Bankside and Killer strike first-look, co-development deal

London-based international sales and production company Bankside has struck a first look and co-development deal with New York-based iconic indie production company Killer Films.

Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler’s prolific Killer Films will give Bankside a first-look option on all its projects. Bankside will work as exclusive world sales company on select films, moving projects forward to the greenlight stage – Bankside will co-finance and also executive produce when appropriate.

Bankside will also invest development funding in the Killer slate, while Killer will continue to take direct responsibility for development work in house.

CAA negotiated the deal on behalf of Killer with Phil Hunt for Bankside.

The first two films that the companies are collaborating on are: Dealin With Idiots, written and to be directed by Jeff Garlin (Curb Your Enthusiasm). The film is a “sharply observed comedy about pushy parents who drive their unsuspecting children to succeed at sport.” Garlin will also take the lead role, with further cast to be announced.

Also, Bankside and Killer are teaming on Innocence, which is adapted and to be directed by Hilary Brougher, based on the best-selling novel by Jane Mendelsohn. Julianne Moore is attached to star and more “significant international cast” will be announced. The modern gothic coming-of-age story about a girl at a private school mourning her mother’s death, who discovers vampires want to sacrifice her.

Vachon and Koffler said: “We are excited to be in business with Phil and the team at Bankside. The past couple years have been very focused on production for us and we are thrilled to have resources and support to apply ourselves to real development.”

Hunt added: “Bankside Films is thrilled to be in business with one of America’s leading independent production houses. The Killer Films team have a track record that speaks for itself. They produce that rare beast:commercially successful independent films which win awards and connect with international audiences in a significant way. We look forward to being part of their continued success.”

Killer, which has past hits including Boys Don’t Cry and Far From Heaven, has two projects here in TIFF: Dirty Girl by Abe Sylvia and What’s Wrong With Virginia by Dustin Lance Black.

Bankside’s slate includes Matthew Parkhill’s The Caller, David Mackenzie’s In the Park, Famke Janssen’s Bringing Up Bobby, Istvan Szabo’s The Door, Belinda Chayko’s Lou, and Colm McCarthy’s Outcast.