Sundance Deal: Sony Worldwide Partners with Goldwyn for 'Robot & Frank'

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions and Samuel Goldwyn Films have partnered to acquire North American rights to rookie Jake Schreier's "Robot  and Frank," which had its world premiere Friday in Salt Lake City, then played at the Eccles Theatre Saturday night.

The movie stars Frank Langella ("Frost/Nixon"), Susan Sarandon ("Dead Man Walking"), James Marsden (Sundance comedy "Bachelorette"), Liv Tyler and Peter Saarsgard ("Shattered Glass").  Additionally, SPWA has acquired all media rights for Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe including Russia.

New Sony acquisitions exec Joe Matukewicz had been tracking the film from the script stage, he said. “This winning film strikes a special chord with audiences... Jake’s film shows us a future that is right around the corner, and I for one, can’t wait for my own Robot!”

"Our team fell in love with this clever, irreverent story anchored by Frank Langella's indelible performanc," said Meyer Gottlieb, President of Samuel Goldwyn Films. "Jake has done a remarkable job and we are thrilled to continue working with talented first time filmmakers. We look forward to partnering again with our friends at Sony on a title we know audiences will flock to in droves."

 Filmmaker Jake Schreier wanted the film to be seen in theaters, he added: “The Sony/Goldwyn guys were there from the first night in Salt Lake City and really showed that they got the movie and even connected to it personally.  I’m thrilled to be working with them on getting it out into theaters.”

Set in the near future, Frank (Frank Langella) a retired jewel thief gets a new lease on life when he is introduced to a surprising new companion. With the help of his new friend, he attempts to woo a local librarian (Susan Sarandon) and resume his criminal escapades.  ROBOT & FRANK is directed by first time filmmaker Jake Schreier, written by Christopher Ford (TVs "Atom TV"), and produced by Galt Niederhoffer, Sam Bisbee, Jackie Kelman Bisbee and Lance Acord.  ROBOT & FRANK is Park Pictures Features’ first film.  The film was produced in association with White Hat Entertainment and Dog Run Pictures.  Park Pictures Features is represented by John Sloss and Marc Simon.