Vertical Acquires ‘Found Footage: The Making of the Patterson Project’ Horror Mockumentary

Vertical has acquired North American, UK and Ireland distribution rights to Maz Tzannes’ horror-comedy film “.” Directed and written by Tzannes and co-written by David San Miguel, “Found Footage” features editing and cinematography from Jacob Souza — together, the three make up the Dirty Shot Clean film collective.

“Dirty Shot Clean was thrilled to collaborate with filmmakers whose genre-bending movies have had such a profound influence on our work,” said Tzannes in a statement. “We wanted to tell a story that celebrates and subverts the found footage tropes we all know and love, while also poking fun at the terrifying experience of making an independent horror film.”

According to a synopsis, “Found Footage” follows “a crew of acclaimed documentarians as they chronicle a young filmmaker’s quest to create the world’s greatest found footage horror film.” Inspired by films like “This is Spinal Tap” and “The Blair Witch Project,” the film stars Brennan Keel Cook, Chen Tang, Erika Vetter and Dean Cameron. “Found Footage” is set for a limited theatrical release beginning June 20 and for streaming release June 24 in North America and June 30 in the UK.

“Found Footage” is produced by Tyler Friesen with Radio Silence presenting and Chad Villella, Tyler Gillett, and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin executive producing.

Tuesday, May 27

Sony Pictures Classics Acquires Camera d’Or Winner ‘The President’s Cake’

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired Cannes Camera d’Or Winner “The President’s Cake” for all rights in North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, South East Asia and India. Hasan Hadi’s feature debut is produced by Leah Chen Baker with executive producers including Eric Roth and director Marielle Heller.

Set in 1990s Iraq, “The President’s Cake” revolves around 9-year-old Lamia, who is picked to prepare a cake to celebrate the president’s birthday among the war and food shortages.

Made in association with Missing Piece Films, Working Barn Productions, Maiden Voyage Pictures and Spark Features., the film was negotiated between UTA Independent Film Group, WME Independent and Sony Pictures Classics. Films Boutique represents international sales. Hadi is repped by UTA and Jonathan Gardner.

Joe Finley Joins Harbor Picture Company as Senior Colorist

Joining Harbor with more than two decades of experience, Finley’s work on “Game of Thrones” earned him six HPA Award nominations and two wins for Outstanding Color Grading – Television: one “The Prince of Winterfell,” and “Winterfell.” Finley’s other television credits include “3 Body Problem,” “Insecure” and “The Chair,” with feature credits including “Walk the Line” and “3:10 to Yuma.”

“Color has the power to subtly shape emotions and enhance storytelling,” Finley said in a statement. “I strive to bring out the best in every frame, ensuring that the vision of the director and cinematographer is fully realized.”

“Joe’s mastery of color and storytelling embodies everything Harbor stands for—innovation, artistry, and an unwavering commitment to creative excellence,” added Harbor EVP of post-production Massimo D’Avolio.

“ ability to shape emotion and enhance the visual language of a project through color is nothing short of transformative. His expertise will be an invaluable asset to our clients and the stories we bring to life.”