Off the back of its huge success at the Irish Box Office, Vertigo Releasing have acquired the distribution rights for Canada, US, UK and Australian/New Zealand.
Peter Foott’s cocaine comedy has struck a chord with Irish audiences since its release with the film grossing over €1m for Wildcard Distribution in Ireland, and continues to play in Irish cinemas.
The film’s opening weekend of €202k was the biggest for an Irish film this year. It has also become the fastest grossing Irish-made film to reach the coveted €1m milestone, placing it alongside Irish classics ‘The Guard’ and ‘Man about Dog.’
Writer-Director Peter Foott showcases Irish acting debutantes and leads, Alex Murphy and Chris Walley who are supported by Hilary Rose ('The Republic of Telly') and Comedian PJ Gallagher ('Naked Camera').
Peter Foott and Julie Ryan of Vico Films produced the movie with XYZ handling North American sales. The deal was completed by Ed Caffrey of Vertigo Releasing, Peter Foott of Vico Films and Nate Bolotin of XYZ Films.
Rupert Preston and Ed Caffrey, Vertigo Releasing:
“The Young Offenders is one of the funniest and freshest films we’ve seen in years and we’re thrilled to be working with Peter to bring the film to a UK and international audience.”
Peter Foott, Writer/Director:
“The cast, crew and myself are delighted! Having our film reach such a huge audience is incredible and we are so happy it’s Vertigo who are taking us on this journey.”
‘The Young Offenders’ is a light-hearted comedy inspired by Ireland’s biggest cocaine seizure of €440 million off the coast of Cork in 2007, the film follows two inner-city teenagers as they embark on a 160km road trip on stolen bikes in the hopes of finding missing bales of cocaine.