Chen Kaige’s "The Emperor and the Assassin," and new films from Alan Rudolph, Ang Lee, and Zhang Yimou.
The deal was negotiated by Michael Barker, Tom Bernard, Marcie Bloom (Co-Presidents), and Dylan Leiner, Vice President of Acquisitions on behalf of Sony Pictures Classics and Jean Doumanian on behalf of Jean Doumanian Productions.
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NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE OF WOODY ALLEN’S SWEET AND LOWDOWN A GALA
Toronto -- Woody Allen’s SWEET AND LOWDOWN will be making its North American premiere as a Gala at the 24th Toronto International Film Festival. The film stars Sean Penn, Uma Thurman and Samantha Morton.
SWEET AND LOWDOWN is a period film in color showing the adventures of a wild and eccentric musical genius (Penn) in the 1930s. The film follows the jazz guitarist through a series of hilarious and harrowing events as he clashes with lovers, musicians and gangsters in a comic and touching farce of his own crazy making.
A Jean Doumanian Production, SWEET AND LOWDOWN was written and directed by Woody Allen. The music was arranged and conducted by Dick Hyman. Celebrated Chinese cinematographer Zhao Fei ("Raise the Red Lantern") was the Director of Photography, and Santo Loquasto was the Production Designer. The film was produced by Jean Doumanian. SWEET AND LOWDOWN will be distributed by Sony Pictures Classics.
The 24th Toronto International Film Festival runs September 9 - 18, 1999.
For more information, please contact:
Nuria Bronfman or Gabrielle Free at 416-934-3200.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS DOMINATES THE OFFICIAL COMPETITION AT THIS YEAR’S CANNES FILM FESTIVAL
New York, April 26th, 1999 -- With the announcement of this year’s Cannes Film Festival lineup, Sony Pictures Classics emerged once again as a formidable distributor of groundbreaking, high quality features, with three films in official competition and one in "Un Certain Regard." These films constitute a greater presence at Cannes than any other distribution company.
The company’s most recent acquisition, Takeshi Kitano’s "Kikujiro," is one of the three Sony Pictures Classics films chosen for competition. The story of the unlikely friendship that develops between between a tough guy and a sensitive 8-year-old boy as they travel cross-country together, Kitano ("Hana Bi," "Sonatine") not only stars in the film, but also wrote, directed and edited it.
Famed Spanish director Pedro AlmÛdovar’s feature "All About My Mother" was also chosen for competition. The cast includes Marisa Paredes, who previously starred in AlmÛdovar’s "The Flower of My Secret" (also released by SPC) and up-and-coming actress Penelope Cruz ("The Hi-Lo Country") in a powerful story about a woman’s attempt to come to terms with the tragic loss of her only son.
Chen Kaige’s anticipated historical romance "The Emperor and the Assassin," a pre-buy for Sony, rounds out their films in competition. Starring Cannes veteran Gong Li, the film takes place in the 2nd Century B.C. and tells the story of a power-hungry heir’s bloodthirsty attempts to conquer six neighboring kingdoms and add them to his own. He enlists the help of his concubine (Li), who travels as a spy to one of these kingdoms. Her mission there is to find an assassin willing to murder that kingdom’s ruler.
David Mamet’s "The Winslow Boy," starring Nigel Hawthorne and Jeremy Northam, will screen in "Un Certain Regard." Also produced by Sony Pictures Classics, this upcoming release is based on the real-life tragedy of a young naval cadet accused of stealing. Convinced of the boy’s innocence, the family hires the country’s leading lawyer to clear his name - with dire consequences not only for the family name, but also for their fortune. Sony Pictures Classics also released Mamet’s previous film, the highly successful "The Spanish Prisoner." "The Winslow Boy" opens April 30th in the United States.
Co-Presidents Barker and Bernard, along with Vice President of Acquisitions Dylan Leiner will represent Sony Pictures Classics at the Cannes Film Festival.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES "KIKUJIRO"
New York, March 30th, 1999 -- Sony Pictures Classics announced today that the company has acquired North American and Australian rights to Takeshi Kitano’s latest film, "Kikujiro."
Kitano quickly became known last year through a one-two punch of critically acclaimed films: first "Hana Bi," winner of the 1997 Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, and then more recently with the similarly-lauded "Sonatine." As with these films, he was involved in "Kikujiro" on many levels, in this case not only starring in the film but also writing, directing and editing it.
"Sony Pictures Classics has been eager to work with Mr. Kitano for many years," comments Co-President Michael Barker. "We find him to be one of the world’s most innovative directors - a true master of the form."
Produced by Masayuki Mori, Kitano’s collaborator of many years and President of his production company, "Kikujiro" tells the story of the unlikely friendship which develops between a tough guy (Kitano) and a sensitive 8-year-old boy. The relationship evolves during their travels through the Japanese countryside in search of the mother the boy has never met; on the way, they meet an odd assortment of offbeat characters as they take refuge in a variety of odd locations.
The deal was negotiated by Barker, Tom Bernard, Marcie Bloom and Dylan Leiner, Sony Classics’ Vice President of Acquisitions, with Hengameh Panahi of the Paris-based company Celluloid Dreams. Panahi has a longtime association with Sony, having previously worked with them on "Friend of the Deceased" and "Midnight."
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS’ CARMELO PIRRONE PROMOTED TO VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING AND PUBLICITY
New York, March 24th, 1999 -- Tom Bernard, Michael Barker and Marcie Bloom, Co-Presidents of Sony Pictures Classics, announced today the promotion of Carmelo Pirrone to Vice President of Advertising and Publicity.
Pirrone’s new responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects of advertising, publicity and marketing for all of Sony Pictures Classics’ releases. He will also work closely with Barker and Bernard on the execution of all marketing and campaign strategies, including Academy campaigns.
"Carmelo has become an invaluable asset to Sony Pictures Classics over the past few years," comment Co-Presidents Barker and Bernard. "His hard work and dedication have proved to be instrumental to the success of our releases."
