A Not Quite Done Deal

In order to access NZ Film Commission funding, we needed one small piece of the jigsaw to be in place - a UK distribution deal. This is in order to assure the Commish of the commercial viability of the film - fair enough.

We had come back from Cannes with several live possibilities. One of the most promising was Film Four, and we felt that Moon would be a good fit with them. They had a good look through our material in the ensuing weeks. Finally they came back saying "we found the script to be a very uplifting and uncynical read, and think that you've crafted a script that really does sell the idea at its heart and create a world where such things could be and are possible which we thought was a real achievement". Unfortunately, they passed on it.

Icon said "I thought it was a charming read - strong concept with some very universal themes," but passed also. Transmission said: "We really like this script, a great piece of writing with a lot of heart and brilliant characterisations," and passed.

Another live possibility was Metrodome. They came back to us very early after Cannes, with interest in providing a P&A deal for distribution. Their head of acquisitions read the script and had this to say: "I read the script over the weekend and I found it incredibly poignant and life affirming. It's a beautiful story." They wanted to discuss details of a potential deal.

Unfortunately the UK summer intervened, and everyone went on holiday. By the time they came back, Metrodome's head of acquisitions had been promoted out of her position, and as is the practice in the film industry, the new guy didn't want to inherit any of his predecessor's projects (any kudos would go to the previous person). So they passed, though wanted to be kept informed.

By this stage things were beginning to tighten up in movieland. Everyone was reporting difficulties in getting presales, with some companies beginning to go to the wall. That small piece of the jigsaw was looking increasingly impossible.