Paul Schrader’s crowdfunded neo-noir thriller is based on a screenplay by Bret Easton Ellis and stars Lindsay Lohan and porn star James Deen.

Producer Braxton Pope led efforts to produce and finance the film, which included crowdfunding and online casting.

The Canyons will premiere day-and-date and on digital platforms in early summer in conjunction with a special presentation at the Film Society of Lincoln Center.

The film is described as a postmodern story about the dark side of Hollywood. IFC negotiated the deal with WME Global on behalf of the film-makers.

  • In a separate deal, Ellis has teamed up with Lymelife director Derick Martini on psychological thriller The Curse Of Downers Grove. The project, which sources said was being fully financed through private equity, is scheduled to begin production this spring and centres on a midwestern town gripped by a curse that claims the life of one high school senior every year. Bella Heathcote stars.