Keaton pic, Katrina documentary on new distributor's slate

By Gregg Goldstein

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Independent distributor Variance Films is launching with the theatrical release of the dark comedy "Smother," starring Diane Keaton, Dax Shepard and Liv Tyler, and the Hurricane Katrina football documentary "Walking on Dead Fish."

Vince Di Meglio's "Smother" centers on an overbearing mother who worms her way into her son's life. The film will receive a September 26 release in the top five markets.

Franklin Martin's "Fish," a co-release with Dutchmen Films, follows New Orleans high school students who overcome natural disaster and form a winning football team. The film, executive produced and narrated by Fox NFL studio analyst and former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw, opens September 5.

Former ThinkFilm distribution and marketing director Dylan Marchetti wants Variance to bridge the gap between traditional distributors and producers who self-release features, avoiding the direct-to-video trap that many indies encounter.

Part of Variance chief Marchetti's strategy is to avoid conventional New York/Los Angeles platform releases, instead tailoring rollouts to each film's target audience.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter