Exclusive: Neon has hired marketing and publicity veteran Joey Monteiro as EVP, International Marketing and Ashley Hirsch as Manager of International Sales and Marketing. The move further expands the company’s global footprint as it grows its international sales arm headed up by seasoned sales executive Kristen Figeroid.
With a career spanning more than two and a half decades, Monteiro joins Neon from Sierra-Affinity/eOne, where he served as EVP of Marketing and Publicity and was responsible for creative marketing across film markets and festivals as well as international distribution. He handled campaigns on Academy Award-winning titles including: Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive, starring Ryan Gosling; Miles Teller starrer Whiplash; Margot Robbie starrer I, Tonya; Manchester By The Sea with Casey Affleck; and Nightcrawler with Jake Gyllenhaal, among others.
Prior to that, Monteiro worked at Warner Brothers Pictures as Director of Digital Marketing and Lionsgate as SVP of International Marketing,...
With a career spanning more than two and a half decades, Monteiro joins Neon from Sierra-Affinity/eOne, where he served as EVP of Marketing and Publicity and was responsible for creative marketing across film markets and festivals as well as international distribution. He handled campaigns on Academy Award-winning titles including: Nicolas Winding Refn’s Drive, starring Ryan Gosling; Miles Teller starrer Whiplash; Margot Robbie starrer I, Tonya; Manchester By The Sea with Casey Affleck; and Nightcrawler with Jake Gyllenhaal, among others.
Prior to that, Monteiro worked at Warner Brothers Pictures as Director of Digital Marketing and Lionsgate as SVP of International Marketing,...
- 5/1/2024
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Neon and Waypoint have struck a strategic financial partnership to collaborate on a theatrical slate of “bold, genre-spanning”larger independent features.
The non-exclusive pact sees Waypoint, led by Ken Kao, invest in the slate after the partners worked together on Tilman Singer’s Cuckoo, which premiered in Berlinale Special gala last month.
Waypoint founder and president Kao said, “Our joint venture will focus on the underserved market of larger independent films, specifically in the $10m+ range that often get overlooked by studios and streamers.”
Neon founder and CEO Tom Quinn hailed Waypoint’s “commitment and unique ability to create bold,...
The non-exclusive pact sees Waypoint, led by Ken Kao, invest in the slate after the partners worked together on Tilman Singer’s Cuckoo, which premiered in Berlinale Special gala last month.
Waypoint founder and president Kao said, “Our joint venture will focus on the underserved market of larger independent films, specifically in the $10m+ range that often get overlooked by studios and streamers.”
Neon founder and CEO Tom Quinn hailed Waypoint’s “commitment and unique ability to create bold,...
- 3/19/2024
- ScreenDaily
Scarlett Johansson, Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchett, and Dave Bautista all star in projects at one of the biggest Berlin markets in recent memory, post and pre-pandemic.
Whether this year’s high-rollers will sell is the crux at a 2024 European Film Market which AGC Studios’ Stuart Ford is describing as a “watershed market.”
The big question is: “Was the tepid AFM an anomaly brought about by the strikes and a broader industry pullback in 2023? Or was the AFM an indicator of a more sustained downturn?” he asks.
It’s early days in 2024 but “signs for Berlin are quite positive,” says Ford, who is bringing to market three new star-driven thrillers starring Will Smith –action movie “Sugar Bandits” – Sylvester Stallone and Michelle Yeoh.
“One week ago, I would have said this is going to be a dry market. Now it’s going to be a busy market,” agrees Martin Moszkowicz at Constantin Film,...
Whether this year’s high-rollers will sell is the crux at a 2024 European Film Market which AGC Studios’ Stuart Ford is describing as a “watershed market.”
The big question is: “Was the tepid AFM an anomaly brought about by the strikes and a broader industry pullback in 2023? Or was the AFM an indicator of a more sustained downturn?” he asks.
It’s early days in 2024 but “signs for Berlin are quite positive,” says Ford, who is bringing to market three new star-driven thrillers starring Will Smith –action movie “Sugar Bandits” – Sylvester Stallone and Michelle Yeoh.
“One week ago, I would have said this is going to be a dry market. Now it’s going to be a busy market,” agrees Martin Moszkowicz at Constantin Film,...
- 2/15/2024
- by John Hopewell, Elsa Keslassy and Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Neon International will launch international sales at the EFM next week on the Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell drama A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.
Kogonada’s (After Yang) latest feature is described as an imaginative tale of two strangers and the journey that connects them. Additional plot details remain under wraps.
The film from Imperative Entertainment and 30West will begin shooting in California in spring. Seth Reiss (The Menu) wrote the original script.
30West is financing and represents US rights with CAA Media Finance.
Imperative Entertainment’s Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, and Ryan Friedkin will produce, along with Seth Reiss and Youree Henley.
Kogonada’s (After Yang) latest feature is described as an imaginative tale of two strangers and the journey that connects them. Additional plot details remain under wraps.
The film from Imperative Entertainment and 30West will begin shooting in California in spring. Seth Reiss (The Menu) wrote the original script.
30West is financing and represents US rights with CAA Media Finance.
Imperative Entertainment’s Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, and Ryan Friedkin will produce, along with Seth Reiss and Youree Henley.
- 2/8/2024
- ScreenDaily
Naomi Watts, Tye Sheridan, Michael Imperioli and Norman Reedus are set to star in the psychological drama “The Housewife” from first-time feature director Ben Shirinian.
Neon International will kick off foreign sales at the European Film Market in Berlin this month, which runs from Feb. 15 to 21.
Based on a true story from 1964, “The Housewife” follows a determined young New York Times journalist (Sheridan) as he tracks down a potential Nazi officer living secretly in Queens. But when he befriends the suspect’s elegant and charming wife (Watts), the implications of his investigation become much more unsettling.
Robbie Brenner, Kevin McKeon (“Call Jane”) and Lee Broda (“May December”) are producing, alongside executive producer Alyssa Hill who also penned the film’s script. CAA Media Finance is representing the domestic sales rights on the title, which will begin principal photography in June.
“The Housewife” marks Shirinian’s feature directorial debut. His previous...
Neon International will kick off foreign sales at the European Film Market in Berlin this month, which runs from Feb. 15 to 21.
Based on a true story from 1964, “The Housewife” follows a determined young New York Times journalist (Sheridan) as he tracks down a potential Nazi officer living secretly in Queens. But when he befriends the suspect’s elegant and charming wife (Watts), the implications of his investigation become much more unsettling.
Robbie Brenner, Kevin McKeon (“Call Jane”) and Lee Broda (“May December”) are producing, alongside executive producer Alyssa Hill who also penned the film’s script. CAA Media Finance is representing the domestic sales rights on the title, which will begin principal photography in June.
“The Housewife” marks Shirinian’s feature directorial debut. His previous...
- 2/7/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
Méridien Blues
It was a bumpy start to the AFM’s tenure at new home Le Méridien Delfina. Most industry we spoke to were unhappy about something venue-related whether it be the noisy strikes that took place all week, cost, size of rooms, “maze-like” structure, slow lifts (the fire department was reportedly called Friday to help guests stuck in one of the two lifts serving the hotel’s lobby), parking issues, location or general aesthetic. Talk of alternatives continues to bubble. Miami and Las Vegas were mooted destinations among disgruntled industry. But a reimagined fall market has been a long-running point of discussion and many still think Los Angeles offers more than most cities. AFM organizers IFTA told us they have a multi-year deal with the Méridien so it may be a case of listening, learning and improving where possible.
Strike Impact
This market was always going to be “light...
