The Inbox (Oct. 12-18, 2013)

Every week, I get several press releases, screening invitations and other notifications from a handful of studio contacts. While I won’t be sharing any information regarding my screening invites, some of the press releases might be of interest to my readers, so I thought I’d start sharing them in toto with all of you. These could include new image galleries for various films or important updates to upcoming releases from various smaller studios and art house production companies.

Press Release: Desmond Child and Curtis Shaw Tie Knot on Day of Their Documentary Premiere

GRAMMY AWARD WINNING SONGWRITER/FILM PRODUCER DESMOND CHILD AND FILM PRODUCER CURTIS SHAW TIE THE KNOT IN NEW YORK CITY ON THE DAY OF THEIR NEW YORK PREMIERE OF THEIR DOCUMENTARY “TWO: THE STORY OF ROMAN & NYRO” A FILM BY HEATHER WINTERS

Award Winning Film Will Open Los Angeles Friday, October 18 And Then Select Cities Nationwide

October 14, 2013 – Los Angeles, CA In a very private New York ceremony last week, 70’S/80’S rock musician/Grammy Award winning songwriter-producer and recently turned film producer DESMOND CHILD was married to his life-partner of 24 years, CURTIS SHAW, also a film producer on October 4th, 2013 in New York City’s Conservatory Gardens in Central Park. CHILD is one of the most accomplished hit makers responsible for writing and/or producing over 70 Top 40 singles with 300 million albums sold worldwide (‘LIVIN’ ON A PRAYER’, ‘LIVIN’ LA VIDA LOCA’, ‘I WAS MADE FOR LOVING YOU’). He has worked with Cher, Bon Jovi, KISS, Ricky Martin, Alice Cooper, Joan Jett, Meat Loaf, Aerosmith and others.

Officiating as the Best Men at the ceremony were their 11-year old twin sons, Roman Shaw Child and Nyro Shaw Child who are also the stars of a new documentary TWO: THE STORY OF ROMAN & NYRO that has been making it’s way through this year’s film festival circuit. The film premiered with an Oscar® qualifying run in New York on October 4 (after the wedding) and will open this week in Los Angeles on October 18. It will then go onto select cities nationwide throughout the year. The award winning film documents the personal and powerful story of the Shaw Child Family and how it all began with Angela Whittaker – their sons’ surrogate mother, as told by the kids themselves, Roman and Nyro. The documentary features appearances by the boys’ godfather, Jon Bon Jovi and family friend Deepak Chopra.

TWO: THE STORY OF ROMAN & NYRO affirms that the fact that it is love that makes a family, and that modern families may be modern in their making, but timelessly human at their core. The Shaw Child Family consisting of Dads Desmond & Curtis/Kids Roman & Nyro/ Surrogate Mom Angela is a prime example of the new modern family and what soon will become the new normal, as same-sex marriages become legal around the globe. The family resides in Nashville, TN.

Press Release: New York Film Critics Series Launch In-Theater Screening Series

NEW YORK FILM CRITICS SERIES ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF LIVE NATIONAL IN-THEATER SCREENING SERIES MODERATED BY ROLLING STONE FILM CRITIC PETER TRAVERS ALEXANDER PAYNE’S “NEBRASKA” TO PLAY OPENING NIGHT

New York (NY) – The New York Film Critics Series® (NYFCS®), one of the leading word-of-mouth screening companies, has announced they have partnered with Movie Theater locations throughout the U.S. to present a live, national, in-theater Screening Series. The events are moderated by Peter Travers, film critic for Rolling Stone Magazine, and ABC’s Popcorn. The Series presents interactive, in-theater; pre-release movies and big screen HD simulcast with the stars and filmmakers.