Since joining the company as an intern in 1993, Pirrone has been promoted several times before reaching Vice President through his involvement with the ad campaigns for such films as WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE, CRUMB, LONE STAR, and IN THE COMPANY OF MEN. More recently he worked on THE OPPOSITE OF SEX, THE SPANISH PRISONER, and the Academy Award-nominated CENTRAL STATION.
Pirrone graduated from the film department of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1995. He is currently involved with the releases of THE DREAMLIFE OF ANGELS, SLC PUNK!, THE WINSLOW BOY, THE LOSS OF SEXUAL INNOCENCE, AND RUN LOLA RUN.
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LOLA RUNS TO SONY PICTURES CLASSICS
Toronto, Canada, September, 1998 -- Toronto - On the eve of the highly-anticipated screening at the Toronto Film Festival, Sony Pictures Classics has acquired North American Rights as well as Canada, Australia/New Zealand, United Kingdom and Latin American rights to German director Tom Tykwer's RUN LOLA RUN, announced SPC presidents Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom.
RUN LOLA RUN, which is a runaway hit in its native Germany, made its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Tom Tykwer, whose film Wintersleepers screened in the festival last year to much acclaim, returns with his latest feature about one womanºs desperate attempt to save her lover.
Filmed in a style that likens itself to a thrill ride, RUN LOLA RUN is the story of two young lovers who find themselves with very little time when a shady deal goes awry. Manny, who works for the mob, is caught without the cash he's running for his boss. With only 20 minutes to spare and 100, 000 Deutsche marks missing, Lola is the only person who can rescue Manny from a terrible fate.
RUN LOLA RUN's brilliant structure offers a veritable mecca of intriguing plot twists and heart stopping suspense driven by an explosive music track culminating in a groundbreaking theatrical experience. Endlessly inventive and kinetic, the film pushes the audience to their limits.
"Tom Tykwer, Stefan Arndt and X-Filme are people we have wanted to have a relationship with for a long time," commented SPC CO-President Michael Barker. "We are great fans of Tom's work as a director and see their company as a major player in the market place in the future."
Comments director Tom Tykwer, " I am happy that Sony Pictures Classics acquired my film. We share the same philosophy, not only in terms of how films should be, but also how they should be brought to audiences."
"We are anticipating with the distribution of RUN LOLA RUN, that X-Filme will mark its place internationally as a production company that brings to worldwide audiences a wide range of films all sharing a high standard of uniqueness and quality," notes producer Stefan Arndt.
The deal was negotiated on behalf of Sony Pictures Classics, by Michael Barker, Tom Bernard, Marcie Bloom and VP of Acquisitions, Dylan Leiner, and on behalf of Bavaria Film International and X-Filme, by Steve Saltzman of Loeb & Loeb, Michael Weber, head of Bavaria Film International, Christoph Friedel, managing director of Pan-X, and Stefan Arndt.
X-Filme founded by three directors and producer Stefan Arndt is one of the leading innovators of film production in Germany.
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HISTORICAL ROMANCE OF LOVE-LOST "THIS IS MY FATHER" IS FOUND AT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS FOR NORTH AMERICA
New York, New York, September, 1998 -- Sony Pictures Classics Co-Presidents Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom announced today SPC's acquisition of North American rights to This Is My Father, a resonant cinematic collaboration of brothers Paul, Declan and Aidan Quinn.
Written and directed by Paul Quinn, This Is My Father opens in the present day with Kieran Johnson's (James Caan) discovery of faded tintotypes that suggest his father may have been an Irish farmer, and not the French martyred war hero he did not know but claimed. While the mysterious romance lies hidden inside his mute, paralyzed mother, Johnson travels to Ireland with his troubled nephew (Jacob Tierney) . In this journey, he hopes both to quell the boy's adolescent confusion and to solve his own abrupt loss of identity.
Turned-back pages of time open upon Johnson's mother (Moya Farrelly) , a bloom just loosened for the garden of Catholic school and bolt-through-the-heart affair with the simple, yet passionate farmer, Kieran O'Day (Aidan Quinn) , which strikes over their first dance. A textured morality play that unveils the frailty of true love in the face of disquieting forces - first, the maiden's unapproving family, and then the harsh judgment of local priest (Stephen Rea) - This Is My Father deftly reveals the loss of love without the burden of tragedy. Graced with such delicacy and humanity, the script attracted supporting performances for the likes of Brendan Gleeson, Donal Donnelly and Colm Meaney. Rounding out the family talent is the lush, evocative cinematography of Declan Quinn (Kama Sutra) . The film was produced by Nicholas Clermont and Phillip King.
"We were immediately drawn to that rare combination of a moving script, exceptional cast and an impressive directorial debut," observes SPC Co-President Tom Bernard.
The deal was negotiated by producer Nicholas Clermont as President of Filmline International, on behalf of the filmmakers, and by Barker, Bernard and Bloom for SPC.
"There is no other distributor in the U.S. I would have wanted to handle this film, " says Clermont. "Their sensitivity to the nature of these films and, with that talent, to find that same nature in the audience, is the dream of filmmakers."
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS TAKES "TANGO" WITH PANDORA AT CANNES
CANNES, France, May, 1998 -- Sony Pictures Classics' Co-Presidents Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom announced SPCºs acquisition from Pandora Cinema of North American rights to highly-awarded (Cannes and Berlin Film Festivals) filmmaker Carlos Sauraºs TANGO, on the eve of its world premiere as an Official Selection.
TANGO follows a gifted filmmaker, after the break-up of his marriage, who seeks emotional fulfillment in a movie about the dance that recalls the most cherished moments of his life. In this sensual film-within-a-film, the directorºs nostalgia and future desires are answered as he discovers a perfect leading lady - a gorgeous young dancer - who is also the mistress of the filmºs financier.
