EXCLUSIVE: Bob Yari‘s Magenta Light Studios and Seoul and LA-based Aanaxion Studio have agreed a ten-picture multi-year production partnership, which launches with the upcoming Milla Jovovich film Protector.
Magenta is releasing the thriller on March 6 in U.S. theaters, a slightly later date than the previously announced February 20.
In Adrian Grunberg-directed Protector, Jovovich plays a veteran war hero, Nikki, who thought she’d left her violent past behind for a peaceful life with her daughter, Chloe – until Chloe is kidnapped by a human trafficking ring that forces Nikki into the city’s criminal underworld on a relentless pursuit. Matthew Modine also stars. Highland is selling.
The ten films will be developed and produced by Magenta and Aanaxion, with Magenta releasing some. The films will span sci-fi, action, elevated horror, and prestige drama, the companies tell us. Additional titles and creative teams working on the slate are due to be revealed in coming months.
Magenta last year released Simon West’s Bride Hard, starring Rebel Wilson, and JT Mollner’s critically acclaimed cat-and-mouse thriller Strange Darling. Upcoming are Protector, and in May, Renny Harlin’s Deep Water, starring Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley.
Hollywood vet Yari, best known for producing 2004 Best Picture winner Crash, serves as executive producer on the Taylor Sheridan universe at Paramount. Magenta also has a production and finance deal with Evoke Entertainment and Freefall Films.
Aanaxion, which has to date focused on development in Korea, has been looking to increase its ties to Hollywood and made Protector its first U.S. production. The company made headlines last summer when it appointed Norman Grossfeld, who co-wrote and produced most of the Pokémon movies, to lead its Seoul and LA-based kids content outfit Konfetti Studios.
“This partnership with Aanaxion Studio reflects our commitment to globally driven storytelling. Protector is a powerful launch for this collaboration, and together we’re building an ambitious, multi-genre slate.” said Yari, CEO of Magenta Light Studios.
Aanaxion Studio CEO Bong-Seob Mun stated: “This partnership marks a truly significant milestone, allowing us to create a film with the power to resonate on the global stage. The collaboration between a Korean production company and Magenta Light Studios sets a bold new standard for culture, industry, and storytelling. I am confident it will inspire the creation of groundbreaking, universal films that connect audiences everywhere.”