TIFF is known for the film’s… but it’s really about business. And today, the news begins!
Saban Films announced today that they have acquired U.S. rights to Steven C. Miller’s (Escape Plan 2: Hades, First Kill) Line of Duty. Penned by Jeremy Drysdale (Grand Theft Parsons), the action thriller stars Golden Globe® nominee Aaron Eckhart (London Has Fallen, The Dark Knight), Courtney Eaton (Mad Max: Fury Road), Dina Meyer (Starship Troopers, Saw), Emmy® nominee Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad,” Maze Runner franchise) and Ben McKenzie (Gotham). The film was produced by The Solution Entertainment Group’s Myles Nestel & Craig Chapman, Skip Williamson, Scott LaStaiti, Martin Sprock, Tiffany Stone, Renee Tab and Christopher Tuffin.
Line of Duty follows a disgraced cop (Eckhart) who finds himself in a race against time to find a kidnap victim whose abductor he accidentally killed.
Saban Films’ Bill Bromiley commented, “This fast-paced thriller is action-packed and bound to captivate audiences and keep them on their toes. It’s a testament to Steven’s skills as a filmmaker and the cast, led by Aaron, give stunning performances.”
Solution’s Nestel added, “We are excited to continue our long-standing relationship with Saban as our US distributor on the title. Steven knocked the film out of the park and Aaron gives a tour-de-force performance as Frank Penny.”
Jonathan Saba negotiated the deal for Saban Films along with Myles Nestel & Lisa Wilson (who also executive produced the film) on behalf of The Solution. The Solution represents worldwide rights, with Lisa Wilson selling the remaining international rights at this year’s TIFF.
Saban Films continues to grow its presence in the industry, remaining active in the acquisition, production and distribution space. The company’s successes have run the gamut from critically acclaimed theatrical films such as The Homesman starring Hilary Swank, to one of the biggest Fathom events in 2016 with Rob Zombie’s horror thriller 31. Its upcoming slate includes: Kevin Smith’s highly-anticipated Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, the sequel to the 2001 comedy Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back which the company is partnering on after coming onboard at script stage; horror icon and heavy metal mastermind Rob Zombie’s 3 From Hell; Cannes hit Vivarium starring Imogen Poots and Jesse Eisenberg; the heartfelt baseball drama Bottom of the 9th starring Joe Manganiello and Sofía Vergara; Darren Lynn Bousman’s Death of Me starring Maggie Q and Luke Hemsworth; Casey Affleck’s directorial debut Light of My Life; and Derrick Borte’s American Dreamer starring Jim Gaffigan.
Line of Duty marks the fourth in-house production over the last two years from leading film distribution, finance and sales company, The Solution Entertainment Group. Founded in 2012 by Myles Nestel, Lisa Wilson and Craig Chapman, The Solution has also produced Wheelman starring Frank Grillo, Killerman starring Liam Hemsworth and is currently finishing up Honest Thief starring Liam Neeson. This in addition to a robust third-party sales slate, which includes Nicholas Jarecki’s Dreamland, currently in post and the upcoming Liam Neeson actioner, Ice Road.
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