TANGO is directed by the prolific Saura, whose career spans over three decades as a director, writer, actor, cinematographer and producer. Academy Award-winning (LAST EMPEROR, REDS and APOCALYPSE NOW) cinematographer Vittorio Storaro brilliantly photographs this vivid tale that brings together some of the worldºs greatest dancers and the music that internationally defines passion. The provocative score was composed by Grammy Award winner and Oscar nominee Lalo Schifrin. TANGO screens out-of-competition on Friday, May 22nd.
"Carlos Saura is one of the world's most visual and imaginative filmmakers," notes SPC's Barker, Bernard and Bloom. "His extensive filmography and numerous international awards acknowledge his brilliant legacy in musically-inspired films, to which TANGO is a tribute."
Said Ernst Goldschmidt, President of Pandora Cinema, "It is a pleasure to continue our successful relationship with Sony Pictures Classics, with whom we are partnered on 'The Governess'.
The deal was negotiated by Barker, Bernard and Bloom of SPC and Pandora Cinema's Ernst Goldschmidt and Sudy Coy.
TANGO was produced by Juan C. Codazzi, Jose Maria Calleja de la Fuente, Carlos L. Metasti and Luis A. Scalella.
SPC adds TANGO to an impressive slate of films including the Minnie Driver-starrer THE GOVERNESS , Noel Pearsonºs film adaptation of his multiple Tony Award-winning play by Brian Friel DANCING AT LUGHNASA, which stars an ensemble cast that includes Meryl Streep, Michael Gambon, Kathy Burke and Sophie Thompson, and the recently-wrapped WINSLOW BOY , directed by David Mamet. Currently, SPC is screening Hal Hartley's HENRY FOOL in Official Competition.
Pandora's slate at Cannes includes Rose Troche's BEDROOMS AND HALLWAYS, starring Hugo Weaving and Simon Callow; Roger Mitchell's TITANIC TOWN, starring Julie Walters; Michael DiJiacomo's ANIMALS, starring Tim Roth, Mili Avital and John Turturro; Boaz Yakin's A PRICE ABOVE RUBIES, starring Renee Zellweger; and Sandra Goldbacher's THE GOVERNESS, starring Minnie Driver and Tom Wilkinson.
SONY PICTURES CLASSICS' TRIUMVIRATE TAKES WORLD FOR "WHATEVER"
NEW YORK, NY, January, 1998 -- SPC's Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom announced today that they have acquired world-wide rights to WHATEVER, a brink-of-adulthood odyssey from debut feature writer/director Susan Skoog.
Set in the early 1980's, when every memorable experience came with a soundtrack, the film partners Anna (Liza Weil), an aspiring artist and her best friend Brenda (Chad Morgan), who exerts a gravitational pull for trouble, as they brink awkward adulthood at the tail-end of high school. Both girls emerge from the incubator of fractured families, careening across the minefield between adolescence and maturity. Things erupt as they hang out with the wrong crowd, explore sex with the wrong guys, and judge their parents with the wrong eyes. Anna navigates this latitude through mistakes, and ultimately learns she must unload the cargo of a destructive friendship to catch the right current.
"Susan [Skoog] is gifted with a natural visual confidence and a troubadour's talent for story-telling. Historically, we've considered part of our purpose the domestic launch of distinguished new talent. Susan is a growing part of our dynamic progression to introduce exciting new directors on a global level," says Bernard.
Skoog is equally enthusiastic with the match. "Consistently, I've been attracted to, and influenced by, the films released through Sony Pictures Classics. I consider it an honor to have my film among them, and trust their [Sony Pictures Classics'] imagination and instinct in releasing the film."
SPC has recognized and platformed the first films of directors Neil LeBute (IN THE COMPANY OF MEN), Ismael Merchant (IN CUSTODY), Bart Freundlich (THE MYTH OF FINGERPRINTS), Sandra Goldbacher (THE GOVERNESS), Richard Linklater (SLACKER), Todd Solondz (WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE), Alain Berliner (MA VIE EN ROSE) and the upcoming NIL BY MOUTH, directed by Gary Oldman.
The soundtrack features timeless songs by the Pretenders, Iggy Pop, David Bowie, the Ramones, Blondie, the Jam, Rush, Patti Smith, Roxy Music and Aimee Mann. It is generating timely interest from several record companies vying for soundtrack rights.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS FROM JEAN DOUMANIAN PRODUCTIONS TO DAVID MAMET'S THE SPANISH PRISONER
NEW YORK, NY, September 19, 1997 -- Jean Doumanian of Jean Doumanian Productions and Sony Pictures Classics co-presidents Michael Barker, Tom Bernard, and Marcie Bloom jointly announced today that SPC has acquired the North American rights to The Spanish Prisoner the latest film directed and scripted by acclaimed playwright David Mamet. The film was acquired during the 1997 Toronto Film Festival and stars Campbell Scott, Ben Gazzara, Steve Martin, Felicity Huffman, Rebecca Pigeon and Ricky Jay.
The Spanish Prisoner is a film of power and intelligence, featuring a number of plot twists that continually surprise. Campbell Scott ( Dying Young, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle ) stars as Joe Ross, a young businessman who has developed a groundbreaking and extremely valuable business strategy called "The Process." Joe's boss Klein (Ben Gazzara, Anatomy of a Murder, The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, Bloodline ) has arranged for him to present his strategy at a board meeting in the Caribbean, and has led Joe to think that he will receive a large bonus for his efforts, although he has been vague about the amount of money. But when Joe receives no money from Klein he believes he has been let down.
Entering into this situation is Jimmy Dell, (Steve Martin, Parenthood, Father of the Bride, Leap of Faith ) who is seemingly unconnected to the events that have taken place. When his plane lands on the island he immediately comes into conflict with Joe. Soon after, Joe finds himself hurled headlong into a labyrinth of deception, illusion and intrigue.
David Mamet is one of the most acclaimed playwrights of our times whose works include "Sexual Perversity in Chicago," "American Buffalo," "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "Oleanna." The Spanish Prisoner is the most recent of his works for the screen as writer and director which include House of Games , Things Change, Homicide, and Oleanna.
