German sales company SolaMedia/Atrix Films has picked up international rights to Juraj Jakabisko's Bathory, which stars Anna Friel as the murderous Countess ofTransylvania alongside Hans Matheson, Karel Roden and Vincent Regan.

Friel takes over from FamkeJanssen who was previously attached to the role co-produced by Jakubisko FilmSlovakia, Film & Music Entertainment (UK), Lunar Films, Eurofilm Studio(Hungary) and Jakubisko Film (Czech Republic). The film is currently shooting.

Elizabeth Bathory is knownas the greatest murderess in history but the film portrays her as a modernRenaissance woman who fell victim to men's ambition for power around her.

The deal wasnegotiated by Deana Jakubisko of Jakubisko Films and Solveig Langeland ofSola Media.