NEW YORK, NY (November 17, 2022) – IFC Films announced today that they are acquiring North American rights to new comedy PAINT written and directed by Brit McAdams. The screenplay, which landed on The Blacklist in 2010 stars Owen Wilson, best known for his roles in memorable films such as Wedding Crashers, Zoolander, Marley & Me, the hit MCU series Loki for Disney+, as well as many critically acclaimed films from Wes Anderson. The rest of the cast includes IFC Films alum Michaela Watkins (Werewolves Within, Sword of Trust, CBS’ The Unicorn), Wendi McLendon-Covey (Bridesmaids, ABC’s The Goldbergs), Ciara Renée (Hawkgirl from CW’s Arrowverse), Lusia Strus (Search Party, 50 First Dates), newcomer Lucy Freyer, and Stephen Root (HBO’s Barry, Office Space). Sam Maydew of Silver Lining Entertainment is producing with financier Peter Brant, and Owen Wilson is serving as executive producer alongside Richard J. Bosner and Joel David Moore. IFC Films will release the film in theaters on April 28th, 2023 and will stream exclusively on AMC+ later that year.
In PAINT, Owen Wilson portrays Carl Nargle, Vermont’s #1 public television painter who is convinced he has it all: a signature perm, custom van, and fans hanging on his every stroke… until a younger, better artist steals everything (and everyone) Carl loves.
Arianna Bocco, President of IFC Films, said, “We’re thrilled to finally work with the boundless and versatile talent of Owen Wilson, as he effortlessly brings Carl Nargle’s character to life from a savvy script and direction by Brit McAdams. PAINT has all the makings of a quotable comedic masterpiece, and we hope audiences of all ages are ready for a lot of laughs and a lot of heart.”
Director and writer Brit McAdams added, “In every step of making the film, we’ve fought to team up with talented collaborators who are also good people. From our first conversation, IFC felt like the perfect home for Paint, not only because of how much they love the film and how respected they are in the industry, but also because of who they are as individuals. We’re all beyond excited to have them add their signature to this picture.”
Next up for IFC Films is the award-winning documentary BAD AXE from director David Siev, most recently winning Best First Documentary Feature at the Critics Choice Awards. As well as the critically acclaimed film CORSAGE from Marie Kreutzer and starring Vicky Krieps in a career defining performance. The film recently garnered nominations at the upcoming European Film Awards and Gotham Awards, as well as a Cannes Un Certain Regard prize for Best Performance and is Austria’s official selection for International Feature Film for the 95th Academy Awards®.
The deal for the film was negotiated by IFC Films’ Head of Acquisitions and Production Scott Shooman with UTA on behalf of the filmmakers.
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ABOUT IFC FILMS
Established in 2000 and based in New York City, IFC Films is a leading U.S. distributor of independent film. Its unique distribution model makes independent films available to a national audience by releasing them in theaters as well as on cable’s Video On Demand (VOD) and digital platforms.
Upcoming releases include Cannes Un Certain Regard award-winner, CORSAGE, directed by Marie Kreutzer and starring Vicky Krieps (BERGMAN ISLAND, PHANTOM THREAD), and Rebel Wilson’s first dramatic role in THE ALMOND AND THE SEAHORSE. Some of the company’s successes over the years have included BOYHOOD, THE DEATH OF STALIN, FRANCES HA, MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN, THE BABADOOK, TOUCHING THE VOID, 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AND 2 DAYS, CHE, SUMMER HOURS, ANTICHRIST, IN THE LOOP, JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK, TINY FURNITURE, and CARLOS. IFC Films has worked with established and breakout filmmakers, including Steven Soderbergh, Gus Van Sant, Spike Lee, Richard Linklater, Miranda July, Lars Von Trier, Gaspar Noé, Todd Solondz, Cristian Mungiu, Susanne Bier, Olivier Assayas, Jim McKay, Larry Fessenden, Paul Dano, Gregg Araki, Jacques Rivette, Claude Chabrol, Abdellatif Kechiche, Kore-eda Hirokazu, Abbas Kiarostami, Alfonso Cuaron, Noah Baumbach, Lena Dunham, Ethan Hawke and many more. IFC Films is a sister label to IFC Midnight, and is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.