Endemol has entered an exclusive first-look development and distribution deal with UK drama producer Mam Tor Productions Limited. The Big Brother producer will provide development funding and deficit financing during the three-year deal in return for exclusive first-look distribution rights to Mam Tor’s output. Mam Tor was founded in April by former film and TV agent Tally Garner who previously ran Curtis Brown’s in-house production company Cuba Pictures. Her credits include BAFTA winning drama Boy A with Andrew Garfield, and Rufus Norris’ feature Broken. She also exec-produces BBC One’s adaptation of Jonathan Strange And Mr Norrell.
The Riviera resort town of Cannes, known for that little film fest, has reportedly partnered with an East China county to build a film city with the goal of launching a Cannes-esque world-class festival there. China Daily says that Anji county in Zhejiang province is in on the deal initiated by the city of Cannes along with the China Film Exchanges and Cooperation Association and the Asia Pacific Exchange and Cooperation Foundation. The three partners plan to spend about $1B setting up a French-style “film city” in Anji that can provide film, cultural and tourism services to Chinese citizens. “This film festival should also maintain strong Chinese features,” APECF exec Xiao Wunan said. “We hope this program can push China’s film industry to a higher level.”
Screen Yorkshire has made a significant investment in Jonathan Mostow-helmed actioner Hunter’s Prayer. The $25M U.S/UK co-production was previously known as For The Dogs. The regional UK body is making the investment via its Yorkshire Content Fund. Sam Worthington stars as a solitary assassin who is hired to kill a young girl but can’t bring himself to do it. After he fails to carry out the task, both are marked for death and hunted across Europe. Their only hope is to find out why her family was wiped out and bring those responsible to justice. Hailee Steinfeld was initially attached and then Emma Roberts stepped in, but she is no longer in the mix. Shooting starts in Yorkshire this fall and then moves to Hungary. Hunter’s Prayer is produced by Navid McIlhargey and Anthony Rhulen for Film Engine; Chris Milburn for Midsummer Films; John and Michael Schwarz and Sam Worthington for Full Clip; and Paul Leyden. The story is based on the Kevin Wignall novel and was adapted by Leyden, Oren Moverman, and John Brancato and Michael Ferris. Sierra/Affinity is handling international sales.
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