What's Happening?
A24 has successfully acquired worldwide rights to Ian Tuason's horror film 'The Undertone' following its premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival on July 27th. The acquisition occurred amidst competitive bidding, with six potential buyers involved, and the deal reportedly reached mid-seven figures. 'The Undertone' features Nina Kiri as Evy, a paranormal podcast host who becomes embroiled in a terrifying mystery after returning home to care for her dying mother. The film is produced by Dan Slater and Cody Calahan, with executive producers including Steven Schneider, Roy Lee, Chad Archibald, Brit MacRae, and Daril Fannin. Ian Tuason, a Toronto-based writer-director, is known for his live-action virtual reality horror shorts, which have garnered significant attention online.
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Why It's Important?
The acquisition of 'The Undertone' by A24 highlights the growing interest and investment in horror films, particularly those with unique storytelling and production elements. A24's involvement is significant as the company is known for backing innovative and critically acclaimed films, which could elevate Ian Tuason's debut feature to a wider audience. This deal also underscores the importance of film festivals like Fantasia in providing a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and attract major industry players. The success of 'The Undertone' could pave the way for more genre films to receive similar attention and investment, benefiting filmmakers and audiences alike.
What's Next?
Following the acquisition, 'The Undertone' is expected to receive a broader release, potentially reaching international audiences. A24's marketing and distribution strategies will likely play a crucial role in the film's success, as they have with previous projects. The film's reception could influence future collaborations between A24 and Ian Tuason, as well as other emerging filmmakers in the horror genre. Additionally, the film's performance may impact the types of projects A24 chooses to support in the future, potentially leading to more opportunities for innovative horror films.