The opening night will feature Paramount Vantage’s NEBRASKA, with live appearances by the film’s stars Bruce Dern, Winner of Best Actor, 2013 International Cannes Film Festival, and Will Forte (SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE and MACGRUBER). After receiving a sweepstakes letter in the mail, a cantankerous father (Dern) thinks he’s struck it rich and wrangles his son (Forte) into taking a road trip to claim the fortune. Shot in black and white across four states, Nebraska tells the stories of family life in the heartland of America. June Squibb, Stacy Keach and Bob Odenkirk round out the cast. Nebraska is directed by Oscar® winner Alexander Payne (THE DESCENDANTS, SIDEWAYS). The film opens in theaters November 15. The live event will be simulcast live from AMC EMPIRE 25, 234 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036. 8PM ET. www.nyfilmcriticsseries.com

A regular series of ongoing preview screenings is established in approximately 50 selected major markets. Audiences experience all of the excitement of live Q&A sessions, hosted by Peter Travers. The big screen events deliver 9-13 curated pre-release films per year to discerning audiences on a monthly basis. Each movie in the Screening Series is introduced live by Peter Travers. Audiences then see award contenders prior to their release followed by live, HD Q&A between Travers, audiences and talent from the films. Each piece will bring the energy and VIP nature of prestigious, NYC screenings for nationwide audiences to interact with stars and directors via two way simulcast. This will not be available on the internet or TV.

Producer Mark Ehrenkranz, who will continue to program the series, commented: “Exclusive New York screenings with Peter Travers and live stars will now be intimately shared and enjoyed by film lovers everywhere in the comfort of their own neighborhood theaters. Unavailable in the past, filmgoers now have immediate access to personally chat with artisans to honestly discuss their work. The creators of the best independent films will now mutually interact with a nationwide audience to help spread the word and ensure that these films of high caliber continue to be made and distributed.” The prestige movies in the Screening Series might be followed by a regular theatrical run, or be available thereafter on VOD, DVD and other home entertainment vehicles.

This is the first ever Live National In-Theater Screening Series which will entertain, educate, surprise, and refresh the spirit of true independent and foreign language filmmaking through provocative story-telling. The NYFCS® is dedicated to producing inspiring events in a collaborative environment and to nurturing the long-term success of movies. Featuring an energetic, creative, and experienced team, the NYFCS® exhibits socially and culturally relevant films with live world-class talent in the best independent theaters throughout the US.

The Screening Series will be produced and distributed by Ehrenkranz, who has 25+ years of experience with the NY Film Critics Series® as well as production/marketing/distribution at Pacific Arts, Pixie Productions, Really Cool Jobs®, Greyshack films, VideoLine® and Ingram Entertainment, Sponsorship is available.

Peter Travers and Mark Ehrenkranz are both available for interviews. Please email Caitlin@BrigadeMarketing.com with press interest.

——————————————————————————–

About The New York Film Critics Series®

Peter Travers, Host
Peter is an American film critic, who has written for, in turn, People and Rolling Stone. Travers also hosts a celebrity interview show called Popcorn on ABC News Now and ABCNews.com. Travers joined Rolling Stone in 1989 after a four-year stint with People. He’s best known for his basic writing style that eschews a more sophisticated analysis for an easy-to-read and often very opinionated form. According to efilmcritic.com, Travers is the nation’s most blurbed film critic. Peter has hosted the NYFCS for over 10 years. In addition to Rolling Stone Magazine, ABC-TV, Peter appears regularly on Newsweek & The Daily Beast, The Soho Apple Store, and CNN.

Mark Ehrenkranz, Series Producer
Mark Ehrenkranz has been producing The NY Film Critics Series® for 18 years. He is also producing Turbulent Souls a full length feature film based on the memoirs of Stephen J. Dubner (co-author of Freakonomics ). National, key account marketing and sales executive for Ingram Entertainment. His credits include: Michael Nesmith’s Prime Time NBC Series, Television Parts. USA’s Nightflight, Radio 1990, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, Entertainment Tonight, CBS’s America, To Hear, a PBS Special Presentation hosted by Joel Grey. Assistant to Harvey Miller, Private Benjamin, Protocol, Bad Medicine. Fire and Ice, a Ralph Bakshi/Frank Frazetta Production & Twentieth Century Fox. Assistant to Jerry Belson ,Fun With Dick and Jane, Surrender, Always. Really Cool Jobs™ Save The Child, Return Of The Squeegee Men.

Michael Wynne Associate Producer and Exhibitor Relations
Michael Wynne has worked with the NY Film Critics Series® for 5 year in a variety of rolls, and currently serves as an Associate Producer for the series. He graduated from Boston University in 2008 where he majored in Film and Television. In the past, he has worked for Good Morning America and Dr. Phil as well as a Producer for Theory Films, Inc. In his current position, Michael helps oversee screening operations to guarantee the highest quality events for audiences. He works with all: theaters, distributors, key PR firms and talent on a constant basis for the series.

