CANNES: Abbolita, XYZ Films Teaming on Distribution
In a pre-Cannes move, Tim Nye’s Abbolita Films is expanding into distribution through a strategic partnership with “The Raid” producer XYZ Films, Variety has learned exclusively.
The new venture will involve acquisition and distribution of films across a variety of territories including Turkey, Portugal, Greece, Israel, South Africa, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong and the Philippines. XYZ will consult.
“We believe that with XYZ’s pipeline of production and sales content, we will be able to expand on Abbolita’s desire to build out a 21st century distribution network across traditional and new distribution platforms,” said Abbolita founder Tim Nye.
XYZ has been involved with producing New Zealand’s Foreign Language Oscar submission “The Dead Lands,” Cannes title “On the Job” from the Philippines and the actioner “Pilgrimage,” currently shooting in Ireland and Belgium starring Jon Bernthal, Richard Armitage and Tom Holland. The partnership with Abbolita moves XYZ into distribution in international territories.
“This puts us one step closer to the audience in territories where distribution patterns are changing and consumers are looking for new ways to watch movies,” said XYZ partner Nick Spicer.
Abbolita has been involved in the producing and financing of “Life After Beth,” starring Aubrey Plaza and Dane DeHaan, and Jennifer Aniston’s “Life of Crime.” Abbolita is also a minority stake holder in Canadian distributor Search Engine Films.
XYZ is handling sales at Cannes for “Pilgrimage” and “6 Days,” a political action-thriller which starts production next month with “The Dead Lands” director Toa Fraser.
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