FilmDistrict sets Open Road distrib'n deal

FilmDistrict has decided to a 3-film distribution cope with Open Road.FilmDistrict topper Peter Schlessel confirmed the offer Tuesday to Variety.Move comes per month after Bob and Jeanne Berney introduced their exit because the top distribution and marketing executives at FilmDistrict, an abrupt change for that fledgling distrib that's packing up its NY office and moving all procedures to La.The Berneys continues handling FilmDistrict releases until March 1.FilmDistrict saw success captured with "Insidious" and "Soul Surfer," each of which were acquired by The new sony Pictures Worldwide Purchases. (Sony's TriStar Pictures distribbed the second pic, with FilmDistrict co-marketing.)Summer time releases "You Shouldn't Be Scared of the Dark" and "Drive" saw modest-to-OK results.Underneath the deal between Open Road and FilmDistrict, Open Road will release scifier "Avoid M.S. One," starring Guy Pearce and Maggie Sophistication, on April 20, and also the "Red-colored Beginning" remake on November. 2. The 3rd film has not been selected. Contact Dork McNary at dork.mcnary@variety.com