The Circuit

Senator Distribution has nabbed North American rights to Antoine Fuqua's cop drama "Brooklyn's Finest," twenty-four hours after its world preem at the Sundance Film Festival. 

Senator will release the film in late 2009 for awards consideration.

Sources close to the deal said Senator paid under $5 million with an eight-figure P&A commitment. 

Pic's all-star cast includes Richard Gere, Ethan Hawke, and Don Cheadle as cops battling their own ethical and moral dilemmas.

"We went into aggressive pursuit right after Friday's screening," said Senator prexy Mark Urman.

Stressing that the film is a work-in-progress, Urman said talks continued the next day with Fuqua, focusing on delivery issues.  The music is still temporary and there are discussion about the re-working the ending.  "It strikes me that the ending will be different," said Urman, "But Antoine must be happy with it."

Considering the film's award potential, Urman noted Hawke was nominated for an Oscar in Fuqua's previous cop drama, "Training Day."

"Being from Brooklyn, this film is important to me," said Urman, who wouldn't comment on the purchase price, except to say it was a "strong, muscular figure."

Deal was brokered by CAA and William Morris with Senator CEO Marco Weber and Urman.