Greenwich has acquired North American distribution rights to Brian, the feature directorial debut of Will Ropp. The film premiered at the SXSW Film Festival, and Greenwich plans to release it next year.
Based on a Black List Featured Project script by Mike Scollins, Brian stars Ben Wang as a 17-year-old dealing with an anxiety disorder that causes public panic attacks. At school, Brian has an unrequited crush on his English teacher, played by Natalie Morales. After a disastrous drama club audition, he runs for class president, with the help of his therapist, played by William H. Macy, and new student Justin, played by Joshua Colley, who becomes his campaign manager.
The cast also includes Randall Park and Edi Patterson as Brian’s parents, alongside Peyton Elizabeth Lee. Ropp said he was excited that the film had found a home with Greenwich, citing the distributor’s support for independent films with distinctive voices.
Brian was produced by Thomas Mahoney for Handsome Watson, Casey Hanley for Act 4 Artists, and Ropp for Endless Ropportunities. Greenwich’s Andy Bohn negotiated the acquisition, with Gersh Indie and CAA Media Finance representing the filmmakers.
Sources: Deadline.