Revolver, NFTS to produce feature from NFTS talent

Gunslinger Films, the production arm of UK distributor Revolver, is teaming with the National Film and Television School to produce horror film The London Syndrome.

The project, from director Afarin Eghbal and producer Len Rowles was the winning pitch in a competition run by the two partners who will now co-fund the film’s production, which is set for January 2013. The director-producer duo is currently looking to develop their pitch with a writer.

The London Syndrome is expected to have a budget in the £100,000 range, according to Revolver.

Twenty-five teams of directors, producers and screenwriters from the NFTS, including former graduates, were shortlisted to compete for the prize.

Eghbal’s NFTS graduation film Abuelas was this year nominated for a BAFTA Best Short Animation award and the Golden Firebird Award at the Hong Kong International Film Festival, while Rowles’ graduation film Skyborn was nominated for a student Oscar in April of this year and is being adapted into a feature by its director Jamie Stone. Rowles also produced the NFTS’ first 3D film.

Nick Taussig, director of production at Gunslinger Films, said: “The level of talent we saw throughout this competition was incredible – young students who are already winning awards and earning accolades. We were hoping for something unique and special, and Afarin and Len brought us this.”

Justin Marciano, CEO of Revolver Entertainment said: “Our partnership with the NFTS allows us to access imaginative and innovative new filmmakers, who are naturally at home at Revolver, where pushing the boundaries is a key part of our brand ethos.”

Nik Powell, NFTS director, added: “It’s great to be making our first film with Revolver. I think the winning entry is fresh and original as well as potentially terrifying. It’s a great team, including BAFTA Award nominee Afarin Eghbal and Len Rowles whose NFTS graduation film was shortlisted for a Student Oscar.”