Netflix has gone from a DVD mailer company to one of the most interesting independent film studios in history. From this announcement, it looks like the company has no problem attracting talent, and even though they’ve yet to hit a homerun independent movie, they’re not carrying the stigma that goes along with VOD released. From the studio:
Seoul, South Korea (April 23, 2016) – Netflix announced that principal photography began yesterday on its feature film Okja in Seoul, South Korea. From director Bong Joon Ho (Snowpiercer, The Host, Mother), Okja is produced by Plan B, Lewis Pictures and Kate Street Picture Company, and stars Tilda Swinton (Hail, Caesar!, Moonrise Kingdom), Jake Gyllenhaal (Nightcrawler, Everest) and Paul Dano (Love & Mercy, 12 Years a Slave) in a bold, global adventure.
“With Okja I want to show the beauty that can exist between man and animal, and also the horror between them,” said Director Bong.
Okja was written by Bong and Jon Ronson (Frank) and follows Mija, a young girl who must risk everything to prevent a powerful, multi-national company from kidnapping her best friend – a massive animal named ‘Okja’. Mija will be played by Seohyun An.
Joining the cast are acclaimed actors from around the world, including Devon Bostick (The 100), Lily Collins (To The Bone), Byun Heebong (The Host), Shirley Henderson (Anna Karenina), Daniel Henshall (The Babadook), Yoon Je Moon (Mother), Choi Wooshik (Set Me Free) and Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead). Okja will be shot in South Korea, Canada and the US, in English and Korean.
Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Lewis Taewan Kim, Dooho Choi, Woo-sik Seo and Bong Joon Ho are producers on the film. Okja is a Plan B, Lewis Pictures and Kate Street Picture Company production.
Okja will premiere globally on Netflix in 2017 and will also have a limited day and date theatrical release in the US. Netflix is also looking for theatrical partners for a day and date release in select international territories, including Korea.