Synkronized Acquires World Rights for ‘The Vortex’ Ahead of European Film Market (EXCLUSIVE)

U.S.-based distributor Synkronized Distribution has acquired the world rights for the crime drama “The Vortex,” represented by Iuvit Media Sales at the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin.

The film is directed by Richard Zelniker (“As Night Comes”) and written by Steven Barr. It stars Billy Gardell, Jaina Lee Ortiz and Jamie McShane.

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“The Vortex” looks at the tragic 1980 MGM Grand fire on the Las Vegas Strip, and tells the story of a Native American Paiute cleaning lady who enters the casino, setting off a chain of weird events and unexplained gambling wins.

The events center on the in-house comedian (played by Gardell), who is struggling with a gambling addiction, and plays shrink to a host of colorful characters and is forced to make a life-altering decision.

“The Vortex” is produced by Lucid Pictures, with the participation of Olliecorp. It is produced by Richard Zelniker, Adriana Rotaru, Callie Nguyen Zelniker and Justin Richards.

Other cast include Christopher Titus, Azita Ghanizada, Nick Gomez, Emily Alabi, Jeremy Luke, Mary Scheer, Nick Gracer, Yolanda Snowball and Shaan Sharma.

Gardel is represented by UTA and Artist Management International, Lee Ortiz is represented by Verve and Link Entertainment, McShane is represented by Paradigm and Trademark Talent, and Richard Zelniker is represented by Sovereign Talent Group.

Iuvit’s slate at the EFM includes the animation features “Johnny Puff Secret Mission” and “A Great Adventure,” the thrillers “The Reunion” and “A Day Like a Week,” and the upcoming action films “Stand Your Ground” and “Fight Pride.”

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