Oscilloscope Laboratories Buys Doc ‘The Python Hunt’ From Filmmaker Xander Robin and Artists Equity (EXCLUSIVE)

Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired North American rights to “The Python Hunt.”

The documentary, from filmmaker Xander Robin and Artists Equity, is about an initiative undertaken by the Florida government during which the general public competes in a contest to remove invasive pythons from the Everglades. It world premiered at this year’s South by Southwest Film Festival, where it received the special jury award for documentary feature. Oscilloscope Laboratories will release the film in select theaters next year.

“The Python Hunt” was produced by Lance Oppenheim, Mel Oppenheim, Lauren Cioffi and Robin. Co-producers are Becky Novik, Caitlin Alba-Rothstein and Max Allman. The documentary was also produced by Artists Equity, the company co-founded by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Redbird Capital’s Gerry Cardinale. Executive producers are Gillian Brown and Dani Bernfeld.

Robin made his feature film debut with 2016’s “Are We Not Cats,” a horror romance that premiered at the Venice Film Festival in the critics week sidebar section. He also directed episodes of HBO’s “Chillin Island.” “The Python Hunt” is his first documentary.

“It was a blast to make this documentary in the beautiful and maddening Florida Everglades with so many amazing people (and creatures) in front of and behind the camera,” Robin said in a statement. “I have long wanted to work with the great folks at Oscilloscope Laboratories and deeply admire their passion and true independent spirit. We made this film to be seen big and loud and with an audience, and our team is excited to collaborate with them to unleash this into theaters with the energy and style it deserves.”

Aaron Katz, vice president of acquisitions at Oscilloscope Laboratories added: “This documentary is wild! Xander highlights one of the most fascinating intricacies of Florida culture and depicts how environmentalism, adventure and eccentric personalities all combine to do good for the state’s wildlife population. It’s a fun film that takes audiences on a rollercoaster of emotions and it breathes life and sincerity into the ‘Florida man’ narrative, all while featuring contestants guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on screen.”

The deal for the film was negotiated by Katz on behalf of Oscilloscope Laboratories. UTA Independent Film Group and WME represented the filmmakers in the talks.