EXCLUSIVE: Sumerian Pictures has followed up its splashy acquisition of Sundance hit Josephine with another film from the festival in the shape of off-beat comedy The Incomer, starring Domhnall Gleeson (Ex-Machina) and Gayle Rankin (House Of The Dragon).
Sumerian is planning a North American theatrical release later this year for Louis Paxton’s debut, which won the NEXT Innovator Award in Park City.
Set on a remote Scottish island, The Incomer sees two siblings “survive by hunting seabirds, retelling the stories of their ancestors, and defending the isle from dreaded ‘Incomers’. Their world is upended with the arrival of an awkward council worker who has come to uproot them from their homeland on behalf of the government”.
Also starring are Grant O’Rourke (Outlander), Emun Elliott (Prometheus), Michelle Gomez (Doctor Who) and John Hannah (Four Weddings and a Funeral).
Sumerian’s Rob Williams negotiated the acquisition on behalf of Sumerian Pictures with CAA Media Finance, Verve Ventures and Carole Baraton of Charades on behalf of the filmmakers.
Deals may have been limited on the ground in Sundance but that is the new rhythm of festival and market-dealmaking and acquisitions have come through over time.
The Incomer is produced by Earth Mamma producer Shirley O’Connor and Emily Gotto under the UK banner Pilea Pictures, and co-produced by Wendy Griffin. Pic is backed by the BFI and Screen Scotland, with additional support from musician Moby and Lindsay Hicks’ U.S. production company Little Walnut, Day Zero Productions, the joint U.S. venture between Paramount Global and Trevor Noah, the UK’s Head Gear and Ireland’s Inevitable Pictures.
Executive producers are Mia Bays (BFI), Kieran Hannigan and Steven Little (Screen Scotland), Trevor Noah and Sanaz Yamin (Day Zero Productions), Lindsay Hicks and Moby (Little Walnut), Phil Hunt and Compton Ross (Head Gear) and Katie Holly (Inevitable Pictures).
“I’m thrilled that The Incomer has found a home with Sumerian Pictures,” said director Louis Paxton. “To have such a passionate team of cinema lovers bringing the film to the big screen is a dream and I can’t wait for audiences to see it.”
Sumerian Pictures President, Rob Williams added: “We fell in love with The Incomer’s warm spirit, big laughs and winning performances all around. We’re excited to partner with Louis Paxton and The Incomer team to deliver this wild and truly funny ride to moviegoers.”
Sumerian Pictures’ growing slate includes Sundance winner Josephine, starring Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan; the romantic comedy Mile End Kicks; The Wolf, The Fox & The Leopard; Broken Voices; and Horsegirls.