It was a bumpy start to the AFM’s tenure at new home Le Méridien Delfina. Most industry we spoke to were unhappy about something venue-related whether it be the noisy strikes that took place all week, cost, size of rooms, “maze-like” structure, slow lifts (the fire department was reportedly called Friday to help guests stuck in one of the two lifts serving the hotel’s lobby), parking issues, location or general aesthetic. Talk of alternatives continues to bubble. Miami and Las Vegas were mooted destinations among disgruntled industry. But a reimagined fall market has been a long-running point of discussion and many still think Los Angeles offers more than most cities. AFM organizers IFTA told us they have a multi-year deal with the Méridien so it may be a case of listening, learning and improving where possible.
Strike Impact
This market was always going to be “light...
- 11/7/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Production start scheduled for early 2024. Plot details remain under wraps.
Neon’s new sales division led by Kristen Figeroid is launching worldwide sales at AFM this week on They Follow, David Robert Mitchell’s sequel to his 2014 cult horror It Follows, with Maika Monroe reprising her role.
Monroe returns as Jay Height, who in the original survived a supernatural curse transmitted by sexual contact. Neon CEO Tom Quinn distributed that film when he led RADiUS and it grossed approximately $15m in North America.
They Follow is scheduled to commence shooting in early 2024 and plot details remain under wraps. It is...
Neon’s new sales division led by Kristen Figeroid is launching worldwide sales at AFM this week on They Follow, David Robert Mitchell’s sequel to his 2014 cult horror It Follows, with Maika Monroe reprising her role.
Monroe returns as Jay Height, who in the original survived a supernatural curse transmitted by sexual contact. Neon CEO Tom Quinn distributed that film when he led RADiUS and it grossed approximately $15m in North America.
They Follow is scheduled to commence shooting in early 2024 and plot details remain under wraps. It is...
- 10/30/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Origin, Daddio both play TIFF in the coming days.
Interest is swirling in Toronto around two major acquisition titles that have already premiered on the fall festival circuit as buyers circle Ava DuVernay’s Origin and Christy Hall’s feature debut Daddio.
Neon is shopping Origin to international buyers after swooping on worldwide rights shortly before Wednesday’s (September 6) Venice world premiere sparked an eight-minute standing ovation.
Hoping to parlay Lido acclaim into what sources said could become an early deal with a studio or streamer, Neon’s freshly minted head of sales Kristen Figeroid is engaging with buyers at...
Interest is swirling in Toronto around two major acquisition titles that have already premiered on the fall festival circuit as buyers circle Ava DuVernay’s Origin and Christy Hall’s feature debut Daddio.
Neon is shopping Origin to international buyers after swooping on worldwide rights shortly before Wednesday’s (September 6) Venice world premiere sparked an eight-minute standing ovation.
Hoping to parlay Lido acclaim into what sources said could become an early deal with a studio or streamer, Neon’s freshly minted head of sales Kristen Figeroid is engaging with buyers at...
- 9/8/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Neon has hired Kristen Figeroid as their new President of International Sales and Distribution. She will also handle sales on third-party projects and will be joined by fellow studio newcomers Laurel Charnetsky and Dan Stadnicki.
Charnetsky will be VP, International Acquisitions & Operations, and Stadnicki will be Manager, International Sales and Distribution. They will be joining the studio as it plans to expand its distribution and production capabilities.
Figeroid most recently served as Managing Director and Executive Vice President of Sales & Distribution at Sierra/Affinity. While there, she handled sales for movies like “Atomic Blonde,” “Whiplash” and “Nightcrawler.” Prior to that she was SVP of International Sales & Distribution at Endeavor Content where she worked on the likes of “The Lost Daughter,” “Monkey Man,” “The Peanut Butter Falcon,” “Book Club” and “Assassination Nation.”
Prior to Neon, Charnetsky served as Director of Film Acquisitions for Sierra/Affinity. She previously held sales & acquisitions roles with WME Independent,...
Charnetsky will be VP, International Acquisitions & Operations, and Stadnicki will be Manager, International Sales and Distribution. They will be joining the studio as it plans to expand its distribution and production capabilities.
Figeroid most recently served as Managing Director and Executive Vice President of Sales & Distribution at Sierra/Affinity. While there, she handled sales for movies like “Atomic Blonde,” “Whiplash” and “Nightcrawler.” Prior to that she was SVP of International Sales & Distribution at Endeavor Content where she worked on the likes of “The Lost Daughter,” “Monkey Man,” “The Peanut Butter Falcon,” “Book Club” and “Assassination Nation.”
Prior to Neon, Charnetsky served as Director of Film Acquisitions for Sierra/Affinity. She previously held sales & acquisitions roles with WME Independent,...
- 8/29/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Former Sierra/Affinity sales head brings Laurel Charnetsky, Dan Stadnicki with her.
Neon has launched a sales division and brought on former Sierra/Affinity sales head Kristen Figeroid to lead the charge.
As president of international sales and distribution Figeroid will handle sales on the company’s production slate and third-party projects and leads a team featuring Laurel Charnetsky as VP, international acquisitions & operations, and Dan Stadnicki as manager, international sales & distribution.
Figeroid most recently served as managing director and EVP of sales & distribution at Sierra/Affinity and was expected to make a big move as that company’s owner eOne...
Neon has launched a sales division and brought on former Sierra/Affinity sales head Kristen Figeroid to lead the charge.
As president of international sales and distribution Figeroid will handle sales on the company’s production slate and third-party projects and leads a team featuring Laurel Charnetsky as VP, international acquisitions & operations, and Dan Stadnicki as manager, international sales & distribution.
Figeroid most recently served as managing director and EVP of sales & distribution at Sierra/Affinity and was expected to make a big move as that company’s owner eOne...
- 8/29/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Neon said Tuesday that it has hired Sierra/Affinity veteran Kristen Figeroid as President of International Sales and Distribution. She starts this week.
Figeroid, who will also handle sales on third-party projects, is bringing with her to the indie distributor a team of foreign sales execs including Laurel Charnetsky as VP International Acquisitions & Operations and Dan Stadnicki as Manager, International Sales & Distribution.
Figeroid most recently served as Managing Director and EVP of Sales & Distribution at Sierra/Affinity, where she handled sales on Atomic Blonde starring Charlize Theron, the Oscar-winning Whiplash starring Miles Teller, and Nightcrawler starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Prior to that, Figeroid was SVP International Sales & Distribution at Endeavor Content, working on features such as The Lost Daughter, Monkey Man, The Peanut Butter Falcon, Book Club and Assassination Nation. Prior to Endeavor Content, she was VP International Sales at The Film Department, where she sold a number of films including Law Abiding Citizen...
Figeroid, who will also handle sales on third-party projects, is bringing with her to the indie distributor a team of foreign sales execs including Laurel Charnetsky as VP International Acquisitions & Operations and Dan Stadnicki as Manager, International Sales & Distribution.
Figeroid most recently served as Managing Director and EVP of Sales & Distribution at Sierra/Affinity, where she handled sales on Atomic Blonde starring Charlize Theron, the Oscar-winning Whiplash starring Miles Teller, and Nightcrawler starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Prior to that, Figeroid was SVP International Sales & Distribution at Endeavor Content, working on features such as The Lost Daughter, Monkey Man, The Peanut Butter Falcon, Book Club and Assassination Nation. Prior to Endeavor Content, she was VP International Sales at The Film Department, where she sold a number of films including Law Abiding Citizen...
- 8/29/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Signature Entertainment has snapped up U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand distribution rights to Charlie Day’s (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) directorial debut, “Fool’s Paradise,” from Sierra/Affinity.
Day also leads the cast that includes Ken Jeong (“The Hangover”), Kate Beckinsale (“Underworld”), Adrien Brody (“The Pianist”), Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso”), Jason Bateman (“Ozark”), Ray Liotta (“Dangerous Waters”) and John Malkovich (“Being John Malkovich”).
