From Sundance 2012, Robot and Frank, was recently acquired by a partnership between Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions and Samuel Goldwyn Films. The festival (and Collider) favorite stars Frank Langella, James Marsden and Liv Tyler in a near-future buddy comedy about an elderly ex-jewel thief (Langella) and his companion robot (voiced by Peter Sarsgaard). Steve loved Robot and Frank and will soon be posting exclusive interviews with director Jake Schreier, writer Christopher D. Ford and Langella himself. Hit the jump to check out the press release.

Here’s the press release. Be sure to keep up with all of our continuing coverage of Sundance 2012 here.

SONY PICTURES WORLDWIDE ACQUISITIONS AND SAMUEL GOLDWYN FILMS PARTNER ON SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL FAVORITE, ROBOT & FRANK

Park City, UT (January 25, 2012) – Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) and Samuel Goldwyn Films are partnering on the U.S. theatrical release in addition to jointly acquiring North American rights to Park Pictures Features’ ROBOT & FRANK, the 2012 Sundance Film Festival favorite, starring Academy Award® nominee Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon), Academy Award® winner Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking), James Marsden, Liv Tyler, Golden Globe® nominee Peter Saarsgard (Shattered Glass), Jeremy Sisto and Jeremy Strong.  Additionally, SPWA has acquired all media rights for Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe including Russia.

The deal was negotiated by SPWA's Executive Vice President of Business Affairs, Michael Helfand, and Joe Matukewicz, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions, with Peter Goldwyn, Vice President of Acquisitions, representing Samuel Goldwyn Films.  CAA and ICM’s Jessica Lacy negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers.  ICM represents Langella, Sarandon and Strong.

“We have loved this project from the script stage and were at the very first Gala screening in Salt Lake City,” Matukewicz said. “This winning film strikes a special chord with audiences, and we are delighted to bring ROBOT & FRANK into the Sony Pictures family.  Jake’s film shows us a future that is right around the corner, and I for one, can’t wait for my own Robot!”

Added Meyer Gottlieb, President of Samuel Goldwyn Films: "Our team fell in love with this clever, irreverent story anchored by Frank Langella's indelible performance. Jake has done a remarkable job and we are thrilled to continue working with talented first time filmmakers. We look forward to partnering again with our friends at Sony on a title we know audiences will flock to in droves."

Filmmaker Jake Schreier added, “I heard Jonathan Demme say once at a Q&A that all you can hope for is to find people who care as much about releasing your film as you did making it.  The Sony/Goldwyn guys were there from the first night in Salt Lake City and really showed that they got the movie and even connected to it personally.  I’m thrilled to be working with them on getting it out into theaters.”

Producers Galt Niederhoffer and Sam Bisbee said, “We are thrilled to have found not one but two passionate partners with Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions and Samuel Goldwyn Films.”

Set in the near future, Frank (Frank Langella) a retired jewel thief gets a new lease on life when he is introduced to a surprising new companion. With the help of his new friend, he attempts to woo a local librarian (Susan Sarandon) and resume his criminal escapades.  ROBOT & FRANK is directed by first time filmmaker Jake Schreier, written by Christopher Ford (TVs "Atom TV"), and produced by Galt Niederhoffer, Sam Bisbee, Jackie Kelman Bisbee and Lance Acord.  ROBOT & FRANK is Park Pictures Features’ first film.  The film was produced in association with White Hat Entertainment and Dog Run Pictures.  Park Pictures Features is represented by John Sloss and Marc Simon.

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