MIPCOM Spotlight: MarVista Entertainment

From first-time feature film director Lea Thompson (Back to the Future) and her daughters, writer Madelyn Deutch and producer Zoey Deutch (who both star in the movie), comes the MarVista Entertainment highlight The Year of Spectacular Men.

“It has been a long collaboration and labor of love that evolved from a yearning for funnier and more honest young women’s stories, and it delivers on all fronts,” says Hannah Pillemer, MarVista Entertainment’s head of creative affairs.

Additionally, the company is bringing to MIPCOM A Christmas Comeback, which stars 7th Heaven’s Beverley Mitchell, who also sings the original music in the movie. The thriller Kindred Spirits stars Thora Birch (American Beauty). It’s a “truly sinister film that has received a lot of attention at select film festivals around the world this year,” says Pillemer.

Pillemer adds, “We know that female-driven features are extremely popular with international buyers.”

Billed as a cross between High School Musical and Mean Girls, the MarVista Entertainment title Next Level is a dance-based musical comedy-drama starring such Gen Z talent as Chloé Lukasiak (Dance Moms), Lauren Orlando (Total Eclipse), Emily Skinner (Andi Mack) and Hayden Summerall (Chicken Girls). “It’s a great story appealing to all ages with a lot of fun, current music and amazing performances that will travel well around the globe,” says Deena Stern, MarVista Entertainment’s head of marketing, communications and acquisitions.

Back of the Net, another kids’ and family feature, captures the enthusiasm among girls for world-class soccer. Dealing with social conflict and the challenges that come with dating as a teen, The Lies I Tell Myself centers on a girl trying to balance dating two boys at the same time.

Stern says, “We find that young adult content appeals to a broad demographic, from younger kids who find it aspirational to families who enjoy the co-viewing opportunity.”