The comedy, written by Day, follows a down-on-his-luck publicist (Jeong), who gets his lucky break when he discovers a man (Day) recently released from a mental health ward looks just like a famous actor who refuses to leave his trailer.
The film is produced by Christopher Leola and Tim Zajaros (“The Peanut Butter Falcon”), John Rickard (“Rampage”) and Alex Saks (“The Florida Project”).
The deal was negotiated between Signature’s director of acquisitions and TV Elizabeth Williams and Sierra/Affinity’s executive VP of sales Kristen Figeroid.
Day also leads the cast that includes Ken Jeong (“The Hangover”), Kate Beckinsale (“Underworld”), Adrien Brody (“The Pianist”), Jason Sudeikis (“Ted Lasso”), Jason Bateman (“Ozark”), Ray Liotta (“Dangerous Waters”) and John Malkovich (“Being John Malkovich”).
The comedy, written by Day, follows a down-on-his-luck publicist (Jeong), who gets his lucky break when he discovers a man (Day) recently released from a mental health ward looks just like a famous actor who refuses to leave his trailer.
The film is produced by Christopher Leola and Tim Zajaros (“The Peanut Butter Falcon”), John Rickard (“Rampage”) and Alex Saks (“The Florida Project”).
The deal was negotiated between Signature’s director of acquisitions and TV Elizabeth Williams and Sierra/Affinity’s executive VP of sales Kristen Figeroid.
- 6/29/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Another day, another shark thriller. Yesterday, we shared the news that Deep Blue Sea director Renny Harlin is set to direct a shark thriller called Deep Water for producer Gene Simmons. Now The Hollywood Reporter has broken the news that director Jeff Wadlow – whose previous credits include the 2018 film Truth or Dare and the 2020 horror version of Fantasy Island – will be taking the helm of a shark thriller called The Devil’s Mouth for Entertainment One and Thunder Road.
Scripted by Aja Gabel and Myung Joh Wesner, the film will follow a group of young and beautiful friends whose idyllic vacation off the coast of Mexico becomes a life-or-death endeavor. Need a bit more information than that? Here’s the full synopsis: Despite a series of storms recently flooding the area, Sara, the planner amongst the partiers, is adamant on continuing with their exploration of the La Boca Del Diablo...
Scripted by Aja Gabel and Myung Joh Wesner, the film will follow a group of young and beautiful friends whose idyllic vacation off the coast of Mexico becomes a life-or-death endeavor. Need a bit more information than that? Here’s the full synopsis: Despite a series of storms recently flooding the area, Sara, the planner amongst the partiers, is adamant on continuing with their exploration of the La Boca Del Diablo...
- 5/16/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Jeff Wadlow — the horror director behind Blumhouse hits Truth or Dare and Fantasy Island – has set a new thriller, The Devil’s Mouth, with Entertainment One and Thunder Road set to produce.
The feature project, from writers Aja Gabel and Myung Joh Wesner, follows a group of young and beautiful friends whose idyllic vacation off the coast of Mexico becomes a life-or-death endeavor.
The synopsis for the film reads: “Despite a series of storms recently flooding the area, Sara, the planner amongst the partiers, is adamant on continuing with their exploration of the La Boca Del Diablo (The Devil’s Mouth) cenotes – a hauntingly intricate maze of deep underwater caverns. But as they traverse the awe-inspiring flooded caves and tunnels, looming in the depths below is a silent, swift, and bloodthirsty trapped outsider – a true apex predator. The group’s only hope for survival is to set aside their petty...
The feature project, from writers Aja Gabel and Myung Joh Wesner, follows a group of young and beautiful friends whose idyllic vacation off the coast of Mexico becomes a life-or-death endeavor.
The synopsis for the film reads: “Despite a series of storms recently flooding the area, Sara, the planner amongst the partiers, is adamant on continuing with their exploration of the La Boca Del Diablo (The Devil’s Mouth) cenotes – a hauntingly intricate maze of deep underwater caverns. But as they traverse the awe-inspiring flooded caves and tunnels, looming in the depths below is a silent, swift, and bloodthirsty trapped outsider – a true apex predator. The group’s only hope for survival is to set aside their petty...
- 5/16/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Sierra/Affinity is handling foreign sales on Neon’s horror pic, Cuckoo, at the upcoming Cannes Film Market.
Written and directed by Tilman Singer, Cuckoo was shot on 35mm over 35 days in Germany and stars Jan Bluthardt (Luz), Euphoria’s Hunter Schafer, Screen Actors Guild Award winner Dan Stevens, BAFTA Award nominee Jessica Henwick, Australian Academy Award nominee Marton Csókás, and acclaimed Spanish actress Greta Fernández. Cuckoo‘s plot is under wraps.
Kristen Figeroid, Sierra/Affinity’s Managing Director and EVP, said, “We are thrilled to join this project featuring incredible talent both in front of and behind the camera, and look forward to bringing this title to the widest possible global audience, helping Neon bolster its impeccable recent track record of critical and commercial hits.”
The movie is executive produced for Neon by Tom Quinn, Jeff Deutchman, Emily Thomas, and Ryan Friscia. It is produced by Ken Kao...
Written and directed by Tilman Singer, Cuckoo was shot on 35mm over 35 days in Germany and stars Jan Bluthardt (Luz), Euphoria’s Hunter Schafer, Screen Actors Guild Award winner Dan Stevens, BAFTA Award nominee Jessica Henwick, Australian Academy Award nominee Marton Csókás, and acclaimed Spanish actress Greta Fernández. Cuckoo‘s plot is under wraps.
Kristen Figeroid, Sierra/Affinity’s Managing Director and EVP, said, “We are thrilled to join this project featuring incredible talent both in front of and behind the camera, and look forward to bringing this title to the widest possible global audience, helping Neon bolster its impeccable recent track record of critical and commercial hits.”
The movie is executive produced for Neon by Tom Quinn, Jeff Deutchman, Emily Thomas, and Ryan Friscia. It is produced by Ken Kao...
- 5/5/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Grab a flashlight, a baseball bat, and holy water because Mads Mikkelsen is going monster hunting! This moment is your time to shine, Hannibal fans! Mikkelsen and Bryan Fuller are reuniting for a family-oriented horror project, Dust Bunny.
Fuller directs, writes, and produces Dust Bunny alongside Entertainment One and Thunder Road‘s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee. Sierra/Affinity is bringing the project to market in January in search of potential buyers. I doubt they’ll have trouble selling this exciting concept, especially since Hannibal fans are hungry for another meal from Mikkelsen and Fuller.
Dust Bunny revolves around an eight-year-old girl who recruits her strange neighbor to hunt and kill the monster living under her bed. The girl says the monster ate her family, and she wants revenge.
“We have been huge fans of Bryan’s for years,” said Thunder Road’s Lee. “Dust Bunny is incredibly inventive and unlike anything in the marketplace,...
Fuller directs, writes, and produces Dust Bunny alongside Entertainment One and Thunder Road‘s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee. Sierra/Affinity is bringing the project to market in January in search of potential buyers. I doubt they’ll have trouble selling this exciting concept, especially since Hannibal fans are hungry for another meal from Mikkelsen and Fuller.
Dust Bunny revolves around an eight-year-old girl who recruits her strange neighbor to hunt and kill the monster living under her bed. The girl says the monster ate her family, and she wants revenge.
“We have been huge fans of Bryan’s for years,” said Thunder Road’s Lee. “Dust Bunny is incredibly inventive and unlike anything in the marketplace,...
- 11/1/2022
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
It’s not the reunion that “Hannibal” fans have been waiting for, but it might be the next best thing: Series creator Bryan Fuller and star Mads Mikkelsen are making a movie together.
