Fox Searchlight Pictures Presidents Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley announced today that the company has acquired U.S. rights to A Bigger Splash, starring Ralph Fiennes, Tilda Swinton, Matthias Schoenaerts and Dakota Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey). The film is directed by Luca Guadagnino (I Am Love) and written by David Kajganich (True Story).
In A Bigger Splash, the lives of a high profile couple, a famous rock star and a filmmaker (Schoenaerts and Swinton), vacationing and recovering on the idyllic sun-drenched and remote Italian island of Pantelleria are disrupted by the unexpected visit of an old friend and his daughter (Fiennes and Johnson) – creating a whirlwind of jealousy, passion and ultimate danger for everyone involved.
“The film is a rich and enigmatic thriller and we look forward to bringing Luca’s vision to American audiences later this year. And we have the added joy of working with old friends – Ralph, Tilda, and Matthias,” say Utley and Gilula.
A Bigger Splash is produced by Michael Costigan and Guadagnino and is scheduled to be released in 2015.
“I am honored that Fox Searchlight has chosen to distribute A Bigger Splash in the states. Tilda, Dakota, Ralph, and Matthias together with the rest of our cast have brought to life what we feel and hope will be an unforgettable movie going experience based on the brilliant script by Dave Kajganich,” says Guadagnino.
“I am thrilled that Searchlight is our partner on Luca Guadagnino’s much anticipated first English language film after ‘I Am Love,'” adds Costigan. “This is an edgy, sexy, dangerous film with an extraordinary cast, and we know Searchlight embraces and knows how to reach a wide audience with original, filmmaker driven films.”
“We are very pleased to be in business with Fox Searchlight on Luca Guadagnino’s new film,” says Olivier Courson, Studiocanal Chairman and CEO. “I believe we have found the perfect partner to take care of this very unique glamorous thriller.”
A Bigger Splash is fully financed by Studiocanal who will distribute the film in its territories, France, UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and is handling international sales.
The deal was brokered by Fox Searchlight’s Executive Vice President of Worldwide Acquisitions Tony Safford, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs Megan O’Brien and Senior Vice President of Acquisitions & Co-Productions Ray Strache and Anna Marsh Studiocanal Head of international sales.
