The Inbox (Feb. 1-7, 2014)

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.

Image Gallery: Winter’s Tale

View the Gallery Here

Image Gallery: 3 Days to Kill

View the Gallery Here

Image: Brick Mansions

Press Release: Divergent Trailer Premiered on Jimmy Kimmel Live

THE TRAILER FOR SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FEATURE FILM, “DIVERGENT,” SET TO PREMIERE TONIGHT ON JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE!

STARS SHAILENE WOODLEY AND THEO JAMES TO MAKE SPECIAL APPEARANCE TO DEBUT BRAND NEW TRAILER MULTI PLATINUM, GRAMMY® WINNING ARTIST ZEDD TO PERFORM “FIND YOU” FEATURING MATTHEW KOMA AND MIRIAM BRYANT FROM ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK OF “DIVERGENT” FULL TRAILER TO PREMIERE FEBRUARY 4TH ON BUZZFEED

Santa Monica, CA (February 3, 2014) — The new trailer for the upcoming futuristic action-adventure film DIVERGENT from Summit Entertainment, a LIONSGATE® (NYSE: LGF) company, will make its world premiere on ABC’s JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! tonight, Monday, February 3 at 11:35pm/10:35pm CT. Stars of the film Shailene Woodley and Theo James will appear on the show to give fans a first look at the new preview with a surprise stunt in store. Additionally, recent Grammy winner and multi-platinum DJ/producer Zedd will perform his new single “Find You” featuring Matthew Koma and Miriam Bryant from DIVERGENT’s Original Motion Picture Soundtrack on tonight’s show.

Following the premiere of the first-look, the full trailer will launch online tomorrow morning, on Tuesday, February 4 at 8 AM PST/11AM EST via BuzzFeed.

The film, which is based on the bestselling novel Divergent by Veronica Roth and hailed as the most highly anticipated movie of 2014 by social media research firm Fizziology, will be released in theaters and on IMAX® screens nationwide on March 21st.

Divergent is the first installment in the Divergent trilogy, the top three books on USA Today’s best-seller list in 2013. The story is set within a future world where people are divided into distinct factions based on their personalities, and Tris Prior, played by Shailene Woodley, is warned she is Divergent and will never fit into any one group. When she discovers a conspiracy to destroy all Divergents, she must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous before it’s too late.

Divergent is directed by Neil Burger from a screenplay by Evan Daugherty and Vanessa Taylor, based on the novel by Veronica Roth. The film stars Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Ashley Judd, Jai Courtney, Ray Stevenson, ZoЈ Kravitz, Miles Teller, Tony Goldwyn, Ansel Elgort, Maggie Q, Mekhi Phifer, and Kate Winslet.

North American fans can pre-order Divergent: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, which is out on March 11, 2014 on Interscope Records, exclusively at www.divergentsoundtrack.com now.

ABOUT LIONSGATE
Lionsgate is a leading global entertainment company with a strong and diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, family entertainment, digital distribution, new channel platforms and international distribution and sales. Lionsgate currently has more than 30 television shows on 20 networks spanning its primetime production, distribution and syndication businesses, including such critically-acclaimed hits as the multiple Emmy Award-winning Mad Men and Nurse Jackie, the comedy Anger Management, the network series Nashville, the syndication success The Wendy Williams Show and the critically-acclaimed new series Orange is the New Black.

Its feature film business has been fueled by such recent successes as the blockbuster first and second installments of THE HUNGER GAMES franchise, THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 2, NOW YOU SEE ME, KEVIN HART: LET ME EXPLAIN, WARM BODIES, THE EXPENDABLES 2, THE POSSESSION, SINISTER, ARBITRAGE, MUD and Pantelion Films’ breakout hit INSTRUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED, the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S.

Lionsgate’s home entertainment business is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rate. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of approximately 15,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as the foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate and Summit brands remain synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world.

Press Release: New York International Children’s Film Festival Announces Complete 2014 Slate

NEW YORK INT’L CHILDREN’S FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES COMPLETE 2014 SLATE

TICKETS ON SALE TODAY, FEBRUARY 3 EVENT RUNS MARCH 7-30 OSCAR®-QUALIFYING FEST FOR BEST ANIMATED & LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM 30,000 EXPECTED FOR 100+ SHORT AND FEATURE FILMS

NYICFF 2014 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
AMAZONIA – OPENING NIGHT, US PREMIERE
MUPPETS SING-A-LONG – LIVE EVENT WITH BRET MCKENZIE & MUPPET PAL WALTER
MUPPETS MOST WANTED – SPECIAL PREVIEW SCREENING
RIO 2 – SPECIAL PREVIEW SCREENING
ERNEST & CELESTINE – 2014 OSCAR® NOMINEE, BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
AUNT HILDA! – NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
BOY AND THE WORLD – US PREMIERE
FOOSBALL 3D – US PREMIERE
LAIKA: BEHIND THE MAGIC – BEHIND THE SCENES WORKSHOP & SCREENING

TICKETS ON SALE AT WWW.GKIDS.COM

New York, New York, February 3, 2014 – The critically acclaimed New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival has announced its full slate for the 2014 edition, which runs March 7-30 at five Manhattan locations. The Festival will present 100 new animated and live action shorts and features, opening and closing night parties, studio showcases, retrospectives, filmmaker Q&As, filmmaking workshops, the Whole Foods Market Pop-Up Concessions Stand, audience voting and the NYICFF Awards Ceremony.

The 17th edition includes four weeks of groundbreaking and thought-provoking new films for ages 3-18. Highlights include US and North American feature film premieres of Amazonia (France), Boy in the World (Brazil), Aunt Hilda! (France), Foosball (Argentina), Patema Inverted (Japan) and others, six Oscar®-qualifying short film programs, a live sing-a-long event featuring 2011’s The Muppets and hosted by Oscar®-winning producer and composer Bret McKenzie, and LAIKA: Behind the Magic, a special presentation featuring never-before-seen footage of the studio’s upcoming feature, The Boxtrolls.

“The 2014 Festival brings together an incredible mix of the best new film from six continents – from the newest crop of international features, special preview screenings, and even a few Oscar® nominees, to our six wonderfully eclectic short film programs, where many of the Festival’s true treasures lie,” said Festival found and creative director Eric Beckman. “Families and film-lovers of all ages can feast on four weekends of non-stop movies. It is an eye-opening, horizon-expanding experience – and just a whole lot of fun.”

DATES: March 7- March 30 – Full schedule available at www.gkids.com

LOCATIONS: DGA Theater, IFC Center, Scholastic Theater, SVA Theatre and Village East Cinema

SHORT FILM PROGRAMS – The Festival’s wildly popular short film programs showcase the best short films from around the world, selected from over 3,000 entries. Jury-selected winners will be eligible for Oscar® consideration in animated and live action short film categories. Featured in this year’s lineup are Feral (Daniel Sousa, Heebie Jeebies) and Mr. Hublot (Laurent Witz, Short Films Two), both nominated for best animated short film at the 2014 Academy Awards®.

Shorts For Tots – (Ages 3 to 6)
Short Films One – (Ages 5 to 10)
Short Films Two – (Ages 8 to 14)
Flicker Lounge: For Teens & Adults Only – (Ages 12 to adult)
Heebie Jeebies: Spooky, Freaky & Bizarre – (Ages 10 to adult)
Girls’ POV – (Ages 10 to adult)

SPECIAL PROGRAMS:

AMAZONIA 3D – Opening Night Film, US Premiere, Live Action, France, Thierry Ragobert.

