reported by Brian Scott, CyberScreenwriter.com

Sony Pictures Entertainment has acquired North American distribution rights as well as distribution rights in a significant number of foreign territories, including all English speaking territories, to the Peter Jackson produced sci-fi motion picture "District 9" from QED International. The announcement was jointly made today by Peter Schlessel, President of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group, and QED International CEO Bill Block.

Academy Award(R) winner Peter Jackson is producing "District 9" through his WingNut Films production banner. QED International, the Los Angeles based production, financing and international sales company, is fully financing the film. Jackson's manager Ken Kamins of Key Creatives is serving as executive producer along with Bill Block.

Neill Blomkamp makes his feature film directing debut with "District 9", which he co-wrote with partner Terri Tatchell. The film is scheduled to begin shooting in Spring 2008 in South Africa. Details of the film's plot are being tightly guarded while pre-production is underway.

Negotiating the acquisition were Peter Schlessel for Sony Pictures Entertainment; Ken Kamins and attorneys Peter Nelson and Eric Suddleson on behalf of Peter Jackson; and Bill Block and Paul Hanson for QED International. Lara Thompson, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions for Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group, was also integral in securing the rights to the film for the studio.