Endgame Entertainment backs 'Side Effects'

Endgame Entertainment originates aboard as financier of "Unwanted Effects," the mental thriller to become directed by Steven Soderbergh from the script by Scott Z. Burns. Deal was introduced Tuesday within the wake of Megan Ellison's Annapurna backing removed from financing. Endgame stated it's in discussions with 1984 Pictures to co-finance. Producers stated they are in discussions with Rooney Mara, Jude Law, Channing Tatum and Catherine Zeta Johnson to star. Plot particulars are now being stored under systems and shooting will begin in April. Open Road Films annnounced on Jan. 18 it had acquired U.S. distribution privileges for release within the first 1 / 2 of 2013. Filmnation is handling worldwide sales with respect to Endgame and can introduce the film to purchasers in the approaching Berlin Film Festival. As formerly introduced, Lorenzo di Bonaventura is creating the film with Gregory Jacobs and Scott Z. Burns, who also composed the script. Endgame's James D. Stern and Douglas E. Hansen will join the project as professional producers. Variety reported on Jan. 24 that Annapurna wouldn't be financing "Unwanted Effects." Annapurna's Megan Ellison, Marc Butan and Ted Schipper would have offered as professional producers. "Steven Soderbergh remains probably the most innovative and original company directors making films today," stated Stern. "Endgame can't wait to utilize him on which offers to be a thrilling commercial thriller having a amazing, all-star cast." Endgame's proceed to finance comes three several weeks after it released an ambitious marketing venture named Endgame Delivering to partner with equity traders, third-party producers and galleries to supply P&A funding for wide-release films. Endgame's manufacture of Rian Johnson's sci-fier "Looper," starring Frederick Gordon-Levitt, Bruce Willis and Emily Blunt will make the most of Endgame Delivering by co-financing marketing costs with FilmDistrict because of its release in September through Sony's Tri-Star Pictures. Endgame stated at that time that it is marketing and distribution funding (also called prints & advertising) is going to be for $20-plus million for films launched on no less than 1,800 screens which it needs to invest in the discharge of 4 to 6 films each year amassing $400 million to $500 million in P&A opportunities within the next 4 years. Tuesday's announcement did not address whether "Bitter Pill" could be handled through the P&A fund. Endgame's deal was discussed for "Bitter Pill" was negotiaed by Stern and Hansen for the organization by Wealthy Klubeck of UTA Independent Film Group with respect to the filmmakers. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com