Get ready to meet the cutest animal in the entire known universe – a baby capuchin monkey with impossibly huge eyes and impossibly human expressions – on a stunningly photographed 3D adventure into the heart of the Amazon rainforest.

Recommended ages: 5 to adult

ANNIE: IT’S THE HARD KNOCK LIFE – Q&A with cast members, Documentary, United States, Joshua Seftel

In 2012, over 5,000 young girls traveled to New York City to vie for a part in the Broadway revival of Annie and a bed in Miss Hannigan’s infamous orphanage. Only eight got a part. Director Joshua Seftel takes us backstage for a behind-the-scenes look at the creative chaos that is putting on a Broadway show – from the first auditions and early choreography, to dress rehearsal calamities and opening night jitters.

In English – Recommended ages: 6 to adult

LAIKA: BEHIND THE MAGIC – Special Event includes workshop, special screening of Coraline, first peek of footage from upcoming Boxtrolls, and Q&A

A rare behind-the-scenes presentation from LAIKA studios, creators of the Academy Award®-nominated Coraline and ParaNorman. LAIKA’s Mark Shapiro will give insights into the intricate stop-motion animation process, using footage of time-lapse production, exclusive clips of LAIKA animators at work, and a demonstration using the actual character models from of the movies. Followed by a complete screening of the film Coraline and an exclusive first look at never-before-seen footage from the upcoming LAIKA feature The Boxtrolls.

Recommended ages: 9 to adult

MUPPETS MOST WANTED – Special Preview Screening, Live Action, United States, James Bobin

The latest adventure from the beloved Muppet gang takes them across the globe as they embark on an international tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe’s most exciting destinations including Berlin, Madrid, Dublin, and London. James Bobin, who (like us) can’t seem to get enough of the Muppets, returns to the directing chair after the 2011 hit The Muppets. Also returning is Oscar®-winning songwriter Bret McKenzie, who is a star in his own right as half of the musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords.

Rated PG

MUPPETS SING-A-LONG – Live Sing-A-Long Event

Join award-winning composer and producer Bret McKenzie and Muppet pal Walter (Peter Linz) in an interactive sing-along screening of the 2011 Disney hit The Muppets, suitable for Muppet lovers of all ages. The film features Bret’s Oscar®-winning Man or Muppet, plus Life’s a Happy Song, Pictures in My Head and lots of other toe-tapping classics. Come sing along!

Rated PG

RIO 2 3D – Special Preview Screening, Animation, United States, Carlos Saldanha

Fly to Brazil ahead of the flock, with this special pre-release screening of Rio 2, the latest from Oscar®-winning Blue Sky Animation Studio. The Rio characters are joined by Oscar® nominee Andy Garcia, Grammy® winner Bruno Mars, Tony® winner Kristin Chenoweth, and Oscar®/Emmy®/Tony® winner Rita Moreno.

In English – Recommended: all ages

NYICFF 2014 FEATURE FILMS (ALPHABETICAL):

ANINA – Animation, Uruguay, Alfredo Soderguit.

With an oddly comforting charm, Anina, is a quirky, warm, simply-but-beautifully animated picture with a look that seems hand crafted from materials gently worn and loved.

Subtitled – Recommended ages: 7 to adult (5 to adult for Spanish speaking audiences)

AUNT HILDA! – North American Premiere, Animation, France, Girerd/ Chieux

Jacques-Remy Girerd, creator of A Cat in Paris and Mia and the Migoo returns to NYICFF with his latest hand-drawn gem, Aunt Hilda!, a glorious throwback to the flower power classics like Yellow Submarine and The Point. Hilda lives high above the city, happily at home with tens of thousands of rare and luscious plants in her palace of a greenhouse. But down below, a new, genetically modified super-grain threatens to disrupt the delicate natural harmony. Hilda must help the Earth save itself from a very colorful biological mayhem.

Subtitled – Recommended ages: 7 to adult

BOY AND THE WORLD – US Premiere, Animation, Brazil, Alê Abreu.

Brazilian artist Alê Abreu brings to screen a strikingly unique visual style to show the world through the eyes of a young boy. A child, Cuca, lives a life of quiet wonder, exploring all that the countryside has to offer. His cozy life is shattered when his father leaves for the city, prompting him to embark on a quest to reunite his family.

Recommended ages: 5 to adult

ERNEST & CELESTINE – 2014 Oscar® Nominee, Best Animated Feature, Animation, France, Benjamin Renner, Vincent Patar, Staphane Aubier

NYICFF 2013 Opening Night film and Grand Prize winner returns as a Best Animated Feature Oscar®-nominee! Director Benjamin Renner is our guest for the New York theatrical premiere of the new English language version, featuring Forest Whitaker, Mackenzie Foy, Lauren Bacall, Paul Giamatti, William H. Macy, Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman, and Jeffrey Wright.

In English – Recommended ages: 5 to adult

FOOSBALL 3D – US Premiere, Animation, Argentina, Juan José Campanella

Oscar®-winner Juan José Campanella’s first animated film obliterated box office records in his home country of Argentina and puts Hollywood on notice that high-end CGI is not the exclusive purview of the major US studios with this tale of foosball players come to life.

Subtitled – Recommended ages: 7 to adult

HOUSE OF MAGIC 3D – North American Premiere, Animation, France, Stassen/Degruson

3D maestro Ben Stassen (NYICFF 2011’s Sammy’s Adventures) returns with a rollercoaster-ride of a film filled with jack-in-the-box surprises, inventive robotic contraptions, and plenty of swooping and swooshing z-axis movement.

In English – Recommended ages: 6 to adult

JACK AND THE CUCKOO CLOCK HEART – North American Premiere, Animation, France, Malzieu/Berla

Produced by Luc Besson, who gave us the 2012 opening night A Monster in Paris, this breathtaking gothic musical is the passion project of writer/director/composer Mathias Malzieu, adapted from his best-selling novel and the 2007 concept album from his rock band Dionysos.

In English – Recommended ages: 8 to adult

MOTHER, I LOVE YOU – New York Premiere, Live Action, Latvia, Janis Nords

Winner of top prizes at the Berlin and Los Angeles Film Festivals, Janis Nord’s instantly engaging second feature combines coming-of-age drama with slow-burn thriller to tell the story of a boy who is unable to extricate himself from a growing web of lies

Subtitled – Recommended ages: 9 to adult

PATEMA INVERTED – North American Premiere, Animation, Japan, Yasuhiro Yoshiura

The new feature from Time of Eve director Yasuhiro Yoshiura is a perspective-twisting sci-fi adventure about two kids separated by opposite gravities. Once they master the art of navigating competing gravitational forces, they set out to evade their respective leaders and discover the secret that keeps their worlds apart.

Subtitled – Recommended ages: 9 to adult

WE ARE THE BEST! – Live Action, Sweden, Lukas Moodysson

Lukas Moodysson’s fantastic new picture about trio of 13-year-old schoolgirls trying to form a punk band is overflowing with energy and youthful exuberance.

