Cleopatra Films, the movie division of famed indie record label Cleopatra Records, has acquired all domestic rights to the feel-good true story “A Street Cat Named Bob,” directed by Roger Spottiswoode (“Tomorrow Never Dies,” “Turner and Hooch”) and starring Olivier Award-winning actor Luke Treadaway (“Unbroken”), Ruta Gedmintas (“The Strain”) and Golden Globe-winner Joanne Froggatt (“Downton Abbey”). The film, written by Tim John and Maria Nation, is based on the international bestseller by James Bowen and Garry Jenkins. Produced by Adam Rolston for Shooting Script Films, the uplifting story will be released domestically in theaters on November 18th.
The film tells the true story of how James Bowen (Treadaway), a homeless street musician and recovering drug addict, has his life transformed when he meets a stray ginger cat on the streets of London.
The book “A Street Cat Named Bob,” was first published in the U.K. in March 2012 and spent a record 70 consecutive weeks on the Sunday Times Bestseller list, the majority of which residing at the number one spot. The book has now been published in more than 30 territories, including the U.S., China, and Japan, selling more than five million copies worldwide.
Damian Jones (“Absolutely Fabulous,” “The Lady in the Van”) serves as executive producer on the film. Prescience fully financed the production and Tim Smith, Paul Brett, Anders Erden and James Swarbrick also serve as executive producers. The Exchange handled sales.
Sony Pictures Releasing International and Stage 6 Films will release the film on November 4th in the UK and in multiple territories this fall.
“This is a universal story that audiences around the world have already embraced,” said Cleopatra founder Brian Perera. “We are excited to play a part in bringing this project to both old and new fans of this inspiring story.”
“Powerful and inspirational, with a strong music base, ‘A Street Cat Named Bob’ makes this true life story a perfect fit for Cleopatra Distribution,” said Brian O’Shea, The Exchange CEO.