Enrico Paola Marketing and Sponsorships
Enrico Paola is a marketing consultant who has developed entertainment marketing partnerships for movie theatres, content partners and agencies. With an extensive background in filmed entertainment and theatrical marketing, Mr. Paola held senior roles at Loews Cineplex Entertainment and Cinema Scene Marketing before launching his own consultancy. His clients have included concession packaging and distribution companies, new technology start-ups, real-estate developers and most recently, the new state-of-the-art CityPlex12 theatre in Newark, NJ. Mr. Paola brings 20 years of experience in marketing and sponsorships and holds an MBA from the Fordham Graduate School of Business.

Independent Theaters
The NYFCS® network of U.S. theaters are independent partners that are dedicated to presenting the finest films available. These are exhibitors who take great pride in their shows and provide patrons with state-of-the-art, live HD experiences in the comfort of their convenient locations. Each location has been carefully chosen to ensure the best possible experience that is available in domestic, independent cinema today.

Press Release: Icarus Films Acquires “Gringo Trails”

Icarus Films acquires GRINGO TRAILS, Hard-hitting Documentary on the Cultural and Environmental Impacts of Global Tourism

Sold Out Premiere at American Museum of Natural History’s Margaret Mead Film Festival this Saturday, Oct 19, 8:30 p.m.

October 15, 2013, New York: Today, Icarus Films announced its acquisition of all North American distribution rights to GRINGO TRAILS directed by anthropologist Pegi Vail, Associate Director of the Center of Media, Culture and History at New York University. The deal was signed by Jonathan Miller, president of Icarus Films for North American rights including non-theatrical, theatrical, home video and digital markets.

The film is a strong addition to Icarus Films’ extensive collections of documentaries on Anthropology and Cultural Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Globalization, Sustainability, and Urban Studies. It is currently available for engagements including film festivals and theatrical and non-theatrical/educational bookings.

GRINGO TRAILS will premiere this Saturday, October 19 at 8:30 p.m. at the American Museum of Natural History’s Margaret Mead Film Festival. The screening is sold out, however limited tickets are available for covering journalists and film programmers.

GRINGO TRAILS is a feature‐length documentary that raises urgent questions about one of the most powerful globalizing forces of our time: tourism. The film follows stories along the well-worn western travelers’ route–the ‘gringo trail’, through South America and beyond to Africa and Asia, revealing the complex relationships between colliding cultures: host countries hungry for financial security and the tourists who provide it in their quest for authentic experiences. “We travel, initially, to lose ourselves,” says travel writer Pico Iyer; “and we travel, next, to find ourselves.” We travel for escape and for encounter, to challenge our assumptions and our limits, and to expand our visions of the possible. As dramatically as travelers are altered by new landscapes, values and belief systems, they also unavoidably alter the people and places they visit. Are tourists destroying the planet–or saving it? How do travelers change the remote places they visit, and how are they changed? From the Bolivian jungle to the party beaches of Thailand, and from the deserts of Timbuktu, Mali to the breathtaking beauty of Bhutan, GRINGO TRAILS shows the dramatic long-‐term impact of tourism on cultures, economies, and the environment, tracing some stories over 30 years.
Click here to watch a trailer for GRINGO TRAILS.

“In GRINGO TRAILS, Vail travels around the world to show how travelers are affected by the romance of packaged travel stories in the media as well as through word of mouth. Adventure becomes a commodity. …How were these places “discovered,” and how did they change as a result? What effect does the influx of tourists—the kind who insist they are not tourists—have on the environment and on the people? Are these travelers even aware that they leave their fingerprints all over the economy, the culture and the ecosystem of the places they visit?” —Pam Mandel, AOL Gadling

Press Release: “Pact 2” Sales U.S. and International Rights

CONTENT SCARES UP MULTIPLE SALES ON THE PACT 2, SEQUEL TO THE INT’L BOX OFFICE HIT THE PACT IFC MIDNIGHT PICKS UP THE U.S. THEATRICAL RIGHTS

