‘RackaRacka’ twins Michael and Danny Philippou sell Talk to Me film rights to A24 in major deal
The Adelaide YouTube sensations already have over 1.5 billion views on their videos and a new Hollywood deal now has them on their way to cinemas.
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Adelaide YouTube sensations Michael and Danny Philippou – also known as RackaRacka – are set to make a splash in Hollywood after the rights to their debut film was sold to a major American entertainment company.
New York City based film company A24 – who recorded a movie studio high 18 Oscar nominations this year – have bought the North American rights to the pair’s first feature film – supernatural thriller Talk to Me.
The Adelaide twins secured the major deal – which was reportedly worth seven figures – after the picture received a midnight premiere screening at the world renowned Sundance Film Festival.
Michael shared the exciting news on his Facebook page on Wednesday.
“We just got picked up by A24!!!! THE GREATEST COMPANY ON EARTH! We will be in cinemas this year,” he posted.
He said several major directors had been in touch with them since the premiere.
“Steven Spielberg, Jordan Peele, Stephen King and Ari Aster are just a few of the people who have watched our film and even reached out personally,” he said.
“The response has been beyond overwhelming. We have risked so much to get here, to be recognised on this scale is truly a dream come true.
“The exposure this will bring to our amazing cast fills us with so much pride.”
Talk To Me had a preview screening at the Adelaide Film Festival last year, and the story follows a group of friends who discover how to conjure spirits using an ancient embalmed hand.
On the back of this latest deal, the film could receive a wide theatrical release over the summer movie season.
This would be a major boost for its cast, which includes 15-year-old Henley actor Joe Bird, who recently walked the red carpet at the Sundance Film Festival.
He said the Philippous – whose online pranks included driving a car filled with water through a bottle shop and attracted more than a billion views – were the “best people” to work with.
“They are so creative, funny, energetic, and so professional as well. They deserve all the success that is coming for them,” Joe said.
In another major coup, the directing duo have also signed with talent agency WME who represent some of the world’s biggest actors, including Australian Hugh Jackman.
“This has been the best week of our lives!” Mr Philippou said.
“Let’s get to work.”
Sundance has a history of launching Australian works in the US market, including You Won’t Be Alone in 2022, Relic in 2020, 52 Tuesdays in 2014 and Animal Kingdom in 2010.
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Originally published as ‘RackaRacka’ twins Michael and Danny Philippou sell Talk to Me film rights to A24 in major deal
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