Better watch out 1

Paris-based sales company Versatile has unveiled sales on Australian director Chris Peckover’s home invasion thriller Better Watch Out ahead of its worldwide release in October.

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment Content Group (UPHE Content Group) has acquired the film for the UK and Australia, where it is planning both a theatrical and home entertainment push.

Wild Bunch has struck a multi-territory accord for France, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Other deals include Germany (Constantin), South Korea (Storm Pictures), Middle East (Shooting Stars), Vietnam (Green Media), Thailand (M Pictures) and Philippines (Pioneer).

In a previously announced deal brokered by XYZ Films, Well Go USA has taken all rights for North America.

The film is a Storm Vision Entertainment and Best Medicine production and is directed by Peckover from a script co-written with Zack Kahn.

Set against the backdrop of a comfortable Australian suburb during the festive Christmas season, the film stars Olivia DeJonge as a sharp-witted babysitter opposite Levi Miller as her 12-year-old charge Luke.

Both of them are put to the test when they experience a terrifying home invasion with an unexpected twist.

It was produced by Brett Thornquest, Brion Hambel, Sidone Abbene and Paul Jensen. Steven Matusko, Shane Abbess and Lorenzo De Maio served as executive producers on the film.

”We’re certainly thrilled to be working with UPHE Content Group, Constantin, Wild Bunch and all of our new distribution partners around the globe leading up to the release of Better Watch Out this upcoming holiday season,” said producers Hambel and Thornquest.

Better Watch Out, which was first announced with the title of Safe Neighbourhood, is Peckover’s second feature after his 2010 Undocumented, a suspense thriller centred on a documentary crew shooting a film about illegal migrants along the US-Mexico border.

Having screened at a number of festivals over the past few 12 months, including Fantastic Fest Austin, Sitges and the Brussels International Fantastic Fest, where it was awarded The Golden Raven, the picture goes on worldwide release this October.