Push: Based on a Novel by Sapphire has already spawned duelling lawsuits from Lionsgate Films and The Weinstein Co..
On Wednesday they filed lawsuits in Los Angeles and New York, both claiming they had an agreement with producers to distribute the film. Since Lionsgate was the officially announced distributor it only makes sense this would happen. Apparently Harvey Weinstein was circling the project, but not putting anything in writing. He was most likely dilly dallying on the film worried about the publicity (poor/black/obese) side of things (you know he is all about Oscar collecting - no matter how good, voters will most likely not watch the thing) so Lionsgate, Tyler Perry and Oprah swept in and Harry is not happy. His dream of being the hero and getting a black overweight discovery and a black overweight comedienne Oscar noms has floated away and he wants that glory back!
In a statement, attorney Bert Fields said The Weinstein Co. had a "firm agreement" (most likely a 'we will see') with the film's producers and that Lionsgate interfered (ie stepped up). Lionsgate claims the producers signed a written agreement stating they had no written or verbal agreement with Weinstein. Ain't Harvey a twat. When he doesn't get his way he has to go and sh*t all over everything. The only people who would really suffer is the film makers.
anywho the film was screened for overseas buyers and it was a phenomenal success! Icon Film Distribution has picked up UK and Australian rights. The deal was closed by international sales agent Elephant Eye Films which screened Push to a packed house of buyers on Saturday morning. Noble took Scandinavian rights after the screening and Front Row bought the Middle East.
Icon UK president Hugo Grumbar said "I think it's a unique film - courageous and creative, it has to be seen. That is why we are in independent distribution, to release films like this."
You have no idea how excited I am!!!
2 comments:
oooh...the Weinstein Company.... if Harvey get it, i guess Mo'nique WILL be a contender for an Oscar next year after all- i cannot, would not, want to wait for that.
Yeah, but Harvey does one of either two thing. Puts the film on the back shelf and forgets about it, or decides to play editor and cuts out anything that may not get it seen by a wider audience (ie the originality).
Sure he can get Oscar noms for the film, but at what expense. I real internal debate for me.
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