Titled “Dust Bunny,” the film is written and directed by Fuller, who makes his feature directorial debut. Mikkelsen will star in the horror movie, which focuses on an 8-year-old girl who enlists the help of a neighbor to kill a monster under her bed that she believes ate her family. The project was announced November 1 during the first day of the American Film Market, with global sales company Sierra/Affinity set to present it to distributors at the eight-day industry event.
Kristen Figeroid, Sierra/Affinity’s managing director and executive vice president stated that “Mads brings such a unique quality to every character he brings to life and his role in ‘Dust Bunny’ will be no exception. We...
Titled “Dust Bunny,” the film is written and directed by Fuller, who makes his feature directorial debut. Mikkelsen will star in the horror movie, which focuses on an 8-year-old girl who enlists the help of a neighbor to kill a monster under her bed that she believes ate her family. The project was announced November 1 during the first day of the American Film Market, with global sales company Sierra/Affinity set to present it to distributors at the eight-day industry event.
Kristen Figeroid, Sierra/Affinity’s managing director and executive vice president stated that “Mads brings such a unique quality to every character he brings to life and his role in ‘Dust Bunny’ will be no exception. We...
- 11/1/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Bryan Fuller will direct from his screenplay; production scheduled for January 2023 start.
Mads Mikkelsen will star for eOne and Thunder Road in Dust Bunny, which Sierra/Affinity is introducing to AFM buyers this week.
Bryan Fuller will direct from his screenplay and production is scheduled to commence in January 2023 on the story of an eight-year-old girl who enlists the help of her intriguing neighbour to kill the monster under her bed that she believes ate her family.
Fuller serves as producer alongside Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee.
“We have been huge fans of Bryan’s for years,” said Thunder Road’s Lee.
Mads Mikkelsen will star for eOne and Thunder Road in Dust Bunny, which Sierra/Affinity is introducing to AFM buyers this week.
Bryan Fuller will direct from his screenplay and production is scheduled to commence in January 2023 on the story of an eight-year-old girl who enlists the help of her intriguing neighbour to kill the monster under her bed that she believes ate her family.
Fuller serves as producer alongside Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee.
“We have been huge fans of Bryan’s for years,” said Thunder Road’s Lee.
- 11/1/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Mads Mikkelsen has signed on to star in Dust Bunny, written and directed by Bryan Fuller. Entertainment One and Thunder Road will co-produce with Fuller producing alongside Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee.
Sierra/Affinity is handling global sales on the film and will present the project to buyers at AFM this week.
Production is set to begin in January 2023. The film will mark Fuller’s feature film directorial debut.
The flick follows an eight-year-old girl who enlists the help of her intriguing neighbor to kill the monster under her bed that she believes ate her family.
“We have been huge fans of Bryan’s for years. Dust Bunny is incredibly inventive and unlike anything in the marketplace and we are thrilled to help bring his first feature to life,” said Thunder Road’s Lee.
Kristen Figeroid, Sierra/Affinity’s Managing Director and Executive Vice President added: “Mads brings...
Sierra/Affinity is handling global sales on the film and will present the project to buyers at AFM this week.
Production is set to begin in January 2023. The film will mark Fuller’s feature film directorial debut.
The flick follows an eight-year-old girl who enlists the help of her intriguing neighbor to kill the monster under her bed that she believes ate her family.
“We have been huge fans of Bryan’s for years. Dust Bunny is incredibly inventive and unlike anything in the marketplace and we are thrilled to help bring his first feature to life,” said Thunder Road’s Lee.
Kristen Figeroid, Sierra/Affinity’s Managing Director and Executive Vice President added: “Mads brings...
- 11/1/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Mads Mikkelsen is set to reunite with his Hannibal creator Bryan Fuller on the newly announced feature Dust Bunny.
Entertainment One and Thunder Road will co-produce with Fuller, who will write, direct and produce alongside Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee. Sierra/Affinity is handling global sales and will introduce the project to buyers at the American Film Market. Principal production is set to begin in January 2023.
Dust Bunny will tell the story of an eight-year-old girl who enlists the help of her intriguing neighbor to kill the monster under her bed that she believes ate her family.
“We have been huge fans of Bryan’s for years,” said Thunder Road’s Lee. “Dust Bunny is incredibly inventive and unlike anything in the marketplace and we are thrilled to help bring his first feature to life.”
Added Kristen Figeroid, Sierra/Affinity’s...
Mads Mikkelsen is set to reunite with his Hannibal creator Bryan Fuller on the newly announced feature Dust Bunny.
Entertainment One and Thunder Road will co-produce with Fuller, who will write, direct and produce alongside Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee. Sierra/Affinity is handling global sales and will introduce the project to buyers at the American Film Market. Principal production is set to begin in January 2023.
Dust Bunny will tell the story of an eight-year-old girl who enlists the help of her intriguing neighbor to kill the monster under her bed that she believes ate her family.
“We have been huge fans of Bryan’s for years,” said Thunder Road’s Lee. “Dust Bunny is incredibly inventive and unlike anything in the marketplace and we are thrilled to help bring his first feature to life.”
Added Kristen Figeroid, Sierra/Affinity’s...
- 11/1/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Brett Morgen’s Moonage Daydream swept up a cool 922,000 at the domestic box office this weekend, while an impressive array of top industry players took Saturday to mull the global future of arthouse film. The real test — of specialty’s core adult audience willingness to return to cinemas — starts this fall, according to execs at the Zurich Summit, an in-person event straddling the Zurich Film Festival.
A24 acquisitions and distribution specialist David Laub, and Sierra/Affinity executive Kristen Figeroid said it’s been hard to get a picture of what older audiences will do in a more normalized situation. Last fall, there were highly infectious new Covid variants in the news. This fall, there aren’t (or so it seems). Last fall, there were few new films. Now the flow of content is much steadier and there have been some standouts (Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris). Young people have returned to cinemas,...
A24 acquisitions and distribution specialist David Laub, and Sierra/Affinity executive Kristen Figeroid said it’s been hard to get a picture of what older audiences will do in a more normalized situation. Last fall, there were highly infectious new Covid variants in the news. This fall, there aren’t (or so it seems). Last fall, there were few new films. Now the flow of content is much steadier and there have been some standouts (Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris). Young people have returned to cinemas,...
- 9/25/2022
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The pressing post-pandemic issue of how to find a theatrical audience for arthouse films was the subject of a morning panel at the Zurich Summit. Among speakers were A24 acquisitions and distribution executive David Laub, Sierra/Affinity exec Kristen Figeroid and Christian Bräuer, MD of top German indie exhibition group Yorck Kinogruppe.
Zurich Summit: Deadline’s Full Coverage
A24’s Laub noted that there had been a box office comeback in recent months thanks to movies like Everything Everywhere All At Once and Top Gun: Maverick: “While arthouse movies remain challenged, overall, people are returning to cinemas. If people didn’t care, they would have switched off entirely after the pandemic, but they didn’t. We are very proud of Everything Everywhere All At Once. It was a movie that appealed to a younger audience, which is very important to our brand at A24. But this fall will be very telling.
Zurich Summit: Deadline’s Full Coverage
A24’s Laub noted that there had been a box office comeback in recent months thanks to movies like Everything Everywhere All At Once and Top Gun: Maverick: “While arthouse movies remain challenged, overall, people are returning to cinemas. If people didn’t care, they would have switched off entirely after the pandemic, but they didn’t. We are very proud of Everything Everywhere All At Once. It was a movie that appealed to a younger audience, which is very important to our brand at A24. But this fall will be very telling.
- 9/24/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Veteran first assistant director Paul Barry makes feature directing debut.
Sierra/Affinity has acquired worldwide sales rights for Cannes on survival thriller The Skeleton Tree to star Jacob Tremblay and Woody Norman.
Veteran first assistant director Paul Barry makes his feature directing debut on the project from his 2021 Black List screenplay based on the book by the same name by Iain Lawrence.
