Tribeca Film announced today that it has acquired U.S. rights to The Giant Mechanical Man, a character-driven, romantic comedy written and directed by Lee Kirk. Produced by and starring Jenna Fischer (The Office) the film features a stellar cast that includes Chris Messina (Vicky Cristina Barcelona), Topher Grace (Too Big to Fail), Malin Akerman (Watchmen, Rock of Ages), Rich Sommer (Mad Men), Lucy Punch (Dinner for Schmucks) and Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad, Mr. Show).
A spring release is planned for the film across multiple platforms, including theatrical and nationwide video on demand, through Tribeca Film, a comprehensive distribution label founded in partnership with American Express.
The Giant Mechanical Man is a charming comedic romance between Janice (Jenna Fischer), a woman in her 30’s who has yet to learn how to navigate adulthood, and Tim (Chris Messina), a devoted street performer who finds that his unique talents as a “living statue” don’t exactly pay the bills. Out of work and crashing with her overbearing sister (Malin Akerman), Janice is on the receiving end of well-intentioned but misguided pressure to date an egotistical self-help guru (Topher Grace). Everyone seems to know what’s best for Janice, but Tim helps her find her own voice and realize that it only takes one person to make you feel important.
“From the minute Lee shared the script with me, I knew I wanted to be a part of this film – so much so that I decided to produce it.” said Jenna Fischer. “I was so drawn to my character and there’s something about Janice that is very relatable. I think we’ve all been at a crossroads in life when you’re trying to take the next step, but struggling with which direction to go; just when you think things will never get better you find something amazing like love. It resonated with me and I couldn’t be more proud of how it turned out.”
“It is rare for a romantic comedy to capture the love and lives of ordinary people with a humanity and genuineness the way Lee Kirk has in The Giant Mechanical Man,’ said Geoffrey Gilmore, Chief Creative Officer of Tribeca Enterprises. “The film is affecting and skillfully made, and we are looking forward to collaborating with the filmmakers to bring it to a broader audience through Tribeca Film.”
“I’m very excited that Tribeca Film has acquired The Giant Mechanical Man,” said Lee Kirk. “It’s an honor to be associated with a name that has always championed independent filmmaking.”
Fischer produced alongside Molly Hassell (Vamps, Edmond), Michael Nardelli (Another Happy Day) under his Taggart Productions banner and Brent Stiefel (Grassroots). Michael Gallant, Michael Cowan and Tim Nardelli serve as executive producers.
