Sycamore Pictures
Sycamore Pictures is an American production company founded by producers Ben Nearn and Tom Rice.
Private | |
Industry | Motion picture |
Founded | 2011 |
Founder | Ben Nearn Tom Rice |
Headquarters | |
Key people | Ben Nearn Tom Rice |
Products | Film production |
Website | sycamorepictures.com |
History
The company was formed in 2011 with a focus on producing films with a "more redemptive tone"[1] suitable for families. Nearn, formerly an investment banker who moved on to become COO and a minority investor in Cross Creek Pictures, maintains the company's Memphis offices; Rice, an independent film producer and writer, maintains the Los Angeles office.[1] The startup funds for Sycamore were raised by Nearn from investors both from the Memphis area and elsewhere, with a business model based on profit participation by actors, directors and creative personnel.[1]
The company's first production, The Way Way Back, had its debut at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013, where distribution rights were purchased for US$9.75 million,[2] reportedly the largest distribution deal made at the festival that year.[3]
Begin Again (2014) has been described as "an old-fashioned, let’s-put-on-a-show movie musical disguised as an indie relationship drama" and as "that real rarity, a feel-good story of friendship — not sexual love — between a man and woman."[4]
Merry Friggin' Christmas, scheduled for release in late 2014, features Robin Williams in the last movie he made before his death in 2014.[5]
Filmography
Year | Film | Director | Other notes |
---|---|---|---|
2013 | The Way Way Back | Nat Faxon Jim Rash | |
Begin Again | John Carney | ||
2014 | A Merry Friggin' Christmas | Tristram Shapeero | |
2015 | Mississippi Grind | Anna Boden Ryan Fleck | |
2017 | Speech & Debate | Dan Harris | |
Unicorn Store | Brie Larson | ||
2020 | Greyhound | Aaron Schneider |
References
- Beifuss, John (5 August 2013). "Memphis Commercial Appeal". Memphis-based 'Way Back' Producer Looks Forward. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
- Rucker, LaReeca (26 July 2013). "Jackson-born producer 'Way, Way' on his way". The Clarion Ledger.
- Shaw, Lucas (28 January 2013). "Business Insider". How Fox Searchlight Made The Biggest Deal At Sundance: $9.75M On An Egg Sandwich. Retrieved 7 September 2014.
- "Movie Capsules: What's Showing". Memphis Commercial Appeal. August 29, 2014. Retrieved 17 September 2014.
- Khatchatourian, Maane (August 16, 2014). "Robin Williams in 'A Merry Friggin' Christmas' Clip". Variety. Retrieved 17 September 2014.