Dimension Films and IM Global announced today that Dimension has acquired U.S. distribution rights to the horror thriller Pest, directed by Mark Tonderai (House at the End of the Street), from IM Global and Blumhouse Productions.
Pest is based on Barbara Marshall’s original screenplay, which appeared on the “Black List,” the “Blood List,” and the “Hit List” in 2012. Discussions are said to be underway for the lead roles with some top talent in consideration.
Octane, the genre division of IM Global, a subsidiary of Indian conglomerate Reliance ADA, will fully finance the film which will be produced by Jason Blum of Blumhouse Productions (Sinister, Paranormal Activity) and Sherryl Clark of Busted Shark (Cloverfield).
In Pest, when a deadly virus invades their hometown, a teen documents her family’s new life in quarantine and tries to protect her infected sister as society begins to crumble outside.
“I was captivated by Marshall’s screenplay. There is a complicated family drama amidst a terrifying and tense story of an outbreak that is unleashed. I’m excited to be working with Jason Blum and Stuart Ford again to bring this terrifying thriller to audiences,” said Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinstein Company.
Said IM Global CEO Stuart Ford, “We’re delighted to continue our long-standing and successful relationship with both Jason and Bob Weinstein. We couldn’t ask for two more savvy and prolific partners on a smart, elevated genre piece such as ‘Pest.'”
Blum said: “We are excited to work with Bob, Stuart, Mark and the entire team on bringing Barbara’s terrifying world to life.”
Blumhouse International is overseeing foreign sales. BHI has a worldwide distribution and servicing deal with IM Global. IM Global CEO Stuart Ford, Charles Layton and Matt Kaplan are executive producers.
