VMI Worldwide has closed several major territory sales for western “Old Henry” from Shout! Studios and Hideout Pictures. Sales buzz reached its fever pitch as the film premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Tuesday evening.
So far, VMI has closed deals in Italy (Blue Swan), the U.K. and Australia (Signature), France (Ace Entertainment), Germany (Koch), Benelux (Three Lines), the Middle East and Turkey (Phoenicia Pictures International) and South Korea (Jaye Entertainment).
“Old Henry” was written and directed by Potsy Ponciroli (“Still the King”) and produced by Shannon Houchins and Michael Hagerty. Starring Tim Blake Nelson (“The Ballad of Buster Scruggs”), Scott Haze (“Children of God”), Gavin Lewis (“Little Fires Everywhere”), Trace Adkins (“The Lincoln Lawyer”) and Stephen Dorff (“Blade”), the film turns on Henry, a farmer who helps an injured man with a bag of cash. Eventually, a gang shows up claiming to be the money’s rightful owners. Unsure who to trust, Henry bunkers down and flashes gunslinger skills that betray his humble persona.
“There has always been, and always will be, a place in the international market for an elevated Western with high profile cast, compelling characters and lots of action,” said Shout!’s Julie Dansker and Jordan Fields.
“While this is a traditional American western, the story and characters transcend the genre and are relatable in any region of the world. We’re excited to see how the international community responds” added Shannon Houchins, CEO at Hideout.