AFM 2011: Paul Andrew Williams' SONG FOR MARION Goes To The Weinstein Company

NEW YORK (November 7, 2011) - The Weinstein Company (TWC) acquired U.S. distribution rights, along with Pan Asian TV rights, to Paul Andrew Williams' feature film SONG FOR MARION starring Terence Stamp (THE ADVENTURES OF PRISCILLA, QUEEN OF THE DESERT), Gemma Arterton (PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE SANDS OF TIME), Academy Award® winner Vanessa Redgrave (CORIOLANUS) and Christopher Eccleston (SHALLOW GRAVE). Written and directed by Paul Andrew Williams (LONDON TO BRIGHTON), the feature was produced by Philip Moross from Coolmore Productions and Ken Marshall from Steel Mill Pictures. The acquisition was announced today by TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein and VP, Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Negeen Yazdi.

Shot in England's County Durham with great support from the community, SONG FOR MARION is a London-set comedic drama, about grumpy pensioner Arthur (Terence Stamp) who is reluctantly inspired by his beloved wife Marion (Vanessa Redgrave) to join a highly unconventional local choir. At odds with his son James (Christopher Eccleston) it is left to choir director Elizabeth (Gemma Arterton) to try and persuade Arthur that he can learn to embrace life. Arthur must confront the undercurrents of his own grumbling persona as he embarks on a hilarious, life-affirming journey of musical self discovery.

"SONG FOR MARION is wildly amusing and is sure to charm audiences of all ages," said Weinstein. "We're thrilled to partner with Paul on his latest project and to showcase this dynamic cast. His success in this project stems from his knack for highlighting and harmonizing otherwise contradicting personality traits - in this case, funny and cantankerous - in his characters."

"We jumped at the chance to partner on this film," commented Yazdi, who negotiated the deal alongside TWC COO David Glasser and Michal Podell Steinberg, SVP, Business and Legal Affairs and Acquisitions. "The story told and the parallels that can be seen in our own lives make this film one that will undoubtedly resonate with our audience."

Added Williams, "I am proud to partner with The Weinstein Company on a film that means so much to me and that I hope will mean just as much to families around the world. The cast shines in this film in a bigger way than I'd ever imagined. It was as much fun behind the camera as it appears on-camera."

Moross negotiated the deal on behalf of the Licensor. Entertainment One has rights to UK, Canada and Australia (Hopscotch), and Entertainment One International are handling international sales.

SONG FOR MARION, currently in post-production, is produced in partnership with Film House Germany and Egoli Tossell as well as Aegis Film Fund and Northstar Ventures.