Ridley Scott (WME, Ziffren Brittenham) and writer Steven Zaillian (WME, Gang Tyre) have acquired rights to the 2003 BBC pseudo-documentary "The Day Britain Stopped" and have set up the project -- about a man-made disaster that ignites a global catastrophe -- at Fox.
- Share this article on Facebook
- Share this article on Twitter
- Share this article on Email
- Show additional share options
- Share this article on Print
- Share this article on Comment
- Share this article on Whatsapp
- Share this article on Linkedin
- Share this article on Reddit
- Share this article on Pinit
- Share this article on Tumblr
Ridley Scott is partnering with Orchard Media and Focus Features International on a slate of six low-budget genre movies, with his company Scott Free London helping to guide the productions.
The films — focusing on horror, thriller and sci-fi plotlines — will be presented in association with Northern Island Screen and will be shot primarily in Northern Ireland using local crew, cast, services and facilities.
STORY: Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender Attend London Premiere of Ridley Scott’s ‘Prometheus’
Focus Features International will handle worldwide sales.
“Our target is to create a structure that enables filmmakers to push boundaries and to excite audiences. Our proposed model of filmmaking allows us to give directors the opportunity to really innovate through narrative, production techniques and distribution strategies,” said Scott, who will serve as executive producer.
Added Focus International co-president Alison Thompson: “There’s an appetite and market for high-concept low budget films — that combined with Ridley Scott’s pedigree will be very attractive to international buyers.”
STORY: Ridley Scott and Steve Zaillian Team for Disaster Pic
For Scott Free London, Liza Marshall will produce and Jack Arbuthnott will oversee development and co-produce. For Orchard, Chris Billows will produce and oversee development, while Adam Kulick will executive produce.
THR Newsletters
Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day