Elijah Wood's horror film “Cooties” and John Cusack's foreclosure thriller "Due Process" top the first slate for new gnere lable Synchronicity Entertainment, the company announced Tuesday.
Launched by Lisa Wilson and Myles Nestel’s The Solution Entertainment Group, Synchronicity will also handle the completed psychological thriller “Smiley.”
Executive produced by The Solution, Synchronicity is handling the international distribution rights for the slate and will introduce the films to buyers at the AFM.
“Cooties” is being produced by Steven Schneider (“Paranormal Activity”) and Wood together with his partners Daniel Noah and Josh C. Waller, under his new horror film production company, The Woodshed.
It was written by Leigh Whannell, who penned and executive produced the “Saw” films.
To be directed by Ace Norton, "Cooties" begins when a mysterious virus hits an isolated elementary school, transforming the children into a swarm of savages. An unlikely hero must lead a band of teachers in the fight of their lives against the monstrous pupils.
The film is set to start production in April 2013. Paradigm is handling North American rights.
Paul Currie will direct “Due Process” from a script by Anthony Derrico. The film — about two bankers who head to a farm to foreclose it but get more than they bargained for — will begin shooting in January 2013.
“Smiley” was directed by the YouTube sensation Michael Gallagher (“Totally Sketch”) who wrote the script with Glasgow Phillips. Its trailer has over 19 million views online, and it focuses on a mentally fragile teen who must decide whether she is going insane or if she will be the next victim of a serial killer, who has nothing but a carved "smiley" on his face.
The film features a number of social media megastars, including Shane Dawson, Toby Turner and DeStorm Power.