Subtitled – Recommended ages: 13 to adult

ZIP & ZAP AND THE MARBLE GANG – New York Premiere, Live Action, Spain, Óskar Santos

Fresh from premieres at Sundance and Toronto, Zip & Zap is one of the most talked about family films on the festival circuit – a classic mystery adventure in the vein of Harry Potter, Indiana Jones, and The Goonies

Subtitled – Recommended ages: 7 to adult

NYICFF 2014 JURY:
John Canemaker – Academy Award®-winning animator (The Moon and the Son)
Geena Davis – Academy Award®-winning actor and Founder, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
Lynne McVeigh – Associate Professor of Children’s Media at NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Matthew Modine – Award-winning actor (Full Metal Jacket, The Dark Knight Rises)
Richard Peña – Director Emeritus New York Film Festival, Columbia University Professor of Film Studies
Bill Plympton – Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker (Guard Dog, Idiots and Angels)
Dana Points – Editor-in-Chief of Parents magazine
Susan Sarandon – Academy Award®-winning actor (Dead Man Walking, Arbitrage)
James Schamus – Award-winning filmmaker (Brokeback Mountain, The Ice Storm)
Henry Selick– Academy Award®-nominated director (Coraline)
Evan Shapiro – President, Participant Television
Uma Thurman – Academy Award®-nominated actor (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2)
Christine Vachon – Award-winning filmmaker (Boys Don’t Cry, Mildred Pierce)
Gus Van Sant – Award-winning director (Good Will Hunting, Milk)
Taika Waititi – Academy Award®-nominated writer/director (Two Cars One Night, Boy)
Jeffrey Wright – Award-winning actor (Basquiat, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire)

ABOUT NYICFF:
Established in 1997, NYICFF is an Oscar®-qualifying event and North America’s largest film festival for children and teens ages 3-18. The most recent edition attracted a sold-out-in-advance audience of 30,000. NYICFF 2014 takes place March 7-30, with 100+ films from around the world, plus premieres, retrospectives, filmmaker Q&As, filmmaking workshops, audience voting, and the NYICFF Awards Ceremony. Festival sponsors include Whole Foods Market, Meredith Parents Network, and Scholastic, with funding support by National Endowment for the Arts, NY State Council on the Arts, and NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. In addition to the annual March festival, NYICFF presents year-round film programming both in New York and nationally, including annual children’s film festivals in Boston, Los Angeles, Miami and Philadelphia.

Press Release: Content to Handle Worldwide Rights to “He Who Dares”

CONTENT REPRISES ROLE WITH PAUL TANTER TO HANDLE WORLDWIDE RIGHTS FOR “HE WHO DARES: DOWNING STREET SIEGE”

Los Angeles, February 3, 2014 – Content will be selling worldwide rights to Paul Tanter’s HE WHO DARES: DOWNING STREET SIEGE, the sequel to HE WHO DARES which Content sold at last year’s Le Marché in Cannes, at the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin.

Benedict Knight (KICK ASS 2) and Simon Phillips (U.F.O.) will reprise their roles in HE WHO DARES: THE DOWNING STREET SIEGE, which will also star Russell Kilmister (“Doctors”) and Ryan Winsley (ESSEX BOYS RETRIBUTION). Paul Tanter (ESSEX BOYS RETRIBUTION) returns to direct the sequel violent SAS action thriller, which is produced by Simon Phillips.

Content’s Jamie Carmichael said, “Paul and Simon have created a bold, high intensity action franchise, and Content is delighted to be a part of their Special Force.”

The film follows the aftermath of HE WHO DARES, as Christopher Lowe finds himself summoned to 10 Downing Street to be dishonorably discharged from the SAS for disobeying a direct order, despite the fact that he saved the Prime Minister’s only daughter.

The film is currently in post-production.

Content will also be selling: the Steve McQueen documentary The Man & Le Mans; Dan Bush’s supernatural heist thriller THE TRUST; and Caradog James’ psychologically terrifying DON’T KNOCK TWICE, at the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin.

About Content
Content Film is the worldwide film and library sales arm of Content Media Corporation Ltd., which specializes in high quality and commercial feature films. In addition to handling worldwide sales, marketing, and publicity — the company assists film producers in securing finance. The Feature Film Library arm also manages international sales on over 255 titles. Content Film is being managed in an executive capacity by Jamie Carmichael, President – Film Division.

The Content slate also includes: JIMI: ALL IS BY MY SIDE directed by John Ridley and starring Andre Benjamin which premiered in Toronto; the family adventure PUDSEY: THE MOVIE, the supernatural horror DARK SUMMER directed by Paul Solet, the medieval actioner IRONCLAD 2: BATTLE FOR BLOOD; and the intense horror THE DIABOLICAL starring Ali Larter

Press Release: “The Devil’s Harvest” Completes Photography in Kiev

GEORGE MENDELUK COMPLETES PHOTOGRAPHY ON HIS EPIC ROMANCE “THE DEVIL’S HARVEST” IN KIEV

ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINEE TERENCE STAMP, GOLDEN GLOBE® NOMINEE BARRY PEPPER AND RISING STARS MAX IRONS, SAMANTHA BARKS, ANEURIN BARNARD LEAD THE CAST

Los Angeles/London, February 4, 2014: Principal photography wrapped on THE DEVIL’S HARVEST, the sweeping epic romance from producer / writer / director George Mendeluk in Kiev on January 30th.

Shot on location in Ukraine and London, THE DEVIL’S HARVEST is an action-packed, dramatic tale of love and the importance of family, set against the backdrop of political upheaval in 1930s Ukraine. Yuri (Max Irons) is an artistic soul born into a family of Cossack warriors, who struggles to win the approval of his grandfather Ivan (Terence Stamp), father Yaroslav (Barry Pepper) and the heart of Natalka (Samantha Barks.) Yuri finds his life changed forever with the invasion of the Red Army and the subsequent persecution of his family and fellow countrymen as Stalin’s regime of terror extends across Eastern Europe.

THE DEVIL’S HARVEST features an ensemble cast which includes Max Irons (The White Queen, The Host, Red Riding Hood), Samantha Barks (Les Misérables), Golden Globe® nominee Barry Pepper (The Lone Ranger, Broken City, True Grit, Saving Private Ryan) and Academy Award® nominee Terence Stamp (The Adjustment Bureau, Valkyrie). Adding to the stellar British cast, are Tamer Hassan (Dracula), Aneurin Barnard (The White Queen) and Tom Austen (Ironclad).

In addition to directing, George Mendeluk co-wrote the screenplay alongside Richard Bachynsky Hoover, from Hoover’s original story. Mendeluk produces with Jaye Gazeley and Chad Barager. Camilla Storey co-produces. Ian Ihnatowycz is the executive producer, while Richard Bachynsky executive produced in Ukraine. Douglas Milsome (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, The Shining) is the cinematographer and Daniel Hubbard (Captain Phillips, The Bourne Ultimatum) handled the casting.

Mendeluk commented “I grew up with my mother describing how she and her family survived the terror of the Holodymor – the engineered famine/ genocide wrought by Stalin in Ukraine — where 7 million perished at a time when the world looked the other way. As you see in today’s media, his long shadow stills affects Ukraine today, but our story is essentially one of love triumphing over all that life throws at it”.

Ian Ihnatowycz, who privately financed the film added “We wanted to show a side of the period between the World Wars that has really been ignored, where the Ukrainian population was decimated by the Bolsheviks, and George rightfully wanted to use the experience of one disparate family as the core story. We also decided on filming on authentic locations in Kiev, despite the attentions of factions who even today want this period of history suppressed. I am relieved that the photography is now completed”.

Mendeluk began his career in the film industry as a writer, first stepping in to the field in 1972. He has since amassed an array of film and television credits, directing a number of industry greats which include Oscar® winner Christopher Plummer, Terence Howard and Patrick Dempsey as well as Golden Globe® winner William Shatner and Oscar® nominees Hal Holbrook and Ava Gardner in The Kidnapping of the President and Academy Award ® nominee Anne Archer and Elysium’s Michael Shanks in Judicial Indiscretion.

