Release dates for two numerically inclined films have been announced.  First up, Focus Features and Universal Pictures will release the E.L. James adaptation Fifty Shades of Grey on August 1, 2014.  Though it’s been in active development for some time, the producers only just settled on a director, tapping Sam Taylor-Johnson (Nowhere Boy) to take the helm.  The BDSM-heavy pic should make for a nice bit of counterprogramming on the August 1st date, as it will open opposite Marvel’s space-set Guardians of the Galaxy.  With a release firmly set, expect some Fifty Shades casting news very soon.

Additionally, Fox Searchlight has moved up the release date of director Steve McQueen’s (Shame) period drama Twelve Years a Slave nearly two months, from December 27th to October 18th.  The move was made after the studio received highly positive feedback from test screenings, and the Michael Fassbender/Chiwetel Ejiofor-fronted pic will now have a platform release in October, priming it up for awards season recognition.  I’d be shocked if the pic didn’t first show up at the Toronto Film Festival in September.