|
Frank
Jan 23, 2014 14:26:45 GMT -6
Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Jan 23, 2014 14:26:45 GMT -6
Magnolia is zeroing in on a low seven-figure domestic deal for Frank, the Lenny Abrahamson-directed film about a band that is led by an eclectic genius lead singer who, everywhere he goes, wears an oversized head, even on stage. Now, this has been one of the most intriguing titles, given that the actor playing him is Michael Fassbender, the hunky Irishman who was just Oscar-nominated for his role in 12 Years A Slave.
The film also stars Maggie Gyllenhaal, Scoot McNairy and Domhnall Gleeson and the vantage point is a fledgling musician who joins the band. The film is repped by WME Global, and while the deal flow has been a bit on the slow side, that agency has managed to close a deal through all of the six days of the fest. I wrote about how Graham Taylor’s Sundance team of Mark Ankner, Liesl Copland and Alexis Garcia got minted as partners, and maybe that was the extra motivation, but they bagged the fest’s first big deal on the opening night film Whiplash, and haven’t let up. Frank first premiered last Friday night at the Eccles Theater.
|
|
|
Frank
Jan 24, 2014 17:20:02 GMT -6
Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Jan 24, 2014 17:20:02 GMT -6
Magnolia Pictures has closed a deal to acquire North American rights to “Frank,” the Sundance Premiere selection that stars Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Scoot McNairy.
The comedy, in which Fassbender plays a musician who wears a large paper-mache head at all times, was directed by Lenny Abrahamson.
“Frank” was produced by Ed Guiney, David Barron and Stevie Lee, and executive producers are Tessa Ross, Katherine Butler, Andrew Lowe and Nigel Williams. It’s an Element Pictures/Runaway Fridge production for Film4, BFI, Protagonist Pictures and the Irish Film Board.
Fassbender plays the leader of a pop band who hides behind a large fake head. The fictional story is loosely inspired by Frank Sidebottom, the persona of cult musician and comedian Chris Sievey.
“All of us at Magnolia were completely taken with ‘Frank,” said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles. “It reaffirms the considerable talents of Lenny Abrahamson, who has delivered a beautiful, poignant and hilarious film that speaks on many levels about being an artist. That Michael Fassbender can be so affecting while encased in a papier-mâché head proves that he is one of the greatest actors working today.”
The deal was negotiated for Magnolia by senior VP of acquisitions Dori Begley and director of acquisitions John Von Thaden, with WME and Protagonist Pictures on behalf of the filmmakers. Protagonist is handling worldwide sales.
Magnolia is looking at a summer release for the film.
|
|