Twisted Pictures' first film under the new label, SAW, also distributed by Lions Gate, was one of the most profitable films of 2004. Produced for $1.2 million, the film has grossed over $50 million domestically and nearly $100 million worldwide. The title debuted as the #1 new release in video sales and rentals with 4 million units sold in the United States and Canada last week. Under their nine picture deal with Lions Gate, Twisted Pictures will finance and produce films exclusively in the horror / action genre.
CATACOMBS is the story of a young woman on her first visit out of the country. While in Paris, she is taken to an underground party in the Catacombs, a labyrinth of over 200 miles of 14th Century limestone tunnels under the Left Bank of the city, lined with the remains of 7 million people. When she is separated from her friends and becomes convinced that someone or something is chasing her, her vacation becomes a terrifying nightmare.
"The stories we are attracted to tend to deal with universal fears -- being trapped, being lost, claustrophobia, etc.," said Twisted's Burg, Koules and Hoffman. "Coker and Elliot's CATACOMBS script deals with them all, and is set in a location that is truly one of the most terrifying on earth. They have a tremendous vision for the film, and we look forward to supporting this new and exciting filmmaking team."
"David Elliott and Tomm Coker have crafted a nerve-shattering spookfest with CATACOMBS, and the unique setting shows our commitment to try new things with our Twisted Pictures venture," said Block.
Elliot, along with writing partner Paul Lovett, has written numerous screenplays for almost every major studio. Most recently, they wrote FOUR BROTHERS for Paramount, a film which is in production and stars Mark Wahlberg, Tyrese and Andre 3000. Paramount has also tapped Elliot to adapt their summer tent-pole actioner G.I. JOE. He also wrote and directed the indie feature NOTHING SACRED.
Making his feature film directorial and writing debut with CATACOMBS, Tomm Coker previously wrote and directed the festival award-winning short A DAY BETWEEN. In addition, Coker is a prolific illustrator in the comic book and graphic novel world, having drawn such characters as Wolverine from the X-Men series and Batman. He also co-created the critically acclaimed comic-book series BLOOD AND WATER.
CATACOMBS was brought to Twisted Pictures by Ford Gilmore of Illuminati Entertainment and Chad Cole of Evolution Entertainment. Jeff Frankel of Colden, McKuin and Frankel negotiated the deal on behalf of Elliot and Coker, with David Fox and Leslie Abell of Myman, Abell, Fineman, Greenspan & Light representing Twisted Pictures.
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY LIONS GATE FILMS
