We are happy to announce the sale of the US distribution rights for the Treehouse Co-Production Franny.
PRESS RELEASE
Los Angeles, CA (May 1, 2015) – Samuel Goldwyn Films announced today that the company has acquired U.S. rights to writer-director Andrew Renzi’s feature debut and 2015 Tribeca Film Festival favorite FRANNY. The film stars Richard Gere in a remarkable, never-seen-before performance as a hedonistic philanthropist in the title character, as well as Dakota Fanning, Theo James, Clarke Peters, Cheryl Hines, and Dylan Baker. The acquisition comes on the heels of Gere and the film receiving howling applause at the world premiere screening during the festival.
Richard Gere delivers a bravura performance as FRANNY, a Shakespearean type character and a rich eccentric man who manipulates his way into the lives of a deceased friend’s young daughter (Dakota Fanning) and her new husband (Theo James). FRANNY is a warm and winsome story that explores the pangs of the past and reflects on what it is to be family. The film is enlivened by incredible performances delivered by a versatile cast, bringing to life Renzi’s powerful cinematic vision.
According to Peter Goldwyn of Samuel Goldwyn Films: “Richard Gere gives a larger than life performance as FRANNY. Gere portrays a man on the verge with such talent and depth – he is a true Hollywood legend. We are incredibly excited to bring this film out to audiences and to work with Andrew, Richard and this remarkable cast.”
Filmmaker Andrew Renzi stated: “I’m honored to be working with Peter Goldwyn and the rest of Samuel Goldwyn Films on my first feature film. They have such an impressive history, and I feel very lucky to be included in that tradition.”
The producers added: “Samuel Goldwyn is positioning itself as an innovative distributor that understands how to reach a large and diverse audience with our unique and wonderful film FRANNY. They share our passion for Andrew Renzi’s artistic, heart-wrenching vision featuring Richard Gere’s stunningly powerful raw performance. We are thrilled to be working with Peter Goldwyn and his team on the release.”
Celerity Pictures and TideRock Media present, in association with Treehouse Pictures, Follow Through Productions, Soaring Flight Productions, Audax Films and Magnolia Entertainment, FRANNY, written and directed by Andrew Renzi. Produced by Kevin Turen, Jason Michael Berman, Jay Schuminsky and Thomas B. Fore. Executive Produced by Michael Finley, Ruth Mutch, Walter Kortschak, Justin Nappi, Richard Loughran, Shelley Browning, Michael Diamond, George Paaswell, Andrew Corkin, John Friedberg and Mark Moran, and co-produced by Brett Potter and Andrew Kortschak. The film stars Richard Gere, Dakota Fanning, Theo James, Clarke Peters, Cheryl Hines, and Dylan Baker.
The deal was negotiated by Ian Puente, Vice President and General Counsel, and Angel An on behalf of Samuel Goldwyn Films, and by Liesl Copland and Deborah McIntosh from WME and Nick Ogiony and Tristen Tuckfield from CAA on behalf of the filmmakers.
