|
press resources
|
Clear Blue Sky Productions and Renaissance Films Tie Up Three Year Production Partnership
Friday, February 25, 2000
Renaissance Films, the independent UK production and sales operation, has tied up a three-year production and financing deal with Seattle-based Clear Blue Sky Productions (CBSP), the independent film production company founded by investor Paul G. Allen. A minimum of five films will be produced and co-financed by the partners. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We’re pleased to have developed a close relationship with Renaissance, whose track record and financing and sales infrastructure offers CBSP a strong partner for the future,” said Jody Patton, president of Clear Blue Sky Productions. “We are excited about our first collaboration, THE LUZHIN DEFENSE, which is a great example of the type and quality of films that will result from this joint effort.”
Now in post-production, the Marleen Gorris-helmed 1920s drama stars John Turturro (CRADLE WILL ROCK, THE BIG LEBOWSKI) as an eccentric genius and Emily Watson (ANGELA’S ASHES, HILARY AND JACKIE) as a strong-willed society beauty. An early selection of scenes from the film will be presented at the American Film Market later this month.
Clear Blue Sky Productions plans to build a broad portfolio of films for the international market, an ambition that prompted the Renaissance partnership.
“The pact between Renaissance Films and Clear Blue Sky Productions has been well considered, allowing both partners to generate critical flow of quality product,” said Stephen Evans, joint managing director of Renaissance Films. “Our ability to make fast decisions and act quickly will give us a major lift in the international marketplace.”
Renaissance Films, having recently evolved from its production base to now include international sales, will handle worldwide sales for all projects undertaken by the two partners, and benefit greatly from CBSP’s presence in and knowledge of the American market.
About Renaissance Films
Renaissance Films, headed up by Evans and Joint MD Angus Finney, spans development, production, financing and sales, as well as UK distribution through an output deal with the territory’s leading independent, Entertainment Film Distributors. Renaissance aims to produce up to two projects a year in-house, executive or acquire up to 20 over five years, and pick up the remainder for sales only. The first sales pick-up, UK rave culture picture HUMAN TRAFFIC, contrasts with Evans’ reputation for upscale period pieces such as THE WINGS OF THE DOVE, THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and HENRY V. HUMAN TRAFFIC has sold well to date, including a deal with Miramax for North America.
About Clear Blue Sky Productions
Clear Blue Sky Productions is the independent film production company founded by investor Paul G. Allen in 1997 to originate, develop and finance creative , artistically-driven motion picture projects. Under the direction of president Jody Patton, the company has produced a variety of feature and documentary films including Academy Award nominee TITUS by Julie Taymor, starring Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange, John Sayles’ MEN WITH GUNS, a Golden Globe Award nominee for Best Foreign Language film (1998), and Michael Apted’s latest documentary projects INSPIRATIONS and ME & ISAAC NEWTON, which debuted at the 1999 Toronto International Film Festival. Clear Blue Sky Productions has also partnered with WGBH TV in Boston to produce an eight-hour series on evolution, under the creative direction of Paula Apsell (NOVA) and executive producer Richard Hutton. Visit Clear Blue Sky Productions on the Web at clearblueskyfilms.com.
| Contact Information |
Renaissance Films
Michaela Piper,
Clear Blue Sky Productions
Jason J. Hunke,
|
|
|
|
|
|