Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Picks Up All International Rights To Sundance Horror Hit ‘Buddy’

EXCLUSIVE: In what we understand to be a high-seven figure deal, Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions has picked up all international rights to Sundance horror hit Buddy.

We hear Sony beat out multiple suitors for rights to the feature directorial debut of Too Many Cooks director Casper Kelly.

The well-received film premiered in the Midnight section of this year’s Sundance and has taken $26.5M at the domestic box office, making it the highest-grossing film at the domestic box office of this year’s Sundance crop, just ahead of The Invite. Off a sub $5M budget that’s good going.

Roadside and Saban released stateside and there will be a special sing-along version in theaters this weekend.

Starring are Cristin Milioti, Delaney Quinn, Topher Grace, Keegan-Michael Key, Michael Shannon, Patton Oswalt. The film is written by Casper Kelly and Jamie King with Kelly directing.

The synopsis reads: “Remember Buddy — the bright orange unicorn and star of that classic children’s television show who brought joy and life lessons into your living room? Inside the colorful world of “It’s Buddy!”, a group of children spend their days singing, dancing, and helping Buddy spread happiness. But when one child refuses to play along, Buddy is not pleased and cracks begin to appear in this seemingly perfect world.”

Pic is produced by Weapons outfit BoulderLight Pictures and Emily The Criminal outfit Low Spark Films, in association with Sipur Studios and Substance.

UTA Independent Film Group and Range Media Partners negotiated the sale on behalf of the filmmakers.