Jackie Kelman Bisbee and Lance Acord, partners in Park Pictures, announced today they have formed a narrative feature company, Park Pictures Features with independent film darling Galt Niederhoffer and award-winning producer Sam Bisbee. Park Pictures Features' first project will be the family comedy, “Robot and Frank,” starring Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, James Marsden, Liv Tyler, Jeremy Strong and Liev Schreiber, as the voice of the Robot. Written by Christopher Ford, the film marks the feature film directorial debut of Park Pictures' director Jake Schreier. The film is currently shooting in New York. Niederhoffer, Bisbee, Kelman Bisbee and Acord are producing the film. The film is executive produced by White Hat/TBB. Matt Lloyd is the Director of Photography.
Park Features' next projects are the directorial debut of Lance Acord, and a new project from British director, Ringan Ledwidge. The company will also produce the adaptations of Sam Lipsyte's best-selling novel, “The Ask,” to be directed by Steven Shainberg, and the venerable late David Foster Wallace's short story, “Little Expressionless Animals.”
Set in the future, “Robot & Frank” follows aging curmudgeon, Frank (Langella), a confused loner with a love for books. His one friend is the librarian Jennifer (Sarandon) that he regularly visits. Other than his library outings, and weekly visits from his son, Frank lives a quiet, lonely life, until his grown-up kids (Marsden, Tyler) install a caretaker robot to care for their dad and an unlikely friendship begins.
Jackie Kelman Bisbee, Partner of Park Pictures and Park Pictures Features, stated
“At Park Pictures we have had the opportunity to work closely with many talented directors in the commercial arena and it is a natural evolution for our company to grow and to work in the feature film arena as well. ‘Robot & Frank' is a beautiful story that's both touching, and at times very funny. We are enjoying the process of bringing this film to reality.”
“Park is a company comprised of filmmakers, so as we grow and evolve it only makes sense to develop and produce their feature projects. Being a commercial production company, we have a unique opportunity to utilize our resources within the industry to economically and efficiently make long form films. Having Galt on board has been great. Her knowledge and expertise is such an amazing asset.”
added Park Pictures and Park Pictures Features Partner Lance Acord,
“I have been excited to see “Robot and Frank” go into production. Jake and C.D. Ford have been working on this for quite some time now and I must admit it has been a bit surreal to sit on set and see the film actually take shape. Jake is a very talented guy. His confidence on set and insights into working with actors far exceeds that of a “first time director”. I think his years of experience as a commercial and music video director have served him well.
Galt Niederhoffer, Park Pictures Features Partner as well as a Writer/Director/Producer stated,
“I am honored and thrilled to join the Park family. Lance, Jackie and Sam have achieved that rare thing in this business, combining brilliant work with wonderful people.”
Sam Bisbee, Park Pictures Features Partner and Producer added,
“Galt and I are thrilled to be working with Jake Schreier and this stellar cast to bring Park Pictures Features first of many films to life.”
Park Pictures plans for two movies in the first year, the first being “Robot and Frank.” The company will draw on the client list of their top directing talent (which includes Acord, Schreier, Niederhoffer, Ellen Kuras, Joachim Back, Gary Freedman, Steven Shainberg, 300ml and Alison Maclean) as well as local NYC directors to make films with strong visual, narrative, and commercial appeal.
