TIFF deals roundup: EOne takes on Alliance Films, Spike Lee’s new movie gets distribution and more

TIFF deals roundup: EOne takes on Alliance Films, Spike Lee’s new movie gets distribution and more

Looper is one of the buzzy Alliance films at TIFF 2012 (Image: TIFF)

TIFF isn’t just about which stars are hanging out at Soho House or smizing on the red carpet. Sometimes the “business” part of “show business” takes place here too. Here’s a roundup of some of the recent movie wheelings and dealings:

• Acquisition alert! The Hollywood Reporter is out with details of a new long-time-in-the-making mega-deal. Entertainment One, a Canadian company, agreed to take on Alliance Films in a deal expected to be worth C$272 million. The acquisition will make Entertainment One the largest indie distributor in the Canadian and U.K. markets, according to the company. Alliance has a number of buzzy films at TIFF including, of course, festival opener Looper.

• The Los Angeles Times reports that FilmDistrict picked up the U.S. distribution rights to Old Boy, Spike Lee’s remake of a Chan Wook-Park thriller (and winner of the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival). The movie focuses on Josh Brolin’s character, a man whose been held captive for twenty years and is hell-bent on revenge. It also stars Sharlto Copley, Elizabeth Olsen and Samuel L. Jackson. While Old Boy is not screening at TIFF, the announcement was made here.

• According to Variety, Indican Pictures walked away with the exclusive North American rights to Paramyth Films’ A Green Story. The biopic recounts the life of Van Vlahakis, a Greek immigrant who founded Earth Friendly Products after arriving in America with only $22 in his pocket. Ed O’Ross, Shannon Elizabeth, Annabella Sciorra, George Finn, Malcolm McDowell and Billy Zane are all in the cast.

• Exclusive Media is getting in on the TIFF distribution game. Indie Wire says the group just launched Exclusive Releasing, a U.S. distribution company that aims to release three or four films per year. Though theatrical films will be their bread and butter, the company also plans on releasing concert films and music documentaries. Exclusive Media’s in town to promote End of Watch, At Any Price and Disconnect.

Canada’s Entertainment One Agrees to Acquire Alliance Films for $230 million [The Hollywood Reporter]
Spike Lee’s ‘Old Boy’ finds a U.S. home [Los Angeles Times]
Indican goes for ‘Green’ [Variety]
Exclusive Media Launches New U.S. Distribution Arm Exclusive Releasing as Toronto Fest Starts [Indie Wire]