Hollywoodreporter: Lions Gate, IFC, Showtime hot for 'Fahrenheit'

Hollywoodreporter.com: "While Lions Gate had long been considered a front-runner to distribute Moore's film because of the company's previous relationship with the Weinsteins -- Lions Gate has rolled out such too-hot-to-handle Miramax fare as Kevin Smith's 'Dogma' -- IFC emerged as a dark horse in the 'Fahrenheit' theatrical race. Sources close to the film had previously indicated that units including Newmarket Films, Focus Features and ThinkFilm had all been in discussions at various times.

However, through its cable net, IFC has been doing business with the Weinsteins for years, and its theatrical division has had success in growing grassroots movements for such films as 'Y Tu Mama Tambien' and 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding.' The company also has a strong New York presence, while Lions Gate is based in Los Angeles.

Some sources also speculated Tuesday night that the Weinsteins could also be laying the groundwork to develop a further relationship with IFC parent Rainbow Media Enterprises, which is slated to be spun off by New York-based Cablevision Systems this year. The revamped RME will include the Voom satellite TV division, other cable nets including AMC and the Clearview Cinemas theater chain. The Weinsteins have expressed an interest in developing a Miramax cable presence, and the nascent Voom division also is seeking content packages.

The Weinsteins also indicated that they aren't finished bringing partners aboard 'Fahrenheit' and that further names would be added, possibly in a bid to pack a more potent political punch. In addition, by bringing other corporations aboard -- like Viacom, which owns Showtime, and, possibly, NBC Universal, parent of Universal Home Video -- the move could give the Weinsteins the added satisfaction of making Disney look timid."