Phase 4 Films Acquires Black Comedy 'Rid of Me'

Phase 4 Films has acquired U.S. and Canadian rights to James Westby’s black comedy Rid of Me, starring Katie O’Grady as a young woman trying to improve her marriage against the backdrop of Portland’s punk and rock scene.

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Phase 4 plans to partner with sales agency Submarine, which repped the filmmakers, on a theatrical run this fall for the film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Westby wrote and edited the film, which also stars Art Alexakis of rock band Everclear and Theresa Russell, and he produced it with O’Grady through her Alcove Prods.

“After screening Rid of Me at the Tribeca Film Festival, we at Phase 4 were blown away by the film’s sharp wit and offbeat originality,” Phase 4 president and CEO Berry Meyerowitz said. “Katie O’Grady is a true discovery that will undoubtedly have audiences and industry insiders buzzing. That, combined with James Westby’s unique, insightful direction and a terrific ensemble cast, make this a film that we are all very excited to share.”

The deal was negotiated by Larry Greenberg, senior vp of acquisitions for Phase 4 and Josh Braun at Submarine.