SONAR ENTERTAINMENT ENTERS INTO EXCLUSIVE FIRST-LOOK DEALS WITH INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION COMPANIES SCOTT FREE LONDON AND KILLER CONTENT
New Agreements Will Accelerate Sonar's Development of
Original Television Series, Miniseries and Movies
LOS ANGELES, December 2, 2014 - Underscoring its commitment to further accelerate the development of original television series, miniseries and movies, Sonar Entertainment has entered into exclusive first-look deals with two high-profile independent production companies - Scott Free London and Killer Content. The announcement was made today by Gene Stein, CEO, Sonar Entertainment.
Under the terms of both agreements, Sonar has an exclusive first look option for any project either company intends to develop or produce for television and the exclusive right to distribute those projects in all available territories worldwide and in all media. Both deals are effective immediately.
"Both of these partners have set extremely high standards, with work that breaks barriers for creativity and originality, while at the same time attracting broad and diverse audiences." said Stein. "These deals provide us with a pipeline for content that we are sure will resonate with both broadcasters and viewers. We could not be more excited about these collaborations."
Scott Free London was set up as an independent development and production outfit by award-winning filmmaker Ridley Scott in early 2010. The company has since produced the Kevin Macdonald-directed YouTube backed sensation Life In A Day, as well as follow-ups Britain In A Day, Japan In A Day, and (in conjunction with sister company RSA Films) Christmas In A Day and Springsteen And I. September saw the release of psychological thriller Before I Go To Sleep by Rowan Joffé, starring Nicole Kidman, Colin Firth and Mark Strong. Christopher Smith's family comedy Get Santa is next out through Warner Bros in the UK and Wrekin Hill in the US in December, starring Jim Broadbent and Rafe Spall.
Scott Free London has a number of feature and television projects in development, including period series Taboo written by Steve Knight and co-produced by and starring Tom Hardy, which is due to start production next year for BBC One in the UK and FX Networks in the US, with Sonar Entertainment selling internationally. Scott Free London works closely with its sister companies Scott Free Productions in LA and RSA Films in London and LA.
"Sonar's commitment to Scott Free London is a clear indication that it recognises the aspirations of our UK team moving its operation to the next level," says Ridley Scott. "There is an enriched wealth of talent in the UK at present and an international hunger for our content, so the timing for this announcement couldn't be better."
"This new partnership comes at the perfect time as we ramp up our development for 2015 and beyond," says Scott Free Executive Producer, TV, Kate Crowe. "Sonar's commitment to our slate enables us to expand the team, back the writers we are passionate about and acquire stand out properties we want to bring to the screen."
New York-based Killer Content, founded as Killer Films, was launched by producers Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler in 1995. The company has produced a number of acclaimed independent films including Far From Heaven (nominated for four Academy Awards), Boys Don't Cry (Academy Award winner), One Hour Photo, Kids, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Happiness, Velvet Goldmine, Safe, I Shot Andy Warhol, Swoon, I'm Not There (Academy Award nominated) and Kill Your Darlings. Killer Films executive produced Todd Haynes' award-winning five episode HBO miniseries Mildred Pierce.
Currently, Killer is producing Biker Bar, a pilot for Adult Swim. Still Alice, starring Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin and Kristen Stewart will be released by Sony Pictures Classics for awards consideration in December. In 2015, Todd Haynes's Carol, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, will be released by TWC. Earlier this year Killer Films merged with IP incubator Glass Elevator Media, headed by Adrienne Becker, to form Killer Content.
"Killer has set its sights on television, where we can continue to tell the kind of stories that push boundaries and connect with audiences," said Vachon. "Pam and I are thrilled to be working with Gene and his excellent team at Sonar."
About Sonar Entertainment
Sonar Entertainment is a multi-faceted independent creative company designed to meet today's ever-changing landscape in global television production and distribution. With headquarters in Los Angeles and offices around the world, Sonar is uniquely positioned to participate in a wide range of ways in order to create quality television series, miniseries and movies. The company has the capabilities to develop, produce, acquire, deficit finance, package and distribute product both internationally and domestically.
In addition to a full development slate, Sonar is in production on the Eli Roth-helmed series South of Hell for WEtv and Shannara, based on the best-selling novels, for MTV, both slated to premiere in 2015. Scheduled to begin production in 2015 is Taboo, starring Tom Hardy, for BBC One and FX. While primarily focused on the development and production of new product, Sonar is also the distributor of over 1,000 library titles comprised of award-winning programs from RHI Entertainment, Hallmark Entertainment and Hal Roach Studios, among others.
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