Sony Pictures Releasing is forging ahead with preparations for its second local production after the strong opening of Markus Goller’s comedy Friendship!.

Speaking exclusively to ScreenDaily, Martin Bachmann, managing director of Sony Pictures Releasing GmbH, said that the German outpost’s production arm Deutsche Columbia Pictures Filmproduktion (DCPF) is now applying for funding for an adaptation of Tommy Jaud’s bestseller Resturlaub.

He also revealed that Gegor Schnitzler, the director of What To Do In Case Of A Fire (Was Tun, Wenn’s Brennt), is attached to direct. The novel tells the story of a young Bavarian brewery manager who escapes the narrow confines of his country life by moving to Argentina.

Sony reactivated DCPF two years agao in a renewed commitment to German film production. Frendship!, about two East Germans travelling the US shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, is its first project.

Released at 373 locations, the comedy racked up 336,777 admissions (347,570 including previews) putting it in second place behind Avatar.

“We are really pleased with the film’s performance,” Bachmann said. “It is something special because the film is not relying on a big star as a draw, it isn’t based on a bestseller or part of a franchise. And Markus Goller is a first-time director.”

Bachmann added he plans to an additional 55 prints this week due to the film’s success. It also earnt co-star Friedrich Mücke a Bavarian Film Award as Best Newcomer Actor at the weekend.

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