The Hollywood Reporter
BMD grabs 'Harsh' rights for $4 million
By Gregg Goldstein and Nicole Sperling
Bauer Martinez Distribution, the new theatrical distribution arm of Bauer Martinez Studios, picked up the hot title “Harsh Times” for about $4 million late Wednesday at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The film, from writer-turned-director David Ayer, stars Christian Bale as a self-destructive Gulf War veteran and Freddy Rodriguez as his unemployed best friend. Its strong reviews and interest from a number of acquisition executives, although some said they were unsure how to attract a commercial audience to what they saw as a film that could be difficult to market.
But Bauer Martinez chairman and CEO Philippe Martinez, who said he delayed his flight out of Toronto five times in order to clinch the deal, said, “It has a strong commercial appeal and an even stronger critical appeal. Every movie is challenging to distribute, but this movie is worth it.” He said he hopes to release the film domestically in March and also acquired rights to Italy, Germany and Japan. He predicted the movie would prove to be a strong awards contender. “For me, it has all the flair and beauty of independent cinema,” Martinez added.
While there was interest in “Harsh Times” from more established buyers, the filmmakers were attracted to Martinez’s passion for the film, they said. Bauer Martinez will distribute it domestically and in Germany, Italy and Japan.
“Philippe had the enthusiasm and the belief in the film,” said Andrea Sperling, who produced the project along with Ayer, who financed it himself. “He’s a risk-taker just like David Ayer is a risk-taker. They see eye-to-eye. We feel like we’re all in this together.”
With an edge nearly as tough as his lead character, Ayer, whose screenwriting credits include “Training Day” and “The Fast and the Furious,” said, “Selling the movie was like driving along the L.A. Crest Highway, chucking body parts out the window at 50 miles per hour.” When asked who the audience for the movie will be, he coolly replied, “Anybody who’s ever had a best friend, or who’s in their 20s or who’s ever been in their 20s.”
Both he and Jesse Felsot, another of the producers, dubbed it “the biggest gangster sale ever.” Bales also served as executive producer on the film, on which Ro Gorski was associate producer.
Indie Bauer Martinez Studios has financed and produced close to ten films since its inception in 1999. It is currently producing Amy Heckerling’s “I Could Never Be Your Woman,” starring Michelle Pfeiffer, and Wang Keung Lau’s “The Flock,” starring Richard Gere.
It began testing the distribution waters with the limited release of “Modigliani” earlier this year.
Agencies WMA, Endeavor and CAA were all involved in the negotiations. William Morris Independent packaged the film along with Endeavor, which reps Bale, and CAA, which reps Ayer.
Gregg Goldstein reported from Toronto and Nicole Sperling reported from Los Angeles.