Press Release: Ewan McGregor to Star in “Last Days in the Desert”

EWAN MCGREGOR PLAYS DUAL ROLE IN ACCLAIMED WRITER/DIRECTOR RODRIGO GARCIA’S DRAMA ‘LAST DAYS IN THE DESERT’

TYE SHERIDAN STARS ALONGSIDE CIARÁN HINDS AND AYELET ZURER

MOCKINGBIRD PICTURES AND DIVISION FILMS COMMENCE PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON PROJECT

EWAN MCGREGOR PLAYS DUAL ROLE IN ACCLAIMED WRITER/DIRECTOR RODRIGO GARCIA’S DRAMA ‘LAST DAYS IN THE DESERT’ TYE SHERIDAN STARS ALONGSIDE CIARÁN HINDS AND AYELET ZURER MOCKINGBIRD PICTURES AND DIVISION FILMS COMMENCE PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON PROJECT

Los Angeles, CA (February 5, 2014) – Mockingbird Pictures and Division Films announce today that Ewan McGregor and Tye Sheridan have signed on to star in their co-production of LAST DAYS IN THE DESERT, which is written and directed by Rodrigo Garcia (Albert Nobbs). Ciarán Hinds (There Will Be Blood) and Ayelet Zurer (Angels and Demons) round out the film’s cast as Sheridan’s Father and Mother.

LAST DAYS IN THE DESERT follows a holy man and a demon—both roles played by McGregor—on a journey through the desert. An encounter with a family struggling to survive in this harsh environment forces the holy man to confront his own fate.

The film is produced by Julie Lynn and Bonnie Curtis of Mockingbird Pictures along with Wicks Walker of Division Films, who financed the picture in collaboration with recently shingled Ironwood Entertainment, with Aspiration Media and New Balloon in association. The film has commenced principal photography in the Southern California desert.

Garcia and director of photography “Chivo” Lubezki are reunited for the picture after having worked together many years ago on Garcia’s Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her, which was awarded Un Certain Regard at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival. Lubezki received his sixth Academy Award nomination recently for his work on Gravity.

WME Entertainment is handling domestic rights, with Hanway Films representing international.

Says HanWay’s Thorsten Schumacher, ‘Rodrigo Garcia is an incredible filmmaker who we’ve long admired and he’s assembled an amazing cast and crew to bring to life this epic and profound story. We’re thrilled to introduce Last Days In The Desert to our buyers at Berlin’.

Rodrigo Garcia’s Albert Nobbs, which starred Glenn Close and was likewise produced by Mockingbird Pictures, was nominated for three Academy Awards in 2012, including Close as Best Actress.

The film boasts a cast and crew that have collectively received 37 Oscar nominations: 4-time Academy Award nominee Jeannine Oppewall (Catch Me If You Can) as production designer; 3-time Academy Award nominee Judianna Makovsky (The Hunger Games) as costume designer; 2-time Academy Award nominee Christina Smith (Schindler’s List) as makeup department head and 2-time Academy Award winner Andy Nelson (Les Misérables) and 4-time Academy Award nominee Peter Devlin (Iron Man 3) are handling sound.

Ewan McGregor most recently wrapped production on Mortdecai opposite Johnny Depp. He currently stars in August: Osage County. This fall he will star in Gavin O’ Connor’s Jane Got a Gun Opposite Natalie Portman as well as make his Broadway debut in Tom Stoppard’s “The Real Thing.” He recently starred in Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, which garnered him a Best Actor Golden Globe nomination, as well as Beginners and The Impossible. McGregor is represented by UTA, United Agents and Sloane, Offer, Weber, Dern.

Tye Sheridan received the Marcello Mastroianni Award at the 2013 Venice Film Festival and several film critics recognition, most recently receiving a nomination for Best Young Actor by the Broadcast Film Critics Association on behalf of his performance in the film Mud. He will next be seen starring alongside Nicolas Cage in the upcoming film Joe as well as Gillian Flynn’s Dark Places, both set to release this year. Additional upcoming films include The Forger with John Travolta and Grass Stains.

ABOUT MOCKINGBIRD PICTURES:
Mockingbird Pictures was formed in 1999 by Julie Lynn, with Bonnie Curtis joining as a full partner in 2011. Curtis and Lynn are currently in post-production on Victor Levin’s 5 to 7, starring Anton Yelchin and Bérénice Marlohe. Mockingbird’s other recent titles include Arie Posin’s The Face of Love, starring Annette Bening and Ed Harris, and Rodrigo Garcia’s Albert Nobbs. Prior to joining Mockingbird, Curtis spent 15 years working with Steven Spielberg, first as his assistant, then as a producer on films including Saving Private Ryan, A.I. Artificial Intelligence, and Minority Report. Lynn’s credits with Mockingbird include Rodrigo Garcia’s Mother and Child with Naomi Watts and Annette Bening, as well as his movie Nine Lives with Glenn Close, Holly Hunter, Amanda Seyfried, and Robin Wright. Additional upcoming projects include Meg LeFauve’s Showtime series Girl in a Box, Russ Beene’s adaptation of the Ron Rash novel “One Foot in Eden,” which Iain Softley will direct.

ABOUT DIVISION FILMS
Division is an independent film producer known for Spring Breakers, which premiered at the 2012 Venice International Film Festival, and was released worldwide in early 2013. Division’s The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby, led by Jessica Chastain and James McAvoy, premiered at Toronto International Film Festival 2013 and is now set for release by The Weinstein Company. Also on Division’s slate for 2014 is Anthony Lucero’s The Clown, which will star Pål Hagen (Kon-Tiki), Stacy Martin (Nymphomaniac) and Mikkel Folsgaard (A Royal Affair).

Press Release: “A Stranger in Paradise” Opens February 14

Thai Mafia Thriller ‘A Stranger in Paradise’ With Collin Egglesfield and Stuart Townsend Hits Theaters Hard on February 14, 2014

Freestyle Bows Actioner as the Year’s Action/Love Story Valentine’s Day Release

Los Angeles, CA (February 5, 2014) – Freestyle Digital Media (FDM) and Freestyle Releasing announce that they have set February 14th as the release date for director Corrado Boccia’s Bangkok-set action thriller A STRANGER IN PARADISE, setting the film up as this year’s ‘action filled Valentine’s Day’ release. The film, which stars Collin Egglesfield (SOMETHING BORROWED, “The Client List”), Stuart Townsend (“Betrayal,” LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN), Catalina Moreno (“The Bridge,” MARIA FULL OF GRACE) and Byron Mann (THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS, “Arrow”), was produced by Boccia and Daemon Hillin and is slated for both a national theatrical and VOD release, with a DVD date to be announced shortly. The project was Executive Produced by Rachvin and Kulthep Narula, Paul Dominique Vacharasinthu and Sonia Couling Vacharasinthu.

On the verge of making partner, Josh Pratt (Egglesfield) has his life turned upside down when the SEC investigates the head of his multibillion-dollar hedge fund for insider trading. Forced into a well-timed “vacation” he never asked for, Josh finds himself in Bangkok with a price on his head, a morally ambiguous brother who is knee deep into the Thai mafia, and a propensity for getting shot at. Unfortunately for Josh, the only way out is to give up information he doesn’t know he has.

The deal was announced by Edward Noeltner, President of Cinema Management Group and Susan Jackson, CEO of Freestyle Digital Media.

“Who doesn’t love a great action film?” said Jackson, “this well-acted, strong cast thriller is a great day and date addition to the Freestyle family.”

Recent Freestyle titles include TIGER EYES, the first big screen adaptation of a Judy Blume novel starring Willa Holland, the critically-acclaimed documentary SAMSARA from filmmakers Ron Fricke and Mark Magidson, and the SXSW festival favorite FUNERAL KINGS from the McManus Brothers .