" We have known David Mamet since our Orion Classics days and are delighted to be working with him on this film. We have been fans of his work for a long time," comments Tom Bernard.
"Over the years Sony Pictures Classics has demonstrated a solid appreciation of quality films. I'm confident that their expertise in marketing and distribution will enable us to fulfill our vision for The Spanish Prisoner ," notes Jean Doumanian.
The deal was negotiated on behalf of Sony Pictures Classics by Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom. On behalf of Jean Doumanian Productions, the deal was negotiated by . The Spanish Prisoner is a Jean Doumanian Production.
Sony Pictures Classics' current release schedule includes Errol Morris' Fast, Cheap, & Out of Control (opening October 3, 1997) Sally Potter's The Tango Lesson (opening November 14, 1997), Alan Rudolph's Afterglow (opening December 1997), Alain Berliner's Ma Vie En Rose (opening December, 1997), Gary Oldman's directorial debut, Nil By Mouth ( opening February, 1998) and John Sayles' Men With Guns (opening March 1998). The Spanish Prisoner is scheduled for release in 1998.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES "A FRIEND OF THE DECEASED"
Ukranian Film Emerges as Audience Favorite from 1997 Cannes Film Festival
NEW YORK, NY, August 14, 1997 -- Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the North American rights to A FRIEND OF THE DECEASED after its critically acclaimed screening in the Directors Fortnight at this year's Cannes Film Festival, Company co-presidents Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom announced today. Produced by Nikola Machenko and Pierre Rival, A FRIEND OF THE DECEASED marks Ukranian director Viatcheslav Krichtofovitch's first feature since his 1991 art house favorite ADAM'S RIB.
The deal continues Sony Pictures Classics' long-standing support of distributing quality foreign language films. SPC received high praise at this year's Cannes Film Festival for another audience and critic favorite, the Belgian-French production MA VIE EN ROSE directed by Alain Berliner. Notably in the past SPC has collected several Academy Awards for their Foreign Language film releases such as, INDOCHINE, BELLE EPOCHE, and BURNT BY THE SUN.
A fable set against the corruption and economic uncertainty of modern day Kiev, A FRIEND OF THE DECEASED centers around the travails of Anatoli, a muddled intellectual played brilliantly by Alexandre Lazarev. His professional troubles aggravate an already unhappy relationship with his wife, who leaves him for another man. Devastated, Anatoli flirts with the idea of hiring a contract killer to get rid of her, only to hastily decide that it is he who should be the one to die and forwards a photograph of himself to the killer. But after a chance encounter with a beautiful prostitute he is ready to embrace life once more, and finds it is impossible for the hit to be called off. An ironic and tragic comedy of errors ensues when Anatoli must use all of his mental and physical resources to avert his own rapidly encroaching death.
"A FRIEND OF THE DECEASED is an exciting film coming from a part of the world that rarely makes films. It augers a trend of great films coming from new places around the world," comments Michael Barker, Co-President of SPC.
The deal was negotiated on behalf of Sony Pictures Classics by Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom. Hengameh Panahi negotiated the deal on behalf of Celluloid Dreams, the sales agent for the film. A FRIEND OF THE DECEASED is a co-production of Compagnie des Films, Compagnie Est-Oeust, National Dovjenko Film Studio and Studios du Kazahkstan with the participation of the Ministere de la Culture Francaise and the Ukranian Arts and Culture Ministry.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES ALAN RUDOLPH'S "AFTERGLOW"
Julie Christie Returns to the Screen with a Riveting Performance Co-starring With Nick Nolte
Legendary Director Robert Altman Produces
NEW YORK, NY, August 14, 1997 -- Sony Pictures Classics co-presidents Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom announced today that SPC has the rights to Moonstone Entertainment's production of Alan Rudolph's romantic comedy-drama AFTERGLOW. The story of two definitively modern, disillusioned couples whose paths unexpectedly cross, the film stars the great Julie Christie (playing Phyllis Mann) in her most beguiling performance since SHAMPOO. Nolte costars as Lucky her attractive, engaging handyman husband.
The SPC deal includes North American rights excluding French Canada and marks the first time the company is working with director and writer Rudolph who reunites with longtime collaborator Robert Altman as producer. The film also features Jonny Lee Miller ("Trainspotting") and Lara Flynn Boyle ("Red Rock West") who previously worked with Alan Rudolph on "Equinox."
AFTERGLOW is the story of two unsatisfied couples. Lucky (Nick Nolte) is a contractor whose business owes its success in equal measure to his skill at repair work and to his amorous attentions to the lonely women who hire him. His marriage, however, has fallen on hard times, and his wife Phyllis (Julie Christie) has shut Lucky out of her heart. A former B-movie actress, Phyllis passes her time in a nostalgic haze, watching her old movies and remembering happier days. Across town, a young married couple is going through difficulties of their own. Marianne (Lara Flynn Boyle) wants desperately to have a baby, but her self centered husband Jeffrey (Jonny Lee Miller) has no plans for anything except his career. Frustrated by this stalemate, Marianne goes about tracking her fertility cycles, while Jeffrey tracks the stock market. When Marianne hires Lucky to build a nursery in the apartment, the attention he pays to her churns up long-neglected emotions, and they soon begin an affair. Jeffrey and Phyllis, both suspecting something, separately trail the unfaithful pair to the bar of the Ritz Hotel, but discover each other instead.
"Sony Pictures Classics was my first choice to distribute AFTERGLOW and I am delighted with their passion for the film. I feel it's a perfect marriage to have a distributor that has an extraordinary history not only in acquiring and marketing a wide variety of quality films but also in nurturing the type of audience that enjoys seeing them," says Alan Rudolph.
Robert Altman adds "AFTERGLOW is a highly successful collaboration of director Alan Rudolph and the talents of Julie Christie and Nick Nolte. Alan Rudolph's unique ability of capturing the lives of complex characters through intelligent and entertaining storylines is what makes this film, like all his others, so remarkable."
