Pressman, Quadra try new avenue
In announcing the slate, Pressman and Quadra CEO Christian Halsey Solomon have redesigned the investment approach to allow four foreign territories to split some 50% of each film's budget, which will give them rights to their territory as well as a small equity position on each successive pic.
A studio that has yet to be determined will then be involved to cover an additional 40% of the budget. Pressman said the remaining 10% will be handled through a bank credit line. Pressman and Quadra used Imperial Bank on two other projects.
"It's a way for major independent companies around the world to insure product for the next 24 months," Pressman said. "It reduces the studio risk and gives us the ability to control the asset."
The plan calls for five pics in the $25 million to $40 million range. The lineup as planned includes:
n "The Crow 2037," written and helmed by Rob Zombie, the lead singer of the band White Zombie. Pic, which is the third installment of the popular franchise, will take place in a gothic, post-apocalyptic future and will shoot in Prague. Miljen (Kreka) Kljakovic ("Delicatessen") will design the project. Zombie, a first-time solo feature helmer, has directed several videos and helped Mike Judge on "Beavis and Butt-head Do America."
n "The Tenth Victim," a remake of Elio Petri's film starring Marcello Mastroianni and Ursula Andress, set in the near future and about a place where murder has been legalized and hunters have to find 10 victims. Pressman is looking to the pic as a franchise potential. David Nutter, one of the original TV helmers on "The X-Files" and "Millennium," will direct the pic. Matt Greenberg ("Mimic") has come up with the updated story.
n "Hard Rain," penned by Bradley Smith and Bruno Konopka and helmed by Italian director Carlo Carlei ("Flight of the Innocent"). Pic is about a heist in Los Angeles that turns into a hostage situation with an ultimate twist. No talent is attached, but Pressman said a young, hip cast is desired.
n "Mutant Chronicles," a major sci-fi/fantasy actioner about an unlikely "Dirty Dozen" type of group that must return to an abandoned, war-torn Earth and save mankind from a growing demonic army. Script, by Philip Eisner ("Event Horizon") and Stuart Hazeldine, is based on the role-playing game from Target Games. Pressman said the pic has a marketing plan that will involve a merchandising program for a major toy line, publishing, videogames and an animated TV series. Quadra and Pressman are currently in talks with Roger Christian, director of the "Star Wars" prequel's second unit, to helm the project, and Industrial Light & Magic for the special effects.
n "Dog Eat Dog," penned by Laurie McQuillan, is based on the novel by "Straight Time" writer Eddie Bunker about three life-long criminals who, struggling to avoid the "three strikes" law in California, decide to commit post-prison crimes only against other felons. Neil Abramson ("Without Air") is helming.
The joining of Quadra and Pressman was born out of their current co-ventures on the upcoming Jean-Claude Van Damme pic "Legionnaire" and Abel Ferrara's "New Rose Hotel," which starts shooting next week with Willem Dafoe, Christopher Walken and Asia Argento.
Pressman said that the four territories involved will have to take all five pics, as will the studio. The lone exception may be Miramax on the "Crow" sequel. Miramax had the two earlier parts and Pressman said the indie banner would likely take on this one.
"In a market where ... there is an acute lack of clearly theatrical, action-driven character pieces, we are sure that this package of motion pictures will quickly find great support from the distribution community," said Quadra's Halsey Solomon.