About Freestyle Digital Media:
Freestyle Digital Media, LLC was founded in November 2011 by its CEO Susan Jackson who is Co-President and founder of independent theatrical distributor Freestyle Releasing, LLC and North American sales company Turtles Crossing, LLC. Freestyle Digital Media supplies quality commercial film and TV content directly to all US VOD/SVOD rental DVD/Kiosks, Television and theaters using the latest cloud-based technologies to automate digital workflow. Freestyle’s goal is to provide fresh, well-marketed product and stay on the cutting edge of the ever-compressing windows to ensure that their partners benefit from a platform that delivers an anytime-anywhere capability in the medium of their choice and a positive digital viewing experience on any device in any location.

Press Release: “Ernest & Celestine” Opens in Los Angeles February 28

“ERNEST & CELESTINE” TO OPEN IN LOS ANGELES FEBRUARY 28 AT THE LANDMARK THEATER IN ENGLISH AND FRENCH LANGUAGE VERSIONS SPECIAL PREVIEW SCREENING FEBRUARY 16 ONE SHOW ONLY

FEATURING THE VOICES OF FOREST WHITAKER, MACKENZIE FOY, LAUREN BACALL, PAUL GIAMATTI, WILLIAM H. MACY, MEGAN MULLALLY, NICK OFFERMAN, JEFFREY WRIGHT

Los Angeles, CA – February 5, 2014 – GKIDS, a distributor of award-winning animation for both adult and family audiences, has announced that the Academy Award® nominated film, ERNEST & CELESTINE, will open in Los Angeles on February 28 at The Landmark Theater. Both the English and French language versions of the film will be released. The film will open in New York on March 14 at the IFC Center followed by national expansion to all major US markets.

Prior to the film’s opening, GKIDS will host a special sneak preview of the French language version of the film in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 16 at 4pm at The Landmark Theater. Tickets for the screening can be purchased by visiting The Landmark Theater either online or in-person starting today, February 5.

ERNEST & CELESTINE is the charming and beautifully hand-drawn new feature from the creators of the Academy Award® nominated Triplets of Belleville and The Secret of Kells. The English language voice cast includes Forest Whitaker (Lee Daniels’ The Butler), Mackenzie Foy (Twilight: Breaking Dawn), Lauren Bacall (The Big Sleep), Paul Giamatti (John Adams), William H. Macy (Fargo), Megan Mullally (Will and Grace), Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation), and Jeffrey Wright (Boardwalk Empire).

The English language version of ERNEST & CELESTINE premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 18. The French language version of the film premiered at Cannes, has played Toronto, and other prestigious film festivals, is the winner of France’s Cesar Award for Best Animated Feature and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association award for Best Animation, and currently has a 100% rating on RottenTomatoes.com. It was nominated for six 2014 Annie Awards this year, the most for any independent or internationally produced film. In addition to Best Animated Feature, the film received Annie Awards nods for directing, writing, production design, character animation and editing in an animated feature. The film was submitted for awards consideration in the original French version.

ABOUT ERNEST & CELESTINE
From the creators of the Academy Award®-nominated Triplets of Belleville and The Secret of Kells comes a visually stunning, enormously entertaining new film with generation-spanning appeal. Deep below snowy, cobblestone streets, tucked away in networks of winding subterranean tunnels, lives a civilization of hardworking mice, terrified of the bears who live above ground. Unlike her fellow mice, Celestine is an artist and a dreamer – and when she nearly ends up as breakfast for ursine troubadour Ernest, the two form an unlikely bond. But it isn’t long before their friendship is put on trial by their respective bear-fearing and mice-eating communities.

Fresh from standing ovations at Cannes and Toronto, ERNEST & CELESTINE joyfully leaps across genres and influences to capture the kinetic, limitless possibilities of animated storytelling. Like a watercolor painting brought to life, a constantly shifting pastel color palette bursts and drips across the screen, while wonderful storytelling and brilliant comic timing draw up influences as varied as Buster Keaton, Bugs Bunny and the outlaw romanticism of Bonnie and Clyde. Based on the Belgian book series by Gabrielle Vincent, ERNEST & CELESTINE is winner of the Cesar Award for Best Animated Feature and numerous festival prizes.

ABOUT GKIDS
GKIDS is a distributor of award-winning filmed entertainment specializing in feature animation for both adult and family audiences. The company has scored four Best Animated Feature Oscar nominations – the most for an independent distributor – with The Secret of Kells in 2010, A Cat in Paris and Chico & Rita in 2012, and Ernest & Celestine in 2014. Upcoming releases include Ignacio Ferreras’ Wrinkles, featuring Martin Sheen, Matthew Modine and George Coe and Ernest & Celestine, featuring Forrest Whitaker, Mackenzie Foy, Lauren Bacall, Paul Giamatti, William H. Macy, Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman, and Jeffrey Wright. GKIDS also handles North American theatrical distribution for Oscar winner Hayao Miyazaki’s famed Studio Ghibli library of films, one of the world’s most coveted animation collections with titles Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke and others. GKIDS is longtime producer of the New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying event and North America’s largest festival of film for children and teens. NYICFF jury members include Uma Thurman, Susan Sarandon, Geena Davis, Gus van Sant, Christine Vachon, Henry Selick and James Schamus.

Press Release: Four Join the Cast of “Your Right Mind”

CLEA DUVALL, SHERYL LEE, EMILY ALYN LIND AND RYAN BINGHAM JOIN AMI CANAAN MANN’S “YOUR RIGHT MIND” STARRING KATHERINE HEIGL AND BEN BARNES

Highland Film Group to Handle Worldwide Sales in Berlin with Principal Photography Underway

LOS ANGELES, February 6, 2014 – Clea DuVall (ARGO), Sheryl Lee (WINTER’S BONE), Emily Alyn Lind (J. EDGAR), and Academy Award Winning musician/actor Ryan Bingham have joined the cast of the contemporary romance YOUR RIGHT MIND, starring Golden Globe nominee Katherine Heigl (KNOCKED UP) and Ben Barnes (THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA). Ami Canaan Mann (TEXAS KILLING FIELDS) is directing her script with principal photography currently underway in Utah. Molly Hassell is producing with Ami Canaan Mann and John Jencks. Emmy award nominee Jon Avnet (BLACK SWAN), Rodrigo Garcia (‘In Treatment’), Highland Film Group’s (HFG) Arianne Fraser and Delphine Perrier, and Main Street Films’ Craig Chang are serving as executive producers. HFG represents the worldwide rights and will continue to shop it to buyers at EFM in Berlin.

YOUR RIGHT MIND follows Ryan (Barnes), a modern-day traveling folk singer with only a backpack and banjo to his name. Ryan puts his dreams of becoming a successful musician on hold when he meets Jackie, (Heigl) a former country singer fighting for custody of her daughter. Together, with their passion for music, and soon, each other, they form an unlikely relationship.

Bingham won both a Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Achievement in Music in 2010, which he shared with T-Bone Burnett for the original song “The Weary Kind” from CRAZY HEART.

DuVall is represented by The Gersh Agency, Lee by Brillstein Entertainment Partners, Alyn Lyn by Coast to Coast Talent Group and Bingham by CAA.

The HFG slate includes Kevin Connolly’s THE WRIGHT GIRLS starring Jessica Alba and SANCTUARY from director Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego, both from Atlas Independent, the affiliate company of Charles Roven’s Atlas Entertainment. In addition to Kelvin Tong’s EMAIL starring Nikki Reed.

