Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions and Samuel Goldwyn Films have partnered up to acquire the North American rights to the sci-fi movie, which is the directorial debut from Jake Schreier.
- Jan 26, 2012
AceShowbiz - Entering Day 7 of the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, sci-fi movie "Robot and Frank" has finally found its distributor. On Wednesday, January 25, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions and Samuel Goldwyn Films teamed up to acquire the North American rights to the film.
The movie was a directorial debut from Jake Schreier. It centers on a young architect who works to scan all the books at the library where he works when he's suddenly forced to go up against a man who plans to steal from the institution with his robot companion.
"Robot and Frank" has a set of cast members that include such actors as Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, James Marsden, Jeremy Strong and Liv Tyler. The pic was screened at the Eccles Theatre on Saturday night, January 21 after having its world premiere in Salt Lake City a day prior.
Of why he decided to pick up the sci-fi film at the festival, SPWA exec Joe Matukewicz said, "We have loved this project from the script stage and were at the very first Gala screening in Salt Lake City."
He added, "This winning film strikes a special chord with audiences, and we are delighted to brong 'Robot and Frank' into the Sony Pictures family. Jake's film shows us a future that is right around the corner, and I for one, can't wait for my own 'Robot'!"
Samuel Goldwyn president, Meyer Gottlieb, chimed in, "Our team fell in love with this clever, irreverent story anchored by Frank Langella's indelible performance." He gushed, "Jake has done a remarkable job and we are thrilled to continue working with talented first-time filmmakers. We look forward to partnering again with our friends at Sony on a title we know audiences will flock to in droves."
The acquisition marks SPWA and Samuel Goldwyn's second partnership at Sundance after they teamed up to acquire Jake Scott's "Welcome to the Rileys", which stars Kristen Stewart, back in 2010.
In addition to "Robot and Frank", another film which has just sealed a distribution deal on Wednesday morning was Richard Gere's "Arbitrage". The thriller has been bought by Lionsgate Films and Roadside Attractions for a reported $2 million.
