Lightning Entertainment has come on as financing and production partner on Nick Robertson’s Australia horror The Pack and will introduce in Cannes.

Michael Robertson and Kent Smith produce through their new genre label Breakout Movies and The Pack marks the debut theatrical release of Australian post-production and special effects company Kojo and its new distribution arm.

Lightning will handle world sales excluding Australia and New Zealand on the story of an embattled farmer and devoted family man facing financial ruin whose property is beset by feral dogs.

The producers have targeted a late June start outside Adelaide, South Australia, with the support of the South Australian Film Corporation.

“Lightning’s production investment in The Pack underscores the company’s commitment to the growth of our business and our ability to get involved with the right film projects at their inception,” said Lightning general manager and evp Ken Dubow.

The move project extends Lightning’s longstanding relationship with producer Michael Robertson following The Reef and Road Train.

Lightning sales and acquisitions consultant and Australia specialist Richard S Guardian (pictured) introduced the project to the company at first draft script stage.

“Following the success of The Reef, Michael and I have been looking for an appropriate project in which to continue our relationship, and The Pack will be the first of several commercial properties on which we will collaborate,” said Guardian.