About Highland Film Group
Highland Film Group is an independent film sales company which was founded in 2010 by Arianne Fraser, who recently partnered with Delphine Perrier. The film slate includes: the box office phenomena INSTRUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED released by Pantelion and Lionsgate starring Eugenio Derbez, Jessica Lindsey and Karla Souza; the Brett Ratner produced teen action comedy BARELY LETHAL, starring Hailee Steinfeld, Samuel L. Jackson and Jessica Alba.

About Main Street Films
Established in 2007, Main Street Films is an independent filmed entertainment company and has emerged as one of the industry’s most exciting production, acquisition, and distribution driven ensembles. On the distribution side, Main Street Films focuses on creating and distributing high quality films across multiple genres for diverse audiences within the entertainment space. Main Street Films will release JOHN DOE: VIGILANTE, a crime thriller starring BATTLESTAR GALACTICA’s Jamie Bamber on March 21, and the college comedy BANK$TAS on April 18. http://www.mainstreetfilms.net/

On the production side Main Street Films, along with RKO pictures, recently wrapped on the action comedy BARELY LETHAL, starring Oscar® nominee Hailee Steinfeld, Jessica Alba, Sophie Turner, and Oscar® nominee Samuel L. Jackson. BARELY LETHAL is slated for a September 2014 release.

Press Release: Three Stars Join Cast of “Take Down”

JEREMY SUMPTER, PHOEBE TONKIN AND SEBASTIAN KOCH GATHER FOR JIM GILLESPIE’S YOUNG ADULT THRILLER “TAKE DOWN”

RADIANT FILMS INTERNATIONAL TO CONTINUE INTERNATIONAL SALES AT EFM IN BERLIN

Berlin – February 6, 2014 – Jeremy Sumpter (‘Peter Pan’, ‘Soul Surfer’, and upcoming ‘Into the Storm’), Phoebe Tonkin (CW’s ‘The Vampire Diaries’, ‘The Originals’, and upcoming ‘The Ever After’) and Sebastian Koch (‘A Good Day to Die Hard’, ‘The Lives of Others’) are in talks to star in director Jim Gillespie’s (‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’) young adult thriller TAKE DOWN, which is based on a script by Alexander Ignon (‘Ransom’).

Slated for an April 2014 start date, the film’s producing team is headed up by Ed Elbert, Sarah Ryan Black and Stefan Brunner.

The film is being packaged and produced by Pinewood Pictures, the off-shoot of UK studio group Pinewood Shepperton Plc., whose Steve Christian will executive produce. Mimi Steinbauer’s Radiant Films International is handling foreign sales on the project.

Showcasing a young and sexy ensemble cast, TAKE DOWN follows the spoiled offspring of international billionaires, sent to a tough-love school in the remote wilderness by their parents in the hope of shaping them up. When they are taken hostage and held for a billion dollar ransom by a group of clever and well-armed kidnappers, the kids are forced to try to save themselves.

Director Jim Gillespie added: “The qualities every director searches for in their actors are talent, charisma and commitment. I’ve been lucky enough to find all three in Jeremy and Phoebe. Mark my words, these are the stars of tomorrow.”

Sumpter is represented by Innovative Artists, Tonkin is repped by ICM Partners as well as Management 360, Koch by Travistock Wood Management and Die Agenten.

About Radiant Films International
Founded by international sales veteran, Mimi Steinbauer, who is President and CEO, Radiant Films International, is an international sales company funded through private equity sources which acquires and distributes between 6-8 theatrical titles per year. Radiant’s current slate includes this year’s Sundance Closing Night Film RUDDERLESS directed by William H. Macy and starring Billy Crudup, Anton Yelchin and Selena Gomez; RUN, BOY, RUN directed by Academy Award winning director Pepe Danquart which was pre-selected to be part of the LOLA screenings at the EFM this year; MADAME BOVARY starring Mia Wasikowska, Paul Giamatti, Ezra Miller, Logan Marshall-Green, and Rhy Ifans which is currently in post-production; HARRY AND THE BUTLER starring Samuel L. Jackson and Michael Caine; WILD starring Tom Hughes and Emma Greenwell; LULLABY starring Garrett Hedlund, Academy Award nominee Richard Jenkins and four-time Academy Award nominee Amy Adams; TRUST ME written/directed by and starring Clark Gregg with Sam Rockwell and Amanda Peet; DECODING ANNE PARKER featuring Samantha Morton and Academy Award winning actress Helen Hunt.

Press Release: Vera Farmiga to Star in “Prima”

VERA FARMIGA TO STAR IN THE ALLEGIANCE THEATER’S BALLET COMEDY “PRIMA”

Highland Film Group (HFG) to Handle Worldwide Sales at EFM in Berlin

Los Angeles, Calif., Feb. 6, 2014 – The Allegiance Theater and MediaBiz International announced that Vera Farmiga (UP IN THE AIR, THE CONJURING, BATES MOTEL) has signed on to star in the relationship comedy PRIMA. The film is written and will be directed by Evan Greenberg . The Allegiance Theater’s Academy Award®–nominated producer Daniel Dubiecki (UP IN THE AIR, JUNO) and Lara Alameddine are producing along with Canadian Screen Awards winning producer Karine Martin (MOTH DIARIES, MAÏNA) under her Mediamax banner. Highland Film Group (HFG) will be representing the worldwide sales rights at the upcoming European Film Market in Berlin.

PRIMA (previously known as Dance of the Mirlitons) is an original story that blends the heart of LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE and BILLY ELLIOTT with the crass comedy of MEAN GIRLS. The film is prepping for a March 2014 start date and centers around twelve-year-old Jesse Urchin who shocks everyone when she is accepted into the prestigious Battleboro School for Dancers. While Jesse learns that to get to the top, she must kill or be killed, her mother Corinne struggles to acclimate to her posh stomping grounds.

Renn Hawkey will serve as executive producer, along with The Allegiance Theater’s Tim Crane, and Carly Norris will serve as a Co-Producer. Farmiga is represented by CAA, Jon Rubinstein of Authentic Talent and Literary Management, and Jodi Peikoff of Peikoff Mahan Law Office.

HFG’s EFM slate also includes: Kelvin Tong’s suspenseful new horror film EMAIL starring Nikki Reed; Kevin Connolly’s THE WRIGHT GIRLS starring Jessica Alba and SANCTUARY from director Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego, both from Atlas Independent, the affiliate company of Charles Roven’s Atlas Entertainment.

ABOUT THE ALLEGIANCE THEATER
The Allegiance Theater is headed by Academy Award®-nominated producer, Daniel Dubiecki is continuing to build projects with Dubiecki’s taste of character-driven, but commercially appealing stories. The company, designed as a destination of protection for artists and investors to bring quality storytelling to its audiences, is developing a list of film and television projects, spanning all genres and sizes and has just closed a financing deal for an upcoming slate of films.

The Allegiance Theater is currently producing MONEY MONSTER with Jodie Foster attached to direct; VERONICA’S ROOM from playwright Ira Levin (ROSEMARY’S BABY, STEPFORD WIVES) with TWC-Dimension; FAMILY VACATION written by Eric Reese at Paramount through the Insurge label; SERIAL KILLER DAYS written by Mark P. Carter at Paramount; and UNDERCOVER being directed by Patrick Hughes (EXPENDABLES 3) through its Australian Division.

ABOUT MEDIABIZ INTERNATIONAL/MEDIAMAX
Founded in 2000, Mediabiz is an integrated one-stop-shop company headed by Producer Karine Martin. Mediabiz offers a unique combination of production expertise through its production entity Mediamax and investment capabilities with the support of Mediabiz Capital, a production financing film and television fund.

