LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Pictures Entertainment has acquired North American distribution rights as well as distribution rights in a significant number of foreign territories, including all English speaking territories, to the Peter Jackson produced sci-fi motion picture “District 9” from QED International. The announcement was jointly made today by Peter Schlessel, President of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group, and QED International CEO Bill Block.
Academy Award® winner Peter Jackson is producing “District 9” through his WingNut Films production banner. QED International, the Los Angeles based production, financing and international sales company, is fully financing the film. Jackson’s manager Ken Kamins of Key Creatives is serving as executive producer along with Bill Block.
Neill Blomkamp makes his feature film directing debut with “District 9”, which he co-wrote with partner Terri Tatchell. The film is scheduled to begin shooting in Spring 2008 in South Africa. Details of the film’s plot are being tightly guarded while pre-production is underway.
Bill Block says, “Amy Pascal, Michael Lynton and Jeff Blake and the entire team at Sony really understand this film and we couldn’t be more excited to be in business with them. They are completely committed to the unique vision Neill and Peter have for ‘District 9.’
“We have seen some of Neil’s enormously creative work launching Halo 3 and he is a true talent who understands how to use visual effects in full service of the story. With Peter Jackson and his team at WETA workshop working with Neil, we believe District 9 can be a true event tentpole on our release slate,” said Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Negotiating the acquisition were Peter Schlessel for Sony Pictures Entertainment; Ken Kamins and attorneys Peter Nelson and Eric Suddleson on behalf of Peter Jackson; and Bill Block and Paul Hanson for QED International. Lara Thompson, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions for Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group, was also integral in securing the rights to the film for the studio.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in 107 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at www.sonypictures.com.
About QED International:
QED is a Beverly Hills based independent film company that represents theatrical motion picture projects for sales and distribution in the worldwide marketplace. The company also acquires, develops, finances and produces its own motion pictures, either independently or in partnership with major studios, talent, and key foreign distributors.
QED Managing Partners include CEO, Bill Block; Senior Vice President, Worldwide Sales & Distribution, Kimberly Fox; Chief Operating Officer, Paul Hanson; and Vice President of Production, Elliot Ferwerda.
