Irish feature film ‘Songs for Amy’ has signed a worldwide sales deal with top US talent agency Gersh.
The high profile talent agency, which has the likes of Jamie Foxx and Kristen Stewart on its books, introduced a film financing and packaging division in 2009, with film producer Jay Cohen at the helm.
Cohen will now represent Galway-based ‘Songs for Amy’ as he tries to secure international sales on the film’s behalf.
‘Songs for Amy’ premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh this July to a sold-out audience. The feature follows a lovesick musician, played by Irish actor Sean Maguire, who pens an album in the hope of redeeming himself to the girl he loves.
The film was shot in various Galway locations last year, including Lough Cutra Castle. BAFTA and Emmy-nominated director Konrad Begg directed, with Fiona Graham producing for Sonny and Skye.
Both filmmakers met with Cohen in LA last week to finalise the deal with Gersh. Following the meeting Graham said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be represented by Jay Cohen and The Gersh Agency. This is a fantastic opportunity for ‘Songs for Amy’ to reach a global audience with the experience and enthusiasm of one of the most influential agencies in the world.”
Cohen, with a background in producing box office hits such as ‘Bride Wars’, starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway, and ‘Mad Money’, with Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes, said ‘Songs for Amy’ would appeal to “audiences in the US and throughout the world”.
He added: “We’re excited about the potential of this feel-good film. It is beautifully shot with great performances and a fantastic original soundtrack.’
Irish musicians Jim McKee, Ultan Conlon and Alabama 3 all contributed to the original soundtrack.
Additional cast in the feature includes Patrick Bergin (Sleeping with the Enemy), Lorna Anderson (River City), Gavin Mitchell (You Instead) and James Cosmo (Sons of Anarchy).
The Gersh Agency will now seek distribution deals for the film. With offices in LA and New York, the agency also recently signed Irish director Kieron J Walsh, after his feature film ‘Jump’ screened at the Toronto International Film Festival last September.
