Film Threat archive logo

MAGNET RELEASING SNAGS “THE TROLL HUNTER” AND “VANISHING ON 7TH STREET”

By Mark Bell | October 19, 2010

Magnet Releasing has been busy lately, acquiring World Rights, excluding Europe, to “The Troll Hunter” and US Rights to Brad Anderson’s latest, “Vanishing on 7th Street.” Check out the respective trailers, and read the official press releases:

The Wagner/Cuban Company’s Magnet Releasing, genre arm of Magnolia Pictures announced today that it has acquired World rights excluding Europe to writer/director André Ovredal’s THE TROLL HUNTER, produced by John M. Jacobsen and Sveinung Golimo. Shot in a vérité style, THE TROLL HUNTER is the story of a group of Norwegian film students that set out to capture real-life trolls on camera after learning their existence has been covered up for years by a government conspiracy. A thrilling and wildly entertaining film, THE TROLL HUNTER delivers truly fantastic images of giant trolls wreaking havoc on the countryside, with darkly funny adherence to the original Norwegian folklore.

“THE TROLL HUNTER is one hell of a ride, with trolls the size of King Kong,” said Magnet SVP Tom Quinn. “André Ovredal has created a one-of-a-kind creature feature that’s sure to entertain and wow audiences all over the world. We’re extremely proud to add it to the Magnet slate.”

“The interest in THE TROLL HUNTER from around the world has been overwhelming,” says producer Jacobsen. “But it became clear to us early that Magnolia/Magnet would be a perfect fit both for us and for the film. We are really excited to be working with them on this movie.”

The deal for world rights excluding Europe were negotiated by Magnet’s Quinn with producer John M. Jacobsen. Magnet will release the film theatrically in 2011.

The Wagner/Cuban Company’s Magnet Releasing, genre arm of Magnolia Pictures announced today that it has acquired US rights to Brad Anderson’s VANISHING ON 7TH STREET. Starring Hayden Christensen, John Leguizamo, Thandie Newton and young R&B sensation Jacob Latimore, VANISHING ON 7TH STREET is a scary, character driven horror film that taps into one of humankind’s most basic and universal anxieties: fear of the dark. The film, which premiered at this year’s Toronto Film Festival, was produced by Norton Herrick, Tove Christensen and Mandalay Vision’s Celine Rattray, and is yet another smart and unconventional genre entry from Anderson (Session 9, The Machinist, Transsiberian), one of the most talented independent filmmakers working today.

When a massive power outage plunges the city of Detroit into total darkness, a disparate group of individuals (Christensen, Leguizamo, Newton) find themselves alone. The entire city’s population has vanished into thin air, leaving behind heaps of empty clothing, abandoned cars and lengthening shadows. Soon the daylight begins to disappear completely, and as the survivors gather in an abandoned tavern, they realize the darkness is out to get them, and only their rapidly diminishing light sources can keep them safe.

“VANISHING ON 7TH STREET is scary as hell, but it’s the richness of its characters and the stellar performances that really make it stand out,” said Magnet SVP Tom Quinn. “Brad Anderson has made an excellent, wholly original ghost film that is a perfect fit for the Magnet slate.”

“We were captivated after reading the script, and are even more electrified by the finished film,” said producer Norton Herrick. “Brad Anderson has done another masterful job. Vanishing is an intelligent thriller with terrifying overtones that will have people talking well after leaving the theater. Herrick Entertainment is pleased to be able to bring it to audiences through Magnolia’s Magnet Releasing.”

“VANISHING ON 7TH STREET is an apocalyptic thriller about the end of the world and it could not be placed in better hands than with Magnet Releasing, whose expertise in distributing genre films is par none,” said director Brad Anderson. “I am excited to be working with them to bring the film to audiences across the country.”

The US deal was negotiated by Magnet SVP Tom Quinn with Cinetic. Magnet will release the film theatrically in February, 2011.

Leave a Reply to Ruth Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Ruth says:

    I am SO excited that we will get to see VANISHING ON 7TH STREET with HAYDEN CHRISTENSEN! We have a group of 41 women in my hometown that get together and “caravan” our cars to go see ALL HAYDEN’S movies! We will look for a theatre within a 150 mile radius and all go see this film! THANK YOU MAGNET/MAGNOLIA PICTURES! Brilliant choice! NOW, we can’t wait until February!!!! THANKS AGAIN!

Join our Film Threat Newsletter

Newsletter Icon