10 May, 2007
For immediate release – 10 May 2007, London
For further information: Judith Baugin, ContentFilm Tel: 020 7851 6500
ContentFilm Intl’ gets SPLINTER
ContentFilm International is delighted to announce the acquisition of international rights to SPLINTER, which will launch in Cannes next week. Produced by Ted Kroeber and Kai Barry, the film is a brilliantly original take on the horror-thriller genre, and will be directed by Toby Wilkins in his first feature film, following his much heralded shorts. The screenplay is written by Ian Shorr and Kai Barry.
SPLINTER is set in and around a quiet gas station on a lonely motorway, and follows two couples as they attempt to escape from a terrifying virus-like monster, that inhabits the bodies of each of its victims, driven by a relentless, accelerating desire for blood. As the humans try their best to escape, they soon discover that their hunter is more deadly than they could have ever imagined.
Wilkins made a name for himself when he was hand-picked by horror-maestro Sam Raimi to direct TALES OF THE GRUDGE, a series of short films to promote Raimi’s second installment of The Grudge franchise. Wilkins’ previous visual effects and design work include projects for James Cameron, Brett Ratner and Bryan Singer. He has also won awards at Stan Winston’s ScreamFest LA horror festival, proving his status as one of the hottest names in the genre. Two of his short films have been screened at Sundance, including STARING AT THE SUN in the official selection.
Wilkins’s talents with CGI and special effects will be put to good use in the design of the film’s ‘monster’, which will be quite unlike anything ever seen in the cinema. Inhabiting the bodies of its victims, and twisting and tearing them in to the shape best suited to carrying out its unrelenting desire to kill again, the ‘splinter’ proves to be a formidable foe. And, to make matters worse, it’s almost impossible to kill – as even the slightest scratch from the thick black barbs that cover it will result in the deadly infection of another victim.
Producer Kroeber said: “Having Toby’s terrifying vision of this thriller teamed up with Content’s relationships makes a terrific team.”
Content’s Carmichael said, “We loved the script and having met Toby we committed our investment there and then. SPLINTER is going to freak some people out.”
Principal photography is scheduled to start in the summer. Cast will be announced shortly.
North America is represented by CAA
