The Orchard Flocks to Ross Partridge’s “Lamb” Acquiring North American, UK and Australian & New Zealand Distribution Rights
May 13, 2015
Acclaimed Film Premiered At SXSW And Won Best Narrative Feature At Sarasota
Partridge Stars Opposite Breakout Oona Laurence
New York, NY – May 13, 2015 – The Orchard announced today it is acquiring North American, UK and Australian & New Zealand distribution rights to LAMB, written, directed and starring Ross Partridge.
In LAMB, Ross Partridge stars as a man who forms a bond with a young girl (newcomer Oona Laurence, in her first significant on-screen role) and coaxes her into joining him for a week at his rural hideaway.
LAMB was one of the most acclaimed and talked about films from the 2015 SXSW Film Festival. The Hollywood Reporter’s Frank Scheck called LAMB “a provocative drama that should stir much debate upon its theatrical release.” Variety’s Justin Chang rave review praised the film as “superbly shot, movingly acted” and “a potent conversation-starter…with a cumulative emotional impact.”
Based on the novel by Bonnie Nadzam, LAMB traces the self-discovery of David Lamb (Partridge) in the weeks following the disintegration of his marriage and the death of his father. Hoping to regain some faith in his own goodness, he turns his attention to Tommie (Laurence), an awkward and unpopular eleven-year-old girl. Lamb is convinced that he can help her avoid a destiny of apathy and emptiness, and takes Tommie for a road trip from Chicago to the Rockies, planning to initiate her into the beauty of the mountain wilderness. These two lost and lonely individuals set out on a journey that will change them in unexpected ways.
LAMB was the recipient of the Independent Visions, Special Jury Prize for Best Narrative Feature at the 2015 Sarasota Film Festival.
The cast of LAMB also features Jess Weixler (The Good Wife), Tom Bower (Crazy Heart), Scoot McNairy (Argo), Joel Murray (The Artist), Lindsay Pulsipher (Justified), Jennifer Lafleur (6 Years).
“LAMB is beautiful, daring, emotionally-charged and like nothing we had ever seen before,” said The Orchard’s SVP of Film & TV, Paul Davidson. “When you come face to face with a film that challenges and inspires in the way that Ross’ film does, there is literally no other option than to get behind it and let it find its place with audiences.”
Ross Partridge adds, “It’s clear by The Orchard’s acquisitions this year that unique storytelling is their focus. Determined and passionate, their willingness to take on bold material is defining them as a leader in the independent film landscape. We couldn’t be happier to be a part of the Orchard family.”
Ross Partridge has acted in films including The Off Hours, The Freebie, and Baghead. Ross co-produced The Do-Deca Pentathlon, and was a producer of the HBO doc, Uncle Frank. He directed the feature film Interstate 84, with Kevin Dillon and Clifton James, EP’ed by Kevin Spacey, as well as the web series Wedlock with Mark Duplass and Rob Corddry.
Oona Laurence is most known for her stage work, specifically playing the title role in Matilda the Musical and earing a special Tony Honor, makes a splash into the film world with this breakout role with Variety calling her “a major find.” Next, Oona will be seen in the film Southpaw opposite Jake Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams as well as David Lowery’s upcoming Pete’s Dragon.
LAMB was produced by Mel Eslyn, Taylor Williams and executive producers were Ross Partridge, William Ruch. The film was co-produced by Jennifer Lafleur.
The deal was negotiated by The Orchard’s Danielle DiGiacomo and ICM Partners on behalf of the filmmakers.
The Orchard will release the movie in early 2016.
ABOUT THE ORCHARD
The Orchard is a pioneering music, video and film distribution company and top-ranked Multi Channel Network operating in more than 25 global markets. With a holistic approach to sales and marketing combined with industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard amplifies reach and revenue across hundreds of digital, physical and mobile outlets around the world. The Orchard streamlines content owners’ business complexity with an intuitive client dashboard, comprehensive rights management and tailored client support. Founded in 1997, The Orchard empowers businesses and creators in the entertainment industry. The Orchard most recently released DIOR & I in theaters and will release THE OVERNIGHT on June 19th. Upcoming releases in 2015 include CLUB LIFE, CARTEL LAND, DIGGING FOR FIRE, FINDERS KEEPERS and NASTY BABY. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com.