The Orchard has nabbed worldwide rights to Louis C.K.’s I Love You, Daddy. A source pegged the deal at $5 million, which makes it the top deal of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival market to date, tied with Neon’s pickup of I, Tonya.
The black-and-white film made a splashy debut at TIFF on Saturday and sparked keen interest from buyers. The Orchard is planning a fall release.
“Louis C.K. is an innovative risk-taker, which has been evidenced by the way in which he distributed his past movies and TV shows,” said Paul Davidson, The Orchard executive vp film and TV. “The Orchard shares his passion for taking chances and testing new disruptive models of engaging audiences in the distribution landscape — as partners we will break new ground together.”
Added C.K.: “I really enjoyed meeting the team at The Orchard and found their approach to releasing the movie to be thoughtful and creative. I’m excited that we are bringing the movie to theaters and beyond together.”
Written by C.K. from a story he wrote with Vernon Chatman, the film centers on a successful TV writer-producer (C.K.) who tries to prevent his 17-year-old daughter (Chloe Grace Moretz) from falling for a lecherous 68-year-old filmmaker (John Malkovich). Charlie Day, Edie Falco, Rose Byrne, Pamela Adlon, Ebonee Noel and Helen Hunt round out the cast.
Buyers didn’t shy from the politically incorrect elements of the film, a comedic-dramatic mix that offers a throwback to the grandeur of old-time cinema in equal measure (the pic was shot on 35mm film and features a orchestral score).
“Though we were already fans of the comic genius and incisive cultural commentary of Louis C.K., I Love You, Daddy surpassed even our wildest expectations,” said The Orchard vp acquisitions Danielle DiGiacomo. “It’s a multi-layered comedy that tackles provocative issues head on, combining a style that shows a clear passion for cinema with Louis’ singular voice. We are thrilled to start this journey with Louis and bring his film to audiences worldwide.”
Remarkably, C.K. shot the film entirely in secret in June. He also financed the project and edited it as well.
3 Arts’ Dave Becky, who spearheaded the dealmaking with APA’s Mike Berkowitz, produced the film alongside C.K., Chatman, Ryan Cunningham and John Skidmore. Tony Hernandez executive produced.
Before the movie’s debut, C.K. told The Hollywood Reporter that he wanted his film to have a theatrical rollout.
The deal marks the first struck at TIFF by The Orchard, though the company has four upcoming releases playing at the festival: Kings, Beats Per Minutes, Thelma and Outside In.
C.K. is repped by 3 Arts, APA and attorney David Weber.
