‘Manchester By The Sea’ crosses RM337 mln mark
LOS ANGELES: Kenneth Lonergan’s acclaimed drama “Manchester By The Sea” has crossed the US$ 75 million ( RM337 million) global box office milestone.
In international markets, the drama has delivered US$ 27.3 million through Sierra/ Affi nity’s network of buyers. The sales agent launched the title at the EFM in Berlin 2015, shortly before production kicked off in Boston, and immediately struck a UK deal with StudioCanal among other transactions with leading independents, while Sony picked up a swath of territories.
Universal acquired outstanding territories at Sundance 2016, when the fi lm premiered. Amazon Studios pounced in a US$ 10 million deal in Park City and partnered with Roadside Attractions on the release in North America, where it has generated US$ 47.7 million.
Casey Affleck won the lead actor Oscar and Lonergan took the best original screenplay prize in February.
Highlights from the international run include US$ 4.3 million in the UK.
“It’s remarkable how well it did. It’s really good for the business in general,” Sierra/Affi nity president of international sales and distribution Jonathan Kier said. “This speaks to how much people are looking to be moved.”
Kier said Sierra/Affi nity led by Nick Meyer “never thought twice” about handling sales on what appeared a risky proposition: an intense drama directed by Lonergan, a highly regarded writer- director whose previous fi lm “Margaret” was beset by troubles and grossed less than US$ 50,000 despite being hailed a masterpiece by some critics.
“To be able to work with Kenny Lonergan and Casey Affleck was a great opportunity,” Kier said. “We said, ‘Where do we sign?’”