West End Films has ended multiple international sales of Ignition, the high-concept thriller starring Emmy nominee Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones, The New Look) that opened at Cannes.
First announced by Variety, Ignition was written and directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker James Erskine (Copa 71, Billy) and co-stars BAFTA-nominated Rory Kinnear (No Time to Die, The Diplomat) and Lovi Poe (Badman, Seasons).
The deal includes the UK (Signature Entertainment), Spain (Twelve Oaks), the Middle East (Falcon Films), the CIS and Baltics (Arna Media), Eastern Europe and Israel (Forum Film), with additional negotiations currently underway in several other territories.
Currently in post-production, “Ignition” follows Sylvie Johnson (Williams) on her way to London, where she is thrown into chaos when an anonymous caller informs her that there is a bomb in her car. Trapped and cut off from outside help, Sylvie is forced to follow the terrorists’ instructions, her every move monitored, and she has no choice but to deliver the time bomb to its destination, the Royal Albert Hall. As the clock counts down, she must confront her deepest secrets, use all her wits to survive, and discover why she was drawn into this elaborate terrorist plot.
The film was shot using an approach Erskine describes as “live cinema,” designed to capture the action with maximum immediacy and authenticity. Shot in real locations and on live roads, the production used a pre-rigged, remote-controlled, multi-camera system that allowed the performance to unfold without the crew being visible.
Ignition was produced by Victoria Gregory (Maiden, Man on Wire), Erskine, Sean Sorensen (Black and Blue, Worth), Adriel Thomas, Jason Maza (Twist, 10×10), and Mark Stewart (The Heist, Escape Plan).
“The response to Ignition at Cannes was fantastic,” said Maya Amselem, managing director of West End Films. “Buyers immediately connected with the film’s high-concept premise, innovative direction, and edge-of-the-seat tension. James has crafted a uniquely immersive thriller, and Maisie has delivered a stellar performance at its center. We’re thrilled with the momentum this film has generated in the marketplace.”
The film was acquired under WeLove, a West End label specializing in developing and producing female-led stories and championing female talent.
The film was produced by New Black Films under the New Bright Films label in association with Playhouse Pictures and Sharp House, in association with Royal Vioking Entertainment, Epic EV Studios, Vectorscope Films and C’est Lovi Productions.
Executive producers include Williams, Michael Safai, Montgomery Blencowe, John Levin (Oscar winner for “All the Empty Room”), Randy Jones Toll (“Roofman”), Stephen J. Toll (“Roofman”), Ian Sharp and Pat Wintersgill.
