Indie Game: The Movie has an HBO deal.
The independently produced and financed documentary feature, made by first-time Winnipeg filmmakers Lisanne Pajot and James Swirsky, details the creative, emotional, and financial struggles faced by aspiring game makers Edmund McMillen (of Super Meat Boy and The Binding of Isaac fame), Phil Fish (the fellow behind upcoming Xbox Live game FEZ), and others.
Confronted by a similar financial struggle, Ms. Pajot and Mr. Swirsky – who, prior to their movie-making odyssey, spent their days running a small video production company – were forced to bankroll their passion project in innovative ways, including a highly successful crowd funding campaign.
Their risk and effort looked like it would finally pay off when it was selected for screening at the prestigious 2012 Sundance Film Festival, a place where indie movie makers' dreams can come true. And, sure enough, Deadline New York reported Sunday, just a day after Indie Game's Sundance screening, that American network HBO and heavyweight producer Scott Rudin ( The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Social Network, There Will Be Blood) have acquired remake rights for a fictional television series based on the film.
But the unofficial announcement has also been the subject of some confusion. Ms. Pajot and Mr. Swirsky explain on the movie's Facebook page that the original report suggested the series would be a comedy show. That's not the case. The show, though only half an hour, will apparently be just as sincere as the documentary.
The duo go on to express their confidence in both HBO and Mr. Rudin, stating in no uncertain terms that these are "by far the best people possible to make this show."
Indie Game: The Movie has yet to screen in its makers' home country, but that will soon be remedied. It will premiere in Winnipeg with two showings on the 3rd of February. Screenings in other cities will follow.