Vertical Entertainment has acquired North American distribution rights to Swing. Directed by Michael Mailer, the coming-of-age sports drama stars Michael Shannon (Knives Out, The Shape of Water), Alexander Ludwig (Vikings, The Hunger Games), Charles Melton (Riverdale, American Horror Story) and Alex MacNicoll (Transparent, 13 Reasons Why). During their last year at an Ivy League college in 1999, a group of friends and crew teammates’ lives are changed forever when an army veteran takes over as coach of their dysfunctional rowing team. Ash Santos (Joe Bell), Lilly Krug (Every Breath You Take) and David James Elliott (Lansky) also star. Vertical is planning a theatrical release this fall.
Director Michael Mailer said: “Swing is an intense sports drama that explores the inner dynamics of an elite college rowing crew in all of its thrills of victory and agonies of defeat. On a thematic level, the movie deals with self-sacrifice, betrayal, and the consequences of ‘me-first.’ I was blessed to have an excellent producing team, a superb script, and a stellar cast highlighted by the incredible Michael Shannon who brings to his character a nuanced inner life that is nothing short of extraordinary. I’m also delighted to reteam with the talented folks at Vertical.”
“We are excited to have the opportunity to bring Swing to audiences across the country. Swing is a story of brotherhood, rivalry and family pressure led by the talented Michael Shannon as the team’s coach,” said Peter Jarowey, CEO of Vertical Entertainment. “It is a pleasure to work with Director Michael Mailer on this film and share such a poignant story.”
Vertical Entertainment previously released Michael Mailer’s directorial debut Blind starring Alec Baldwin, Demi Moore, and Dylan McDermott.
The deal was negotiated by Peter Jarowey and Josh Spector of Vertical Entertainment and Nick Ogiony of Creative Artists Agency on behalf of the filmmakers.
Swing was directed by Michael Mailer, written by Vojin Gjaja, produced by Daniel Dávila, Lucas Jarach, Vojin Gjaja, Robert Ogden Barnum, Frank Buchs, Michael Shannon and Byron Wetzel; executive produced by Cameron Winklevoss and Tyler Winklevoss, among others; cinematography by Edd Lukas; edited by Ankur Agrawal; production design by Frank Zito; costume design by Susanna Puisto, with original music by Julian Scherle. The film was produced by Eightboat Productions and Construction Film in association with Divisadero Pictures, Green Light Pictures, and 120dB Films.
