Saban Films has acquired North American and South African rights to “So Cold The River,” a new thriller from Paul Shoulberg. The deal, which was forged with UK-based distribution and sales company Blue Finch Films, also includes rights to distribute the film in Australia and New Zealand rights via Saban’s partners at Defiant Screen Entertainment.
Shoulberg, best known for “The Good Catholic,” also wrote the script, an adaptation of the novel by Michael Koryta (“Those Who Wish Me Dead”). The film stars Bethany Joy Lenz as a documentary filmmaker who soon realizes her subject isn’t who he claims to be.
The film also stars Andrew J. West (“Once Upon a Time”), Katie Sarife (“Annabelle Comes Home”) and Alysia Reiner (“Orange is the New Black”) and is a co-production between 1804 Productions and Pigasus Pictures. It is produced by Claire Tuft, Zachary Spicer, and John Armstrong. Executive producers are Pete Yonkman,...
Shoulberg, best known for “The Good Catholic,” also wrote the script, an adaptation of the novel by Michael Koryta (“Those Who Wish Me Dead”). The film stars Bethany Joy Lenz as a documentary filmmaker who soon realizes her subject isn’t who he claims to be.
The film also stars Andrew J. West (“Once Upon a Time”), Katie Sarife (“Annabelle Comes Home”) and Alysia Reiner (“Orange is the New Black”) and is a co-production between 1804 Productions and Pigasus Pictures. It is produced by Claire Tuft, Zachary Spicer, and John Armstrong. Executive producers are Pete Yonkman,...
- 11/10/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Saban Films President Bill Bromiley and Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Shanan Becker have renewed their contracts with the Los Angeles-based global film acquisition and distribution company through the end of 2024. The new deals keep the two critical executives in the fold. Bromiley and Becker founded the company in May 2014, and during their tenure, Saban Films have released a total of 148 films through the end of 2021.
Over the last year, Bromiley and Becker have expanded Saban Films’ presence in the industry, boarding a greater number of projects at the script stage and setting distribution deals beyond North America in territories including the United Kingdom and Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand. Next year will also see the culmination of Saban Films field 60 releases, doubling the output of films in just two years.
“Bill and Shanan have successfully grown Saban Films since its formation in 2015. They...
Over the last year, Bromiley and Becker have expanded Saban Films’ presence in the industry, boarding a greater number of projects at the script stage and setting distribution deals beyond North America in territories including the United Kingdom and Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Scandinavia, Australia and New Zealand. Next year will also see the culmination of Saban Films field 60 releases, doubling the output of films in just two years.
“Bill and Shanan have successfully grown Saban Films since its formation in 2015. They...
- 10/14/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Saban Films has acquired U.S., Canadian and Spanish rights to the survival thriller “Borrego” from writer and director Jesse Harris. The film stars Lucy Hale, Nicholas Gonzalez, Olivia Trujillo and Leynar Gómez. Hale also serves as an executive producer on the film alongside Tucci & Company, Garrett Patten, Frank Harris and Michael Gooch.
“Borrego” follows Elly (Hale), a young botanist who relocates to a small desert town to study an invasive plant species, and is kidnapped by an inexperienced drug mule (Gómez) after his ultralight plane crashes in the desert. A local sheriff (Gonzalez) is drawn into the hunt alongside his rebellious daughter (Trujillo). They all become entangled in the drug underworld of the Mexico-u.S. border.
Damiano Tucci, Tiziano Tucci, Greg Lauritano, Nancy Cartwright and Monica Gil-Rodriguez produced the film, which was shot in southern Spain.
“We’re thrilled to bring this suspenseful, action-packed ride to audiences,” Saban...
“Borrego” follows Elly (Hale), a young botanist who relocates to a small desert town to study an invasive plant species, and is kidnapped by an inexperienced drug mule (Gómez) after his ultralight plane crashes in the desert. A local sheriff (Gonzalez) is drawn into the hunt alongside his rebellious daughter (Trujillo). They all become entangled in the drug underworld of the Mexico-u.S. border.
