It was revealed today thatKatee Sackhoff(Battlestar Galactica,Riddick,Oculus,Don’t Knock Twice) will play the lead role of Mackenzie ‘Mack’ Wilson in the sci-fi thrillerOrigin Unknown, and that Content Media has come on board to handle worldwide sales. UK-based Coffee & Cigarettes who act as executive producers on the film brokered the deal with Content Media to represent the film. Here’s whatEduardo Panizzoof Coffee & Cigarettes had to say in his statement about the new deal.
“We are delighted to be working with Content Media on this project, they have an exceptional track record and a proven history of success in theSci-Fi genre.”
Origin Unknown is being directed byHasraf ‘HaZ’ Dullul(Project Kronos,Sync) an award nominated visual effects artist (Hellboy II,The Dark Knight) who recently signed on to direct the much-anticipated Robin Hood reboot,Robin Hood 2058, produced by Atlas Entertainment (Suicide Squad,Batman vs Superman,Warcraft) andGianni Nunnari(Immortals,300). While simultaneously directing music videos and commercials, HaZ transitioned into scripted fare with his Sci-fi short filmProject Kronos, which became an Internet hit on YouTube and Vimeo. Here’s what Content’s Jamie Carmichael had to say in his statement.
“We love the elevated Sci-Fi space, andOrigin Unknownhas all the elements to succeed, a stronghigh concept idea, a great cast, a great creative team and a very impressive new directing talent in HaZ. We’re really excited to bring this to the market.”
The screenplay forOrigin Unknownis written byGary Hallbased on a story byDulull. The director of photography isAdam Sculthorp(aerial unit onPrometheus,Spectre). The VFX will be handled by Territory Studio (The Martian,Guardians of the Galaxy,Blade Runner 2,Alien Covenant),Paddy Easonis the VFX Supervisor (28 Weeks Later,Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) andMichael Stevens(Million Dollar Baby,Invictus,Gran Torino) will compose. Origin Unknown is being financed by Head Gear Films and Parkgate Entertainment; Phil Hunt and Compton Ross of Head Gear Films are Executive Producers on the project.
After the first manned mission to Mars ends in a deadly crash, mission controller Mackenzie ‘Mack’ Wilson (Sackhoff) is summoned to assist anartificial intelligencesystem, A.R.T.I. Their investigation uncovers a mysterious object under the surface of Mars, leading to a discovery that could change the future of our planet as we know it. Principal photography begins later this month in London, UK. Here’s whatAnis Shlewetfrom Parkgate Entertainment had to say in his statement.
“We are really excited about working with HaZ onOrigin Unknown, he is a major filmmaking talent, as proven by his short films, which demonstrate his style of grounded, visceral and intelligent Sci-Fi storytelling. We are equally excited to be partnering with Coffee & Cigarettes, who are managing the film’s marketing and publicity.”
Origin Unknownmarks a partnership between Parkgate Entertainment (a Production Company) and Coffee & Cigarettes (a Producer’s Representative and Distribution Consultancy).Tom ClarkandEduardo Panizzoare representing the film and Executive Producing.Katee Sackhoffis represented by UTA and management firm Bleu, an Entertainment Company.Hasraf Dulullis represented byScott Glassgoldof Ground Control L.A,Scottalso has an Executive Producer credit on the project.
In addition toOrigin Unknown,Content Media’s impressive international sales slate includes the Sundance documentariesCries from Syriadirected by Academy Award nominatedEvgeny AfinevskyandGreg Barker’sLegion of Brothers; the comedyAn Actor PreparesstarringJeremy IronsandJack Huston; the documentaryBeside Bowie: The Mick Ronson Story, directed byJon Brewer;Dan Bush’s supernatural thriller heistThe Vault, starringJames Franco,Francesca Eastwood,Taryn ManningandScott Haze; action-thrillerThe Worker, starringMichael Peña, directed by action directorDan Bradleyand produced alongsideJeremy Renner’s company The Combine; a documentary feature about the inspiring, Olympic hero turned convicted murderOscar Pistorius(Pistorius); theManolo BlahnikdocumentaryManolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards; theMaria CallasbiopicCallas & Onassis, starringNoomi RapacewithNiki Carodirecting and Sci-Fi epic featureHigher Power.
