Vertical Entertainment acquired the distribution rights to “Mean Dreams,” a coming-of-age thriller starring Bill Paxton, at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday.
The movie, directed by Nathan Morlando, also stars Colm Feore, Sophie Nélisse and Josh Wiggins. It tells the story of two 15-year-old lovers, Jonas (Wiggins) and Casey (Nélisse), who set off on a journey together. Jonas urges Casey to flee with him when he decides that her abusive situation at home has become worse, and he steals drug money from her corrupt cop father Wayne Caraway (Paxton) to finance their escape. Caraway eventually begins his pursuit of the pair, who are forced to make a life-altering decision.
Kevin Coughlin and Ryan Grassby wrote “Mean Dreams.” It was produced by William Woods and Allison Black and executive produced by Rob McGillivray, Patrice Theroux, Jonathan Bronfman, André Bharti, Ben Stranahan, Tom Spriggs and Mark Gingras.
The production companies involved with the film were Woods Entertainment and Euclid431 Pictures with Tip-Top Productions, Sugar Shack Productions, JoBro Productions & Film Finance, Project AMB, The Coronel Group, Vigilante Productions and Scythia Films.
Rich Goldberg and Peter Jarowey at Vertical negotiated the deal with UTA Independent Film Group acting on behalf of the filmmakers
“Mean Dreams” will premiere on Sept. 13 at the Toronto festival.