Prison siege thriller Eleven Days is set to launch for sales at next month’s European Film Market, marking the first feature from newly formed sales firm, Lucky Number 8 Media, a joint venture between Texas-based producer Lucky Number 8 Productions and Daniel Diamond’s Luminosity Pictures.
The new entity will handle international sales on this and Lucky Number 8’s future projects.
Based on the book 11 Days in Hell by William T Harper, the film tells the true story of “one of the most harrowing prison sieges in American history. Taylor Kitsch stars as Jim Estelle, a newly installed head of the Texas Department of Corrections, who is thrust into a life-or-death standoff at the State Penitentiary in Huntsville when a notorious narco kingpin, Federico Carrasco (Diego Luna, Andor), ignites a hostage crisis as part of a meticulously planned escape. Estelle is forced into relentless negotiations to save the lives of inmates and prison personnel including the prison’s priest (Jason Isaacs, The White Lotus) and librarian (Rhea Seehorn, Pluribus).”
The ensemble also includes Jennifer Carpenter, Jeffrey Donovan, Lola Kirke, Tenoch Huerta, John Gallagher Jr and Richard Cabral.
The film, currently in post-production, was developed and produced by Vincent Newman (We’re The Millers) and Lucky Number Eight’s Vance Howard. Peter Landesman (Concussion) directed and co-wrote the screenplay.
Lucky Number Eight’s slate includes Crossroads, the upcoming rom-com 40 Dates in 40 Nights, and the doc Luv Ya Bum!, which premiered at SXSW.
“Having the opportunity to make this film wasn’t just a filmmaking honor, it became a sacred act” said Landesman. “A suspenseful thriller plot based on a true but little-known story; the actual live prison where this very story took place as our central location; a dream cast that gave us the performances of their careers — these were the elements that make Eleven Days elevated entertainment. It looks like a painting and moves like a freight train”.
“Eleven Days is a ‘truth is stranger than fiction’ story, with universal themes about courage and sacrifice. In telling it, I was determined to honor the people that summoned these rare traits in the face of pure evil. I am very proud of what Peter, Vincent and this incredible cast have delivered,” said Lucky Number 8’s Howard. “I am glad to have Daniel and Luminosity as partners in bringing this film to audiences around the world.”
“This film is nothing short of cinematic brilliance and I am thrilled beyond words to help Vance, Vincent, Peter and all the amazing cast and filmmakers bring it to worldwide audiences”, said Luminosity’s President, Daniel Diamond. “This is only the first in what I hope will many incredible films by our new partnership”
Kitch is represented by CAA and Untitled Entertainment; Luna is represented by WME; Seehorn is represented by UTA and Untitled Entertainment; and Isaacs is represented by The Gersh Agency and Strand Entertainment. Peter Landesman is represented by CAA and Manage-Ment.
