Media Release: FilmNation Acquires Majority of Worldwide Rights for The Rover
May 22, 2012 Maria 12 comments
Categories : The Rover

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According to Porchlight Films‘ media release:

“FilmNation Entertainment has acquired the majority of worldwide rights to The Rover from Animal Kingdom writer-director David Michôd. Michôd has written the script based on a story he conceived with Joel Edgerton (Zero Dark Thirty, The Great Gatsby).

This deal marks FilmNation’s migration into the acquisition space after ramping up their film investments and development slate. In addition to a full-fledged international sales arm, the banner now effectively develops, finances, and produces projects in-house as well as acquiring filmmaker driven content.

The Rover is set in the Australian desert in a dangerous and dysfunctional near future. Eric has left everything and every semblance of human kindness behind him. When his last possession, his car, is stolen by a gang of dangerous criminals, Eric sets off to track them down and is forced along the way to enlist the help of Reynolds, the naïve simpleton member of the gang left behind in the bloody chaos of the gang’s most recent escape. [Maria:  “naive simpleton” – who surfs surely right – just putting it out there]

David Linde will produce for Lava Bear Films, while Liz Watts will produce for Porchlight Films. Tory Metzger, President of Lava Bear, will oversee the production for the company. The film will also be produced in association with Blue Tongue Films, the directors collective of which Michôd is a member. Production will begin late 2012 in Australia.

FilmNation Entertainment’s Glen Basner said: “I loved Animal Kingdom and am thrilled to collaborate with such an exciting talent as David Michod. This film represents another big step for FilmNation as we continue to invest in high caliber films. The Rover is going to be one kick ass flick.”

Writer-director David Michôd said: “It’s a pretty clearly encouraging indicator for me with a new project when people of serious smarts and taste want to be involved and be involved early. I really feel like I’ve received that tick of approval in a big way today from the good folk at FilmNation.”

Added producer David Linde: “David Michôd has an incredibly unique voice and style that has already been acclaimed around the world. The Rover continues this style of combining powerful imagery with a story that draws you in from the opening scene. We are very pleased that FilmNation has joined us as our partner in both the US and other places around the globe.”

Producer Liz Watts said: “We are looking forward to working with David once again on The Rover – an international story of iconic proportions, imbued with the distinctiveness of David’s direction and storytelling with an Australian background not seen before. It’s
fantastic to be partnering with FilmNation on the film, and together with Lava Bear we are all looking forward to getting into production.”

Territories excluded in the deal are: UK, Latin America, Australia & NZ, Benelux, Scandinavia, Greece, Indonesia, Middle East, Poland, Croatia/Slovenia, Romania/Bulgaria/Hungary, Serbia and Turkey.  …”

Aussies don’t panic – Porchlight Films has its own distribution company, Jetty Distribution.

Read the full media release below or at Porchlight by clicking on link above.

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PS.  Thanks Roberta for the scan I used from the Premiere article

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12 comments on “Media Release: FilmNation Acquires Majority of Worldwide Rights for The Rover”

    Vicky

    • May 22, 2012 at 7:39 am

    Awesome news Maria!!!! So much to look forward to!!!

    Cindy

    • May 22, 2012 at 7:44 am

    Fantastic ! And “Naive simpleton who surfs” I like you thinking @Maria! 😀

    Michelle

    • May 22, 2012 at 8:44 am

    Brilliant news to wake up to! Loving the sounds of your “naive simpleton – who surfs” theory Maria 😀 Thanks for the update. Cannot wait to hear more.

    Maria

    • May 22, 2012 at 9:12 am

    I also have “Simple Jack” stuck in my head from Tropic Thunder LOL

    Well I’m sure the naysayers will be on top of Rob possibly playing a “naive simpleton” but he was pretty outstanding as Art so ….

    Michelle

    • May 22, 2012 at 9:17 am

    LOL I LOVE Simple Jack!

    *nods* no doubt Maria, they always love to pick *glares*

    Art – EXACTLY!!!!! Awwww Art 😀

    Sue

    • May 22, 2012 at 12:34 pm

    Thanks for the update, Maria. Can’t wait to hear more.

    I can’t think of anything intelligent to say, thanks to the countdown on the left ….. 1 DAY to go!!!!

    zee

    • May 22, 2012 at 1:46 pm

    He’ll be filming here???!!!!!!!!! Catch me when I swoon……………………..please………..

    Maria

    • May 22, 2012 at 2:07 pm

    I know @zee I know 😀

    Sare

    • May 22, 2012 at 2:32 pm

    Looks really good. Hope he falls in love with Australia and visits more regularly. Can you imagine? Rob being in Oz for holidays

    Martha M

    • May 22, 2012 at 4:16 pm

    OMG fabulous news. Thank you Maria, you girls are the best. I wouldn’t know half of these things if it wasn’t for you girls. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

    Ephie

    • May 22, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    Great news!!! Woo hoo!!! So versatile…he is just expanding into all different roles. Go Rob Go!!!!

    Carmel

    • May 22, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    I was already really excited hearing he would be playing a simpleton. I am thinking Mel’s Tim or Leo in Gilbert Grape. These can be wonderful roles.

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