Sony Pictures nabs “Austenland” Sundance comedyJanuary 22, 2013 - 16:54 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions has nabbed worldwide rights to Jerusha Hess' Austenland after several days of competitive bidding. Sources peg the deal at north of $4 million, The Hollywood Reporter said. Sony Pictures Classics will release the film domestically. The comedic spin on Jane Austen from director Hess originally sparked five bids; among the bidders was Exclusive Releasing/FilmDistrict, which initially had made separate bids but teamed up as counter offers escalated. But deal-making came to a halt as producer Stephenie Meyer was unavailable. Hess, with husband Jared Hess, co-wrote Napoleon Dynamite and the Jack Black starrer Nacho Libre. She penned Austenland with Shannon Hale. The film follows a woman obsessed with a BBC production of Pride and Prejudice who travels to a Jane Austen-styled English resort to find her perfect gentleman. Austenland premiered Jan. 18 at Eccles Theatre as part of Sundance's U.S. Dramatic Competition section. It stars Keri Russell, JJ Feild, Jennifer Coolidge, Georgia King and James Callis. Top stories The creative crew of the Public TV had chosen 13-year-old Malena as a participant of this year's contest. She called on others to also suspend their accounts over the companies’ failure to tackle hate speech. Penderecki was known for his film scores, including for William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist”, Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”. The festival made the news public on March 19, saying that “several options are considered in order to preserve its running” Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |