SONY Purchases Rights To “Ammonite” In Most Markets

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions has purchased rights in most markets for the upcoming romantic drama Ammonite.

The news, which was initially reported by Deadline Hollywood, reveals that Lionsgate obtained the distribution rights for the U.K. while Cross City will be launching sales on the remaining territories at the European Film Market in Berlin this week. According to Deadline’s report, the CAA Finance is set to co-represent domestic rights.

The film, starring Saoirse Ronan and Kate Winslet, is set in 1840s England and follows the intense relationship that develops between Mary Anning (Winslet) and a young woman (Ronan) sent to convalesce by the sea, altering both of their lives forever. Anning is credited with making key scientific discoveries in the Jurassic marine fossil beds in the cliffs along the English Channel.

Director Francis Lee will helm Ammonite, a See-Saw Films production by Iain Canning and Emile Sherman (whose credits include “Widows,” “Lion,” and “The King’s Speech”), alongside Fodhla Cronin O’Reilly (“Lady Macbeth”). The British Film Institute and BBC Films have joined See-Saw in developing the romantic drama.

Winslet has been nominated for seven Academy Awards and won for Stephen Daldry’s 2008 drama The Reader. Ronan has been nominated for three Oscars, most recently for Lady Bird, and is playing the title role in Mary Queen of Scots.

Filming for Ammonite is set to begin in March.