Damiano Tucci, Tiziano Tucci, Greg Lauritano, Nancy Cartwright and Monica Gil-Rodriguez produced the film, which was shot in southern Spain.
“We’re thrilled to bring this suspenseful, action-packed ride to audiences,” Saban...
- 10/7/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Saban Films is getting in the Nicolas Cage business.
The studio has acquired “Butcher’s Crossing,” a frontier epic that stars the off-beat, Oscar winner as a buffalo hunter. The deal covers rights in North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Scandinavia.
Gabe Polsky, who directed the documentary “Red Penguins,” slides behind the camera on this one. He wrote the script, as well. It’s an adaptation of a novel by John Williams. The film is produced by Polsky and Molly Conners of Phiphen Pictures alongside Will Clarke and Andy Mayson for Altitude Film Entertainment and Cage’s Saturn Films. Ingenious Media is funding, with Peter Touche, Jamie Jessop and Christelle Conan executive producing. Principal photography will begin this fall.
“Butcher’s Crossing” is set in the 1870s, and finds Cage’s character taking on a young Harvard dropout, who is seeking his destiny in the Colorado wilderness.
The studio has acquired “Butcher’s Crossing,” a frontier epic that stars the off-beat, Oscar winner as a buffalo hunter. The deal covers rights in North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Scandinavia.
Gabe Polsky, who directed the documentary “Red Penguins,” slides behind the camera on this one. He wrote the script, as well. It’s an adaptation of a novel by John Williams. The film is produced by Polsky and Molly Conners of Phiphen Pictures alongside Will Clarke and Andy Mayson for Altitude Film Entertainment and Cage’s Saturn Films. Ingenious Media is funding, with Peter Touche, Jamie Jessop and Christelle Conan executive producing. Principal photography will begin this fall.
“Butcher’s Crossing” is set in the 1870s, and finds Cage’s character taking on a young Harvard dropout, who is seeking his destiny in the Colorado wilderness.
- 9/21/2021
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
In a statement buy, Saban Films has acquired rights to North America – along with Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, France, South Africa and Scandinavia – on Bruce Willis starrer “Soul Assassin.”
Directed by Jesse Atlas, the revenge thriller also stars Nomzamo Mbatha (“Coming 2 America”) and Barry Jay Minoff (“Exposure”). Atlas wrote “Soul Assassin” along with Aaron Wolfe, based on their short film, “Let Them Die Like Lovers.” Jeff Elliott produced; 120dB Films co-financed the film with Elliott’s Brickell & Broadbridge.
Set to release in 2022, “Soul Assassin” recently wrapped principal photography. It turns on a former black-ops soldier who takes the place of a man who died as part of an experimental military program, in order to find out who killed him.
Saban Films have boarded multiple Willis movies of late such as Chuck Russell’s recently announced “Paradise City,” Jared Cohn’s “Reactor,” and the recently released “Cosmic Sin” and the “Breach.
Directed by Jesse Atlas, the revenge thriller also stars Nomzamo Mbatha (“Coming 2 America”) and Barry Jay Minoff (“Exposure”). Atlas wrote “Soul Assassin” along with Aaron Wolfe, based on their short film, “Let Them Die Like Lovers.” Jeff Elliott produced; 120dB Films co-financed the film with Elliott’s Brickell & Broadbridge.
Set to release in 2022, “Soul Assassin” recently wrapped principal photography. It turns on a former black-ops soldier who takes the place of a man who died as part of an experimental military program, in order to find out who killed him.
Saban Films have boarded multiple Willis movies of late such as Chuck Russell’s recently announced “Paradise City,” Jared Cohn’s “Reactor,” and the recently released “Cosmic Sin” and the “Breach.
- 7/9/2021
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
The crime drama is set to premiere at next month’s Locarno Film Festival.
Saban Films has acquired North American and UK rights to Ida Red, an action thriller starring Josh Hartnett, Frank Grillo and Melissa Leo.
