"Garden State" Gets Snapped Up at Sundance

PARK CITY, Utah, Jan. 18, 2004 - Fox Searchlight Pictures and Miramax Films have aligned with one another to create an unprecedented Sundance joint acquisitions agreement for the worldwide distribution rights to "Garden State," the directorial debut feature from Zach Braff (television's "Scrubs"), who also wrote the screenplay and stars in the film along with Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard and a strong ensemble cast. Miramax and Fox Searchlight will share equally in the film's worldwide revenues, and the two companies are currently discussing which entity will distribute in which territory worldwide, based on their respective resources and desires. The film is produced by Camelot Pictures' partners Gary Gilbert and Dan Halsted, along with Pamela Abdy and Rich Klubeck. The film was executive produced by Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg and Stacey Sher. The announcement was made today by Fox Searchlight Pictures president Peter Rice and Miramax co-chairman Harvey Weinstein.

"We had a great experience working with Jim Gianopolis, Tom Rothman and all of Fox on 'Master And Commander,' and it is exciting that we can now work with the studio on an independent level as well," said Weinstein. "Peter Rice is someone I have respected for years and I am pleased to be working with him and Fox Searchlight on distributing 'Garden State,' a film that we are both very passionate about."

"We are delighted to be the distributor of this fresh and funny crowd-pleasing comedy," said Rice. "Having enjoyed the film immensely, we look forward to working with Miramax to bring 'Garden State' to audiences worldwide. We hope this partnership will lead to further collaborations." Added "Garden State" Producer Gary Gilbert, "We are thrilled to be partnering with two of the best distributors in the business, both of whom are clearly as passionate about this film as we are."

"Garden State," which premiered in competition at the Sundance Film Festival, stars Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Jean Smart, Method Man, Ian Holm and Rob Leibman. The film is a romantic comedy about a guy who returns to his hometown for the first time in ten years to attend the funeral of his clinically depressed mother, a journey of self-discovery that reconnects him with the world he left behind and gives him a chance to find love in an unexpected place.

Agnes Mentre, executive vice president of acquisitions and co-production, David Miercort, senior vice president of acquisitions and business affairs, Arianna Bocco, senior vice president of acquisitions, and Erica Steinberg, senior vice president of creative affairs negotiated the agreement on behalf of Miramax. Joseph DeMarco, executive vice president and Tony Safford, senior vice president of acquisitions negotiated the deal on behalf of Fox Searchlight. Worldwide sales of the film were handled by Andrew Hurwitz of the law firm of Epstein, Levinsohn, Bodine, Hurwitz and Weinstein. CAA repped Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard and the film's producers.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
"Garden State" Photo Gallery
"Garden State" Credits, News and Trailer