Audition Set for Thrilling English Makeover

The producers at Focus Features are close to sealing a deal with Hyde Park Entertainment and Mario Kassar Productions to bring a new version of the chilling Japanese horror novel, Audition, to life. This isn't the first time the novel, originally published in 1997, has been adapted for the big screen. In 1999, Takashi Miike, who was nominated twice for the Cannes Palme D'Or, directed a Japanese film adaptation. The new take on Audition will be written and directed by Danish filmmaker Christian Tafdrup, who is known for his collaboration with his brother, Mads Tafdrup. The pair are working together again on this project. Tafdrup's previous film, Speak No Evil, received 11 nominations at the 2023 Danish Film Awards. Tafdrup himself was nominated for Best Film, Best Director, and Best Original Screenplay. Tafdrup has proven his skills as a director and writer with his previous works. His film, Parents, won him the award for Best Director at the 2016 Danish Film Awards. Tafdrup is also known for his acting abilities, having been nominated for a Danish Film Award for his role in the adventure series, Tinkas Juleeventyr. Tafdrup's brother, Mads Tafdrup, is no stranger to awards either. He was nominated alongside Christian for several Danish Film Awards, including Best Film and Best Original Screenplay for Speak No Evil, and Best Original Screenplay for A Horrible Woman. Mads has also been nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay for his work on the comedy-drama Hygge! . Both brothers are represented by WME and Subtitle Talent.

Audition, the 1999 film, was highly praised by critics. The Guardian even listed it as one of the 25 best horror films of all time in 2010. Hyde Park Entertainment Group, known for promoting diversity and inclusiveness in cinema, has produced movies with global revenues exceeding $2 billion. Among their current projects is a biopic about tennis legend Arthur Ashe, written by Academy Award winner Kevin Willmott. Hyde Park has also partnered with Warner Music Entertainment and Fifth Season for the movie Rubik’s. The company has a strong slate of films and TV series, including adaptations of works by Richard Wright and Amy Tan. Cineverse, a multimedia and technology company, has had a successful fall box office season with the film Terrifier 3. Their subsidiary, Bloody Disgusting, played a big role in the marketing success of the film. Another highly anticipated film from Focus Features is Nosferatu. The film is currently just $3 million away from becoming the highest-grossing movie at the domestic box office for Universal's specialty label. If it reaches this milestone, it will overtake the 2019 film Downton Abbey, which grossed $96. 8 million. Focus Features is known for producing critically acclaimed films that push the boundaries of cinema.

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