Feb. 10--After married filmmakers Joe and Kris Swanberg each debuted their movies at Sundance last month, both have seen their work picked up for theatrical release.
Joe Swamberg's comedic drama about marriage called "Digging For Fire" (starring Jake Johnson and Rosemarie DeWitt) was acquired by The Orchard (for a reported $2 million) for release in the U.S.; Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions will distribute the film internationally.
Kris Swanberg's pregnancy-themed drama "Unexpected" (starring Cobie Smulders) was picked up by The Film Arcade, which is looking at a summer release.
In other news, Joe has signed on to direct a studio picture. This is a big shift for the indie filmmaker, having spent more than the past decade directing low-budget, improvised films that he also conceives.
The romantic comedy "Work Wife" (at New Line Cinema) is written by Emily Halpern and Chicago native (and iO alum) Sarah Haskins, the duo behind the well-reviewed but short-lived ABC series "Trophy Wife." According to The Wrap, the film "follows a pair of thirtysomething lawyers who attempt to find out if they can really date a co-worker."
nmetz@tribune.com
@NinaMetzNews
