Exclusive gets international on Therese

Exclusive Media is to handle international sales on Thérèse, the upcoming romantic thriller starring Glenn Close, Elizabeth Olsen and Tom Felton with a male lead soon to be announced.

The film, set to start shooting in the spring and being presented to buyers at this week’s European Film Market, is based on Emile Zola’s novel Thérèse Raquin - about obsessive love and murder in 1860s Paris - and Neal Bell’s 1991 play of the same name.

Charlie Stratton, who directed Bell’s play in Los Angeles in 1995, will write and direct the film as his feature debut. Mickey Liddell and Bill Horberg will produce.

LD Entertainment, the new venture headed by David Dinerstein, will distribute in the US. Dinerstein negotiated the international rights deal with Exclusive Media’s president, international sales and distribution, Alex Walton.

Guy East, Exclusive Media’s co-chairman, said “I am very proud to be looking after the international licensing of this rich and powerful film for my friends Mickey, Bill and David. History has proved that the story captivates the audience and we have some very exciting marketing plans.”

Walton added: “Thérèse is a gripping and seductive story about forbidden love that we have not seen since Fatal Attraction or Dangerous Liaisons..”

Liddell and Dinerstein commented: “Charlie has such intimate knowledge of this vibrant material, having successfully directed the stage play, that I can think of no better director to be helming the feature film.”

Horberg, of Wonderful Films, added: “I am thrilled to continue my relationship with Mickey Liddell and his team, and to be working with a group of filmmakers who are also financing production.”