John Swab wrote and directed the film, set to get its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival on August 11.
Shot last year in Oklahoma during the pandemic, the film is a neo-Western about an American crime family led by Ida ‘Red’ Walker (Leo), who is trying to survive her 20-year prison sentence for armed robbery. Ida turns to her son (Hartnett) for...
Saban Films has acquired North American and UK rights to Ida Red, an action thriller starring Josh Hartnett, Frank Grillo and Melissa Leo.
John Swab wrote and directed the film, set to get its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival on August 11.
Shot last year in Oklahoma during the pandemic, the film is a neo-Western about an American crime family led by Ida ‘Red’ Walker (Leo), who is trying to survive her 20-year prison sentence for armed robbery. Ida turns to her son (Hartnett) for...
- 7/8/2021
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Expansion move follows distribution pact with Altitude for the UK and Ireland.
US distributor Saban Films has accelerated its global expansion plans, striking distribution partnerships with several European firms ahead of the Cannes Film Festival.
After entering the UK and Ireland distribution market last September in a pact with Altitude Media Group, Saban has now partnered with distributors in key European territories and plans to release at least 15 titles annually through their new associates.
They include Splendid in Austria and Germany; Ace Entertainment in France; Mis.Label in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland; Key2Media in Spain; and Defiant Screen Entertainment...
US distributor Saban Films has accelerated its global expansion plans, striking distribution partnerships with several European firms ahead of the Cannes Film Festival.
After entering the UK and Ireland distribution market last September in a pact with Altitude Media Group, Saban has now partnered with distributors in key European territories and plans to release at least 15 titles annually through their new associates.
They include Splendid in Austria and Germany; Ace Entertainment in France; Mis.Label in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland; Key2Media in Spain; and Defiant Screen Entertainment...
- 6/24/2021
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Saban Films has landed the North American distribution rights to the upcoming action thriller “Gasoline Alley.”
The film — written, directed and produced by Edward Drake — is led by Bruce Willis, Devon Sawa and Luke Wilson. Set in the underbelly of Los Angeles, Sawa plays a man drawn into a high-profile triple murder. The two police detectives on his tail (Willis and Wilson) soon join him in attempting to uncover an explosive conspiracy.
The project, also produced by Corey Large, is eyeing a February 2022 release. BondIt Media Capital, 308 Ent, Highland Film Group and Yale Productions are also producers. This is the latest in numerous collaborations between Willis and Saban, which released films like “Paradise City,” “Cosmic Sin” and “Breach.”
“We have loved all our partnerships with Bruce Willis and are excited to unite again with him and Edward on ‘Gasoline Alley,'” said Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley. Matthew Helderman, CEO and co-founder of BondIt,...
The film — written, directed and produced by Edward Drake — is led by Bruce Willis, Devon Sawa and Luke Wilson. Set in the underbelly of Los Angeles, Sawa plays a man drawn into a high-profile triple murder. The two police detectives on his tail (Willis and Wilson) soon join him in attempting to uncover an explosive conspiracy.
The project, also produced by Corey Large, is eyeing a February 2022 release. BondIt Media Capital, 308 Ent, Highland Film Group and Yale Productions are also producers. This is the latest in numerous collaborations between Willis and Saban, which released films like “Paradise City,” “Cosmic Sin” and “Breach.”
“We have loved all our partnerships with Bruce Willis and are excited to unite again with him and Edward on ‘Gasoline Alley,'” said Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley. Matthew Helderman, CEO and co-founder of BondIt,...
- 6/8/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
The road to hell is paved with movies like “Under the Stadium Lights,” a well-intentioned but wearyingly ponderous and curiously disjointed faith-based drama about football players and their dedicated chaplain at a high school in Abilene, Texas. It doesn’t help much that, with its bumpy pacing, gaping plot holes, and supporting characters who grab attention and then inexplicably disappear, the movie plays like a miniseries that has been ruthlessly cut down to feature length. And it helps even less that the sluggish narrative is repeatedly and interminably padded with local TV footage of actual 2009 football games emblazoned with on-screen signage for local advertisers.