The Skeleton Tree centres on two boys who survive a boating accident are stranded on a remote Alaskan shore.
87North’s Kelly McCormick is producing the film alongside Barry, Michael Collins, and Kristian Andresen via their 3Fifty Films,...
Sierra/Affinity has acquired worldwide sales rights for Cannes on survival thriller The Skeleton Tree to star Jacob Tremblay and Woody Norman.
Veteran first assistant director Paul Barry makes his feature directing debut on the project from his 2021 Black List screenplay based on the book by the same name by Iain Lawrence.
The Skeleton Tree centres on two boys who survive a boating accident are stranded on a remote Alaskan shore.
87North’s Kelly McCormick is producing the film alongside Barry, Michael Collins, and Kristian Andresen via their 3Fifty Films,...
- 5/11/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Oscar winner Susan Sarandon (Thelma & Louise), Oscar nominee Bette Midler (The First Wives Club) and Emmy winner Megan Mullally (Will And Grace) are attached to star in The Fabulous Four from director Jocelyn Moorhouse (The Dressmaker).
The feel-good comedy will follow two life-long friends who travel to Key West to be bridesmaids in a surprise wedding of their college girlfriend Marilyn (Midler). When there, sisterhoods are rekindled, the past rises up, and sparks, drinks and romance fly.
The plan is to start pre-production in July and begin filming in September in Atlanta, Georgia and Key West, Florida.
Sierra/Affinity is launching international sales next week in Cannes and the project will likely have strong appeal for those in need of humour and diversion and looking to tap into the mature audience quadrant. CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group are representing the North American distribution rights.
The feel-good comedy will follow two life-long friends who travel to Key West to be bridesmaids in a surprise wedding of their college girlfriend Marilyn (Midler). When there, sisterhoods are rekindled, the past rises up, and sparks, drinks and romance fly.
The plan is to start pre-production in July and begin filming in September in Atlanta, Georgia and Key West, Florida.
Sierra/Affinity is launching international sales next week in Cannes and the project will likely have strong appeal for those in need of humour and diversion and looking to tap into the mature audience quadrant. CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group are representing the North American distribution rights.
- 5/11/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Jacob Tremblay (Room) and Woody Norman (C’mon C’mon) are starring in The Skeleton Tree, which Sierra/Affinity is selling at the Cannes Market.
Paul Barry’s directorial debut is based on Iain Lawrence’s 2016 book of the same name and comes from 87North and 3Fifty Fifty.
The Skeleton Tree follows two boys, whose lives are changed forever when they survive a boating accident and end up stranded on a remote Alaskan shore. Through environmental calamities and unimaginable obstacles, the fundamentally different pair must eventually trust and depend on each other to survive.
7North’s Kelly McCormick is producing the film alongside Barry, who writes and directs, Michael Collins, and Kristian Andresen via their 3Fifty Films banner, with 87North’s David Leitch executive producing.
Tremblay starred in the Oscar-nominated Room and other features such as Good Boys, The Predator, Wonder, and Luca, while Norman starred opposite Joaquin Phoenix in...
Paul Barry’s directorial debut is based on Iain Lawrence’s 2016 book of the same name and comes from 87North and 3Fifty Fifty.
The Skeleton Tree follows two boys, whose lives are changed forever when they survive a boating accident and end up stranded on a remote Alaskan shore. Through environmental calamities and unimaginable obstacles, the fundamentally different pair must eventually trust and depend on each other to survive.
7North’s Kelly McCormick is producing the film alongside Barry, who writes and directs, Michael Collins, and Kristian Andresen via their 3Fifty Films banner, with 87North’s David Leitch executive producing.
Tremblay starred in the Oscar-nominated Room and other features such as Good Boys, The Predator, Wonder, and Luca, while Norman starred opposite Joaquin Phoenix in...
- 5/11/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Buyers flock to genre slate starring Gerard Butler, Rosamund Pike, Julia Stiles.
Sierra/Affinity has reported a strong response to its EFM genre sales slate and has closed key territories on Rosamund Pike thriller Rich Flu, action thriller Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera starring Gerard Butler and Orphan: First Kill, the prequel to Dark Castle horror film Orphan.
Buyers on Rich Flu include Square One for Germany, Sun Distribution Group for Latin America, Originals Factory for France, Scanbox for Scandinavia, Watcha for South Korea, and Cai Chang for Taiwan.
In other deals the thriller has gone in Switzerland (Ascot...
Sierra/Affinity has reported a strong response to its EFM genre sales slate and has closed key territories on Rosamund Pike thriller Rich Flu, action thriller Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera starring Gerard Butler and Orphan: First Kill, the prequel to Dark Castle horror film Orphan.
Buyers on Rich Flu include Square One for Germany, Sun Distribution Group for Latin America, Originals Factory for France, Scanbox for Scandinavia, Watcha for South Korea, and Cai Chang for Taiwan.
In other deals the thriller has gone in Switzerland (Ascot...
- 4/5/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia makes feature follow-up to Toronto 2019 hit.
Rosamund Pike will star in and Fabula’s Pablo Larrain and Juan de Dios Larraín will produce Rich Flu, a high concept EFM sales title from The Platform director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia which Sierra/Affinity is introducing to buyers.
Gaztelu-Urrutia will direct from a screenplay he co-wrote with Pedro Rivero about a strange disease that kills off billionaires, millionaires and anyone with some sort of fortune. The social commentary chimes with The Platform (El Hoya), the Spaniard’s TIFF 2019 selection which was snapped up by Netflix and takes place in a prison where...
Rosamund Pike will star in and Fabula’s Pablo Larrain and Juan de Dios Larraín will produce Rich Flu, a high concept EFM sales title from The Platform director Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia which Sierra/Affinity is introducing to buyers.
Gaztelu-Urrutia will direct from a screenplay he co-wrote with Pedro Rivero about a strange disease that kills off billionaires, millionaires and anyone with some sort of fortune. The social commentary chimes with The Platform (El Hoya), the Spaniard’s TIFF 2019 selection which was snapped up by Netflix and takes place in a prison where...
- 2/3/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Emmy and Golden Globe winner Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl) has been set to lead pandemic-themed thriller Rich Flu, we can reveal. Producers include Pablo Larraín and Juan de Dios Larraín’s Fabula banner which produced Spencer, Jackie and No.
Sierra/Affinity is handling international sales and launching to buyers for the first time at the virtual European Film Market. CAA Media Finance is representing domestic.
In Rich Flu, a strange disease kills off some of the richest and most influential people on the planet. First it was the billionaires, then the multi-millionaires and so on progressively….Then it threatens to strike anyone with any sort of fortune. With the whole world panicking, people try to flood the market with assets the world no longer wants. The movie asks how far people would go to save their skin when the wealth that made the world go round suddenly becomes its most dangerous commodity.
Sierra/Affinity is handling international sales and launching to buyers for the first time at the virtual European Film Market. CAA Media Finance is representing domestic.
In Rich Flu, a strange disease kills off some of the richest and most influential people on the planet. First it was the billionaires, then the multi-millionaires and so on progressively….Then it threatens to strike anyone with any sort of fortune. With the whole world panicking, people try to flood the market with assets the world no longer wants. The movie asks how far people would go to save their skin when the wealth that made the world go round suddenly becomes its most dangerous commodity.
- 2/3/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
As the American Film Market enters its second year of online dealmaking, with films like Arclight’s “The Portable Door,” starring Christof Waltz and Sam Neill (pictured above) looking to seal deals in the virtual market, Variety spoke to four veteran film buyers and sellers about how they’ve navigated virtual markets, the lessons they’ve learned, the online platforms they’ve used and what it all will mean for doing business when (and if) the pandemic ends.
