US Deal For Kiwi Horror The Ferryman

US Deal For Kiwi Horror The Ferryman

April 11, 2007 – NZ Time
First Look Studios has acquired all North American rights to the mythically charged horror THE FERRYMAN, it was announced today in Los Angeles (Tuesday, April 10, 2007 Pacific US time).

THE FERRYMAN stars John Rhys Davies alongside Kerry Fox and Tamer Hassan.

Chris Graham (helmer of Kiwi box office hit (Sione’s Wedding) is director of THE FERRYMAN which was written by Nick Ward (Stickmen).

The deal was negotiated by First Look Studios’ Executive Vice President of Acquisitions, Gary Hirsch and Director of Legal Affairs, Brenda Anderson with NZ Film’s Head of Sales & Marketing, Kathleen Drumm and Business Affairs Executive James Thompson.

“New Zealand is making films like ‘THE FERRYMAN’ which have commercial appeal and provide us with exciting new opportunities for our markets” says Hirsch. “We are pleased that we could acquire this film and develop our relationship with New Zealand.” First Look Studios and NZ Film began early negotiations after last year’s AFM and closed the deal during the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.

In another deal recently inked by THE FERRYMAN sales agent NZ Film, Legend Film has acquired German rights to the movie. A UK deal is presently in negotiation.
THE FERRYMAN will have its world premiere on Wednesday April 11 at the Brussels International Festival of Fantastic Film, where Director Chris Graham is in attendance. The US premiere is set for May when it screens at the Seattle Film Festival.

THE FERRYMAN features an international cast, including Emmy-nominated John Rhys Davies (The Lord Of The Rings); Kerry Fox (An Angel At My Table, Shallow Grave) winner of the Silver Bear at Berlin in 2001 for her leading role in Intimacy; Tamer Hassan (The Business, Football Factory); Craig Hall (The World’s Fastest Indian, King Kong, Perfect Creature); Julian Arahanga (Once Were Warriors, The Matrix); Amber Sainsbury (30 Days Of Night, Channelling Baby); Sally Stockwell (The Irrefutable Truth About Demons) and Lawrence Makoare (The Lord Of The Rings, Die Another Day).

THE FERRYMAN is the story of a group of young tourists who charter a yacht for the trip of a lifetime, before stumbling upon an ancient evil that demands vengeance at any cost. This official NZ/UK co-production is produced by key producing partners Matthew Metcalfe (Nemesis Game) and Atlantic Film’s Alan Harris (Wallis & Edward).

The film features tracks from New Zealand bands Shihad, Dimmer, Th’ Dudes, The Swingers and an outstanding cover version of Don’t Pay The Ferryman by acclaimed Auckland group Cobra Khan, who effortlessly transform the 80’s classic (written and originally performed by Chris De Burgh) with their trademark blend of rock and punk, this will be the lead single and music video, released digitally in May through independent label 1157 Records.

THE FERRYMAN is financed by the New Zealand Film Production Fund, the New Zealand Film Commission, UK based Prescience Film Finance and the UK’s Lip Synch Productions. NZ Film is the sales arm of the NZ Film Commission.

THE FERRYMAN will be released in New Zealand cinemas later this year by Screenline in association with Magna Pacific.

www.theferryman-movie.com

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