1091 has acquired the North American distribution rights to the 2019 Sundance comedy “Before You Know It,” the company’s first theatrical pick up under their new name since changing from The Orchard, 1091 announced Thursday.
Hannah Pearl Utt’s feature directorial debut played in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at this year’s Sundance, and 1091 is planning to release the film in the second half of 2019.
Judith Light, Mandy Patinkin, Mike Colter and Alec Baldwin star in the film alongside Utt and Jen Tullock. “Before You Know It” thrusts co-dependent, thirty-something sisters Rachel and Jackie Gurner into a literal soap opera after they learn that their mother they thought was long dead is alive and starring on a soap opera. Utt and Tullock co-wrote the screenplay.
The film was produced by Mallory Schwartz, Josh Hetzler and James Brown. Executive producers on the film are Giri Tharan, Donna and Kevin Gruneich, Eric and Susan Fredston-Hermann, Mary Jane Skalski, Robin Bronk, Tim Daly, and Brian DeVine.
“1091’s first theatrical pick up epitomizes the kind of refreshing, unique independent films which have become the trademark of our team,” Danielle DiGiacomo, SVP of acquisitions and strategic partnerships at 1091 said in a statement. “‘Before You Know It’ marks the feature film debut of two hilarious and talented women – director/writer/actor Hannah Pearl Utt and writer/actor Jen Tullock – who star in the film alongside an illustrious cast; we are excited to bring the film to audiences across the country.”
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be partnering with 1091,” producer Mallory Schwartz said in a statement. “With their pedigree of launching new, innovative voices and their stellar reputation amongst filmmakers for an unparalleled collaborative approach to distribution, we know we are in good hands. We’re honored to be the first acquisition of their new venture and to be working with the strong team led by Danielle DiGiacomo and Julie Dansker as well as the whole 1091 team to bring our film to audiences.”
“We’ve had our eye on the team behind 1091 since the inception of ‘Before You Know It,’ so to have our affections reciprocated feels extremely validating. You’re all invited to the wedding,” Utt said in a statement.
The deal was negotiated by 1091’s DiGiacomo and CAA and Endeavor on behalf of the filmmakers.
Upcoming on 1091’s slate of releases include the documentaries “Meeting Gorbachev” and “Halston.”