Weinsteins Thai up '13'

TWC scores rights to thriller

By PATRICK FRATER

The Weinstein Co has acquired remake rights and all North American rights to "13," a psychological thriller from Thailand's Sahamongkolfilm, the creative team behind "Ong-Bak."

Pic is directed by sophomore helmer Chookiat Sakveerakul ("Evil"), and stars Krissada Sukosol and Sarunyoo Wongkrachang. It was produced by Prachya Pinkaew (helmer of "Ong-Bak" and "Tom Yum Goong," aka "The Protector) and Sukanya Vongsthapat ("Tom Yum Goong," "Ong-Bak"). Sakveerakul and Eakasit Thairaat penned the script, adapting a satirical cartoon series.

Story involves a naive man dragged into a gruesome reality show with an audience he cannot see. Winning takes guts and questionable morals as one must perform acts straight out of "Fear Factor" or Abu Ghraib.

Produced by Sahamongkolfilm on a budget of about $400,000, "13" will have its market debut at the American Film Market next month. In territories outside North America, pic is repped by Sahamongkol's newly established international sales team.

Michelle Krumm, exec veep of acquisitions for TWC, said the "13" storyline "has tremendous potential to be remade for audiences around the world."

Released by TWC last month, Sahamongkol title "The Protector" has grossed a healthy $11.7 million at North American turnstiles.