Alcon Entertainment and director Denis Villeneuve (Oscar-nominated Incendies), director of the company’s upcoming Prisoners, have closed a two-year overall deal, it was announced by Alcon co-founders and co-CEOs Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson.
Alcon has pacted with Villeneuve for his writing and directing services over a two-year period, extendable by any period during which the director is directing a film, either for Alcon or a third party. The agreement calls for a blind script commitment providing Villeneuve the time to both write and direct a feature project. The company and director are currently mulling several ideas.
State Johnson and Kosove: “Our experience with Denis has been one of the most creative and satisfying of our careers. He’s truly one of the most insightful, artistic filmmakers working today. We believe he’s directed a tremendous film with ‘Prisoners’ and are excited to partner with him on more projects going forward.”
Prisoners, Villeneuve’s most recent feature, was financed and produced by Alcon and stars Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Viola Davis, Maria Bello, Terrence Howard, Melissa Leo and Paul Dano. Producers are Johnson, Kosove, Kira Davis, and Adam Kolbrenner. The film will debut at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 6. Warner Bros releases it wide in the US and Canada September 20. Summit Entertainment is handling international distribution.
Villeneuve, a French Canadian, directed the Oscar-nominated French language Incendies, as well as Polytechnique, Next Floor, Maelström, and August 32nd on Earth. He also directed the independent feature Enemy, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, which will also debut at the TIFF.
