Comcast-owned Sky has taken the checkered flag and will exclusively show the feature documentary Hill about Formula 1 star Damon Hill in the U.K. and Ireland under a deal with U.K. film distribution, production and sales outfit Signature Entertainment.
Signature said that it was partnering with Sky for the movie from Independent Entertainment to premiere in the two territories as a Sky Exclusive later this year.
Produced by Simon Lazenby and Victoria Barrell of Sylver Entertainment (McEnroe, Schmeichel) and Cora Palfrey and Luc Roeg of Independent Entertainment (Lewis Capaldi: How I’m Feeling Now, My Policeman), the feature is directed by BAFTA-nominated Alex Holmes (Maiden, The Rig).
In 1996, Damon Hill claimed the Formula 1 World Championship, following in the footsteps of his father Graham Hill. “This is a unique family story set against the backdrop of the fastest sport in the world,” says a synopsis of the film. “How Damon Hill defied the odds and overcame tragedy to step out of his father’s shadow and become a racing legend in his own right.”
The deal was negotiated between Signature Entertainment’s chief commercial officer Elizabeth Williams and Independent Entertainment chief operating officer Cora Palfrey.
“We are delighted to work with our partners at Independent Film Sales and the extremely talented Alex Holmes to pick up this powerful and inspiring documentary about Damon Hill and his unique story,” said Williams. “Sky is the perfect home for this F1-focused film, and we are looking forward to a great campaign and launch in the U.K. and Ireland with them.”
‘Hill,’ courtesy of Signature Entertainment
Added Alex Wright, acquisitions manager at Sky: “We are delighted to be bringing Hill to UK audiences on Sky and Now. Damon Hill is a British motorsport icon, and we know our customers will love this powerful and exciting film.”
Founded in 2011, Signature has become a key independent distributor in the U.K. and has expanded into production and international sales. The company says it has released more than 1,500 films since its inception. Its recent releases include Lily James, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Himesh Patel comedy Greedy People, Aaron Eckhart action thriller Chief of Station, and indie horror movie Terrifier 3.
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