Comments Etchie Stroh, Moonstone Entertainment President, "I am very happy as this special film could not find a better home for distribution in North America. Sony Pictures Classics has not only the experience and expertise but also shares in our enthusiasm about the Alan Rudolph masterpiece."
"We are very excited to be working with Alan Rudolph. He has crafted a beautiful and compelling film. As soon as we saw AFTERGLOW, we knew that it would be a perfect release for SPC," says Michael Barker.
The deal was negotiated on behalf of Sony Pictures Classics by Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom. On behalf of Moonstone Entertainment, the deal was negotiated by President Etchie Stroh. AFTERGLOW is a Sandcastle 5 and Elysian Dreams Co-production.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS' "IN THE COMPANY OF MEN" HAS THE LARGEST OPENING WEEK OF ANY INDEPENDENT RELEASED THIS SUMMER
NEW YORK, NY, August 8, 1997 -- Sony Pictures Classics release of Neil LaBute's debut film IN THE COMPANY OF MEN set box office records this week for an independent film opening this summer. For opening week, IN THE COMPANY OF MEN recorded a gross of $196,157 on eight screens in New York and Los Angeles, a per screen average of $24,520. This represents the largest opening week for an American independent film thus far.
Winner of the Filmmakers' Trophy for Best Dramatic Feature in competition at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival and screened to critical acclaim at this year's New Directors/ New Films Festival at MOMA and the Cannes Film Festival, Neil LaBute's directorial debut is quickly establishing itself as one of the most controversial, groundbreaking, and talked about American Independent films in years. Featuring newcomers Stacy Edwards and Aaron Eckhart who won Best Actress and Actor respectively at the Taormina International Film Festival, IN THE COMPANY OF MEN presents a dark twist on the classic love triangle set in the jungle of 90's corporate America.
IN THE COMPANY OF MEN is quickly becoming the "must see" film this summer capturing not only public attention but also that of the press, generating numerous articles discussing the politics of power. Its success proves that summer movie goers are increasingly interested in dialogue driven, thought provoking films.
SPC Co-President Tom Bernard adds, "We are thrilled by how strongly people are reacting to this film and that it is generating such exciting dialogue. The successful opening of IN THE COMPANY OF MEN typifies how effectively counterprogramming works in a summer dominated by Hollywood blockbusters."
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES TONY AWARD WINNING "DANCING AT LUGHNASA" WHICH BEGINS SHOOTING THIS SUMMER IN IRELAND
Meryl Streep to star with Brid Brennan who recreates the role that won her a Tony Award on Broadway
NEW YORK, NY, August 1, 1997 -- Sony Pictures Classics co-presidents Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom announced today that SPC has acquired the North American rights to Brian Friel's triple Tony Award winning play DANCING AT LUGHNASA. Academy Award winner Meryl Streep is set to star in the story of the Mundys, a tightly knit Irish Catholic family of five unmarried sisters. The story also focuses on Michael, the son of the youngest sister Christine, who becomes the center of all of their lives and is the source of controversy in the peaceful town. Brid Brennan who won the 1992 Tony Award for her performance on Broadway, will recreate the role of Agnes. The distinguished cast also includes Sophie Thompson (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Emma) as Rose, Catherine McCormack (Braveheart) plays Christine, and Kathy Burke, who won Best Actress at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival for her performance in Nil By Mouth, will play Maggie.
Set in Ireland of 1936, Europe is on the brink of war and their small village of Ballybog is on the verge of change. Full of the joy of life, the sisters find expression in a passionate dance through the house and garden to the Irish music that blasts from their treasured radio.
But the most devoted of families have the deepest divisions. The arrival of two men into their world sets tragedy in motion. Michael Gambon (The Cook the Thief his Wife and her Lover, The Wings of a Dove, The Rachel Papers ) stars as their older brother Jack, a Catholic Priest who returns from Africa and makes them question their faith. Rhys Ifans (Twin Town ) plays Gerry, Michael's father, who awakens the repressed sexuality of Agnes and Christine. By the time the summer is over, the old type of peace Michael has grown up surrounded by will change, leaving memories that will haunt him forever.
Noel Pearson, producer of My Left Foot which won two Academy Awards and himself winner of the Tony Award for the stage version of Dancing at Lughnasa will produce with Pat O'Connor (Circle of Friends, Inventing the Abbots and Cal) set to direct. The film begins shooting this summer on location in Ireland and at Ardmore Studios and will be photographed by Kenneth MacMillan (Henry V, Of Mice And Men) who has worked with Pat O'Connor on Circle of Friends and Inventing the Abbots. The screenplay is by Frank McGuinness who recently won a Tony Award for his adaptation of A Doll's House currently on Broadway, and is based on the original stage play by Brian Friel.
"After having been fans of this project for many years, it's an honor to be working with Noel Pearson and again with Pat O'Connor. We feel Pat is a major filmmaker whose talents are perfectly suited to this great work," comments Michael Barker, Co-President of SPC.
Adds Producer Noel Pearson, " I'm sure the journey of producing the movie will be just as exciting and rewarding as producing the stage play."
" It's great to have a chance to do a magnificent Irish story with universal appeal and a magnificent cast," notes O'Connor.
The deal was negotiated by Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom on behalf of Sony Pictures Classics. Noel Pearson negotiated the deal on behalf of Ferndale Films which is co producing with Pandora Films and Channel Four Films.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS' "IN THE COMPANY OF MEN" HAS THE LARGEST OPENING WEEK OF ANY INDEPENDENT RELEASED THIS SUMMER
NEW YORK, NY, August 8, 1997 -- Sony Pictures Classics release of Neil LaBute's debut film IN THE COMPANY OF MEN set box office records this week for an independent film opening this summer. For opening week, IN THE COMPANY OF MEN recorded a gross of $196,157 on eight screens in New York and Los Angeles, a per screen average of $24,520. This represents the largest opening week for an American independent film thus far.
