Focus Features Acquires ‘The Place Beyond the Pines’ US Rights – Starring Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper & Eva Mendes

Following a stunning reception at the Toronto International Film Festival, Focus Features CEO James Schamus and president Andrew Karpen have made the announcement that Focus has acquired the US rights to ‘The Place Beyond the Pines,’ the new drama from director Derek Cianfrance, lead by Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, and Eva Mendes. The film powerfully explores the consequences of motorcycle rider Luke (Gosling)’s fateful decision to commit a crime to support his child. The incident renders him targeted by policeman Avery (Cooper), and the two men become locked on a tense collision course which will have a devastating impact on both of their families in the years following. Fingers crossed there’s a release schedule announced shortly!

The cast of ‘The Place Beyond the Pines’ also includes Rose Byrne, Mahershala Ali, Emory Cohen, Dane DeHaan, Gabe Fazio, Bruce Greenwood, Ray Liotta, Ben Mendelsohn and Harris Yulin. The film, opening in 2013, was written by Derek Cianfrance, Ben Coccio, and Darius Marder. ‘The Place Beyond the Pines’ was produced by Jamie Patricof and Lynette Howell through their Electric City Entertainment, Alex Orlovsky through his Verisimilitude, and SKE’s Sidney Kimmel; Patricof, Howell, and Orlovsky previously produced the award-winning ‘Blue Valentine,’ directed by Cianfrance and starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams. The new movie’s executive producers are Tauber, Matt Berenson, and SKE’s Bruce Toll. Focus acquired the rights from Sidney Kimmel Entertainment (SKE), which financed the movie. International sales to ‘The Place Beyond the Pines’ are being handled by Sierra/Affinity.

James Schamus and Andrew Karpen said, “Derek Cianfrance has made a bold, epic, and emotionally generous saga, once again showing a master’s hand in eliciting searingly beautiful performances from the actors with whom he collaborates.”

Derek Cianfrance commented, “The Focus team’s ability to work in partnership with writers and directors is known and respected by the film community. Their passion for this very personal project is why I know they are the right home for our new movie.”