Press Releases

NEW YORK - August 10, 2009 - Apparition, Bill Pohlad and Bob Berney's new distribution company, will release The Young Victoria in the US on November 13. The GK Films production stars Emily Blunt as a girl thrust into power as the youngest British monarch. Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group (SPWAG) will handle all domestic ancillary rights. The announcement was made jointly by Apparition, GK Films and SPWAG.

The Young Victoria is written by Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park, Vanity Fair) and directed by Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y.). Producers on the film are Graham King, Martin Scorsese, Tim Headington and Sarah Ferguson.

Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) delivers a stunning performance as Queen Victoria in the turbulent first years of her reign. Rupert Friend (Pride & Prejudice) portrays Prince Albert, the suitor who wins her heart and becomes her partner in this spectacular romance. The film also features Paul Bettany (Iron Man, The Da Vinci Code), Miranda Richardson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), Jim Broadbent (The Damned United, The Chronicles of Narnia), Thomas Kretschmann (Valkyrie), and Mark Strong (Tristan & Isolde, Oliver Twist).

GK Films' President and CEO Graham King notes, "It's such a relevant story of our times and will resonate with audiences both young and old. Bob is a true expert in his field and we look forward to working with him and his team at Apparition on the release of The Young Victoria."

Apparition CEO Bob Berney says, "Emily Blunt delivers a breakthrough performance in her first starring role. This love story, set amongst all the intrigue of the court, has one of the finest supporting ensemble casts I've seen. Graham King has done an amazing job putting the film together and it's an honor to be working with him and the team at GK Films, as well as everyone at Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group."

The Young Victoria is co-produced by GK Films' Denis O'Sullivan and Colin Vaines is executive producer on the film.

About GK Films

Academy Award winning producer Graham King launched his new production entity GK Films with partner Tim Headington in 2007. In addition to "The Young Victoria" the company has produced the thriller "Edge of Darkness" starring Mel Gibson set for theatrical release through Warner Bros. Pictures. GK Films is currently shooting the crime drama "London Boulevard" starring Colin Farrell and Keira Knightley, directed by William Monahan and most recently completed lensing "The Rum Diary" starring Johnny Depp.

About Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group (SPWAG) is a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE). SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 100 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

About Apparition

Apparition is an independent motion picture distribution company formed by Bill Polhad and Bob Berney in 2009. Its initial slate includes The Tree of Life, written and directed by Terrence Malick, starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn, and Jane Campion's critically acclaimed Bright Star. The company has an output relationship with Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group (SPWAG) for all domestic ancillary rights. Apparition intends to release 7 or 8 films a year.

For more information:

Vicky Eguia
Apparition
(p) 818.521.2881
Vicky.eguia@gmail.com