Lionsgate Announces Slate of Microbudget Films

Lionsgate has announced its initial slate of microbudget films.

Comedy Gay Dude, coming of age tale Rapture-palooza and thriller 6 Miranda Drive are among the movies that will be made for under $2 million.

Up to 10 films will be produced each year under the microbudget umbrella, which was conceived and structured by Sean Kisker, Lionsgate’s EVP of strategic planning and operations.  Lionsgate’s Matt Kaplan is spearheading implementation and overseeing the productions.

“Microbudget films involve minimal overhead and very little risk, but a potentially high reward. This initiative allows us to add another layer to our slate of movies that work both financially and creatively,” says Joe Drake, president of the motion picture group at Lionsgate, in a statement.
 
“When we look at the films that have broken out over the past few years, it’s clear that movie-goers are hungry for fresh stories told in bold ways,” says Kaplan. “That means big, distinctive concepts, but it also means focusing on the humanity of the story. All the movies we greenlight will push the envelope of what we’ve seen on screen. The low-budget aspect definitely imposes some constraints, but also forces us to find our value in great characters, explosive situations and excellent writing. And we’re excited that some of the best in the creative community are eager to jump in with us.”

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Full descriptions of the movies on page 2:

RAPTURE-PALOOZA is a comedic look at life after the fallout of a religious apocalypse. Best described as ZOMBIELAND meets THE BIG LEBOWSKI, the script was written by Chris Matheson and stars comic actor Craig Robinson (PINEAPPLE EXPRESS, HOT TUB TIME MACHINE, KNOCKED UP), with both Matheson and Robinson also executive producing.  The film is being directed by acclaimed commercial director Paul Middleditch, and will be produced by Mosaic (BAD TEACHER, THE OTHER GUYS) and Ed Solomon. RAPTUREPALOOZA will begin production this spring.
 
GAY DUDE is a coming of age comedy in the vein of SUPERBAD. Best friends Matty and Michael decide to lose their virginity before graduating from high school, but their quest takes an unexpected turn when Matty tells Michael he’s gay. What follows is a funny, heartfelt story about friendship, prejudice, love, and the trials and triumphs of growing up. Lionsgate plucked the script, written by Alan Yang (NBC’s “Parks and Recreation”), from the Black List, the annual compilation of Hollywood’s hottest unproduced screenplays. Lawrence Mark (JULIE & JULIA, DREAMGIRLS, AS GOOD AS IT GETS, JERRY MCGUIRE) is in negotiations to produce the film with Jai Stefan.
 
6 MIRANDA DRIVE is a supernatural thriller in the vein of POLTERGEIST, from Greg Mclean who wrote and directed the cult classic horror film WOLF CREEK.  Based on true events, the movie is about a family that unwittingly brings a supernatural force home with them from vacation. Feeding off their own fears, the evil presence threatens to destroy them from within as it takes over their lives and home, with terrifying results. Mosaic is producing along with Mclean, and he will direct the film. Mclean is also client of Mosaic’s management division.