NEW YORK, NEW YORK (MAY 16, 2022) – IFC Films and AMC+ announced today that they are acquiring U.S rights to FREEGARD from directors Adam Patterson and Declan Lawn. Patterson and Lawn co-wrote the script together with Michael Bronner (The Mauritanian) based on the article Chasing Agent Freegard by Bronner. The film stars James Norton (Little Women), Gemma Arterton (The King’s Man), Shazad Latif (Star Trek Discovery), Marisa Abela (Industry), Edwina Findley (The Wire), Sarah Goldberg (The Dark Knight Rises), Jimmy Akingbola (Ted Lasso), and Julian Barratt (The Mighty Boosh). IFC Films will release the film in theaters, on VOD and stream exclusively on AMC+ in Summer 2022.
Inspired by the chilling true story of conman, Robert Freegard (James Norton), and Alice Archer (Gemma Arterton), the woman who brought him down. A master manipulator, Freegard kidnapped countless victims, convincing them he was undercover MI5. A tale of lies, loyalty, gaslighting, fear, hope, and the investigation and high-stakes manhunt, which saved the life of Freegard’s final victim.
FREEGARD is produced by Kitty Kaletsky, James Norton, Robert Taylor, Gina Carter, Michael Bronner and Night Train CEO Herbert L Kloiber. Executive producers are Harold van Lier, Olivia Pahl, Jim Reeve and Robert Halmi. The film is co-produced by Rabbit Track Pictures, Night Train Media and The Development Partnership.
Arianna Bocco, President of IFC Films said, “Adam and Declan have brought the incredible true story of Robert Freegard to the big screen. We are excited to share this real-life thriller with such a talented ensemble cast to American audiences nationwide this summer.”
“We’re thrilled to bring Adam and Declan’s compelling story to the service as we continue to expand our exclusive film offering with dynamic, character-driven thrillers for our passionate and deeply engaged subscribers. This story is brought to life by an impressive cast, including James Norton, who our audience can also see in Happy Valley returning to AMC+ early next year,” said Courtney Thomasama GM of AMC+.
Directors Adam Patterson & Declan Lawn said, “We were privileged to work with an incredible cast and crew on Freegard, and now we are absolutely delighted that it will be seen by such a big audience thanks to IFC Films and AMC+. This deal is a dream come true for us.”
Herbert L. Kloiber, CEO Night Train Media: We are thrilled that FREEGARD, Night Train’s first feature out of the gate, has been sold to both IFC Films and AMC+. It’s a fantastic true-con piece that is as thrilling as it is seductive.
The deal for the film was negotiated by SVP of Acquisitions and Productions for IFC Films, Scott Shooman, and WME Independent on behalf of the filmmakers. Night Train Media has fully financed the film and owns worldwide rights.
ABOUT IFC FILMS
Established in 2000 and based in New York City, IFC Films is a leading U.S. distributor of independent film. Its unique distribution model makes independent films available to a national audience by releasing them in theaters as well as on cable’s Video On Demand (VOD) and digital platforms.
Upcoming releases include Clarie Denis’ BOTH SIDES OF THE BLADE, Andrea Arnold’s first documentary COW, Jacques Audiard’s PARIS 13TH DISTRICT, and the Venice Golden Lion award-winner, HAPPENING, directed by Audrey Diwan. Some of the company’s successes over the years have included BOYHOOD, THE DEATH OF STALIN, FRANCES HA, MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN, THE BABADOOK, TOUCHING THE VOID, 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AND 2 DAYS, CHE, SUMMER HOURS, ANTICHRIST, IN THE LOOP, JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK, TINY FURNITURE, and CARLOS. IFC Films has worked with established and breakout filmmakers, including Steven Soderbergh, Gus Van Sant, Spike Lee, Richard Linklater, Miranda July, Lars Von Trier, Gaspar Noé, Todd Solondz, Cristian Mungiu, Susanne Bier, Olivier Assayas, Jim McKay, Larry Fessenden, Paul Dano, Gregg Araki, Jacques Rivette, Claude Chabrol, Abdellatif Kechiche, Kore-eda Hirokazu, Abbas Kiarostami, Alfonso Cuaron, Noah Baumbach, Lena Dunham, Ethan Hawke and many more. IFC Films is a sister label to IFC Midnight, and is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.
About AMC+
AMC+ is the company’s new premium streaming bundle featuring an extensive lineup of popular and critically acclaimed original programming from AMC, BBC America, IFC, and SundanceTV and full access to targeted streaming services Shudder, Sundance Now and IFC Films Unlimited, which feature content such as A Discovery of Witches, Creepshow, and Boyhood. The service features a continually refreshed library of commercial-free content, including fan favorites Mad Men, Halt & Catch Fire, Turn: Washington’s Spies, Hell on Wheels, NOS4A2, Orphan Black, Rectify, Portlandia, and series from The Walking Dead Universe, among many others. The service also offers a growing slate of original and exclusive series including Gangs of London, Kin, The North Water, Ragdoll, The Beast Must Die, Too Close, The Salisbury Poisonings, Cold Courage, Spy City, Ultra City Smiths, Anna, Anne Boleyn, Firebite, La Fortuna, That Dirty Black Bag, the upcoming The Ipcress File and the first two series in a new Anne Rice universe, Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire and Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches. AMC+ recently launched in Canada, Australia, and India and is available in the U.S. through AMCPlus.com, the AMC+ app, and a number of digital and cable partners.