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Sony Nabs Hot Horror Flick for $25M+
19 Feb
Summary
- Sony secured worldwide rights for the creature feature 'Skeletons'.
- The deal for 'Skeletons' reportedly exceeded $25 million for domestic rights alone.
- The EFM market saw a cautious return of business, with smaller packages dominant.
Sony Pictures emerged victorious in a bidding war, securing worldwide rights to the creature feature 'Skeletons'. The film, which will star Brie Larson and be produced by JJ Abrams, was a major acquisition at the European Film Market (EFM). The reported deal for domestic rights alone exceeded $25 million, making it the most significant transaction of the market.
The EFM, while productive, saw a generally quieter atmosphere compared to previous years, with a focus on smaller-scale projects and tighter budgets. This shift reflects a broader trend in the independent film industry, moving away from the large multi-million dollar worldwide sales of the past.
Despite the subdued market, there were signs of cautious optimism, with some new independent distributors emerging in the U.S. International markets remain a crucial source of funding for independent cinema, with robust competition and healthy buyer engagement in most major territories.
Industry professionals noted that while the days of mega-deals are over, the worst of the contraction in independent film appears to be behind. The focus is now on strong genre pieces with clear global marketing potential, as well as leveraging public support through tax credits and incentives to get films made.
