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Martin Scorsese, RT Features Launch Film Fund (EXCLUSIVE)

Martin Scorsese’s Sikelia Prods. has partnered with Brazilian producer Rodrigo Teixeira and his RT Features on a joint venture aimed at producing first and second films from emerging filmmakers worldwide.

Pact includes a film fund that will finance up to five projects with budgets under $5 million each over the next three years. The slate will be focused on auteur-driven films by emerging filmmakers that have crossover appeal and can reach commercial auds.

RT Features, led by exec producers Teixeira and Sophie Mas, who are based in San Paulo and Paris, respectively, and producer Lourenco Sant’ Anna, will receive projects and initially vet them.

Scorsese and Sikelia’s Emma Tillinger Koskoff will provide support throughout the development, production, editing and release of the films.

“I am excited and energized to be working with Rodrigo Teixeira and RT Features on this initiative,” Scorsese said. “It’s getting harder and harder for young filmmakers to get their pictures made. This fund will provide real support where it’s so urgently needed.”

“This venture represents our shared commitment to cinema,” said RT Features’ Teixeira. “We’re huge fans of Scorsese, he’s one of the world’s greatest directors. We’re both movie lovers and share similar tastes — we want to empower young filmmakers and give them the full creative freedom that American directors had in the ’70s.”

Sikelia Prods. (formerly Cappa) is currently in pre-production with Scorsese’s next feature film, “Silence,” as well as an untitled rock ’n’ roll pilot for HBO. Scorsese is repped by WME Entertainment and LBI Entertainment.

RT Features has been producing films and TV series in Brazil since 2005 and ventured into the U.S. market in 2008, financing development and producing such
ambitious arthouse pics as Noah Baumbach’s “Frances Ha” as well as Kelly Reichardt’s “Night Moves.”

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