16 October 2013, Los Angeles – Content announced that IFC Midnight has picked up the US theatrical rights to THE PACT 2, the sequel to the box office hit THE PACT, written and directed by Dallas Hallam and Patrick Horvath. The film stars Camilla Luddington (True Blood, Grey’s Anatomy, Californication), Patrick Fischler (2 Guns, Mulholland Drive), Scott Michael Foster (Californication, Greek), Haley Hudson (The Pact, Freaky Friday), Mark Steger (The Pact, Mr. Jones, I Am Legend) and Caity Lotz (The Pact, The Machine). THE PACT 2 is produced by Preferred Film & TV’s Ross M. Dinerstein and executive produced by Content’s Jamie Carmichael and Nicholas McCarthy. Content’s Carmichael and Preferred Content’s Kevin Iwashina jointly sold North America and Content handled the rest of the world.

In addition, Content has secured multi international sales in the following territories and respective distributors: Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Leichtenstein, Alto Adige, German Speaking Luxembourg – Ascot Elite; Japan – Klockworx; Latin America – HBO OLE Acquisitions; Mexico – Epulse (Corazon Films); Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia and Central America – Euro Films; Portugal – Lusomundo; Singapore – Cathay Keris; China – H.G.C. Entertainment; Thailand, Malaysia – Sahamongkol Film; Turkey – Medyavizion.

IFC Midnight acquired and released THE PACT after it premiered in Sundance in 2012. THE PACT 2 is a truly terrifying new film set just weeks after Annie Barlow’s deadly confrontation with the Judas Killer. In this elevated sequel, we meet June, a woman whose carefully constructed life is beginning to unravel due to lucid nightmares so awful they disturb her waking life.

Jonathan Sehring, president of IFC Entertainment said: ‘We are so thrilled to be working with our friends at Preferred Film & TV and Content on the sequel to The Pact. It’s exciting to forge a continuing partnership with such a talented team.’

Producer Ross Dinerstein said: ‘Dallas and Patrick did a tremendous job taking the world of THE PACT to the next level, and we are thrilled that IFC MIDNIGHT is back to distribute. THE PACT 2 will satisfy fans even more than the first one.’

THE PACT 2 is the third film produced by Ross M. Dinerstein / Content Media Corporation (CMC) venture Preferred Film & TV (PFT) formed in 2012.

About Content Film, a division of Content Media Corporation Ltd
Content Film is the worldwide film and library sales arm of Content Media Corporation Ltd. Content specializes in high quality and commercial feature films, and is able to assist film producers in securing finance. Content handles worldwide sales, marketing, and publicity on all titles. The Feature Film Library arm also manages international sales on over 230 titles.

Content titles include: Toronto’s world premiere Jimi: All Is By My Side directed by John Ridley; The live-action adventure Pudsey: The Movie currently in produciton; The supernatural horror Dark Summer directed by Paul Solet; The Machine starring Caity Lotz and Toby Stephens; Nothing Left to Fear produced by Slash starring Clancy Brown, Anne Heche, Ethan Peck, James Tupper, Jennifer Stone and Rebekah Brandes; the violent SAS action thriller He Who Dares; the ultra-violent medieval actioner Ironclad: Battle for Blood; Mr. Jones starring Sarah Jones and Jon Foster; the cult genre Outpost III: Rise of the Spetsnaz, Sundance’s and Berlinale’s Panorama selection Concussion; Sundance’s Director Award Winner, World Dramatic Cinema Crystal Fairy starring Michael Cera and directed by Sebastian Silva and action thriller The Numbers Station starring John Cusack and Malin Akerman.

Content attends all major markets and festivals including Cannes, Venice, Toronto, AFM, London, Rome, Sundance and Berlin. Content Film is being managed in an executive capacity by Jamie Carmichael, President – Film Division

Press Release: Jury Members Announced for 1st Annual La Costa Film Festival

FIRST ANNUAL LA COSTA FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2013 DISTINGUISHED JURY MEMBERS

Festival also announces Panel Discussion: “How to Make the Most Out of Your Short Film”

LA COSTA, CA (October 18, 2013) – The La Costa Film Festival (www.lacostafilmfestival.org) announced today its 2013 jury, as well as a panel discussion about short filmmaking that will take place during the festival, which runs October 24-27, 2013 at the world famous Omni La Costa Resort and Spa.

