Protagonist scares up US deal for SXSW hit Monsters

Magnet Releasing, the genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, has acquired Gareth Edward’s Monsters for North America and Mexico following its world premiere at the SXSW Film Conference and Festival. The festival runs March 12 - 20 in Austin, Texas.

Edward’s debut is being sold internationally by Protagonist Pictures. The deal was broked by Protagonist chief executive Ben Roberts and Magnolia senior vice-president Tom Quinn.

Monsters, made through UK outfit Vertigo Films, premiered at a midnight screening in the SX Fantastic section of the festival, which is programmed by Fantastic Fest’s Tim League.

Produced by Vertigo founders Allan Niblo and James Richardson, the film was shot as a road movie across locations including Guatemala, Mexico and the US. Local people feature alongside the main cast, which is led by cast Scoot McNairy and Whitney Able.

The story follows a US journalist who agrees to escort an American tourist through Mexico, much of which has been designated an “infected zone” after a NASA probe carrying alien life sample crashed in the country.

 “We were blown away by Monsters - I can’t think of a more exciting addition to the Magnet slate. Gareth Edwards is an extraordinary talent and we’re thrilled to bring his vision to American audiences,” said Quinn.

Niblo and Richardson added: “Having kept the film a secret for so long, Vertigo is thrilled to have Magnet not only discover it at this year’s SXSW but immediately become our US partner on this groundbreaking movie.  We are all looking forward to releasing Monsters together onto an unsuspecting world.”