FilmDistrict weighs in at in at future plan

FilmDistrict's decision to create several game game titles, including "Red-colored-colored Beginning," via Open Road Films (Variety, 12 ,. 6) is the one other instance of an indie distrib that's found the going tough inside the mid-sized pic market. It's among several options for FilmDistrict continuing to move forward inside the distribution game. Despite experienced professionals and solid backing, maintaining a effective domestic distrib operation entails considerable risk for mid-sized labels for instance Relativity Media and CBS Films. The down sides of acquiring superbly listed game game titles commercial enough to see wide in the sluggish theatrical climate have shown a lot of for a number of. "It is a difficult business," mentioned one distrib professional. "You can't undertake lots of films." FilmDistrict saw success taken with "Insidious" and "Soul Surfer," because both versions were bought through the new the new sony Pictures Worldwide Purchases. (Sony's TriStar Pictures distribbed the 2nd pic, with FilmDistrict co-marketing -- another potential way of the shingle.) Summer season releases "You Should not Panic from the Dark" and "Drive" completed adequately, though some experts mentioned FilmDistrict overspent on P&A for "Drive," wanting the arty Ryan Gosling pic would crossover to mainstream auds. Still, the combined $125 million domestic gross all films totals greater than almost every other start-up's first four films within the last 15 years, showing that there has been other tensions affecting stability at FilmDistrict. The go to offload photos to start Road comes monthly after Bob and Jeanne Berney introduced their exit as FilmDistrict's top distribution and marketing professionals, a rapid change for your start-up that's packing up its NY office and moving to La. The Berneys continues handling FilmDistrict releases until March 1, including Angelina Jolie's Christmas release "Inside the Land of Blood stream and Honey." Beneath the three-picture deal between Open Road and FilmDistrict, Open Road will release sci-fier "Avoid M.S. One," starring Guy Pearce and Maggie Sophistication, on April 20, as well as the "Red-colored-colored Beginning" remake on November. 2. The Next film is not selected. Why partner with another start-up like Open Road, rather than an experienced major? To start with, Open Road features a wide-open sked next season, with only two photos dated up to now throughout the initial quarter -- "The Grey" on Jan. 27 and "Quiet House" on March 9. Headed by former The brand new the new sony worldwide matters and purchases topper Peter Schlessel, FilmDistrict seems to experience a natural partner inside the Culver City studio, having its numerous delivering labels including TriStar and Screen Gems. However The new the new sony features a packed 2012 slate it'll, however, distribute FilmDistrict's Sept. 28 release "Looper" as well as the "Evil Dead" retread, because both versions were based on prior contracts. Schlessel also provides an effective relationship with Open Road Boss Tom Ortenberg, from Schlessel's time in the new the new sony. Whether FilmDistrict decides to stay the course just like a distrib (it'll release "Only God Forgives"), or becomes an purchases and production label using distribution partners, its partnership with Open Road could provide a template due to its future direction. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com