EXCLUSIVE: Survival thriller is set to start shooting in New Zealand this week and stars Dominic Purcell.

Premiere Entertainment Group has acquired worldwide rights to Abandoned.

The survival thriller is directed by John Laing and stars Prison Break’s Dominic Purcell. It is set to start shooting in New Zealand this week.

Based on a true story, Abandoned centres on four men who face almost certain death when their yacht capsizes.

The deal was brokered by Elias Axume, CEO of Premiere, and Grant Bradley on behalf of the producers.

Premiere Entertainment’s svp Jack Campbell commented: “We’re extremely excited to introduce this film to the worldwide market. Survival stories have always been a very commercial and sought after genre and this one really delivers. We cannot wait to show buyers a sneak peek promo at the Cannes Film Festival in May.”

Abandoned is being produced by TVNZ by James Heyward, Liz DiFiore, Grant Bradley & Dale Bradley, with finance from New Zealand On Air.