During the opening minutes, we’re informed: “Here in Abilene, we got faith, we got family, and we got football. The Holy Trinity.” Lest you think that just a smidge sacrilegious, consider the source: Chad Mitchell, an Abilene clergyman who serves as spiritual advisor for the...
During the opening minutes, we’re informed: “Here in Abilene, we got faith, we got family, and we got football. The Holy Trinity.” Lest you think that just a smidge sacrilegious, consider the source: Chad Mitchell, an Abilene clergyman who serves as spiritual advisor for the...
- 6/3/2021
- by Joe Leydon
- Variety Film + TV
Saban Films has launched a new trailer for ‘Under The Stadium Lights’ featuring Laurence Fishburne and Milo Gibson.
Based on the true story of a small-town high school football team who beat all the odds to win their state championship. After a crushing defeat ended their prior season, everyone counted the Abilene Eagles out of title contention. Facing doubts and personal challenges both on and off the field, it will take the guidance of their team chaplain (Gibson) and a surrogate father figure (Fishburne) for them to realize what they can achieve when they stand united as a team. In this uplifting underdog story, the Abilene Eagles will once again soar in an incredible comeback that will be forever remembered in sports history.
Directed by Todd Randall, Abigail Hawk, Acoryé White, Carter Redwood, Germain Arroyo, Adrian Favela, Eddie George, Glenn Morshower also star.
Also in trailers – The first teaser trailer...
Based on the true story of a small-town high school football team who beat all the odds to win their state championship. After a crushing defeat ended their prior season, everyone counted the Abilene Eagles out of title contention. Facing doubts and personal challenges both on and off the field, it will take the guidance of their team chaplain (Gibson) and a surrogate father figure (Fishburne) for them to realize what they can achieve when they stand united as a team. In this uplifting underdog story, the Abilene Eagles will once again soar in an incredible comeback that will be forever remembered in sports history.
Directed by Todd Randall, Abigail Hawk, Acoryé White, Carter Redwood, Germain Arroyo, Adrian Favela, Eddie George, Glenn Morshower also star.
Also in trailers – The first teaser trailer...
- 4/15/2021
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Exclusive: We hear that Film Bridge International will be handling the international and domestic rights to the Milo Gibson-Laurence Fishburne sports drama Brother’s Keeper. Deadline first told you about the project coming together in August 2018 from Minneapolis-based upstart production company Winsterstate Entertainment.
Brother’s Keeper follows the true story of West Texas’ ’09 Abilene High School football team — underdogs who rally against the odds to form a family and win their state championship. Todd Randall directed the movie, which was adapted from the book of the same name by Al Pickett and Chad Mitchell. The producers are Hamid and Camille Torabpour, Dr. Mark Smith and Stelio Savante. The movie wrapped its principal shoot before the Covid-19 pandemic and has been in post-production, with current below-the-line post crew observing social distancing protocols. The movie also stars country singer Bucky Covington who plays a high school coach, and is contributing new music...
Brother’s Keeper follows the true story of West Texas’ ’09 Abilene High School football team — underdogs who rally against the odds to form a family and win their state championship. Todd Randall directed the movie, which was adapted from the book of the same name by Al Pickett and Chad Mitchell. The producers are Hamid and Camille Torabpour, Dr. Mark Smith and Stelio Savante. The movie wrapped its principal shoot before the Covid-19 pandemic and has been in post-production, with current below-the-line post crew observing social distancing protocols. The movie also stars country singer Bucky Covington who plays a high school coach, and is contributing new music...
- 6/19/2020
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, Bucky Covington is cast as a coach, casting director Kerry Barden is honored and “The Karate Kid” will get a two-day rerelease.
Casting
Country music star Bucky Covington is joining Milo Gibson and Laurence Fishburne in the sports drama “Brother’s Keeper” as a high school football coach.
