EXCLUSIVE: Paris-based Backup Media has teamed up with Memento Films International to finance Cold In July, an adaptation of the Joe Lansdale cult novel that will be director Jim Mickle’s next film. Mickle’s We Are What We Are is playing in Director’s Fortnight section here at Cannes. Shooting on Cold In July begins in late July with an early 2014 delivery. Adapted by Nick Damici and Mickle, the film is being produced by Belladonna Production’s (and frequent Mickle collaborators) Rene Bastian, Adam Folk, and Linda Moran.
The plot: Richard Dane shoots and kills an armed burglar in his living room. It’s a clear cut case of self defense to everyone but the burglar’s father, who vows Old Testament-style eye-for-an-eye justice. Here, that means son for son. The cops, the Feds, the Dixie mafia all play a part in the ensuing mayhem. “It was important to us to find partners on the movie who would help us create an environment for Jim, where he would be protected and be able to excel as a filmmaker,” Linda Moran and Rene Bastian from Belladonna said. “We are very happy to have found the full support of the Backup/MFI team. ”
For Backup Media, this marks a growing determination to put equity into English language films; in previous investments they provided debt. “We are very proud Cold in July is the first film for which Backup has provided one-stop film financing,” a Backup rep said. “We truly believe Belladonna/MFI/Mickle are the ideal team for us to extend our investment framework”
Mickle’s We Are What We Are premiered in Sundance in the Midnight Section, and prompted a late night bidding battle won in a seven-figure deal by eOne. “We’re excited to continue our collaboration with Jim Mickle and Belladonna,” Emilie Georges said. “Cold In July represents a wonderful step for Jim as a filmmaker, and we are eager to introduce it to the world.”
Memento Films International will handle foreign sales and team up with WME Global on the domestic end, as they did on that eOne deal on Mickle's last film. WME Global, Memento and Backup arranged the financing.
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