What's Happening?
David Kaplan, a New York-based producer, has successfully sold the Sundance prizewinning film 'Josephine' to U.S. distributor Sumerian for a 'mid-to-high seven figures' deal. The film, directed by Beth de Araújo, faced initial resistance in the market due to its challenging subject matter, which involves a young girl witnessing a traumatic event. Despite these challenges, Kaplan managed to secure financing and complete the film's production in San Francisco. The film's budget was $6 million, and financing was finalized just six days into shooting. Kaplan's company, Kaplan Morrison, has produced other notable films and is currently developing several projects, including a sequel to 'It Follows.'
Why It's Important?
The sale of 'Josephine' represents a significant
achievement for Kaplan and highlights the potential for films with challenging themes to find success in the market. The deal ensures that investors will recoup their investments, which is crucial for future collaborations and productions. The film's success at Sundance and subsequent sale to Sumerian demonstrates the importance of perseverance and strategic partnerships in the film industry. It also underscores the role of influential actors like Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan, who were instrumental in getting the project off the ground. This development may encourage more filmmakers to tackle difficult subjects, knowing that there is a market for such stories.
What's Next?
With the distribution deal in place, 'Josephine' is set to be released by Sumerian, which has committed to a significant screen and promotional effort. Kaplan's company is also working on several other projects, including the sequel to 'It Follows,' which is expected to begin shooting soon. The success of 'Josephine' may lead to increased interest in Kaplan's future projects and could influence the types of films that receive funding and distribution deals. The film's release will be closely watched to gauge audience reception and its impact on the market for films with serious themes.
Beyond the Headlines
The journey of 'Josephine' from script to screen highlights the challenges faced by films that address sensitive topics, such as trauma and justice. The film's production involved significant risk-taking and collaboration among various stakeholders, including actors, producers, and investors. The successful sale and upcoming release may contribute to a broader conversation about the representation of complex social issues in cinema. It also raises questions about the biases in film financing and the commercial viability of films that focus on women's experiences and assault survivors.
