New Black List initiative for European-based writers!
An announcement involving the Black List:
Berlin, Germany — February 9, 2015 — Today, The Picture Company and Studiocanal announced a partnership to identify a European writer for a blind screenplay that covers a wide range of genres, including action-thriller and suspense films.
In the tradition of the Black List’s similar partnerships with Warner Bros, Disney, and the National Football League, beginning today, writers will be able to opt into consideration for this opportunity via hosting their script on the Black List’s website and following the steps to indicate their interest in working with The Picture Company and Studiocanal. Aspirants must be EU passport holders and cannot have made more than $250,000 from screenwriting fees over the course of their careers.
The Picture Company was launched in September 2014 by Andrew Rona and Alex Heineman, producers of such films as NON-STOP, PROJECT X and upcoming THE GUNMAN. Backed by Studiocanal, the company is focused on making commercial films across all genres along with forays into television and episodic content.
Said Heineman about this partnership “The Black List has become the benchmark for identifying great screenwriters. We couldn’t be more excited to be working with Franklin, a true tastemaker along with Studiocanal to expand opportunities for new voices abroad, especially at a time when international markets are so vital to our business.”
“Great storytelling knows no boundaries, and this represents a major step forward for us in celebrating exceptional screenwriting by EU writers writing in English,” said Black List founder Franklin Leonard. “I’ve been a long time fan of Alex and Andrew’s both personally and professionally. I’ve long admired what they’ve accomplished as producers and that extends to what they’re building with the Picture Company along with Studiocanal. When Alex approached me with this idea, it was a no brainer, a partnership we’re incredibly excited about.”
Ron Halpern, STUDIOCANAL EVP international production and acquisition said: “ STUDIOCANAL has always supported new directors and writers and partnering with the black list and the picture company is a perfect way to help discover and grow new screenwriting voices in Europe.”
Today’s announcement comes on the heels of Verve’s announcement that they will list their entire back catalog in the Black List’s script database and Charlie Ebersol’s The Company & The NFL’s announcement that they have hired two writers — John Arends and Jeff Williams — for two-step, WGA minimum blind deals to write football themed scripts.
Yet another Black List initiative. To see all of them, go here.