Sam Taylor-Johnson’s highly anticipated film adaptation of E L James’ bestseller will be distributed domestically by Focus Features.

The global release of Fifty Shades of Grey will start in North America on Aug 1, 2014.

Focus Features are handling the domestic release of Sam Taylor-Johnson’s highly anticipated film adaptation of E L James’ bestseller, with Universal Pictures International releasing in the rest of the world.

Kelly Marcel adapted the screenplay with Michael De Luca and Dana Brunetti producing alongside James.

Universal Pictures and Focus Features acquired the rights to the three books in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy in March 2012. Focus Features will market and distribute the first film in partnership with Universal.