IFC Films has acquired the U.S. and Canadian rights to “A Kid Like Jake,” the drama starring Claire Danes and Jim Parsons which premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival.
Directed by Silas Howard, the film also stars Octavia Spencer, Priyanka Chopra, Ann Dowd and Amy Landecker. Daniel Pearle wrote the screenplay as an adaptation of his own play.
The film follows Alex and Greg Wheeler (Danes and Parsons, respectively) who are in the midst of finding a private school for their son, Jake, a four-year-old who happens to prefer Disney princesses to G.I. Joe. The story focuses on the couple trying to do right by their son.
“We are so excited for this opportunity to work with IFC on bringing ‘A Kid Like Jake’ to a wide audience,” said Parsons. “It is exactly this type of film – one born from passion and a commitment to telling a story that connects with many by being specific – that IFC has shown time and again they are excited by, understand and want audiences to have the chance to see. IFC brings their own passion to this movie and, by doing so, makes the whole project more powerful.”
“A Kid Like Jake” was produced by Parsons, Todd Spiewak and Eric Norsoph for That’s Wonderful Productions, Paul Bernon for Burn Later Productions and Rachel Song for XS Media. Jenette Kahn, Adam Richman, David Bernon, Sam Slater, Jackie Bernon, Rowan Riley, Phil Hunt, Compton Ross, Hilary Davis, Stephen Kelliher, Patrick Howson, David Gendron, and Ali Jazayeri are executive producers.
“We are excited and proud to be working with such an acclaimed group of actors and filmmakers to bring this timely, passion-driven and deft story to audiences beyond Sundance,” said Jonathan Sehring and Lisa Schwartz, Co-Presidents of IFC Films. “We believe that the powerful story with resonate with all audiences.”
“A Kid Like Jake” will be released this summer.
The deal was negotiated by Arianna Bocco, Executive Vice President of Acquisitions and Production, for IFC Films with CAA on behalf of the filmmakers. Bankside is handling international sales.
Check out The Wrap’s Sundance interview with the cast: