On The Count Of three

Annapurna Pictures is understood to have paid $2m for all North American rights to Jerrod Carmichael’s directorial debut Sundance drama On The Count Of Three and will market and distribute with a partner to be announced shortly, likely to be MGM’s Orion Pictures.

Writers Ari Katcher and Ryan Welch won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award for their story about two best friends who make a pact to end their lives.

Carmichael and Christopher Abbot star in the Valparaiso Pictures and Werner Entertainment production, with supporting performances by Tiffany Haddish, JB Smoove, Lavell Crawford and Henry Winkler.

David Carrico, Adam Paulsen, Tom Werner, Jake Densen, Carmichael, Katcher and Jimmy Price produced. Executive Producers include Christopher Storer, Michael Baker, Tyson Bidner, Ryan Welch, Pete Dakich, and Mike Roberts.

UTA Independent Film Group represented the filmmakers in the deal.