Karine Martin has been involved as producer or executive producer in over 30 productions in the last 10 years. Her most recent productions include MAINA, directed by Michel Poulette, winner of Best Film at the American Indian Motion Picture Festival in 2013, and nominated in 6 categories, including Best Motion Picture, at the coming Canadian Screen Awards of 2014. Her production slate also includes the upcoming MIDNIGHT SUN, a Canada-Italy co-production set in the Arctic and directed by Roger Spottiswoode (TOMORROW NEVER DIES), and OUTCAST, a China-Canada-France co-production that was shot and directed by Nick Powell in China last Fall, starring Hayden Christensen and Nicolas Cage both currently in post-production in Canada.

ABOUT HIGHLAND FILM GROUP
Highland Film Group (HFG) was started in 2010 by Arianne Fraser, who recently partnered with Delphine Perrier, and is an independent film sales company whose slate includes: the Box Office phenomena INSTRUCTIONS NOT INCLUDED released by Pantelion and Lionsgate starring Eugenio Derbez, Jessica Lindsey and Karla Souza; the Brett Ratner produced teen-action comedy BARELY LETHAL starring Hailee Steinfeld, Samuel L. Jackson and Jessica Alba; and YOUR RIGHT MIND starring Katherine Heigl and Ben Barnes.

Press Release: Amplify to Release “God Help the Girl” in U.S.

AMPLIFY PICKS UP GOD HELP THE GIRL FOR THE U.S.

Fresh from Sundance, pop musical from Belle & Sebastian’s Stuart Murdoch to hit theaters this autumn

New York, NY February 6, 2014 – Amplify, the new all-rights distribution company formed in a merger between Variance Films and GoDigital, has acquired U.S. rights to Stuart Murdoch’s musical, God Help The Girl. Amplify will release the film across the US early this fall, with a home video release to follow.

Written, directed, and featuring all original songs by Belle & Sebastian frontman Stuart Murdoch, and produced by Barry Mendel (Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums), God Help The Girl stars Emily Browning, Olly Alexander, and Hannah Murray as three friends joined together by music and its possibilities over a summer in Glasgow.

Premiering at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, where it received a “World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for the Delightful Ensemble Performance, and How the Director Brought His Own Unique Universe into Cinema,” the film has received several additional (and shorter) accolades in numerous “best of the fest” round-ups, including Rolling Stone, Esquire, The Dissolve, Paste, The Wall Street Journal, and The Los Angeles Times.

The film will open the Generations section of the 64th Berlinale this weekend and will continue its festival run at the South by Southwest Film Festival this March.

“As someone who honestly believes that a single great pop song can save the world, imagine my delight that a perfectly-crafted musical filled with them will be one of our first releases,” said Amplify’s Dylan Marchetti. “Stuart and his team have crafted something truly magical here, and it doesn’t matter whether you’ve been hoarding Belle & Sebastian EPs since 1998 (I have) or not: if you like music, musicals, or films, God Help The Girl is going to make you very happy- it’s as simple as that.”

“I like these guys! I don’t know much about the movie business yet, but Amplify seems pretty rock’n’roll,” said writer/director Murdoch. “I know music has changed a lot recently; film is changing too. These guys get that. I’m glad we’re with them!”

Added producer Barry Mendel, “We asked around about the people at Amplify and got all thumbs up, including from one of my heroes, Spike Lee. We’re honored to be one of the first films out from them, it feels somehow momentous.”

God Help The Girl was co-produced by Carole Singer of Singer Films, executive produced by Chris Curling and Phil Robertson of Zephyr Films, and backed by Creative Scotland and 1,334 incredibly lovely Kickstarter backers (godhelpthegirl.com/mentions). The deal was orchestrated by Thorsten Schumacher of HanWay Films on behalf of the filmmakers and Marchetti, Kent Sanderson, and Logan Mulvey on behalf of Amplify.

ABOUT AMPLIFY
Amplify is a bi-coastal all-rights distribution company that aims to bring the best in global independent film to theaters and beyond. Formed in 2014 from a merger of innovative theatrical distributor Variance Films (Sound City, Red Hook Summer, Go For Sisters) and leading digital distributor GoDigital, Amplify uses cutting edge marketing and distribution techniques with a focus on working directly with filmmakers to craft hand-tailored release campaigns for each film. Led by an executive team comprised of GoDigital’s Logan Mulvey, Variance Films’ Dylan Marchetti, and former Focus Features executive Kent Sanderson, Amplify is financed by Preferred Ventures, the digital media VC fund launched by FreeCreditReport.com founder and former Experian Interactive CEO Ed Ojdana with former Facebook Chief Privacy Officer Chris Kelly. Internet entrepreneur Charles Chase sits on the Amplify board alongside Ojdana and Kelly, with Ojdana serving as its Chairman.

Press Release: Gravitas to Release “Bad Johnson”

GRAVITAS PREPARES TO WHIP OUT “BAD JOHNSON”

Comedic dick pic coming soon to theaters and VOD; Int’l rights currently being sold at Berlin Film Festival by the Salt Company

El Segundo, CA (February 6, 2014) – BAD JOHNSON, the new comedy from 2DS Productions, Roman Empire Productions, and director Huck Botko (THE VIRGINITY HIT, THE LAST EXORCISM), will hit theaters and VOD this spring courtesy of Gravitas Ventures. The heartwarming tale of a man whose penis gets a mind (and body) of its own will premiere digitally on April 1st (no fooling!) and then will be in theaters May 2nd.

In BAD JOHNSON, written by Jeff Tetreault, Cam Gigandet (TWILIGHT, EASY A) plays Rich, a suave Chicago ladies’ man who refuses to take personal responsibility for his inability to maintain a lasting relationship. After his constant infidelities alienate yet another girlfriend (Jamie Chung, THE HANGOVER PARTS II & III, SUCKER PUNCH), he wishes he could say goodbye to his ‘little friend.’ The next morning he awakes in horror to find that his wish has been granted and his penis has taken human form: A disgusting, selfish, oversexed jerk riotously portrayed by comedian Nick Thune (KNOCKED UP). Pitted against his alter ego, Rich must figure out how to rein in his penis, both literally and figuratively, in order to finally learn what separates the men from their boys.

“No bones about it, BAD JOHNSON is much more than the sum of its parts,” noted Melanie Miller, Gravitas VP Acquisitions & Marketing. “Aside from all the hilarious dicking around, the film also has something pretty perceptive to say about matters of the heart. And when it comes to heart, size matters.”

“This is a very unique movie – bold, outrageous, yet very grounded, which is ultimately what makes it so incredibly funny and such a satisfying experience for both men and women.” said producer Reid Brody on behalf of the producing team. “We are incredibly excited to have Gravitas handling distribution, and we know that in their hands our BAD JOHNSON will be positioned to best reach its audience.”

BAD JOHNSON joins Gravitas’ rapidly expanding theatrical slate which includes upcoming titles such as the Joel Edgerton/Tom Wilkinson thriller FELONY and the smash Sundance comedy PING PONG SUMMER, featuring Susan Sarandon.

The deal for BAD JOHNSON was negotiated by Miller for Gravitas, James Norrie for The Salt Company International, and Glenn Feig of Reder & Feig LLP on behalf of producers Reid Brody, Danny Roman, and Bill Ryan. Salt will be selling the international rights to the film at the 2014 Berlin Film Festival market having already closed deals in numerous territories including Germany (Tiberius), Portugal (Lusomundo), Australia (Rialto), CIS (Premium Films), Greece (Tanweer) and the Netherlands (A-Film).

