SONY PICKS UP INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS TO 'TERMINATOR SALVATION' (VAR, THR)

By Nancy Tartaglione-Vialatte

Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group has snatched up the international distribution rights to "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins." The deal covers all foreign distribution rights outside Korea and some Middle East territories but there are no plans to sell off the rights to any third-parties. Warner Bros. is handling US and Canadian distribution rights.

The fourth installment in the lucrative franchise, starring Christian Bale and directed by McG, is set to be released next year. Production is scheduled to begin in the spring in New Mexico.

The deal was signed with the film's producers, Victor Kubicek and Derek Anderson of the Halcyon Co.

"The Sony distribution team is really energized by this opportunity to work with Victor and Derek at the Halcyon Co. in continuing our involvement with the 'Terminator' series," said Peter Schlessel, president of worldwide affairs at Sony.

Halcyon, which acquired all "Terminator" franchise rights last May, also recently secured first-look rights to the works of sci-fi scribe Philip K. Dick.