Maisie Williams Thriller Ignition Bought by Saban for North America

“Ignition,” the upcoming high-concept thriller led by Emmy-nominated “Game of Thrones” star Maisie Williams, has been acquired for North America.

WestEnd Films — which launched the film in Cannes — has closed a domestic deal with Saban on the film, directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker James Erskine (“Copa 71,” “Billie,” “Sachin: A Billion Dreams”). The deal comes following international sales including U.K. (Signature Entertainment), Spain (Twelve Oaks), Portugal (NOS), the Middle East (Falcon Films), CIS & Baltics (Arna Media), Eastern Europe and Israel (Forum Film).

Currently in post-production, “Ignition” sees Williams — currently on screens in “Practical Magic 2” — play a woman whose drive to London is thrown into chaos when an anonymous caller informs her that a bomb has been planted in her car. Trapped and cut off from any outside help, she’s forced to follow the terrorist’s instructions, her every move watched, with no choice but to deliver the ticking bomb to its target — the Royal Albert Hall. As the clock counts down, she must use all her wits to survive and, as the synopsis describes, “uncover why she has been entangled in this elaborate terror plot.”

The film co-stars BAFTA nominee Rory Kinnear (“No Time to Die,” “The Diplomat”) and Lovi Poe (“Bad Man,” “Seasons”).

“Ignition” — which was filmed using real locations and on live roads using remotely operated multi-camera systems — was produced by Victoria Gregory (“Maiden,” “Man on Wire”), Erskine, Sean Sorensen (“Black and Blue,” “Worth”), Adriel Thomas, Jason Maza (“Twist,” “10×10”) and Mark Stewart (“Heist,” “Escape Plan”). The deal was negotiated by Maya Amsellem, managing director at WestEnd Films, on behalf of the filmmakers, and Bill Bromiley, vice chairman of Saban Films.

“Maisie’s performance leaves you on edge, brilliantly bringing to life James Erskine’s terrific script,” said Bromiley. “We are proud to be a part of it, and to be working with Maya and the team at WestEnd.”

Added Maya Amsellem: “We’re delighted to have Saban on board for ‘Ignition.’ They immediately understood James’s bold vision and the film’s strong commercial potential. It’s a gripping thriller with a fantastic lead performance from Maisie, and we’re excited for North American audiences to experience it.”

WestEnd, which acquired the film under WeLove, its label dedicated to promoting female-driven stories and championing female talent, will continue international sales at TIFF.

“Ignition” was produced by New Black Films under its New Bright Films label, together with Playhouse Pictures, Sharp House and in association with Royal Viking Entertainment, Epic EV Studios, Vectorscope Films and C’est Lovi Productions.

Executive producers include Williams, Michael Safai, Montgomery Blencowe, Jon Levin (“All The Empty Rooms”), Randy Jones Toll (“Roofman”), Steven J. Toll (“Roofman”), Ian Sharp and Pat Wintersgill.