Press release from E1 Entertainment
The sale is the latest for the film that has already been sold in Canada, the UK and France and is generating strong international interest based purely on its powerful script.
"Paul and I are excited that there has already been so much interest in our film,” said producer Ken Marshall. “We have no doubt that the incredibly talented and passionate E1 Films teams in Canada and the UK, the Haut et Court group in France and Hopscotch team will give this project the tender loving care we feel it deserves."
“We are thrilled that film lovers in Australia will have an opportunity to experience this incredibly moving film,” said Charlotte Mickie, EVP with E1 Films International. “The power of the script has already generated sales in Canada, the UK and France as everyone that reads it is instantly convinced that this film will touch a broad audience.”
“Hopscotch has built its reputation on offering Australian audiences premium film content,” said Troy Lum, Manager Director at Hopscotch. “Building on our recent successes, we feel that Williams has written a gem of a tale and this film will resonate with film buffs of all ages.”
The project is the latest collaboration between UK screen-writer and director Paul Andrew Williams and producer Marshall. The film is a London-set comedic drama, about shy, grumpy 72-year old widow, Arthur, who gets more than he bargains for when he joins an unconventional choir. At odds with his son James and trying to resist the charms of choir director Elizabeth, Arthur is a reluctant late bloomer who learns to love life again
Williams and Marshall previous teamed on the multi-awarding winning “London to Brighton” which garnered Williams a BAFTA nomination for Most Promising Newcomer in 2007 and earned a British Independent Film Award for Best Achievement in Production. Williams and Marshall’s production company, Steel Mill Pictures, also produced “The Cottage” and have recently completely production on the terrifying tale “Cherry Tree Lane”.
The project is currently gearing up to commence pre-production in late June. E1 International holds the international rights for the film and is expecting to generate additional sales in the title during the upcoming Film Market at the 64th annual Festival de Cannes.