RLJE Films Now Acquire Mickey Keating’s SXSW Horror Hit OFFSEASON
Josh Millican
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RLJE Films is a business unit of AMC Networks. Shudder is AMC Networks’ premium streaming service for horror, thriller, and the supernatural. Today they announced the acquisition of North American rights to the wildly popular film Offseason. It world-premiered to positive reviews at the 2021 SXSW Film Festival, with WTFilms taking international sales rights.
Written and Directed by Mickey Keating (Darling, Carnage Park, Psychopaths). It stars Jocelin Donahue (The House of the Devil) and Joe Swanberg (You’re Next, The Sacrament). This American Gothic horror follows a woman (Jocelin Donahue). She travels to a desolate island town after receiving a mysterious letter. And soon becomes trapped in a nightmare.
RLJE plans to release Offseason in theaters early next year. Shudder has also acquired UK, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand rights. They will premiere the film on the platform later in 2022. The deal was negotiated by Emily Gotto of Shudder. Mark Ward of RLJE Films, and Gregory Chambet on behalf of WTFilms. And CAA’s Nick Ogiony on behalf of Defiant’s Eric B. Fleischman and Maurice Fadida.
The film was produced by Maurice Fadida and Eric B. Fleischman through their label Defiant Studios and financed by Kodiak Pictures.
It played well to audiences and also critics alike. Critic Perri Nemiroff also called the film “One of Mickey Keating’s Best” in her YouTube review. The Austin Chronicle’s Richard Whittaker also called Keating a “horror wunderkind”. He also described the film as “chilling and unsettling, intimate yet monstrously vast in its cosmic horrors, Offseason is as dangerously welcoming as the island itself”. Rue Morgue’s Michael Gingold states “the film is further proof of his ability to conjure up rich atmosphere and genuine creeps with quiet, understated skill.”
Related Article: SXSW 2021: OFFSEASON Review – Mickey Keating Also Pays Homage to John Carpenter’s THE FOG
Writer, director, producer Mickey Keating’s work includes Darling, Carnage Park, and also Psychopaths. He was also the host of Shudder’s Original Series The Core. Offseason was also his third film to premiere at the SXSW Film Festival. And also his third collaboration with producer Eric B. Fleischman.
Keating stated, “Working with RLJE and Shudder to release Offseason is an absolute dream. Over the years they have become an unparalleled force. Releasing some of the most innovative, original, and exciting genre films in the world. I couldn’t be more excited to now be a part of that and can’t wait to terrify audiences everywhere.”
“With Offseason, Keating has crafted an eerie, chilling nightmare. One that will haunt viewers with its uncanny terror and a bone-deep sense of dread. Anchored by a mesmerizing lead performance from Donahue,” said Craig Engler, Shudder’s General Manager.
Defiant Studios Eric B. Fleischman and Maurice Fadida also added. “We’re very excited to be re-teaming with RLJE and starting our relationship with Shudder on this acquisition. They have built the premiere home for horror and we’re honored to be joining the family!”
“Offseason is a perfect storm of eerie visuals, unsettling sound, and outstanding performances,” says Mark Ward, Chief Acquisitions Officer at RLJE Films. “We know the insane tension of this film will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.”
Added WT Films Co-Founder Gregory Chambet. “We have been fans of Mickey. And followed his career evolution closely since the start of the company and his first film. He is one of the most gifted directors of his generation. And Offseason is his most accomplished title yet. With a great central performance by Jocelin Donahue and haunting visuals that makes for a unique and frightening experience.”
Related Article: Mickey Keating’s New Movie Wraps With Richard Brake
Are you also a fan of Mickey Keating? Are you also excited to check out Offseason? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram! You can also carry on the convo with me personally on Twitter @josh_millican.
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