Pulse Films announced today that Katharine O’Brien will direct Lost Transmissions with Simon Pegg (Star Trek, Mission: Impossible, Shaun of the Dead) attached to star. Pulse Films’ Thomas Benski and Lucas Ochoa will produce, with Brian Levy executive producing. Craig Newman from ATC Management will co-produce, with Alvaro Valente as associate producer. UTA Independent Film Group are representing the domestic rights.
Based on O’Brien’s script, Lost Transmissions follows Hannah, a shy songwriter, who discovers her friend, respected record producer Theo Ross, has lapsed on his medication for schizophrenia. Hannah rallies a group of friends to help commit Theo to a psychiatric facility, chasing him as he outruns his colorful delusions through the glamour and grit of Los Angeles. From the highs of rock and roll to rock bottom, this is a story of the unsung heroes behind the hits.
Thomas Benski said: “At Pulse we’ve always been about discovering and championing new filmmakers and therefore we’re super excited about Katharine and her debut film. We are genuinely excited that we will be bringing this remarkable true story to life with Katherine O’Brien and the incredibly talented Simon Pegg.”
Katherine O’Brien added: “In dealing with mental health, Lost Transmissions combines both comedic and tragic elements. Simon has such a uniquely attuned sense of how to play a range of comedy in moments that still feel real. I’m excited to embrace his very fine skills as a dramatic actor with this film.”
Lost Transmissions is the latest in a series of major slate developments and successes from studio Pulse Films. Last year, American Honey, helmed by Andrea Arnold, was awarded the coveted Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and was BAFTA nominated. The studio also produced double Sundance winners The Witch and All These Sleepless Nights. In 2017, Trophy received glowing acclaim following its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. The film is set for release later this year.