Winner of the Filmmakers' Trophy for Best Dramatic Feature in competition at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival and screened to critical acclaim at this year's New Directors/ New Films Festival at MOMA and the Cannes Film Festival, Neil LaBute's directorial debut is quickly establishing itself as one of the most controversial, groundbreaking, and talked about American Independent films in years. Featuring newcomers Stacy Edwards and Aaron Eckhart who won Best Actress and Actor respectively at the Taormina International Film Festival, IN THE COMPANY OF MEN presents a dark twist on the classic love triangle set in the jungle of 90's corporate America.
IN THE COMPANY OF MEN is quickly becoming the "must see" film this summer capturing not only public attention but also that of the press, generating numerous articles discussing the politics of power. Its success proves that summer movie goers are increasingly interested in dialogue driven, thought provoking films.
SPC Co-President Tom Bernard adds, "We are thrilled by how strongly people are reacting to this film and that it is generating such exciting dialogue. The successful opening of IN THE COMPANY OF MEN typifies how effectively counterprogramming works in a summer dominated by Hollywood blockbusters."
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS HIRES TOM PRASSIS AS VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES
NEW YORK, NY, June 2, 1997 -- Sony Pictures Classics co-presidents Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom today announced that the company has hired Tom Prassis to the new position of Vice President of Sales.
In announcing that Prassis has joined the team at Sony Pictures Classics, co-president Tom Bernard said: "We have known Tom for many, many years, and his skill as a salesman and the respect he has earned in the distribution community is unparalleled. The fact that he is now working for us will surely make our position in the competitive specialized marketplace even stronger."
Said Barker: "Our relationships with exhibitors have been vital to our success in the theatrical business. Tom Prassis is a seasoned professional and will serve our customers in the best possible way as we grow the company. Sony Pictures Classics has acquired ten films in various stages of production in the last four months, and we will continue to acquire more films throughout the year. As we just did with our recent pre-buys of Sandra Goldbacher's 'The Governess,' Sally Potter's 'The Tango Lesson' and John Sayles' 'Men With Guns,' we are expanding our sights in the marketplace."
Said Prassis: "The team at Sony Pictures Classics has been consistently successful for many years, distributing the highest quality films in the marketplace. I have known Michael, Tom and Marcie since all of our careers began, and it is a pleasure to be a member of their team."
Tom Prassis comes to Sony Pictures Classics from October Films, where he worked on the wide release of David Lynch's "Lost Highway and the Academy runs of multiple Oscar nominees "Secrets and Lies" and "Breaking The Waves." In 1996, Prassis served as Head of Distribution for Artificial Eye, where he booked Claude Sautet's "Nelly and Monsieur Arnaud" and Eric Rohmer's "Rendezvous In Paris" into theaters nationwide. He worked previously Miramax Films, placing the low-budget, highly controversial "Kids" into wide release. In 1988, Prassis joined Original Cinema as Vice President of Marketing and Distribution, where he was singly responsible for distributing the arthouse hit "A Taxing Woman," directed by Juzo Itami.
Prassis has been involved in the film business for over 20 years. His career began as manager of the Fifth Avenue Cinema in Portland, Oregon. In 1981, Prassis was hired by director Wim Wenders and producer Chris Sievernich to organize the distribution company Gray City, Inc., to release all of Wenders' films in addition to those by other independent directors. One of those films was Jim Jarmusch's debut, "Permanent Vacation." His relationship with Jarmusch led to Prassis scripting the third segment of the director's breakout hit "Stranger Than Paradise."
Sony Pictures Classics was represented by several acclaimed films at the recent Cannes International Film Festival, including Gary Oldman's directorial debut, "Nil By Mouth." That film's lead actress, Cathy Burke, was just honored with the Best Actress prize at the Festival. "Nil By Mouth" opens this winter. Neil LaBute's controversial drama "IN THE COMPANY OF MEN," which opens August 1, screened in Un Certain Regard at Cannes, after being honored with the Filmmaker's Trophy at Sundance early this year. And Alain Berliner's acclaimed film "My Life In Pink" ("Ma Vie En Rose") was embraced by audiences and critics alike as it screened in the Directors Fortnight at Cannes. This fall, Sony Pictures Classics will release "The Myth of Fingerprints," Bart Freundlich's Sundance hit starring Julianne Moore, Noah Wyle, Blyth Danner and Roy Scheider, and Errol Morris' documentary "Fast, Cheap and Out of Control."
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS, PANDORA CINEMA JOIN FORCES ON SANDRA GOLDBACHER'S "THE GOVERNESS"
*Period Picture To Star Minnie Driver, Tom Wilkinson*CANNES, FRANCE, May 16, 1997 -- Sony Pictures Classics co-presidents Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom and Pandora Cinema president Ernst Goldschmidt announced that SPC has acquired North American, Latin American, Spanish and Australian rights in all media to the period romantic drama "The Governess," a new film written and to be directed by Sandra Goldbacher. Pandora Cinema handled the sale of the above territories and will handle foreign sales for all remaining territories. The film will be produced by Sarah Curtis ("Mrs. Brown") for Parallax Pictures, will be be executive produced by Sally Hibbin and will be photographed by Ashley Rowe ("B. Monkey," "Widow's Peak") on location in London and Scotland. "The Governess" goes into pre-production next week and will be filmed over the summer. Minne Driver ("Circle of Friends," "Grosse Pointe Plank," "Big Night") will star with Tom Wilkinson ("Priest," "Smilla's Sense of Snow," "The Full Monty").
The deal was completed in Cannes by Barker, Bernard and Goldschmidt. Financiers for the film are Pandora, Arts Council of England and Wales, British Screen and BBC Films. "The Governess" is Goldbacher's first feature; she is well known in Europe as a director of commercials.
