I'd say that starting a theatrical distribution company with the acquisition of Terrence Malick and Jane Campion's newest releases is a pretty promising way to begin. I'd start my own releasing company tomorrow if I had a slate like that. Film vets Bill Pohlad and Bob Berney are launching a new motion picture distribution company, called Apparition, to acquire and release films. Their first two films are Terrence Malick's TREE OF LIFE, starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn, and Jane Campion's newest (and one my most anticipated releases), BRIGHT STAR. Apparition will also partner with Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions for all domestic ancillary rights for Apparition's films.

Berney said about the formation of the company, "Bill and I are creating a company where the art of filmmaking is truly a priority. The birth of a new company that works in concert with artists while employing creative marketing strategies is a winning combination and is the essence of Apparition. The goal here was to create a company that can be a real home for filmmakers. A company that has a sensitivity and passion for the work as well as an ability to bring it to the marketplace with ingenuity and creativity."

Bob Berney has been a veteran of the film world for over twenty years. His track record indicates that Apparition is not just a one-off, as he's helped start or run other film companies started under some of Apparition's same ideals, including Picturehouse, Newmarket Films, and IFC Film. Bill Pohlad's resume also includes a history of producing independent films. His producing resume includes BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, INTO THE WILD, and recent documentary FOOD, INC. He is also producing THE RUNAWAYS, which is currently shooting.

I'm excited about both TREE OF LIFE and BRIGHT STAR, so I'm anxious to see how Apparition does with these two films, and what they acquire next.

Source Apparition