Film Made Its World Premiere at 2015 Sundance Film Festival
PARK CITY, UT (January 29, 2015) – The Orchard announced today that the company is acquiring North American rights to Joe Swanberg’s DIGGING FOR FIRE. The film is co-written by Jake Johnson and Swanberg and it stars Jake Johnson, Rosemarie DeWitt, Orlando Bloom, Brie Larson, Sam Rockwell, Anna Kendrick and Mike Birbiglia. DIGGING FOR FIRE was produced by Swanberg, Alicia Van Couvering and Jake Johnson. The film had its world premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.
The film follows the discovery of a bone and a gun which sends a husband and wife – each full of doubts about their future and anxiety about the present – on separate adventures over the course of a weekend. At the premiere’s Q&A, Swanberg explained that the movie was about the realization that a marriage should be “two individuals agreeing to be in a relationship, rather than two people melting into one thing.” The picture was filmed in LA on 35mm film, with a sprawling ensemble cast that also includes Sam Elliot, Judith Light, Ron Livingston, Melanie Lynskey, Jenny Slate, Tim Simons, and Jane Adams.
“After admiring Joe’s films for a long time, it’s a dream for us to have the opportunity to work with him,” said The Orchard’s SVP of Film & TV, Paul Davidson. “We think audiences will flock to DIGGING FOR FIRE for its engaging and comedic look at adult relationships and we’re excited to work with Joe, Jake and Alicia to make that a reality.” Said Swanberg, “I came to Sundance to find the company that loved my film the most, and would do the smartest and most aggressive job releasing it. I have found that company in The Orchard and can’t wait to start this new relationship.”
This is Swanberg’s second collaboration with Jake Johnson, following DRINKING BUDDIES, and his second film in two years at Sundance, following HAPPY CHRISTMAS. “I wanted to work on DIGGING FOR FIRE to get another opportunity to work with Joe Swanberg,” said Jake Johnson. “He is a true collaborator. His movies are essentially written by the ensemble and he wants everyone at their best. As a director, he is a true artist, and I love having the chance to work with him.”
The deal was negotiated by The Orchard Director of Acquisitions Danielle DiGiacomo and the filmmakers directly, with Andr é Des Rochers of Gray Krauss Stratford Sander Des Rochers, LLP.
About the Filmmakers
Joe Swanberg has directed many acclaimed feature films and web shows, including HANNAH TAKES THE STAIRS, DRINKING BUDDIES, HAPPY CHRISTMAS and the IFC.com series YOUNG AMERICAN BODIES. He also co-directed and acted in the breakout horror film, V/H/S, in addition to his acting work in films like YOU’RE NEXT, THE SACRAMENT and THOU WAST MILD AND LOVELY. Jake Johnson is a writer and actor who stars opposite Zooey Deschanel on “New Girl” and will soon appear in the highly anticipated JURASSIC WORLD; born in Chicago, he has worked with David Mamet, Larry David, Bob Odenkirk, John Landis, Ivan Reitman, Nick Stoller, and Adam McKay. Producer Alicia Van Couvering ‘s credits include Lena Dunham’s TINY FURNITURE and Swanberg’s DRINKING BUDDIES, as well as another Sundance 2015 premiere: COP CAR, starring Kevin Bacon.
About The Orchard
The Orchard is a pioneering music, video and film distribution company and top-ranked Multi Channel Network operating in more than 25 global markets. With a holistic approach to sales and marketing combined with industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard amplifies reach and revenue across hundreds of digital, physical and mobile outlets around the world. The Orchard streamlines content owners’ business complexity with an intuitive client dashboard, comprehensive rights management and tailored client support. Founded in 1997, The Orchard empowers businesses and creators in the entertainment industry. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com .
The Orchard also picked up North American rights to Patrick Brice’s THE OVERNIGHT at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.