Manhattan Pics bites on 'Dentists'

Pic stars Scott, Davis, Leary and Tunney

By CHARLES LYONS

Rudolph

Gotham-based Manhattan Pictures Intl. has swallowed all North American rights to Alan Rudolph's "The Secret Lives of Dentists," shelling out seven figures upfront and an additional seven-figure commitment toward p&a.

Pic, produced by Holedigger Films, unspooled at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival, where it was one of the few available English-lingo pics.

ICM's Shaun Redick, along with attorney Andrew Hurwitz, brokered the pact on behalf of George VanBuskirk and Holedigger; Paul Cohen, Manhattan's CEO and prexy, handled his shingle's side of the deal.

"It was incredibly important to us that our distributor be passionate about our film," VanBuskirk said. "Paul and the people at Manhattan exhibited this on every level and with their multimillion-dollar commitment to the film, we are thrilled that 'The Secret Lives of Dentists' has such a fantastic home."

Defies definition

Added Cohen, "Alan's wondrous 'Secret Lives' defies being categorized into any specific genre while conveying the emotions of real people involved in real life. The combination of Rudolph's craftsmanship, the insightful dialogue and the chemistry of the cast makes it our perfect next release."

Pic, produced by Campbell Scott and VanBuskirk on behalf of Holedigger, stars Scott, Hope Davis, Denis Leary and Robin Tunney. Bruce Cowen, Martin Garvey, Michael Lauer and David Newman exec produced.

Rudolph's film exposes one couple, both dentists, on the brink of losing everything and the compelling journey that leads them back to each other.

Rudolph is known for such pics as "Afterglow," "Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle" and "The Moderns."