FOR THEATRICAL RELEASE IN THE U.S.
Michôd’s follow-up to critically acclaimed Animal Kingdom stars Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson.
A24 today announced the acquisition of David Michôd’s latest film THE ROVER for theatrical release in the U.S. The slow-burn thriller stars Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson and is set in the Australian desert in a dangerous and damaged near future. The film was written by Michôd and based on a story conceived by Michôd and Joel Edgerton. THE ROVER was produced by Liz Watts for Porchlight Film and David Linde under his Lava Bear Films banner, along with Michôd. The film also co-stars Scoot McNairy, David Field, Anthony Hayes, Gillian Jones and Susan Prior. Celebrated Argentinean filmmaker Natsha Braier acted as Director of Photography and Michôd also teamed up again with Animal Kingdom Production Designer, Jo Ford.
THE ROVER is set in a world ten years following the collapse of the western economic system, where Australia’s mineral resources have drawn the desperados and dangerous to its shores. With society in decline, the rule of law has disintegrated and life is cheap. The film follows hardened loner Eric (Pearce), who travels the desolate towns and roads of the Australian outback. When a gang of thieves steals his car they leave behind the wounded Rey (Pattinson) in their wake. Forcing Rey to help track the gang, Eric will go to any lengths to take back the one thing that matters to him.
A24 says: “David Michôd is a visionary filmmaker and we are thrilled to work with him to bring THE ROVER to US audiences. The movie will undoubtedly confirm his singular voice and distinctive gift for creating arresting visuals and indelible characters.”
Soon after confirming the U.S. deal producers Liz Watts and David Linde commented that ”A24 is a perfect fit for THE ROVER - a young, innovative and exciting company at the cutting edge of the independent sector in the US, they have contributed to an already exciting array of global distribution partners, and we are pleased to be partnering with them on the future release of the film.”
A24 negotiated the deal with UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the filmmakers and FilmNation Entertainment. UTA also represents Michôd. Prior to selling the U.S. rights to A24, FilmNation Entertainment licensed the film to a majority of territories worldwide based on selectively showing a two-minute reel of footage from the film.
The film was shot this spring on location in the deserts of South Australia, and is currently in post-production in Sydney. Village Roadshow will release the film in Australia and New Zealand. THE ROVER’S investment partners include Screen Australia, the South Australian Film Corporation and Screen NSW, and financial partners Fulcrum Media and the Union Bank.
ABOUT A24
Launched in the summer of 2012, A24 is a New York-based media company focused on the distribution, financing and production of feature films. They currently have one of the most successful independent releases of the summer with Sofia Coppola's highly buzzed about THE BLING RING. James Ponsoldt's Sundance darling, THE SPECTACULAR NOW will be released on August 2. The company previously released Harmony Korine's incredibly successful SPRING BREAKERS starring Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson, Rachel Korine, and James Franco. Other titles include Roman Coppola's star-studded comedy A GLIMPSE INSIDE THE MIND OF CHARLES SWAN III and Sally Potter's critically acclaimed GINGER & ROSA starring Elle Fanning.
ABOUT PORCHLIGHT FILMS
Principal producers Liz Watts and Vincent Sheehan established production company Porchlight Films with co-director Anita Sheehan in 1997. Their titles include both feature films and television working with the very best of Australian and international talent including David Michôd's Animal Kingdom, Cate Shortland’s Lore, Tony Krawitz’ Dead Europe, The Hunter starring Willem Dafoe, Little Fish starring Cate Blanchett, The Home Song Stories starring Joan Chen, and the critically acclaimed features, Mullet and Walking on Water.
ABOUT LAVA BEAR FILMS
Lava Bear Films was founded in 2011 as a film production and financing company developing projects specifically designed for the global marketplace. Leveraging CEO David Linde’s industry experience, success at building filmed entertainment related businesses and harnessing both traditional means of distribution as well as new technologies, platforms and markets, the company offers tremendous opportunities to creative partners worldwide. Reliance Entertainment is a major equity partner in the venture. Lava Bear has a production and distribution agreement with Universal Pictures along with a network of direct distribution partnerships in several key territories around the globe with leading distribution companies overseas. Lava Bear’s upcoming slate include films being produced in partnership with Doug Davison, Guillermo del Toro, Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps, Baltasar Kormakur and David S. Goyer, among others.
ABOUT FILMNATION ENTERTAINMENT
Founded in 2008 by veteran international film executive Glen Basner, FilmNation Entertainment is a new kind of film company – global, versatile and full-service; and is a go-to destination for many of the world’s most renowned filmmakers (including Steven Soderbergh, Terrence Malick, Pedro Almodóvar, Jeff Nichols and Sofia Coppola). FilmNation can board a project in a myriad of ways (as a producer, financier, sales agent, international distributor or marketer) and at any stage in a film’s lifespan including development. FilmNation titles have grossed over $1 billion at the worldwide box office and the future looks to be even more successful with the company’s diversified global sales slate and the company’s own productions led by production vet Aaron Ryder. FilmNation has also forged a number of strategic relationships with some of the most prolific, respected producers and financiers operating in the film.
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