Miramax Films Acquires The Queen, a Film Directed by Academy Award(R) Nominated Director Stephen Frears

Miramax Films Acquires The Queen, a Film Directed by Academy Award(R) Nominated Director Stephen Frears

NEW YORK, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Miramax Films has acquired North American rights to "THE QUEEN," a film directed by Academy Award(R) nominated director Stephen Frears, it was announced today by Miramax Films President, Daniel Battsek.

"The Queen," an intimate, revealing and often humorous portrait of the British royal family in crisis immediately following the death of Princess Diana, stars Helen Mirren as Queen Elizabeth II, James Cromwell as Prince Phillip and Michael Sheen as Tony Blair. "The Queen" is a Pathe Pictures and Granada Screen presentation of a Granada Screen production, and is currently in production in the UK. The film is written by award-winner Peter Morgan and is produced by Andy Harries, Christine Langan and Tracey Seaward, and executive produced by Francois Ivernel, Cameron McCracken and Scott Rudin.

"Acquiring 'The Queen' is part of our continued strategy to bring exciting filmmakers and quality films to the Miramax label," comments Daniel Battsek. "I am thrilled to continue a long-standing relationship with Stephen Frears, who always brings his unique vision to a project, and this particular story is one that has fascinated the world."

Producer Andy Harries follows, "The U.S. is such an important market -- we couldn't be in better hands than those of Miramax for the distribution of a film which has strong mainstream appeal."

Francois Ivernel, Managing Director of Pathe states, "From the start, the unwavering belief of Daniel Battsek and Scott Rudin in the potential of 'The Queen' convinced us that Miramax was the best American home for Stephen's new film".

Pathe was represented by its deputy managing director Cameron McCracken and attorney Robert Darwell.

Pathe Distribution will distribute the film in the UK and France with Pathe Pictures International handling worldwide sales. BIM Distribution SRL will distribute the film in Italy.

Source: Miramax Films

CONTACT: Emily Bear of Miramax Films, +1-212-219-4185; or Riaya Aboul Ela of Pathe Pictures International, +44-207-462-4429

Web site: http://www.miramax.com/

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