VOD News | On 11, Aug 2020

Martin Scorsese has inked a first-look with Apple via his production banner Sikelia Productions.

Scorsese gave Netflix one of its most watched original films last year with The Irishman, a high-profile awards contender that saw the GoodFellas and Raging Bull director make his first steps into the streaming arena. A longstanding advocate for cinemas and preserving cinema history, he also acknowledged the practical considerations of the modern industry: he said at the time that, after years of trouble with Paramount backing his gangster epic, he was won over by “having the backing of a company that says that you will have no interference”.

Three months ago, his latest project – Killers of the Flower Moon – also picked up backing from a streamer, with Apple boarding the movie to help foot a reportedly expensive budget. That deal included the provision of a theatrical run in cinemas, via Paramount.

Now, Scorsese is officially entering into a relationship with Apple, reports Deadline, with his Sikelia Productions signing a multi-year agreement to produce and direct film and TV projects for Apple TV.

Killers of the Flower Moon will begin that partnership, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro attached to star and production pencilled for February 2021. It marks a move from Paramount, where Sikelia has been based for several years. Scorsese’s company joins a number of other star-led production banners, including Leonardo DiCpario and Jennifer Davisson’s Appian Way, Idris Elba’s Green Door Pictures and Ridley Scott’s Scott Free Productions.

Add to Watchlist