Set in England between the Georgian and Victorian eras, "The Governess" takes its title from a young Jewish woman who, after the death of her father, is offered the job of a nanny for the gentile Cavendish family on the Isle of Skye off the coast of London. When Rosina Da Silva (Driver) changes her name to Mary Blackchurch to take the job, she is quickly taken in by the family as one of their own. But things become complicated as Mary discovers the experiments Mr. Cavendish (Wilkinson) is conducting behind the locked doors of his laboratory. Cavendish is close to discovering how to develop photographic images, and as he and Mary start working together on the project, their romantic attraction becomes irresistibly passionate.
In announcing the acquisition, Michael Barker said: "'The Governess' is a project we have been tracking for some time and we are thrilled to be a part of it at this early stage. The quality of Sandra Goldbacher's writing is extraordinary, and we feel that this picture -- with its beautifully drawn characters, romantic story line, fine actors, lush period settings and rich costumes -- will draw audiences all over the world. Our track record with pictures like this, from 'Howards End' to 'Persuasion,' speaks for itself."
Said Tom Bernard: "While we have occasionally acquired such films as 'The Myth of Fingerprints' and 'Howards End' at the script stage in the past, our deal on 'The Governess' and our recent acquisition of John Sayles' 'Men With Guns' should be a signal to the community that we are aggressively pursuing more pre-buys. Our goal is to become involved with many more high-quality films prior to production on a multi-territory basis. We look forward to working with Pandora and other high-profile foreign partners in the future."
Ernst Goldschmidt, president of Pandora Cinema, said: "I am thrilled to have completed this deal with Sony Pictures Classics. We have been colleagues for quite some time, and having worked together in the past, I feel they are the right company to disctribute this film."
Sony Pictures Classics is represented in Cannes by Gary Oldman's directorial debut, "Nil By Mouth," which is screening in the Official Competition and which the company will release this winter; by Neil LaBute's controversial drama "IN THE COMPANY OF MEN," screening in Un Certain Regard at Cannes, honored with the Filmmaker's Trophy at Sundance and which will open in the US this August; and by Alain Berliner's acclaimed film "My Life In Pink" ("Ma Vie En Rose"), which has been embraced by audiences and critics alike as it screened in the Directors Fortnight here.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS PROMOTES DYLAN LEINER TO VICE PRESIDENT OF ACQUISITIONS
CANNES, FRANCE, May 16, 1997 -- Sony Pictures Classics co-presidents Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom today announced that the company has promoted Dylan Leiner to Vice President of Acquisitions. The promotion comes in the wake of a flurry of acquisitions activity at the company, the co-presidents of which renewed their contact with Sony Pictures Entertainment in January of this year.
Leiner has been with Sony Pictures Classics three years. After serving as Director of Technical Services and Acquisitions, Leiner was promoted to Executive Director of Acquisitions and Post Production, a new post, last fall. This is Leiner's first trip to Cannes.
Tom Bernard, co-president of Sony Pictures Classics said: "Dylan has continually proved exceptional at handling a wide array of situations and gained the respect of filmmakers and sales agents around the world. We look forward to is involvement over the next several years."
Leiner, in collaboration with Barker, Bernard and Bloom, has been intimately involved in negotiations for all nine films that Sony Pictures Classics has acquired in the last three months. Two, John Sayles' "Men With Guns" and Sally Potter's "The Tango Lesson," were purchased on the basis of the script and the company's relationship with the filmmakers (SPC released both Sayles' "Lone Star" and Potter's "Orlando.") SPC plans to release "The Tango Lesson" at the end of the year, and has not yet set a release date for "Men With Guns."
Three of the acquisitions are screening at Cannes this year: Gary Oldman's directorial debut, "Nil By Mouth," premiered in the Official Competition here and will open in the US this winter; Neil LaBute's controversial film "IN THE COMPANY OF MEN" is screening in Un Certain Regard and opens in the U.S. this August; and Alain Berliner's acclaimed film "My Life In Pink," ("Ma Vie En Rose") will screen in Director's Fortnight and will open in the US at a date yet determined.
Sony Pictures Classics went on a full-fledged shopping spree during and in the wake of the 1997 Sundance Film Festival , where it acquired four films (more than any other company) including Cedric Klapich's acclaimed "When The Cat's Away, Errol Morris' documentary "Fast, Cheap and Out of Control," and Finn Taylor's American independent drama "Dream With the Fishes," opening this summer.
The company has two films in current release: the Academy Award nominee "A Chef In Love," directed by Nana Djordjadze, and the drama "Broken English," directed by Gregor Nicholas, which SPC acquired at Cannes last year. It will release Bart Freundlich's acclaimed drama "The Myth of Fingerprints," starring Noah Wyle, Roy Scheider, Blythe Danner and Hope Davis, this fall. Prior to joining SPC in June 1994, Leiner worked at Jim Henson Productions and for the acclaimed television series "My So-Called Life."
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SONY
PICTURES CLASSICS TO DISTRIBUTE
GARY OLDMAN'S DIRECTORIAL DEBUT "NIL BY MOUTH"
NEW YORK, NY, April 28, 1997 -- Sony Pictures Classics co-presidents Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom today announced that the company has completed a deal to distribute Gary Oldman's directorial debut "Nil by Mouth" in all media in North America, South America, Australia and Spain. Starring Kathy Burke, Charlie Greed-Miles, Edna Dore, Laila Morse and Ray Winston, "Nil By Mouth" is produced by Luc Besson, Douglas Urbanski and Oldman. The film is written by Oldman and came to Sony Pictures Classics through Luc Besson's overall production and development deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment. The film will have its world premiere in competition at the 50th Cannes International Film Festival next month. Besson's sci-fi thriller "The Fifth Element," starring Bruce Willis and Oldman, will open the Cannes Film Festival on May 7th.
"Nil By Mouth" takes a realistic look at modern day England rarely depicted in motion pictures. Featuring an original score by Eric Clapton, "Nil By Mouth" explores the lives of those individuals who find it difficult to exist in today's world. The story, it's characters, the setting and the mood are taken from a series of memories that writer/director Oldman had while growing up in a South London working class family. The characters, through the prevalence of humor, deal with addiction, co-dependency, and the complexities of human interaction, spousal abuse and poverty. Their behavior and human interaction is colored by their language, often violent and profane, and their lack of communication skills between the sexes or generations.
