Josh Lawson’s feature directing and writing debut on The Little Death could not be more promising as the sex comedy has been snapped up by distributors in Europe and Taiwan.
International sales agent LevelK clinched numerous deals, with others including the US in negotiation, after the film’s North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Wild Bunch acquired the rights for France and Spain, WeltKino bought the German-speaking territories and Kaleidoscope will release in the UK. Seven Films collared the rights for Greece and Joint Entertainment took Taiwan.
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.
“I knew audiences would respond strongly to Josh's film but we never expected such a frenzy of market attention,” said Jamie Hilton, who produced the comedy with Michael Petroni and Matt Reeder for See Pictures.
“It feels like the whole of TIFF is buzzing with Little Death or Australian comedy. Level K has delivered some great deals with some amazing release partners all over the world.”
LevelK’s head of sales Natja Rosner said: “We headed for Toronto knowing that we brought something special but still it’s been overwhelming to experience the reactions on The Little Death. Luckily buyers seem to see through the kinky surface to find the depth and quality of the film. Lawson’s humor is universal and the response really shows this.”
EOne Films Australia will release locally on September 25.