PARK CITY, UT (January 28, 2010) – Nigel Sinclair and Chris Ball, Co-Chairmen of EMG, today announced Exclusive Media’s Newmarket Films has acquired U.S. rights to the Sundance favorite, HESHER, starring Joseph Gordon Levitt and Natalie Portman. The seven figure deal was reached early this morning following an extremely successful screening in Salt Lake City last night, and negotiated by WME Global and CAA on behalf of the film with Chris Ball and John Crye, Head of Acquisitions, on behalf of Newmarket.
Since premiering at the festival last Friday, the film has picked up momentum with the fan boy driven audience who respond to the character of HESHER. Sites such as Aint it Cool News have lauded the film as one of the best of the festival.
Spencer Susser, named one of Variety’s Ten Directors to Watch, makes his directorial debut with the anarchic, funny and surprisingly touching coming-of-age story that illustrates how sometimes healing comes in the most unlikely form. Written by Spencer Susser and David Michod, and starring Joseph Gordon Levitt, Natalie Portman, Devin Brochu, Rainn Wilson and Piper Laurie, the film made its worldwide debut at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim.
“Hesher is a fine example of American independent film that fits perfectly with Newmarket’s tradition of distributing provocative, unique stories about iconic characters made by exciting new directors,” said Nigel Sinclair and Chris Ball.
“Hesher was my first feature I produced, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience,” said Natalie Portman, producer and co-star. “Spencer had a real vision, and Joseph’s performance will truly blow people away. It is an incredibly special film and I am thrilled to have been a part of the filmmaking process.”
Hesher is the story of a twenty-something long-haired tattooed metal-head who one day unexpectedly enters the life of a grieving family. Hesher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is the most unlikely person to help 13-year-old TJ (Devin Brochu) cope with the death of his mother, but he proves to be the only one who can truly free TJ from his overwhelming sadness. The charismatic and dangerous Hesher drags TJ out of loss and confusion by sheer force of will and gives the young boy and his grieving father (Rainn Wilson) a chance to be a family again.
HESHER is produced by Corner Store Entertainment’s Matt Weaver and Scott Prisand, Lucy Cooper, Natalie Portman’s Handsomecharlie Films, Spencer Susser, Johnny Lin and Win Sheridan.
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