From professional athletes to Academy Award winners, this year’s Jury will announce the grand prize winners of the festival’s signature Sports Competition at an Awards Ceremony on October 26. The ceremony will take place just prior to the screening of the closing night film, AT MIDDLETON, starring Andy Garcia and Vera Farmiga.

The jury includes: former Chargers NFL kicker John Carney; former Laker and current CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, Brad Holland; actor William Mapother (Another Earth, Lost), Academy Award winning filmmaker Freida Lee Mock (Maya Lin: A Strong Vision, Anita); and Sports Director of San Diego’s KUSI-TV, Paul Rudy.

The juried sports competition includes a variety of compelling documentary features: THE CRASH REEL follows snowboarder Kevin Pearce and the traumatic brain injury that kept him from competing for Gold in 2010; MAIDENTRIP reveals the journey of Laura Dekker, the youngest person to ever sail around the world alone; MCCONKEY is about Shane McConkey, a revered pioneer of free-skiing and ski-BASE jumping; and the story of two young surfers who battle nature in a remote, arctic island in Northern Norway in order to catch the perfect wave is the focus of NORTH OF THE SUN. The opening night film, THE SHORT GAME, will also compete.

Shorts in competition include: SLOMO, THE RED PILL, CROOKED LINES, and MAGNESIUM.

The festival will also feature a free panel discussion on Saturday, October 26 at 1:00pm at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. “How to Make the Most of Your Short Film” features a line-up of industry experts, including: Lauren Avinoam, a consultant for short film marketing and festival strategy; comedian, actor, and director Jeff Grace; programmer for the Newport Beach Film Festival, Max Naylor; and Jacques Thelemaque, filmmaker and former Chief Community Officer at Withoutabox.com. The panel will be moderated by Elliot V. Kotek, Editor-in-Chief of Beyond Cinema magazine and Celebs.com. Kotek is a filmmaker as well, having written and produced a number of feature and short films.

More information about the festival, including the full schedule of films and events, can be found at: http://www.lacostafilmfestival.org.

Tickets and Passes
The inaugural La Costa Film Festival runs October 24-27 at the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa, located at 2100 Costa Del Mar Road in Carlsbad, CA. Additional screenings will take place at nearby venues, including Cinepolis Theaters and the Ruby G. Schulman Theater. Festival Passes and individual screening tickets are currently on sale at the festival’s website. For more information please visit www.lacostafilmfestival.org or follow us on Twitter (@LaCostaFilmFest).

ABOUT THE LA COSTA FILM FESTIVAL
Founded by La Costa residents Michael and Ruby Callihan in 2013, The La Costa Film Festival will deliver a new cultural experience to North San Diego County, integrating a series of film screenings, panels, retrospectives, and gala events in celebration of the art and impact of motion pictures. All net proceeds of the festival will go to the local Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad.

The annual event will showcase some of the most engaging international documentaries, narrative features, and short films of the past year and present them in a variety of unique local venues. The Opening Night Gala will feature a red carpet and a screening under the stars on the beautiful grounds of the Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. Additional screenings will be offered at the nearby, luxurious La Costa Cinepolis Theaters, as well as the spacious Ruby G. Schulman Theater, at the Carlsbad Dove Library next door to the Resort. Film enthusiasts may join in Q&As and mingle with participating filmmakers as well as celebrity guests at numerous intimate parties where all pass-holders are welcome.

ABOUT OMNI LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA
Fresh from a $50 million renovation and nestled among the beautiful coastal foothills of Carlsbad, Calif., Omni La Costa Resort & Spa boasts a new look with no part of the resort untouched. California’s original destination for Mind, Body + Sport, Omni La Costa’s re-designed areas include 607 newly imagined guestrooms and suites, an adult-only pool venue, the Coastal Events Center featuring 110,000 square feet of meeting and event space, an expanded Athletic Club as well as two golf courses, including the all-new Champions Course, recognized by Golf magazine as “Southern California’s Only Gold Medal Golf Resort.” Honored as the #1 Wellness Spa in the Nation by Spa magazine, the 43,000-square-foot Spa at Omni La Costa includes a private pool, café and therapeutic reflexology path. Acclaimed restaurants – Legends Bistro and BlueFire Grill – present an updated take on locally inspired cuisine and culinary delights prepared by Chef Gregory Frey, Jr. For more information on Omni La Costa, call (800) 854-5000 or visit www.lacosta.com.