Kristen Figeroid
After nearly three years as senior VP of international sales and distribution at Endeavor Content, Figeroid rejoined film finance, production and sales company Sierra/Affinity in September as its managing director and exec VP.
Are there any effective ways to navigate virtual markets?
Don’t start at 6 a.m. — I tried that once and it was a terrible idea. [Laughter.] The biggest thing is to be entertaining, crack your jokes and not lose your audience,...
Kristen Figeroid
After nearly three years as senior VP of international sales and distribution at Endeavor Content, Figeroid rejoined film finance, production and sales company Sierra/Affinity in September as its managing director and exec VP.
Are there any effective ways to navigate virtual markets?
Don’t start at 6 a.m. — I tried that once and it was a terrible idea. [Laughter.] The biggest thing is to be entertaining, crack your jokes and not lose your audience,...
- 10/29/2021
- by Gregg Goldstein
- Variety Film + TV
Gersh Agency handles North American rights.
Melissa Leo and Emma Roberts are in final negotiations to star in the thriller Returns which Sierra/Affinity will introduce to buyers for next week’s AFM 2021 Online.
Contentious Media is financing the project and the producers are Trevor White, Tim White, and Allan Mandelbaum of Star Thrower Entertainment and Gia Walsh of Gigi Films.
George Ratliff will direct from a screenplay by Matthew A. Gossett based on a story by Ratliff and Gossett about a young woman who returns to a fractured home 12 years after her mysterious disappearance only to find her homecoming...
Melissa Leo and Emma Roberts are in final negotiations to star in the thriller Returns which Sierra/Affinity will introduce to buyers for next week’s AFM 2021 Online.
Contentious Media is financing the project and the producers are Trevor White, Tim White, and Allan Mandelbaum of Star Thrower Entertainment and Gia Walsh of Gigi Films.
George Ratliff will direct from a screenplay by Matthew A. Gossett based on a story by Ratliff and Gossett about a young woman who returns to a fractured home 12 years after her mysterious disappearance only to find her homecoming...
- 10/29/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Former Sierra/Affinity exec Kristen Figeroid is rejoining the company as Managing Director and Executive Vice President. In her new role, Figeroid will run the eOne subsidiary’s day-to-day operations and oversee all sales and partner servicing activities. Figeroid previously served as Sierra/Affinity’s EVP of Sales and Distribution from 2010 to 2015. She will report to eOne’s President of Film, Nick Meyer, and COO of Film and Television, Marc Schaberg.
Figeroid most recently served as Senior Vice President of International Sales and Distribution at Endeavor Content where she handled films such as Book Club, Monkey Man, The Peanut Butter Falcon, and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Venice Film Festival prizewinning feature directing debut, The Lost Daughter.
In her earlier role at Sierra/Affinity, Figeroid handled sales on such films as Atomic Blonde and Oscar nominees Whiplash and Nightcrawler.
Prior to Sierra/Affinity, Figeroid was Vice President of International Sales at The...
Figeroid most recently served as Senior Vice President of International Sales and Distribution at Endeavor Content where she handled films such as Book Club, Monkey Man, The Peanut Butter Falcon, and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Venice Film Festival prizewinning feature directing debut, The Lost Daughter.
In her earlier role at Sierra/Affinity, Figeroid handled sales on such films as Atomic Blonde and Oscar nominees Whiplash and Nightcrawler.
Prior to Sierra/Affinity, Figeroid was Vice President of International Sales at The...
- 9/27/2021
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Highly regarded executive previously worked at company from 2010-15.
Kristen Figeroid has rejoined Sierra/Affinity in an expanded role as MD and EVP where she will lead daily operations and oversee sales and partner servicing activities.
The highly regarded executive returns to the company after working at Endeavor Content since 2018, most recently as SVP. Figeroid elected to leave the agency after it was announced the sales team would split from Endeavor Content and return to the WME fold in the wake of Hollywood agencies’ agreement with the Writers Guild Of America restricting ownership of production and financing entities.
Figeroid previously...
Kristen Figeroid has rejoined Sierra/Affinity in an expanded role as MD and EVP where she will lead daily operations and oversee sales and partner servicing activities.
The highly regarded executive returns to the company after working at Endeavor Content since 2018, most recently as SVP. Figeroid elected to leave the agency after it was announced the sales team would split from Endeavor Content and return to the WME fold in the wake of Hollywood agencies’ agreement with the Writers Guild Of America restricting ownership of production and financing entities.
Figeroid previously...
- 9/27/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Endeavor Content senior vice president Kristen Figeroid has exited the agency as others in the unit’s sales and distribution unit prepare to head back to WME, sources close to the situation told Variety.
Figeroid joined Endeavor Content in 2018 as senior VP of sales and distribution. Her departure last week was amicable, one insider noted, and the executive is exploring a return to working with boutique and international-focused film finance and sales agencies.
The film sales team at Endeavor Content, meanwhile, is set for a return to WME in the wake of the agreement the agency signed earlier this year with the Writers Guild of America. The deal that settled a nearly two-year standoff over TV and film packaging also requires them to divest themselves of 80% of Endeavor Content by year’s end, while talent agency packaging of TV series and film projects will mostly cease to be as of June 30, 2022.
Endeavor Content,...
Figeroid joined Endeavor Content in 2018 as senior VP of sales and distribution. Her departure last week was amicable, one insider noted, and the executive is exploring a return to working with boutique and international-focused film finance and sales agencies.
The film sales team at Endeavor Content, meanwhile, is set for a return to WME in the wake of the agreement the agency signed earlier this year with the Writers Guild of America. The deal that settled a nearly two-year standoff over TV and film packaging also requires them to divest themselves of 80% of Endeavor Content by year’s end, while talent agency packaging of TV series and film projects will mostly cease to be as of June 30, 2022.
Endeavor Content,...
- 8/9/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
As the American Film Market ended Friday, cautious theatrical buyers eyed two kinds of projects — very big, or very small, with A-list casts either way — while AFM’s home-entertainment regulars stocked up on pandemic-friendly VOD titles.
With 562 exhibitors from 48 countries, organizers say that online presence was more than could have attended AFM in Santa Monica. In a repeat of their effort at Cannes, sales agencies organized a parallel market, this time with coalition of 30 independent film sales agents, production companies, and financiers.
“There is so much activity because it has been a very changed marketplace over the last six months,” Deb McIntosh, SVP, Advisory, Film Group, Endeavor Content, told IndieWire. “People have adapted to PVOD pricing, shortened windows, and are taking advantage of the open theater space.”
While many buyers found ways to make the current environment work for them, the harsh realities of the pandemic continue to make buyers...
With 562 exhibitors from 48 countries, organizers say that online presence was more than could have attended AFM in Santa Monica. In a repeat of their effort at Cannes, sales agencies organized a parallel market, this time with coalition of 30 independent film sales agents, production companies, and financiers.
“There is so much activity because it has been a very changed marketplace over the last six months,” Deb McIntosh, SVP, Advisory, Film Group, Endeavor Content, told IndieWire. “People have adapted to PVOD pricing, shortened windows, and are taking advantage of the open theater space.”
While many buyers found ways to make the current environment work for them, the harsh realities of the pandemic continue to make buyers...
- 11/14/2020
- by Chris Lindahl
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Alex Walton’s Bloom has introduced a major project on the eve of the market, injecting life into what has been an unusually slow build-up.
Hardy will portray the Prohibition-era gangster Al Capone in Fonzo, which Russell Ackerman and John Schoenfelder (Tau) are producing for Addictive Pictures alongside Lawrence Bender. CAA and Wme Global represent Us rights.
Josh Trank of Chronicle fame wrote and will direct the project, which finds Capone at the age of 47 in the final days of his life.
After nearly ten years in prison, the notorious former bootlegger and once leader of the Chicago Outfit syndicate is ravaged by dementia and plagued by memories of a vicious life that bleed into the present.
