'King Of Kong' Doc Gets Distro, Remake Pickup
So we just realized - there are not one, but two classic arcade documentaries at Sundance and associated festivals! We already reported on Chasing Ghosts, but a Variety article reveals another documentary, 'The King Of Kong', has been picked up from Slamdance by top firms Picturehouse and New Line.
Apparently: "In a mid to high six-figure package deal, Picturehouse won rights to distribute the documentary in theaters this summer, while sister company New Line gets remake rights and control of docu distribution rights outside North America." Blimey - this should be a high profile deal for classic gaming fans, then.
It's explained: ""The King of Kong" chronicles a rivalry between two gamers, Steve Wiebe and Billy Mitchell, as they battle for the title of world champ of the arcade game... Picturehouse president Bob Berney, New Line Prods. prexy Toby Emmerich and chief operating officer Richard Brener found irresistible appeal in Wiebe's struggle to stop a personal losing streak, and the ruthless tactics of record holder Mitchell, who routinely compares himself to Helen of Troy and the Red Baron."
Comments
I just saw this and might I just say this is an absolutely fantasic movie that blends "The Office" with "Rocky"! Scary, but oddly in this case, it works!
It was not only funny to the gamers in the group, but EVERYONE was into it by the end of the show because of the blend of unintentional humor, touching storyline and a really great villan who just lent himself into the role. I had not idea I would be clapping at the end of this thing, but most of us in the audience were! Once this puppy gets released its a "must see"!!
Adding insult to injury, I looked it up immediately following and saw that poor Steve isnt even on the first page of credits because he last name starts with a W.
Posted by: Livethakly | February 9, 2007 1:33 PM
Almost forgot! Doris almost stole the show! She was a rocking 81 year old Q*bert gamer/record holder for 20 years - How can you not love THAT!
;)
Posted by: Livethakly | February 9, 2007 1:36 PM