Magnolia Pictures has acquired US rights to The Little Death, the sex comedy which marks Josh Lawson’s feature directing and writing debut.
That’s Magnolia’s second Oz pick-up this week following the deal for Kriv Stenders’ comedy-thriller Kill Me Three Times.
“The Little Death is a terrifically funny film that elegantly walks the line between a shockingly funny sex humour and a warmly affectionate look at adult relationships,” said Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles, who plans a 2015 release.
Producer Jamie Hilton told IF, "We're so excited to be releasing under the Magnolia banner in the US, they are the perfect fit for our film. LevelK has done a great job on the international sales front, working with UTA on the US deal. It's amazing to think that audiences in almost every country will be able to see this film in theatres; I just hope they like sex as much as we Australians.
"I'd love to hire Josh to direct his next film but I suspect his pen is already out. The doors will be wide open for him on the next film and he deserves every bit of success. He's worked hard for a long time on this film and has done an excellent job."
The Los Angeles-based Lawson told IF, "I couldn't be happier for The Little Death to have found its US home with Magnolia. We've all been overwhelmed with the international response to the film and for it to get a release in my home away from home is terrific."
EOne launches the comedy in Australia tomorrow. "We are encouraging all film industry people to take their non-industry friends and family to see this film," Hilton said. "Audiences are really loving it across a very wide demographic and the best way to solve this brand problem we have of 'Australian' films is to start building consumer trust.
"This will happen over time as Aussies watch films they enjoy. Don't go see this film because it's Australian, go see it because you'll have a great time, because it's fun to laugh out loud for 90 minutes with a bunch of your friends."
International sales rep LevelK also announced deals for California Films for Latin America, Apex for Korea, M2 for Poland and Cirko for Hungary.
Soon after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, LevelK trumpeted sales to France and Spain (Wild Bunch), Germany and Austria (Weltkino), Switzerland (Impulse), UK and Ireland (Kaleidoscope), Taiwan (Joint Entertainment) and Greece (Seven Films).
An expose of the secret lives of five suburban couples in Sydney, its ensemble cast includes Bojana Novakovic, Damon Herriman, Kate Mulvany, Lisa McCune, Patrick Brammall, Lachy Hulme and Lawson.
It was produced by Hilton, Michael Petroni and Matt Reeder for See Pictures and financed by Ticket to Ride in association with Head Gear Film, Screen Australia, Night Kitchen Productions, Red Apple, Spectrum Films and Metrol Technology.