Paramount Global Content Distribution and Paramount Pictures UK have closed a landmark worldwide rights deal on BAFTA-winning Adam Deacon’s much-anticipated urban, action-comedy, Sumotherhood.
The producers at Piece of Pie, Deaconstructed and Belstone Pictures are pleased to announce that a worldwide distribution deal has been agreed for the new and hotly anticipated title Sumotherhood; written by Adam Deacon, Michael Vu and Jazzie Zonzolo. Paramount Pictures UK is planning a theatrical release in the UK and Ireland for later this year.
The deal was closed by Finn Bruce of Belstone Pictures, who repped WW on behalf of the filmmakers and by Sejin Croninger, EVP of Worldwide Acquisitions, Paramount Global Content Distribution. Croninger and Managing Director of Paramount Pictures UK, John Fletcher, who championed the production, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Adam again and for Paramount to be continuing its support of independent film making in the UK.”
The film’s executive producer, Barry McNicholl of Piece of Pie Productions said of the deal: “After years working with Adam to bring this film to life, we have found a partner that understands the need for this content and with the combined vision of Paramount and Piece of Pie, we will really be able to break boundaries and get young people back into the cinema.”
Deacon, who directed and starred in the film, also receives his first producer credit through his new production banner Deaconstructed. He added: “Due to the stigma surrounding my mental health, it’s been hard to navigate my way back into the industry, but I’ve worked extremely hard and kept the faith for over 8 years, so to get to the point where I’m working alongside Paramount is just such an honour and I’m extremely grateful to have their backing. Everyone at Paramount have really understood my vision as a filmmaker and what I’m trying to create. I feel truly blessed to be directing again and doing what I love.” Deacon is an ambassador of Bipolar UK and the film itself touches on mental health issues.
Finn Bruce, who produced the film said: “This film is a celebration… A celebration of music, media, and culture for a hungry and underserved audience within cinema. We are delighted a studio is backing a film like this, with edge, quirk, and authenticity. Made as an independent production told creatively through Deacon’s unique filmmaking voice of outlandish characters, crazy dialogue, and wacky comedy; but this time coming at you with a serving of high-octane action and party energy that’s going to blow you away!”
The film was developed, financed and executive produced by Piece of Pie Productions and their team of in-house executives Barry McNicholl, Robert Williams, and Kevin Bishop. Williams said, “We founded the company to support filmmakers like Adam. We aim to help them tell their stories and confront mental health through this medium. We are so honoured to work with a company like Paramount who share this mission and together we are excited to be bringing this film to audiences globally later this year.”
The film is currently in post-production and features an ensemble cast including Deacon (KIDULTHOOD, ROGUE), Jazzie Zonzolo (ANUVAHOOD), Jennifer Saunders (ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS), Danny Sapani (BLACK PANTHER), Ed Sheeran (GAME OF THRONES), Leomie Anderson (GLOW UP), Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (MARY POPPINS RETURNS, PADDINGTON 2), London Hughes (NETFLIX COMEDY SPECIAL), Peter Serafinowicz (THE TICK), Richie Campbell (TOP BOY, BLUE STORY), Ella VaDay (RU PAUL’S DRAG RACE) and Jaime Winstone (KIDULTHOOD), plus a hilarious string of cameos that are set to keep you on your toes throughout.
The film brings an incredible array of HOD’s together including Simon Stolland as DOP (BLUE STORY, SHIRO’S STORY), Casting Director Heather Basten CDG (DREAMING WHILST BLACK, JUNGLE and UNTITLED JADA PINKETT SMITH SERIES), Editors Ash White (FLAT SHARE, STATH LETS FLATS, PIRATES) and Mark Williams (AFTER LIFE, BLOODS), Costume Designer Mekel Bailey (BABY REINDEER, X-FACTOR) and Jonathan Green as Production Designer (ATLANTA). The film also has a knockout soundtrack arranged by Music Supervisors Arnold Hattingh, Ottilia Kjulsten and David Bass of Theodore Music featuring music from Skepta, Abra Cadabra, Krept & Konan, Russ Millions, Tion Wayne, FaNaTiX, P Money, Stefflon Don and Lethal Bizzle.
Sumotherhood will release in cinemas in the UK and Ireland later this year.
