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Exclusive: The Orchard Acquires North American Rights to Sebastian Silva’s ‘Nasty Baby,’ Starring Kristen Wiig

Exclusive: The Orchard Acquires North American Rights to Sebastian Silva's 'Nasty Baby,' Starring Kristen Wiig

By Nigel M. Smith

Nigel M. Smith

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In a glowing review out of Sundance, Indiewire wrote: “‘Nasty Baby’ manages to challenge notions of violence, morality, innocence, parenthood and responsible child-rearing with a keen disregard for audience expectations. By shattering genre conventions, Silva subverts traditional perspectives on modern adulthood and finds no easy answers in the process.”

The deal was negotiated by UTA Independent Film Group in association with Versatile and Funny Balloons, on behalf of the filmmakers and Craig Sussman, Senior Director of Acquisitions for The Orchard. Versatile, in association with Funny Balloons, is handling all foreign sales.

The Orchard will release the film later this year.

Full release below:

THE ORCHARD ACQUIRES NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS TO SEBASTIAN SILVA’S NASTY BABY

Film Starring Silva, Kristen Wiig, Tunde Adeimpe and Alia Shawkat

Made Its World Premiere At The 2015 Sundance Film Festival

Followed By A European Premiere at 2015 Berlin Film Festival Last Week

LOS ANGELES, CA (February 24, 2015) – The Orchard announced today that the company is acquiring North American rights to Sebastian Silva’s award-winning film NASTY BABY, starring Silva, Kristen Wiig, Tunde Adebimpe, Reg E. Cathey and Alia Shawkat. The film, with an original screenplay by Silva, made its world premiere at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, followed by a European premiere at the 2015 Berlin International Film Festival, where it was awarded the festival’s Teddy Award. The film was produced by Juan de Dios Larraín, Pablo Larraín, Charlie Dibe, David Hinojosa and Julia Oh, and executive produced by Silva, Christine Vachon, Peter Danner, Pape Boye, and Violaine Pichon. Shawkat served as a co-producer on the film. The Orchard will release the film later this year.

From acclaimed director and screenwriter Sebastián Silva (Crystal Fairy, Magic Magic, The Maid), NASTY BABY tells the story of a modern problem – a gay couple (played by Silva and Tunde Adebimpe) are trying to have a baby with their best friend (played by Kristen Wiig). Their plans are disrupted by growing harassment from a menacing neighborhood local known as ‘The Bishop’ (played by Reg E. Cathey). As their clashes become increasingly aggressive, it is only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

“In a sea of feel-good dramas and sweet romantic comedies, we feel lucky to have found the anti-thesis to both in Nasty Baby,” said The Orchard’s SVP of Film & TV, Paul Davidson. “We love Sebastian’s film, its commitment to finding the humor in everyday life, and are excited to partner on its release.”

When asked for comment, Silva referenced a quote by Jiddu Krishnamurti: “One is never afraid of the unknown; one is afraid of the known coming to an end.”

The producers said jointly: “Our hope in bringing NASTY BABY to Sundance was to find a partner that is both passionate and inventive in its release strategy. That’s exactly what we have in The Orchard. Like NASTY BABY, they are rule breakers and we’re excited to surprise audiences together.”

The deal was negotiated by Craig Sussman, Senior Director of Acquisitions for The Orchard, with UTA Independent Film Group in association with Versatile and Funny Balloons, on behalf of the filmmakers. Versatile, in association with Funny Balloons, is handling all foreign sales.

Silva is represented at UTA and by attorney Iddo Arrad. Wiig is represented at UTA and by attorney Karl Austen.

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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 starring Adam Scott and Jason Schwartzman; Joe Swanberg’s DIGGING FOR FIRE starring Jake Johnson and Rosemarie DeWitt; and Matthew Heineman’s gripping documentary CARTEL LAND at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.