Chris McGurk and Danny Rosett's Overture Films has made its first
acquisition, picking up all US rights to Charlize Theron's passion project Ferris Wheel.


The Canadian shoot wrapped recently yet ICM's independent and
international film division chief Hal Sadoff wasted little time,
brokering the deal at Sundance after showing footage to buyers all
week. No release date has been set.


Theron produced the drama with her Denver And Delilah Productions
partners J J Harris and Beth Kono and Film Engine's A J Dix, Bill
Shively and Mike Stirling. Film Engine also financed with Newbridge
Film Capital.


Ferris Wheel stars Anna Sophia Robb as a young girl who comes to terms with her mother's abandonment by forming an unlikely bond with her
uncle (Nick Stahl). Theron plays the mother and Woody Harrelson and
Dennis Hopper round out the cast.


Bill Maher makes his feature directorial debut from a screenplay by
Zac Stanford. Icon International is handling foreign sales.
'This gem of a film is perfect for Overture Films' first release,'
chief executive officer McGurk and chief operating officer Rosett
said. '

Ferris Wheel features a high quality, emotionally charged
script with a talented director and a phenomenal cast that includes
both Oscar winners and rising young stars. We applaud Charlize's
vision and are thrilled to be releasing this movie.'


'When I heard Chris and Danny's reaction to the movie and detailed
commentary, I knew that they were the perfect distributor for this
project,' Theron said. 'I really look forward to this collaboration
with Overture and it is such an honour to be one of the first films
out of their gates.'


'It has been a fulfilling journey bringing this story to the screen
culminating in a new and exciting partnership with Chris McGurk and
Overture,' Harris said.


The fledgling Overture Films is Starz' theatrical unit and plans to
release eight to 12 productions and acquisitions a year.


Earlier this week Sean Furst and Robert Kessel joined as executive
vice presidents of productions and acquisitions. Bryan Furst was hired
as senior vice president of productions and acquisitions. Furst Films'
slate will be absorbed into Overture.

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