THINKFilm and Killer Films have entered into an agreement granting the former the right to finance and handle worldwide distribution on films developed and produced by Killer.
The deal is the first major initiative struck by THINKFilm since it was taken over last year by film financier and producer David Bergstein, now the company's chairman.
The agreement offers the New York-based partners mutual benefits, fuelling THINKFilm's expanding pipeline and presenting an early entry point into projects, while providing Killer with a distribution and sales apparatus.
Killer principals Christine Vachon, Pam Koffler and Katie Roumel announced the deal with THINKFilm president and chief executive officer Jeff Sackman and theatrical division head Mark Urman.
'Since our inception we have aimed to collaborate with people who share our taste and our approach,' Vachon said. 'We believe that the THINK team and the Killer family couldn't be more like-minded and compatible.'
'We are thrilled to formalise this deal with Killer,' Urman said. 'They have the most amazing track record and depth of experience, yet have managed to retain the joy and enthusiasm of absolute beginners.'
Killer Films was launched in 1995 and found success with a string of acclaimed projects such as Far From Heaven, Boys Don't Cry, and Hedwig And The Angry Inch.
The company recently opened its first Los Angeles office headed by Jocelyn Hayes Simpson. 2007 marks the seventh year of collaboration between Killer and John Wells Productions, which provides partial funding. Wells serves as executive producer on each Killer film.
Among upcoming Killer projects are Todd Haynes' all-star Bob Dylan project I'm Not There (at The Weinstein Company), true-life crime dramas An American Crime starring Catherine Keener and Ellen Page (at First Look) and Savage Grace with Julianne Moore, and the romantic comedy Then She Found Me directed by Helen Hunt.
'We have created a unique construct that allows each company to benefit from the other's strengths in all areas of film production and distribution, effectively replicating the structure of a studio specialty division,' executive vice president of acquisitions and business affairs Randy Manis said.
'THINKFilm will have the right to finance any or all of Killer's productions and, where it is not so involved, the company's international sales division will play a key role in setting up the films overseas.
'Killer's development slate is teeming with compelling, cutting-edge material. With a guarantee of superior distribution, both here and around the world, these films, and many new ones, will be able to move forward at a rapid pace.'
Manis negotiated the deal with CAA and John Sloss and Dan Steinman of Sloss Law Office.
THINK's credits include Half Nelson, Avenue Montaigne, and recent Sundance pick-ups In The Shadow Of The Moon, and The Ten.
The deal is the first major initiative struck by THINKFilm since it was taken over last year by film financier and producer David Bergstein, now the company's chairman.
The agreement offers the New York-based partners mutual benefits, fuelling THINKFilm's expanding pipeline and presenting an early entry point into projects, while providing Killer with a distribution and sales apparatus.
Killer principals Christine Vachon, Pam Koffler and Katie Roumel announced the deal with THINKFilm president and chief executive officer Jeff Sackman and theatrical division head Mark Urman.
'Since our inception we have aimed to collaborate with people who share our taste and our approach,' Vachon said. 'We believe that the THINK team and the Killer family couldn't be more like-minded and compatible.'
'We are thrilled to formalise this deal with Killer,' Urman said. 'They have the most amazing track record and depth of experience, yet have managed to retain the joy and enthusiasm of absolute beginners.'
Killer Films was launched in 1995 and found success with a string of acclaimed projects such as Far From Heaven, Boys Don't Cry, and Hedwig And The Angry Inch.
The company recently opened its first Los Angeles office headed by Jocelyn Hayes Simpson. 2007 marks the seventh year of collaboration between Killer and John Wells Productions, which provides partial funding. Wells serves as executive producer on each Killer film.
Among upcoming Killer projects are Todd Haynes' all-star Bob Dylan project I'm Not There (at The Weinstein Company), true-life crime dramas An American Crime starring Catherine Keener and Ellen Page (at First Look) and Savage Grace with Julianne Moore, and the romantic comedy Then She Found Me directed by Helen Hunt.
'We have created a unique construct that allows each company to benefit from the other's strengths in all areas of film production and distribution, effectively replicating the structure of a studio specialty division,' executive vice president of acquisitions and business affairs Randy Manis said.
'THINKFilm will have the right to finance any or all of Killer's productions and, where it is not so involved, the company's international sales division will play a key role in setting up the films overseas.
'Killer's development slate is teeming with compelling, cutting-edge material. With a guarantee of superior distribution, both here and around the world, these films, and many new ones, will be able to move forward at a rapid pace.'
Manis negotiated the deal with CAA and John Sloss and Dan Steinman of Sloss Law Office.
THINK's credits include Half Nelson, Avenue Montaigne, and recent Sundance pick-ups In The Shadow Of The Moon, and The Ten.
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