Xlrator Media Sneaks SXSW Sensation “The Mule” Over For U.S. Distribution
- Details
- Category: Entertainment News
- Published on Friday, 16 May 2014 09:03
- Written by Katrina Wan PR
LOS ANGELES (May 16, 2014) – XLrator Media has acquired U.S. distribution rights to the edgy, comedic thriller THE MULE from Entertainment One Films International's newly launched boutique sales arm Séville International. The film, written by Leigh Whannell & Angus Sampson, recently had its world premiere to great acclaim at South by Southwest (SXSW) in March. XLrator Media will release the film in Fall 2014 on its acclaimed "MACABRE" genre label. The deal was announced today by XLrator Media CEO Barry Gordon.
THE MULE stars Hugo Weaving (The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Matrix), Angus Sampson (Mad Max: Fury Road, Insidious), Leigh Whannell (Saw, Insidious), Ewen Leslie, Geoff Morrell, Georgina Haig, Noni Hazlehurst and John Noble (The Lord of the Rings, TV's "Fringe") and is directed by Angus Sampson & Tony Mahony. It was produced by Angus Sampson & Jane Liscombe and executive produced by Michele Bennett (Chopper), Leigh Whannell, David Griffiths, Angus Coupland & Troy Lum (The Water Diviner, Saving Mr. Banks).
"Based on true events, THE MULE is the wildest, funniest, most suspenseful thriller I've seen in years," said Barry Gordon. "It was one of the biggest surprises at SXSW and a triumph for actor-writer-director-producer Angus Sampson."
"After the astonishing reception to THE MULE by the fine folk at SXSW, we are thrilled that all of America will soon be able to consume this unique film," said writer/director Angus Sampson. "And it's all thanks to the savvy crew at XLrator Media, eOne, Seville Pictures and Screen Australia for supporting independent and original films. Leigh and I can't wait to share this incredible true story with U.S. audiences."
It's 1983. A naive man with lethal narcotics hidden in his stomach is detained by Australian Federal Police. Alone and afraid, 'the Mule' makes a desperate choice; to defy his bodily functions and withhold the evidence...literally. And by doing so becomes a 'human time-bomb'; dragging cops, criminals and concerned family into his impossible escapade.
The deal was negotiated by Barry Gordon on behalf of XLrator Media and Anick Poirier of Séville International and Paradigm on behalf of the filmmakers.
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ABOUT XLRATOR MEDIA, LLC
ABOUT SEVILLE INTERNATIONAL
Séville International is Entertainment One Films International's Montreal-based international film distribution boutique specializing in strong independent films with crossover potential and arthouse films with award pedigree from Québec, Canada and around the world.
Entertainment One Ltd. (LSE:ETO) is a leading international entertainment company that specializes in the acquisition, production and distribution of film and television content. The company's comprehensive network extends around the globe including Canada, the U.S., the UK, Ireland, Benelux, France, Germany, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South Korea. Through established Entertainment and Distribution divisions, the company provides extensive expertise in film distribution, television and music production, family programming and merchandising and licensing. Its current rights library is exploited across all media formats and includes more than 24,000 film and television titles, 2,800 hours of television programming and 45,000 music tracks.
ABOUT SCREEN AUSTRALIA
Screen Australia (screenaustralia.gov.au) is the Australian Government's major screen agency.
It develops and finances high-quality, innovative and commercially attractive projects designed with audiences in mind. It conducts research, assists the development of local film culture, and markets Australian talent and screen content domestically and internationally. Screen Australia facilitates regular co-production events with international partners to enable a broad range of business opportunities for producers. Australia has co-production treaties with Canada, China, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Singapore, South Africa and the United Kingdom, and MOUs with France and New Zealand.
