Fox Searchlight Claims Rights To 'Belle'

Fox Searchlight Pictures has claimed rights for Belle, a new Pinewood Pictures backed film directed by BAFTA Award winner Amma Asante.
The rights for Belle was announced by company presidents Nancy Utley and Stephen Gilula. The film is scheduled to be released in Spring 2014.
Produced by Damian Jones (The Iron Lady), Belle features a range of British actors including Sarah Gadon, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Tom Wilkinson, Sam Reid, Miranda Richardson, Matthew Goode, Emily Watson, Tom Felton, and Penelope Wilton.
"We are thrilled this magnificent film has found the perfect home. The Fox Searchlight team's understanding of the film and its potential makes for an incredibly exciting journey through release and beyond," said Damian Jones.
"The experience and sensibilities of the team at Fox Searchlight make it a wonderful match for Belle. I am so pleased their passion for this film means it now has the ability to be seen by audiences worldwide. We've worked hard to turn historical facts of the life of a true pioneer into a compelling and moving cinema experience," said Asante.
The deal was brokered by Steve Christian on behalf of Isle of Man Film and Pinewood Pictures as well as Fox Searchlight's Vice President of Acquisitions, Ray Strache, Senior Vice President of Business Affairs, Megan O'Brien and Executive Vice President of Worldwide Acquisitions, Tony Safford, with Bankside Films Co-Managing Director, Hilary Davis and Head of Sales & Marketing, Stephen Kelliher, and Christos Michaels of Lee & Thompson.
The film was developed by the BFI Film Fund which also backed production, alongside Isle of Man Film, Pinewood Pictures, Head Gear Films and Metrol Technology.
www.pinewoodgroup.com
(IT/JP)