Sundance 2016: Sci-Fi Thriller Sleight Acquired by WWE and Blumhouse
Debi Moore
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WWE Studios and Blumhouse Productions announced today that they have acquired all worldwide rights to the Sundance film Sleight. BH Tilt, a division of Blumhouse run by John Hegeman, will oversee the release and marketing of the film. WWE Studios will leverage WWE’s extensive platforms from weekly TV shows, including WWE’s flagship programs, “Monday Night Raw” and “SmackDown”; digital; social media; and WWE Network to market the film.
Sleight, which premiered as part of the festival’s NEXT section, is a dramatic thriller that blends science fiction and street magic in a tale set in Los Angeles. The film is JD Dillard’s directorial debut, written by Dillard and Alex Theurer, co-starring Jacob Latimore (Maze Runner), Dulé Hill (“Ballers”), and Seychelle Gabriel (“Falling Skies”). The film is produced by Diablo Entertainment’s Eric B. Fleischman (formerly of Blumhouse), Sean Tabibian, and Alex Theurer.
“Sleight is a smart, fresh, and ambitious movie that was different from anything else we saw at the festival,” said Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President. “We are thrilled to be working again with Jason and the team at Blumhouse, and now John and BH Tilt, to bring JD Dillard’s compelling first feature to audiences worldwide.”
“We love low budget filmmaking because it allows directors to take creative risks, and that is exactly what JD Dillard did with Sleight, a truly original and unique movie,” said Blumhouse Founder and CEO Jason Blum. “We are excited to once again collaborate with Michael and WWE Studios and to have BH Tilt continue to take advantage of the evolution in digital marketing.”
Bradley Buchanan handled negotiations on behalf of WWE Studios, and CAA brokered the deal on behalf of Diablo and newly-signed clients Dillard and Theurer.
Synopsis:
When Bo, a handsome and gifted high school student, suddenly becomes the sole caretaker for his little sister, Tina, he foregoes college to dedicate his talents to the craft of magic. He wows audiences as a street magician but still has to make ends meet, so he cleverly uses his skills to peddle drugs for the local dealer, Angelo. However, when Bo falls for Holly, an adorable teenager in need of support, he decides to get out of the drug business, causing Angelo to threaten his family. Bo must now rely on his sleight of hand and brilliant mind to save the day.
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