Universal flaunts international side

Universal Pictures unveils impressive international production plans

May 18 2007

Universal Pictures has confirmed Christian Grass as president of production for Universal Pictures International, as it lays out an international strategy that includes a multi-film deal with 'Night Watch' director Timur Bekmambetov and his Bazelevs Productions.

Grass leaves 20th Century Fox International, where he served as executive vice president of Europe, Middle East and Asia.

The Bekmambetov deal follows on the heels of a similar local production and distribution arrangement between UPI and celebrated 'City Of God' director Fernando Mereilles' 02 Filmes.

While UPI will oversee local distribution themselves, elsewhere the films could potentially be handled by a Universal subsidiary in Focus Features or Rogue Pictures, or sold to another party altogether.

The first film scheduled for release by Bekmambetov under the UPI deal is action thriller 'Wanted', starring Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy, which hits cinemas in April 2008. The premier release under Meirelles' 02 flag is 'Adrift', from director Heitor Dhalia.

'Universal feels certain that by supporting localised production, we not only become the creative home for emerging talent from around the world but also keep pace with the growing emphasis on revenue from non-American markets,' commented executive vice president at Universal, Michael Joe.