Hannah Marks and Dylan Sprouse Teen Comedy ‘Banana Split’ Rolls to Vertical Entertainment
Movie that played at Independent Film Festival of Boston to open in theaters and on VOD and digital on March 27
Brian Welk | February 11, 2020 @ 1:00 PM
Last Updated: February 11, 2020 @ 2:51 PM
Vertical Entertainment
Vertical Entertainment has acquired the North American distribution rights to “Banana Split,” a teen comedy starring Hannah Marks, Liana Liberato and Dylan Sprouse, the distributor announced Tuesday.
The debut film from veteran indie cinematographer Benjamin Kasulke (“Safety Not Guaranteed,” “Laggies”) will open in theaters and on VOD and digital on March 27. UPHE Content Group also acquired the international rights.
“Banana Split” follows two teenage girls over the course of a summer who develop a perfect, kindred spirit friendship with one another. The only problem is, one of them is dating the other’s ex-boyfriend.
Marks wrote and executive produced the film with Joey Power, and the comedy also stars Jessica Hecht, Jacob Batalon, Haley Ramm and Addison Riecke.
“Banana Split” won the Special Jury Prize at the Independent Film Festival Of Boston 2019, the Jury Prize for Best Comedy Feature at the Woods Hole Film Festival, and multiple awards at the Oceanside International Film Festival 2019 including best picture.
“I am honored to have Banana Split shared with the world thanks to our distribution partners at Vertical and UPHE Content Group,” Kasulke said in a statement. “After years working in independent film, I know firsthand how much of a rarity it can be to have a debut film seen by audiences in the cinema and beyond. The teams at American High, LD Entertainment, United Talent Agency Sales, and myself could not be happier about Banana Split having a chance to find its audience out in the world.”
“Banana Split” was produced by Jeremy Garelick, Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon, Will Phelps, Sam Slater and Glen Trotiner. Executive producers are Hannah Marks, Joey Power, Jennifer Monroe, Michael Glassman and Rowan Riley. The film was produced by LD Entertainment, American High and Burn Later Productions.
Marks is represented by UTA, Untitled Entertainment, Circle of Confusion and Shelter PR. Sprouse is represented by UTA, Authentic Talent and Literary Management, and Herring PR. Liberato is represented by Innovative Artists, Management 360 and The Lede Company. Hecht is represented by Innovative Artists. Batalon is represented by Paradigm. Ramm is represented by Innovative Artists and Presse Public Relations. Kasulke is represented by UTA.
The deal was negotiated by Peter Jarowey and Josh Spector at Vertical and UTA on behalf of the filmmakers.
12 Best Movie Prom Scenes, From 'Carrie' to 'Back to the Future' (Photos)
Ah, prom night. I remember it fondly: awkward hand-holding, barely making eye contact, a freezing cold midnight boat ride on the lake, getting in around 4 a.m. and then going straight to bed. Good times. Wait, is that not how prom nights go for most teens? Typical movie proms are far more magical than the average prom experience. We didn't have Usher as a DJ at our party, nor did we have a ripping, (literally) ahead of its time guitar solo as our evening's entertainment. I should be thankful that my prom didn't end with a bucket of pig's blood poured over my head. This week, "Blockers" imagines how three teenage girls form a pact to lose their virginity on prom night. I'm guessing their prom ends up going better than mine did. These are the best movie prom scenes:
Universal Pictures
"Carrie"
The prom scene in "Carrie" is a masterclass in demonic paranoia. Brian De Palma's kaleidoscopic nightmare, with teens cackling at Carrie in silent, slow motion and broken in split screen chaos, looks like hell unleashed. De Palma could've set this bloody climax anywhere, but to put it on prom night, such a pivotal moment in the transition to adulthood for so many teens, makes its emotional terror all the greater.
United Artists
"Back to the Future"
What happens on prom night may feel like a matter of life and death for most teens, but it was literally true for Marty McFly, where if things didn't go right during the "Enchantment Under the Sea"-themed party, he would never be born. The Johnny B. Goode scene is a classic, a nostalgic throwback that shows Marty actually isn't just a screw-up, one that provides an inspired nod to music history and ends on a great gag that still says a lot about Marty's character.
Universal Pictures
"10 Things I Hate About You"
There's a lot going on in the prom scene for this teen movie that '90s kids adore, but it probably deserves more points for Heath Ledger's exuberant prom proposal to the tune of "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You."
Touchstone Pictures
"Pretty in Pink"
When in doubt, look to John Hughes. Just the sight of Molly Ringwald entering the room sends hearts racing in this scene. Instead of a showy dance number, Hughes found a tenderly emotional way to bring the kids back together, rub it in James Spader's face, and even send Jon Cryer's Duckie off on a good note. Cryer's quick, knowing glance to the camera is hysterical.
Paramount Pictures
"Footloose"
"LET'S DANCE!" This glittery prom scene has become so iconic, now Kevin Bacon has to slip the DJ a $20 every time he goes to a wedding.
Paramount Pictures
"Mean Girls"
Technically, it's the "Spring Fling" and not the prom, but Cady's totally unnecessary speech is very sweet, and you gotta love those matching purple suits rocked by Janice and Damian.
Paramount Pictures
"American Pie"
"Blockers" takes the premise from "American Pie" of a pact to lose their virginity by prom night and flips the gender roles. Things didn't go perfectly to plan for these dudes either.
Universal Pictures
"Napoleon Dynamite"
"I like your sleeves. They're real big." After about an hour of deadpan awkwardness, "Napoleon Dynamite" proved it had a heart once it went to prom, and Pedro loaned out Deb to Napoleon for a dance.
Fox Searchlight Pictures
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High"
Remember when Sean Penn was just a dopey stoner who could just have fun singing "Woolly Bully?" Good times.
Universal Pictures
"It's a Wonderful Life"
There's no calling "It's a Wonderful Life" a teen movie, but it does have a charming prom scene, where the gag isn't that James Stewart and Donna Reed fall into a pool beneath the gymnasium floor, but that Stewart's George Bailey has the charm and tenacity to keep splashing his arms around dancing long after they've been waterlogged.
RKO Radio Pictures
"Grease"
There aren't many teen films where the prom isn't the emotional high point or biggest set piece in your movie, but the hand-jive is always going to be less interesting than "Summer Nights" or "Greased Lightnin'."
Paramount Pictures
BONUS: "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"
I know, this is a scene from Homecoming. These are TOTALLY different events in a high schooler's life. But this scene from Stephen Chbosky's "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is beautiful. Who can't relate to that invigorating sensation when the DJ actually plays some actual good music? Logan Lerman working his body into a rhythm in the hopes that Dexys Midnight Runners can provide some courage is a stirring image, and it's even more touching when Emma Watson and Ezra Miller welcome him with open arms.
Summit Entertainment
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Teen prom comedy “Blockers” in theaters now
Ah, prom night. I remember it fondly: awkward hand-holding, barely making eye contact, a freezing cold midnight boat ride on the lake, getting in around 4 a.m. and then going straight to bed. Good times. Wait, is that not how prom nights go for most teens? Typical movie proms are far more magical than the average prom experience. We didn't have Usher as a DJ at our party, nor did we have a ripping, (literally) ahead of its time guitar solo as our evening's entertainment. I should be thankful that my prom didn't end with a bucket of pig's blood poured over my head. This week, "Blockers" imagines how three teenage girls form a pact to lose their virginity on prom night. I'm guessing their prom ends up going better than mine did. These are the best movie prom scenes:
Universal Pictures
United Artists