In announcing the agreement to distribute the film Barker, Bernard and Bloom said: "'Nil By Mouth' is one of the toughest, most brilliant films we've ever seen. Gary Oldman's talent as a filmmaker is masterful. It is a privilege to be involved."
Said Oldman: "I am very happy that Sony Pictures Classics is releasing my film. 'Nil By Mouth' is a deeply personal film for me, and Sony Pictures Classics seems to take the extra care to make a film like this work."
Sony Pictures Classics just acquired John Sayles' latest film, "Men With Guns," as well as Alain Berliner's "My Life in Pink" ("Ma Vie en Rose"), which will screen in the Directors Fortnight section of the 50th Cannes International Film Festival. The company has a diverse slate of upcoming releases, including Nana Djordjadze's "A Chef In Love," which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and opened today; Cedric Klapich's acclaimed "When The Cat's Away," which just opened the prestigious "New Directors / New Films" series at the Museum of Modern art; Neil LaBute's controversial film "IN THE COMPANY OF MEN," which was honored with the Filmmaker's Trophy at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival, opening this August; Errol Morris' documentary "Fast, Cheap and Out of Control" and Finn Taylor's American independent drama "Dream With the Fishes," both of which were premieres at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival; Bart Freundlich's acclaimed drama "The Myth of Fingerprints," starring Noah Wyle, Roy Scheider, Blythe Danner and Hope Davis; and "The Tango Lesson," the new film from "Orlando" director Sally Potter. Sony Pictures Classics plans to release "Nil by Mouth" domestically this winter. Columbia TriStar Film Distributors International will handle the film in the foreign territories.
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SONY PICTURES CLASSICS ACQUIRES JOHN SAYLES' NEW FILM, "MEN WITH GUNS" ("HOMBRES ARMADOS")
Deal Re-Unites Writer / Director of "Lone Star" with Sony Pictures ClassicsNEW YORK, NY, April 23, 1997 -- Sony Pictures Classics co-presidents Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and Marcie Bloom today announced that the company has acquired all North American, South American and British rights to John Sayles' latest film, "Men With Guns" ("Hombres Armados"). The deal reunites Sayles with the Sony Pictures Classics team, who distributed the writer/director's most recent effort, "Lone Star." The Castle Rock Entertainment production, "Lone Star" is Sayles' most financially successful film to date, having grossed over $14 million in the U.S. and earned Sayles an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. "Men With Guns" is currently in post-production; Sony Pictures Classics acquired the film based on its final shooting script and meetings with Sayles and his producers Maggie Renzi and Paul Miller. The deal for "Men With Guns" was completed by Barker, Bernard and Bloom and John Sloss, Sayles' attorney and executive producer.
"Men With Guns" is a raw political drama about the danger of ignorance. It stars the great Argentine actor Federico Luppi as Fuentes, a rich doctor in the capital city of a fictional Latin American country. There is blood on Dr. Fuentes' hands: the student doctors he trained and sent away to care for people in the most remote villages of the countryside have all disappeared.
Unaware or unwilling to admit the danger of his quest, Fuentes searches for his students village by village and rumour by rumour. The secret conflict between the army and the guerillas has made doctors the enemy to all.
Fuentes is joined by Conejo (Dan Rivera), a precocious young con artist who has seen genocide first hand and knows the paths it has taken. Fuentes and Conejo are taken hostage by Domingo (Damian Delgado), an angry army medic who has deserted and become a common thief.
Said Tom Bernard: "While we have occasionally acquired such films as 'The Myth of Fingerprints' and 'Howards End' at the script stage in the past, our deal on 'The Governess' and our recent acquisition of John Sayles' 'Men With Guns' should be a signal to the community that we are aggressively pursuing more pre-buys. Our goal is to become involved with many more high-quality films prior to production on a multi-territory basis. We look forward to working with Pandora and other high-profile foreign partners in the future."
Fuentes' search brings him deeper into the jungle. Death envelops every village. We meet a Priest (Damian Alcazer), a failed martyr who is resigned to his fate as a living ghost; an American couple (Mandy Patinkin and Kathryn Grody), whose ignorance of the region's history and people does not dampen their bourgeois enthusiasm; and a young woman (Tanya Cruz) who has been stricken mute after being raped by men with guns.
"Men With Guns" was photographed by Slawomir Idziak on locations all over Mexico, from urban neighborhoods of Mexico City to the jungles of Chiapas.
In announcing the acquisition, Barker, Bernard and Bloom said: "John Sayles is clearly at the peak of his distinguished career. He is perhaps the greatest American independent filmmaker working today. We tracked his plans for a follow-up to 'Lone Star' with keen interest, and it is a privilege to be working with John, Maggie and Paul again."
"Like 'Lone Star,'" Barker, Bernard and Bloom continued, "'Men With Guns' is a finely crafted narrative that brings diverse characters together and explores their actions with nobility, humanity and a dramatic honesty that is unique to Sayles' films."
Sony Pictures Classics has a diverse slate of upcoming releases, including Nana Djordjadze's "A Chef In Love," which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, opening this Friday; Cedric Klapich's acclaimed "When The Cat's Away," which just opened the prestigious "New Directors / New Films" series at the Museum of Modern art; Neil LaBute's controversial film "IN THE COMPANY OF MEN," which was honored with the Filmmaker's Trophy at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival, opening this August; Errol Morris' documentary "Fast, Cheap and Out of Control" and Finn Taylor's American independent drama "Dream With the Fishes," both of which were premieres at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival; Bart Freundlich's acclaimed drama "The Myth of Fingerprints," starring Noah Wyle, Roy Scheider, Blythe Danner and Hope Davis; and "The Tango Lesson," the new film from "Orlando" director Sally Potter.
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