Welcome back to the world of industry people who just can’t control themselves when it comes to turning on the gush about new projects.
The latest to spin the taps all the way on is producer Simon O’Leary, head of production at a little outfit called the Morabito Picture Company. It has just signed up director Gela Babluani to remake his Sundance grand jury prize-nabbing film 13 (Tzameti) in English.
The thriller focuses on a naïve young man who discovers instructions meant for a dead gangster. His inquisitiveness leads to all sorts of trouble when he stumbles into a shadowy world of assassination and crime.
Babluani’s original is French, and also scooped the best first film award at Venice. O’Leary was quick to draft a remake contract. “Gela had 36 offers for the remake, but once I saw Tzameti I knew we couldn't live without doing it," he told The Hollywood Reporter. "We are thrilled to be working with Gela and re-creating one of most original thrillers since Memento." High praise indeed. But “couldn’t live without doing it?” There’s enthusiasm and then there’s weirdness, Simon…