“This is the kind of project we want to do: original, distinctive cinema based around something our partners can market and distribute around the world,” said Walton.
“You have a brand in Al Capone and this is a fresh...
Hardy will portray the Prohibition-era gangster Al Capone in Fonzo, which Russell Ackerman and John Schoenfelder (Tau) are producing for Addictive Pictures alongside Lawrence Bender. CAA and Wme Global represent Us rights.
Josh Trank of Chronicle fame wrote and will direct the project, which finds Capone at the age of 47 in the final days of his life.
After nearly ten years in prison, the notorious former bootlegger and once leader of the Chicago Outfit syndicate is ravaged by dementia and plagued by memories of a vicious life that bleed into the present.
“This is the kind of project we want to do: original, distinctive cinema based around something our partners can market and distribute around the world,” said Walton.
“You have a brand in Al Capone and this is a fresh...
- 10/29/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
As the Afm approaches, sales, production and finance outfit Bloom has named Kristen Figeroid to the post of President of International Sales & Distribution. Figeroid will report to Alex Walton and will oversee the international licensing and distribution of the Bloom slate. The exec joins from Sierra/Affinity where she was Evp Sales & Distribution, handling such films as Charlize Theron-starrer Coldest City; Matthew McConaughey-starrer Gold and Damien Chazelle’s…...
- 10/19/2016
- Deadline
Sales executive to “pursue other opportunities”.
La-based Sierra/Affinity has announced that sales exec Kristen Figeroid is to leave her role at the company to explore new opportunities.
Figeroid most recently served as Sierra/Affinity’s evp sales and distribution sourcing and representing films that Sierra/Affinity brought to the international marketplace.
Figeroid has been with Sierra/Affinity since 2010 when she joined as svp of sales. Figeroid will be part of the firm’s team at this year’s Cannes Marche representing the company and its sales slate.
She will formally exit her post in mid-June, when her responsibilities will be absorbed by the existing team at the company.
Company principals Nick Meyer and Marc Schaberg said Figeroid had been “part of the fabric of our growth”.
“Kristen is a very talented executive and we are confident she will continue to thrive in any future position or venture she undertakes,” they added. “We...
La-based Sierra/Affinity has announced that sales exec Kristen Figeroid is to leave her role at the company to explore new opportunities.
Figeroid most recently served as Sierra/Affinity’s evp sales and distribution sourcing and representing films that Sierra/Affinity brought to the international marketplace.
Figeroid has been with Sierra/Affinity since 2010 when she joined as svp of sales. Figeroid will be part of the firm’s team at this year’s Cannes Marche representing the company and its sales slate.
She will formally exit her post in mid-June, when her responsibilities will be absorbed by the existing team at the company.
Company principals Nick Meyer and Marc Schaberg said Figeroid had been “part of the fabric of our growth”.
“Kristen is a very talented executive and we are confident she will continue to thrive in any future position or venture she undertakes,” they added. “We...
- 5/11/2015
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Kristen Figeroid is exiting her post as Sierra/Affinity’s Evp Sales and Distribution to pursue other opportunities. The move was announced on the eve of Cannes, which officially kicks off Wednesday. Figeroid has been with Sierra/Affinity since 2010 when she joined as Svp Sales. Figeroid will still be part of the Sierra/Affinity team at this year's Cannes market representing the company and its sales slate, and then formally exiting her post in mid-June. At that time…...
- 5/11/2015
- Deadline
Film Independent’s annual orientation on European film festivals and markets, hosted by festival experts Peter Belsito (co-founder of Film Finders) and Kristen Figeroid (Svp of International Sales, Sierra Affinity), guided our members through the festival and market calendar, including CineMart, Berlin, Cannes and many more. They also provided insight on how to appeal to foreign buyers. Here are some highlights from the discussion:
The International Festival Circuit
The international independent film festival circuit begins in September at the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff). However, according to Peter Belsito, for filmmakers “it begins when your film or project is ready for entry into the marketplace.” Peter Belsito and Sydney Levine of IndieWire blog SydneysBuzz provided this international festival circuit breakdown:
5 Major Film Festivals:
1. Cannes Film Festival: May 15-26, 2013
2. Berlin International Film Festival: February, 2014
3. Toronto International Film Festival: September 5-15, 2013
4. Sundance Film Festival: January 6-26, 2014
5. The best one for you depending of timing, genre, trade attendance, etc.
4 International Premarkets:
1. Rotterdam’s CineMart: January 26-January 29, 2014
2. Ifp No Borders International Co-Production Market: September, 2013
3. Busan Asian Film Market: October 7-10, 2013
4. Also: The San Sebastián International Film Festival, Toulouse Latin American Film Festival, Guadalajara International Film Festival, etc.
3 Major Markets:
1. American Film Market (Afm): November 6-13, 2013
2. Berlinale’s European Film Market (Efm): February, 2014
3. Cannes’ Marché du Film: May 15-24, 2013
What are foreign buyers looking for? What are they not looking for?
The film industry overseas has evolved drastically over the last decade and has become more and more discriminating. According to Kristen Figeroid, “most foreign companies have consolidated their territories and have become quite sophisticated. They want to know ‘what has this filmmaker produced before? Can I see it right away?’ It’s a tougher market these days.”
So what are foreign buyers not looking for? Unfortunately, “documentaries are the most difficult thing to sell. I actually sold Catfish, which was a groundbreaking documentary, but even that was tough to sell,” said Figeroid. Docs, which tend to be dialogue-heavy, are a hard sell domestically, but an even harder sell in other countries where English may not be the primary language.
On the other hand, “thrillers and action films work everywhere. They are easy to sell. Romantic comedies usually work everywhere when the comedy is more physical than verbal. Dramas are the most difficult narrative films to sell. If they do not have an exceptional director or cast, they have a hard time selling internationally,” said Figeroid.
What do the festival circuit and theatrical distribution offer these days?
“Festivals are important but they’re also a problem because you spend money and you don’t make a dime. These days, festivals are really just for marketing. Only for marketing,” said Belsito. The press and buzz a festival can help generate for your film can prove to be invaluable. It all depends on your marketing strategy and how skillfully you promote your project.
“Theatrical distribution is also problematic because it is pricey and often doesn’t bring much revenue.” Filmmakers must be realistic, strategic and economical when it comes to theatrical distribution. “However, the New York Times review is essential to selling your film, so playing in New York is very important in terms of the marketing of the film.” Do your research to find out what theatrical distribution model is right for your film before jumping into theatrical.
Know Your Competition: International Market breakdown10,000 films are completed per year in the marketplace. Your film must stand out from the rest.400 international sales agents license rights for specific genres of films to2,500 distributors using theaters, TV, DVD, online streaming and downloading in their country, one of60 distribution territories chosen out of2,500 to 4,500 films and projects offered per market
Packaging Your Film Internationally: Names, Printed Materials, Trailers
We already mentioned that thrillers and romantic comedies generally appeal to foreign buyers more than dramas and docs. Figeroid and Belsito also recommend:
Names: Research which stars are the most marketable internationally. If you can secure name talent that has both domestic and international marketability, you are putting your project in good standing with buyers.
Printed materials: A polished lookbook can help you drastically. When selling your film internationally, you must get an international sales agent who will license your film to distributors who will get your film to the target audience. How does one go about getting an International Sales Agent? Pitch your project and package it in the most attractive way possible.
Trailers: Figeroid recommends investing money into producing promos when it is appropriate for your project. To promote a film she was working on which starred Kate Hudson, Figeroid said “we shot Kate Hudson covered in blood and shooting guns over the course of one day and edited it with clips of films that the director was pulling inspiration from, and we were suddenly the talk of Berlin. Short films and promos are a very strong selling point for filmmakers internationally.”...
