Amazon Studios is back in business with Manchester by the Sea director Kenneth Lonergan.
The Oscar-winning director signed an exclusive first-look deal with Amazon to cover directing and writing film and TV projects over two years.
Lonergan and Amazon Studios worked together last year on Manchester by the Sea, a grief-stricken family drama that starred Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams and earned Lonergan an Academy Award for best original screenplay and a nomination for best director. Affleck also won a best actor Oscar.
The film tells the story of Boston janitor Lee Chandler (Affleck), who is suddenly thrust into a fatherly role when his brother, Joe (Kyle Chandler), dies of heart disease, forcing him to care for his teenage nephew, Patrick (Lucas Hedges). Lee and Patrick have difficulty connecting in some situations, partly due to Lee’s troubled past.
“I’m thrilled to renew my connection to Amazon Studios. They’ve done amazing work wherever they’ve turned their attention, they did a perfect job with Manchester by the Sea, and it’s a pleasure to be in business with them again,” said Lonergan in a statement.
“Kenny is one of the finest directors and storytellers of our time,” said Jason Ropell, vp worldwide motion pictures at Amazon, in his own statement.
Lonergan’s upcoming projects include Howards End, a four-part drama series that stars Hayley Atwell, and the play Lobby Hero, starring Chris Evans, Michael Cera, Bel Powley and Brian Tyree Henry.
Lonergan is represented by WME and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham LLP.
