2 New Line pix will toe a Fine Line
'Hedwig,' untitled Solondz to be released through specialty label
Sources close to the studio say the action signifies an effort by New Line to draw a greater distinction between the two labels, and that both pics will greatly benefit from Fine Line's arthouse marketing approach.
Move comes in the wake of the sea changes at New Line last week: Michael De Luca's departure as president of production and the insertion of Toby Emmerich as the company's new prexy.
"Hedwig," a musical about a rock 'n' roll singer from the former East Berlin, produced by Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler, is screening in competition at the Sundance Film Festival this week.
The untitled Solondz, the subject of which is being kept secret, was also produced by Vachon along with Good Machine's Ted Hope. Solondz, whose star rose after "Welcome to the Dollhouse" broke out at Sundance several years ago, also wrote and directed "Happiness."
Under the leadership of president Mark Ordesky, 10-year-old Fine Line released last year the specialty box office standout "Saving Grace" (a 2000 Sundance acquisition), the Cannes Palme d'Or winner "Dancer in the Dark" and the critically lauded "Before Night Falls," among other pics.
