Freestyle Releasing is moving away from its roots as a service distributor and has taken its first step towards becoming a fully-fledged acquisitions and distribution company.

Co-presidents Mark Borde and Susan Jackson have committed seven figures for all US rights to the Bill Nighy and Emily Blunt action comedy Wild Target.

Martin Pope and Michael Rose produced the story of an assassin who risks his life when he spares that of an intended target. Jonathan Lynn directed and the cast includes Rupert Grint, Martin Freeman and Rupert Everett. Martin Pope and Michael Rose produced.

Wild Target is a CinemaNX and Isle Of Man Film presentation in association with Entertainment Film Distributors of a Magic Light Pictures production, with Matador Pictures and Cinema Four in association with Regent Capital. Freestyle has set an October 8 release.

Freestyle partnered with Joanne Storkan of Honest Engine Films on the acquisition. Borde brokered the deal with Sloss Law partner Paul Brennan. Honest Engine was represented by Kimberly Thigpen of Pfeiffer Thigpen FitzGibbon and Ziontz.

“We couldn’t be happier with Wild Target as our first full acquisition and are thrilled to be associated with Bill Nighy, Emily Blunt, Rupert Grint and the rest of the stellar cast and production team,” Borde and Jackson said. The partners set up Freestyle in 2004.