Richard Lechartier, the former CEO of French producer and distributor Marco Polo, has launched new U.K. film distribution company ILY Films, with Bruce Willis actioner “Open Source” as its first acquisition.
ILY Films is focused on acquiring film rights for digital download releases.
Lechartier tells Variety that ILY Films will concentrate on buying English-speaking commercial, high concept and genre movies with an international cast.
“Open Source” is set for a late 2020 or early 2021 release. Starring Willis, as well as Jesse Metcalfe and Lala Kent, it was acquired through international sales agent Highland Film Group. Producers are Randall Emmett and George Furla at Emmett Furla Oasis Films. Vertical Entertainment has U.S. rights.
Other titles have been agreed and will be announced in the coming months. ILY Films is also working on striking output deals with producers, as well as looking at co-production opportunities.