The International Festival Circuit
The international independent film festival circuit begins in September at the Toronto International Film Festival (Tiff). However, according to Peter Belsito, for filmmakers “it begins when your film or project is ready for entry into the marketplace.” Peter Belsito and Sydney Levine of IndieWire blog SydneysBuzz provided this international festival circuit breakdown:
5 Major Film Festivals:
1. Cannes Film Festival: May 15-26, 2013
2. Berlin International Film Festival: February, 2014
3. Toronto International Film Festival: September 5-15, 2013
4. Sundance Film Festival: January 6-26, 2014
5. The best one for you depending of timing, genre, trade attendance, etc.
4 International Premarkets:
1. Rotterdam’s CineMart: January 26-January 29, 2014
2. Ifp No Borders International Co-Production Market: September, 2013
3. Busan Asian Film Market: October 7-10, 2013
4. Also: The San Sebastián International Film Festival, Toulouse Latin American Film Festival, Guadalajara International Film Festival, etc.
3 Major Markets:
1. American Film Market (Afm): November 6-13, 2013
2. Berlinale’s European Film Market (Efm): February, 2014
3. Cannes’ Marché du Film: May 15-24, 2013
What are foreign buyers looking for? What are they not looking for?
The film industry overseas has evolved drastically over the last decade and has become more and more discriminating. According to Kristen Figeroid, “most foreign companies have consolidated their territories and have become quite sophisticated. They want to know ‘what has this filmmaker produced before? Can I see it right away?’ It’s a tougher market these days.”
So what are foreign buyers not looking for? Unfortunately, “documentaries are the most difficult thing to sell. I actually sold Catfish, which was a groundbreaking documentary, but even that was tough to sell,” said Figeroid. Docs, which tend to be dialogue-heavy, are a hard sell domestically, but an even harder sell in other countries where English may not be the primary language.
On the other hand, “thrillers and action films work everywhere. They are easy to sell. Romantic comedies usually work everywhere when the comedy is more physical than verbal. Dramas are the most difficult narrative films to sell. If they do not have an exceptional director or cast, they have a hard time selling internationally,” said Figeroid.
What do the festival circuit and theatrical distribution offer these days?
“Festivals are important but they’re also a problem because you spend money and you don’t make a dime. These days, festivals are really just for marketing. Only for marketing,” said Belsito. The press and buzz a festival can help generate for your film can prove to be invaluable. It all depends on your marketing strategy and how skillfully you promote your project.
“Theatrical distribution is also problematic because it is pricey and often doesn’t bring much revenue.” Filmmakers must be realistic, strategic and economical when it comes to theatrical distribution. “However, the New York Times review is essential to selling your film, so playing in New York is very important in terms of the marketing of the film.” Do your research to find out what theatrical distribution model is right for your film before jumping into theatrical.
Know Your Competition: International Market breakdown10,000 films are completed per year in the marketplace. Your film must stand out from the rest.400 international sales agents license rights for specific genres of films to2,500 distributors using theaters, TV, DVD, online streaming and downloading in their country, one of60 distribution territories chosen out of2,500 to 4,500 films and projects offered per market
Packaging Your Film Internationally: Names, Printed Materials, Trailers
We already mentioned that thrillers and romantic comedies generally appeal to foreign buyers more than dramas and docs. Figeroid and Belsito also recommend:
Names: Research which stars are the most marketable internationally. If you can secure name talent that has both domestic and international marketability, you are putting your project in good standing with buyers.
Printed materials: A polished lookbook can help you drastically. When selling your film internationally, you must get an international sales agent who will license your film to distributors who will get your film to the target audience. How does one go about getting an International Sales Agent? Pitch your project and package it in the most attractive way possible.
Trailers: Figeroid recommends investing money into producing promos when it is appropriate for your project. To promote a film she was working on which starred Kate Hudson, Figeroid said “we shot Kate Hudson covered in blood and shooting guns over the course of one day and edited it with clips of films that the director was pulling inspiration from, and we were suddenly the talk of Berlin. Short films and promos are a very strong selling point for filmmakers internationally.”...
- 3/29/2013
- by Lee Jameson
- Sydney's Buzz
The Film Department is reorganizing international operations.
Mark Gill and Neil Sacker's financing and production banner is pacting with the Weinstein Co. to handle international sales, with the latter firm's David Glasser running point on those responsibilities.
As part of the shift, Film Department international sales topper Steve Bickel is leaving; international vp Kristen Figeroid and vp international affairs Inc Pagliuca will remain.
The deal will give the Film Department access to the Weinstein Co.'s global network of buyers, with the mini-major seeing Film Department titles as a complement to its prestige and specialized pics.
"Their slate is very mainstream, and that's a perfect fit with our product," Glasser said.
The Film Department has "Law Abiding Citizen" in theaters, completed production on the Catherine Zeta-Jones romantic comedy "The Rebound" and is near completion on the Kate Hudson dramedy "Earthbound."
Glasser has a long history in international sales, previously with Yari Film Group,...
Mark Gill and Neil Sacker's financing and production banner is pacting with the Weinstein Co. to handle international sales, with the latter firm's David Glasser running point on those responsibilities.
As part of the shift, Film Department international sales topper Steve Bickel is leaving; international vp Kristen Figeroid and vp international affairs Inc Pagliuca will remain.
The deal will give the Film Department access to the Weinstein Co.'s global network of buyers, with the mini-major seeing Film Department titles as a complement to its prestige and specialized pics.
"Their slate is very mainstream, and that's a perfect fit with our product," Glasser said.
The Film Department has "Law Abiding Citizen" in theaters, completed production on the Catherine Zeta-Jones romantic comedy "The Rebound" and is near completion on the Kate Hudson dramedy "Earthbound."
Glasser has a long history in international sales, previously with Yari Film Group,...
- 10/29/2009
- by By Steven Zeitchik
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Mark Gill and Neil Sacker's indie production outfit Film Department announced a trio of new hires, naming Dan Stutz as executive vp business and legal affairs, Sara Ebrahimi as vp business and legal affairs and Kristen Figeroid as vp international sales.
Stutz arrives at the film financing, production and international sales company after a five-year run as senior vp business and legal affairs at Yari Film Group. There he worked on such features as "Crash", "The Illusionist" and "The Matador". Before YFG, he spent four years as an associate at Weissmann, Wolff, Bergman, Coleman, Grodin & Evall in Beverly Hills and a law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Dickran Tevrizian in Los Angeles.
Ebrahimi previously spent six years at UTA, where she served in various roles including director of legal affairs. She also helped negotiate deals for UTA's Independent Film Sales and Packaging Group. She reports directly to Stutz.
Figeroid was previously vp international distribution at Media 8 Entertainment, helping with the international sales of such films as "The Upside of Anger" and "Monster". Prior to this, she was director of international sales for Mainline Releasing and Lightning Entertainment, as well as working at Royal Oaks Entertainment and Franchise Pictures.
Stutz arrives at the film financing, production and international sales company after a five-year run as senior vp business and legal affairs at Yari Film Group. There he worked on such features as "Crash", "The Illusionist" and "The Matador". Before YFG, he spent four years as an associate at Weissmann, Wolff, Bergman, Coleman, Grodin & Evall in Beverly Hills and a law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Dickran Tevrizian in Los Angeles.
Ebrahimi previously spent six years at UTA, where she served in various roles including director of legal affairs. She also helped negotiate deals for UTA's Independent Film Sales and Packaging Group. She reports directly to Stutz.
Figeroid was previously vp international distribution at Media 8 Entertainment, helping with the international sales of such films as "The Upside of Anger" and "Monster". Prior to this, she was director of international sales for Mainline Releasing and Lightning Entertainment, as well as working at Royal Oaks Entertainment and Franchise Pictures.
- 9/25/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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