Covington is also contributing new music that he’s written and will perform in the film, which is based on the 2009 team from Abilene that won the Texas state championship despite obstacles faced by team members.
The Winter State film is directed by Todd Randall, adapted from the book by the same name by Al Pickett and Chad Mitchell. The producers of “Brother’s Keeper” are Hamid and Camille Torabpour and Dr. Mark Smith.
Festival Honor
The Method Fest Independent Film Festival will honor casting director Kerry Barden during its March 22-28 run at Laemmle’s...
Casting
Country music star Bucky Covington is joining Milo Gibson and Laurence Fishburne in the sports drama “Brother’s Keeper” as a high school football coach.
Covington is also contributing new music that he’s written and will perform in the film, which is based on the 2009 team from Abilene that won the Texas state championship despite obstacles faced by team members.
The Winter State film is directed by Todd Randall, adapted from the book by the same name by Al Pickett and Chad Mitchell. The producers of “Brother’s Keeper” are Hamid and Camille Torabpour and Dr. Mark Smith.
Festival Honor
The Method Fest Independent Film Festival will honor casting director Kerry Barden during its March 22-28 run at Laemmle’s...
- 2/5/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Milo Gibson — the son of Mel Gibson — and Laurence Fishburne have signed on to star in the sports drama Brother’s Keeper for Winter State Entertainment, an upstart production company out of Minnesota started by husbannd/wife indie film producing team of Hamid and Camille Torabpour.
Brother’s Keeper is described as an inspirational sports drama that follows the true story of West Texas’ 2009 Abilene High School football team — underdogs who rallied against odds to win their state championship and is said to be in the vein of Friday Night Lights. Production is underway, and the film is expected to wrap in November with its football scenes staged at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene, TX.
Directed by Todd Randall and adapted from the book by Al Pickett and Chad Mitchell, Brother’s Keeper is being produced by the Torabpours and Dr. Mark Smith.
Several major distributors are in talks with Winter State,...
Brother’s Keeper is described as an inspirational sports drama that follows the true story of West Texas’ 2009 Abilene High School football team — underdogs who rallied against odds to win their state championship and is said to be in the vein of Friday Night Lights. Production is underway, and the film is expected to wrap in November with its football scenes staged at Shotwell Stadium in Abilene, TX.
Directed by Todd Randall and adapted from the book by Al Pickett and Chad Mitchell, Brother’s Keeper is being produced by the Torabpours and Dr. Mark Smith.
Several major distributors are in talks with Winter State,...
- 8/20/2018
- by Anita Busch
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Milo Gibson has signed with Alchemy Entertainment for management and is also joining Millennium Media’s Rod Lurie-directed film The Outpost based on CNN anchor and chief Washington correspondent Jake Tapper’s novel.
Adapted by Oscar-nominated The Fighter writing duo Paul Tamasy and Eric Johnson, The Outpost tells the true story of the 53 U.S. soldiers who battled a force of some 400 enemy insurgents in northeastern Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Originally built to engage the locals in community development projects, Combat Outpost Keating — located at the bottom of three steep mountains just 14 miles from the Pakistani border — faced a constant threat of being attacked by the Taliban, putting the U.S. soldiers stationed there at significant risk. When the brass finally chose to close the base, the Taliban enemy found out and decided to make a statement.
Gibson will play Captain Robert Yllescas, who was killed during...
Adapted by Oscar-nominated The Fighter writing duo Paul Tamasy and Eric Johnson, The Outpost tells the true story of the 53 U.S. soldiers who battled a force of some 400 enemy insurgents in northeastern Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Originally built to engage the locals in community development projects, Combat Outpost Keating — located at the bottom of three steep mountains just 14 miles from the Pakistani border — faced a constant threat of being attacked by the Taliban, putting the U.S. soldiers stationed there at significant risk. When the brass finally chose to close the base, the Taliban enemy found out and decided to make a statement.
Gibson will play Captain Robert Yllescas, who was killed during...
- 8/17/2018
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
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