Jordan Firstman's 'Club Kid' Sells to A24 for $17 Million After Cannes Premiere
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Jordan Firstman's debut feature film 'Club Kid' has been sold to A24 for $17 million following a competitive bidding war. The film, shot on 35mm and featuring trans actors in central roles, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where Firstman connected with figures like Pedro Almodóvar. The project moved rapidly from script to screen, with financing secured quickly after an initial development period.
Facts First
- Film 'Club Kid' sold to A24 for $17 million after a bidding war with six other studios.
- Project is writer/director/star Jordan Firstman's debut feature, developed from a script begun years ago at Sundance.
- Financing was secured within months of the second draft, with filming starting three months later.
- Shot on 35mm film, a format Firstman prioritized by giving up his fees.
- Features trans people in central roles and its production brought 50 trans and queer attendees from Marseille Voguers to Cannes.
What Happened
Jordan Firstman's film 'Club Kid' was sold to distributor [A24] for $17 million following a bidding war against six other studio competitors. The deal was announced following the film's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The project began development a few years ago at the Sundance Institute, with financing secured within a couple of months of the second script draft. Filming began three months after financing was locked, with the production shot on 35mm film. Firstman, who is the film's writer, director, and star, gave up his fees to ensure it was shot on film. The cast includes child actor Reggie Absolom.
Why this Matters to You
A major studio acquisition for a debut film featuring trans actors in central roles could signal a broader shift in the types of stories that get greenlit and distributed widely. For audiences, this may lead to more diverse and authentic narratives reaching mainstream platforms like [A24]. The film's rapid path from script to screen suggests a model where compelling projects with clear vision can find backing efficiently.
What's Next
With the distribution deal with [A24] now closed, the next steps will likely involve planning the film's theatrical and streaming release schedule. The successful festival premiere and acquisition may pave the way for Firstman's future projects and could encourage similar investments in inclusive storytelling.