ABOUT GRAVITAS VENTURES
Gravitas Ventures is a leading distributor of independent cinema. Founded in 2006 with a focus on Video-On-Demand, Gravitas connects independent filmmakers, producers, and distribution companies with leading distribution partners across the globe. Working with more than 500 content partners, Gravitas Ventures has distributed thousands of films across all platforms. Some of their recent releases include Dave Grohl’s 2013 Sundance premiere SOUND CITY, DEAR MR. WATTERSON a documentary film about the impact of the best comic strip in the history of the universe: Calvin & Hobbes, and the Naomi Watts/Matt Dillon starrer SUNLIGHT JR.

Press Release: Content Selling Worldwide Rights to “Redirected”

Content Steals Emilis Velyvis’ “REDIRECTED” Starring Vinnie Jones

Action Comedy has the highest box office of all time in Lithuania and the trailer has over 500,000 views on youtube

Berlin, February 7, 2014 – Content is selling worldwide rights to Emilis Velyvis’ REDIRECTED starring Vinnie Jones (ESCAPE PLAN, SNATCHED) at the European Film Market in Berlin.

Directed by Emilis Velyvis (ZERO 2), REDIRECTED is an outrageous action comedy starring Hollywood hard man Vinnie Jones (ESCAPE PLAN, SNATCHED), Scot Williams (BACKBEAT, THE CREW), Gil Darnell (VALIANT), and Oliver Jackson (ENTITY). With a script co-written by Velyvis and Jonas Banys (ZERO 2), the film is produced by Asta Liukaityte, Daiva Jovaisiene, Donatas Simukauskas and Norbertas Pranckus. Jacqueline Quella and David Boaretto serve as executive producers.

REDIRECTED, which made its world premiere in Lithuania, has raced to the country’s biggest box office ever and currently has an IMDB rating of 9.4 out 10. The film is a UK/Lithuanian production shot on location in London.

Content’s Jamie Carmichael said, “Emilis knocks it out of the park with his virtuoso action and hysterical comedy. It really is lightning in a bottle. Redirected is a box office champion at home and we’re convinced that the film can punch it’s way into cinemas everywhere.”

Content is also selling the Steve McQueen documentary The Man & Le Mans; Dan Bush’s supernatural heist thriller THE TRUST; and Caradog James’ psychologically terrifying DON’T KNOCK TWICE, at the European Film Market in Berlin.

Press Release: Frank Dillane to Star in “Maestro”

BOW STREET FILMS TAPS FRANK DILLANE FOR LEAD IN CATHERINE JARVIS’ DRAMA ‘MAESTRO’

WORLD RENOWNED CHINESE PIANIST LANG LANG TO BE FEATURE ON SOUNDTRACK FROM DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON/UNIVERSAL

Berlin – February 8, 2014 – Frank Dillane (Heart of the Sea, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) will star in MAESTRO from director Catherine Jarvis whose screenplay is based on the acclaimed book of the same name by Peter Goldsworthy. Slated to begin lensing in spring 2014 in Northern Australia and Vienna, Austria, the film is produced by Daniel Harvey and Bow Street Films partners Joe Jenckes and David Dickson. Music Producer Craig Leon’s original music for the film will be featured alongside recordings by internationally renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang, whose work was highlighted during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremony. The soundtrack will be released internationally by Deutsche Grammophon/Universal.

Set in the melting heat of tropical Australia and the rich concert halls of wintry Vienna, MAESTRO is a story of extremes. When Paul, a talented pianist (Frank Dillane), moves to an exotic outpost of 1960’s Northern Australia, he is forced to learn from the only piano teacher his father can find – the eccentric, enigmatic Herr Keller, a Viennese refugee with a shadowed past, known to the locals as ‘Maestro.’ The piano becomes a battle ground with volleys of Wagner and Hendrix alike thrown between the pair as Paul tries to make sense of his own identity and ambition to become a concert pianist while coming closer to the truth about the Maestro’s past.

Bow Street Films’ Joe Jenckes and David Dickson said, “We were immediately inspired by the universal themes brought to life in Catherine’s screenplay, particularly how she frames the story within this very powerful music. Frank’s amazing talent and screen presence coupled with Lang Lang’s unparalleled skill as a pianist will appeal to audiences worldwide.”

Casting is underway for the role of Herr Keller/’Maestro.’

Dillane, who was recently cast in writer/director Gerardo Naranjo’s untitled new drama alongside Dakota Fanning, is repped by Michelle Braidman of Braidman Associates and WME.

Recent credits for Bow Street Films partners Joe Jenckes and David Dickson include director J.C. Chandor’s Oscar nominated Margin Call with an all-star cast including Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto Stanley Tucci, Demi Moore, and Paul Bettany; the 2013 Sundance Film Festival favorite Kill Your Darlings from writer/director John Krokidas starring Daniel Radcliffe; director Matthew Saville’s Felony starring Joel Edgerton and Tom Wilkinson; director Liza Johnson’s Hateship Loveship starring Kristen Wiig, Guy Pierce and Nick Nolte; and writer/director Calvin Reeder’s The Rambler, starring Dermont Mulroney and Lindsay Pulsipher.

About Bow Street Films
Bow Street Films was established in 2009 by co-founders David Dickson and Joe Jenckes. In its first three years of operations BSF delivered three major motion pictures, a six part and a seven part web and broadcast series and a feature documentary. In our fourth year, we delivered three more feature films, another major feature documentary and a second six part web series.

Press Release: “The Iran Job” Releases March 4

THE IRAN JOB – ACCLAIMED & EXHILARATING BASKETBALL DOCUMENTARY AVAILABLE ON DVD MARCH 4TH

February 4, 2014 (NY, NY) – Film Movement, the distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films, announces today that THE IRAN JOB, the critically-acclaimed sports documentary that follows charismatic basketball player Kevin Sheppard’s year playing in Iran at the height of the Arab Spring, will be released on DVD March 4th in North America, the perfect compliment to the highly-anticipated March Madness basketball season.

A film by Iranian-American producer Sara Nodjoumi and director Till Schauder, THE IRAN JOB explores Sheppard’s culture shock when he is contracted to play professional basketball in a country reeling in political and religious turmoil. His efforts to lead a rag-tag basketball team to victory despite language and athletic differentces; the close friendships he develops with three young Iranian women under the restrictive thumb of a dictator; and his wide-eyed, firsthand perspective on a society typically only seen by Americans on cable news networks all provide a sharply-focused lens into the tumultuous first days of the Green Revolution, when progressive young Iranians protested their governments in the streets to no avail.

Available on DVD on March 4 at FilmMovement.com, Amazon.com and other retailers, THE IRAN JOB has raised global eyebrows since its world premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival and a successful theatrical run in Summer 2013. Also available on digital platforms including iTunes and Amazon Instant, The Huffington Post calls THE IRAN JOB “a testament to how sports can serve as a common uniting language between nations and cultures.”

THE IRAN JOB | 2013 | Documentary | English, Persian with English subtitles | 90 minutes I Unrated
Additional information, press kit, trailer and film stills can be found here.

About Film Movement:
Launched in 2003, Film Movement is a full-service North American distributor of award-winning independent and foreign films, based in New York City. Film Movement has released more than 250 feature films and shorts from 50 countries on six continents, including top prize winners from Sundance, Cannes, Venice, Toronto, Berlin, Tribeca and other prestigious festivals. Film Movement releases its films through numerous distribution channels, including thousands of art-house cinemas, universities and libraries; home video (Netflix and Amazon); television outlets (Sundance Channel, HBO, IFC and Showtime); Cable Video on Demand (including its very own branded cable VOD platform—Film Festival on Demand—available in over 40 million US homes); In-flight Entertainment (Alaska Airlines, Air Canada and United/Continental,) and broadband outlets (iTunes, Hulu, Amazon and YouTube).