UTV to have independent Hollywood venture

MUMBAI: UTV Motion Pictures has announced its first independent Hollywood venture "Ex-terminators". The movie, currently being shot in Austin, Texas, has Heather Graham, Jennifer Coolidge, Matthew Settle, Joey Lauren and Amber Heard in the leading roles.

John Inwood, a cinematographer better known for his work in the award-winning American TV show, "Scrubs," makes his debut as a director with the movie, written by Suzanne Wienert.

Financed by UTV Motion Pictures, it is being produced by Jay Michaelson, Lawren Sunderland and Suzanne Weinert.

UTV CEO Ronnie Screwvala said the movie is a dark comedy revolving around three women who meet in an anger management therapy group and form their own "silent revolution" against abusive men in their lives.

"Over the last few years, UTV has forged some great ties with leading Hollywood studios. UTV now turning an independent Hollywood producer is a gradual progression of the company's overseas enterprises," Screwvala said.

UTV's co-production venture with 20th Century Fox, Manoj Night Shyamalan-directed "The Happening", is due for release June 13.

The company's past Hollywood co-production ventures include "The Namesake," directed by Mira Nair and "I Think I Love My Wife", starring and directed by Chris Rock.

Released last year, both these movies were co-produced by UTV with Fox Searchlight.

The only Indian company to have projects with major Hollywood studios like Walt Disney, UTV also has a tie-up deal with Will Smith's production house, Overbrooks, to produce two movies.