The Inbox (Jul. 5-11, 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.

Press Release: “Sol Lewitt” Coming to DVD

Coming to Home Video DVD and VOD on August 12 SOL LEWITT A film by Chris Teerink

July 3, 2014: Icarus Films is proud to announce the release of SOL LEWITT on home video on August 12, 2014.

Notoriously camera-shy, Lewitt refused awards and rarely granted interviews, yet in Chris Teerink’s sensitive cinematic portrait, the pioneering conceptual American artist comes alive.

LeWitt’s artwork can be seen as obsession pushed to the limit of paradox and absurdity: simple ideas, communicated simply—often with a set of instructions sent by fax—lead to overwhelming visual and intellectual complexity.

Using extensive interviews and documentation of artwork installed around the world, in the acclaimed documentary SOL LEWITT, director Chris Teerink explores the artist’s work and philosophy.

Press Release: “The Hornet’s Nest Coming to Home Video

CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED AFGHAN WAR FILM ‘THE HORNET’S NEST’ PRIMED TO ROLL OUT ON HOME ENTERTAINMENT THIS FALL IMMERSIVE BATTLE FILM TO BE RELEASED DOMESTICALLY DAY AND DATE FOR BLU-RAY, DVD AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS ON SEPTEMBER 9TH

Los Angeles, CA (July 7, 2014) – ANconnect and Anderson Digital, both divisions of Anderson Media, announce that they have acquired domestic Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital rights to the highly-acclaimed, immersive feature-length war film THE HORNET’S NEST, which is due to be released digitally on September 9th, 2014. The film, directed by David Salzberg and Christian Tureaud, puts audiences on the front line of battle in a pulse-pounding experience never before captured on film. The film stars real-life father and son journalists Mike and Carlos Boettcher, Emmy award-winning correspondents embedded with U.S. troops in Afghanistan, who faced some of the most difficult battle conditions of the war while reporting on the action. Through their eyes, audiences are given unprecedented access to the front lines of battle and the heroes who fight for our freedom. Produced by Salzberg and Tureaud of HighRoad Media and the Boettchers, with John Brenkus and Mickey Stern executive producing for Base Productions, THE HORNET’S NEST will be available nationwide at all major retailers for Blu-Ray, DVD and Digital platforms.

THE HORNET’S NEST tells the story of two real life journalists who are the only father and son team ever to embed within U.S. Armed Forces fighting on the front lines in Afghanistan. With cameras rolling, the Boettchers are side by side with American forces in some of the conflict’s toughest battles, as they spend almost two years covering the American troop surge, considered the most violent era of the Afghanistan war. Allowing the viewers unprecedented access to the Soldiers and Marines, what ultimately unfolds is a true story of survival for the troops and for a father and son who seek to rekindle their relationship under the most harrowing of circumstances.

Mike and Carlos Boettcher are the only father and son ever to win an Emmy for the same news story, having recently won ABC News’ prestigious “News Story of the Year” for their coverage of STRONG EAGLE 3, one of the most intense battles of the troop surge, which is featured in the film.
The all-star soundtrack, featuring “Follow Me,” from five-time Grammy winner Wynonna Judd and husband Michael ‘Cactus’ Moser, is currently available from Gratitude Entertainment.

Press Release: Contestants Named for Body Painting Competition Series “Skin Wars”

ARTISTS/CONTESTANTS NAMED FOR NEW GSN BODY PAINTING COMPETITION SERIES, ‘SKIN WARS,’ HOSTED BY REBECCA ROMIJN

Premiering Wednesday, August 6th at 9:00pm ET/PT, Ten Artists Compete For $100,000 Cash Prize and More

July 8, 2014 (Santa Monica, CA) — GSN, the leader in game shows and competitive entertainment, announced today the talented contestants to be featured on the inaugural season of SKIN WARS, an eight-episode, hour-long competition show that seeks to find the most talented and versatile body painters in the country. The series, which debuts Wednesday, August 6 at 9:00pm ET/PT (8pm CT), also marks television’s first-ever body painting competition show.

The body painting artists with “skin in the game” this season includes:

Alan Anderson is an award winning artist from Denver who also makes a living as a firefighter and paramedic. At an early age he started creating creatures and characters on himself for Halloween parties and contests.
Angela Roberts is the youngest of the group at 21 years old. This former college track star from Lafayette, Louisiana has used her talent and art to overcome some of the learning disabilities she’s faced since an early age.
Dutch Bihary teaches workshops around the country with his wife, in addition to owning and operating a face and body painting workshop in Seattle, WA. He started out illustrating comic books and his love of the art has evolved into a wide variety of projects, from murals, tattoo flash, and album covers to special effects makeup on film and music videos.
Felle is a master of the air brush gun and has painted murals and more for hip hop royalty, including Jay Z, Lil Wayne, Beyonce, and Kanye West. Owner of a custom auto painting shop in Detroit, MI, he is also a member of Economic Growth for Detroit.
Gear Boxxx is a street graffiti artist turned body painting instructor from Las Vegas. Known in the business for his talented air brushing skills, Gear loves all things anime and Bruce Lee.
Mythica Von Griffyn, is a certified hypnotherapist, a Reiki Master, and a reverend from Denver. She also spends her time teaching spiritual body painting for healing.
Natalie Fletcher, from Bend, OR, is trained in classic realism and technical painting, and specializes in hand painted camouflage landscapes
Nicole Hays, from Riverview, FL is the black sheep of her family of dentists and doctors. She fell in love with art and decided to become an artist while on spring break in Florida and never left. Nicole also competes on a roller derby team and performs circus acts.
Sean Avram, from Hinesburg, VT, was once a professional wrestler, commentator and ring announcer and is now a father of five. He is known for body painting fantasy and science fiction characters, usually on his wife, who serves as both a model and his muse.
Shannon Holt, from Orlando, FL, got her start painting guests at high end nudist resorts. Now she travels the world, body painting at art galleries and private parties. Shannon is an animal lover and animal rescue is a big part of her life.

Hosted by actress Rebecca Romijn SKIN WARS, also boasts an impressive panel of judges, including legendary entertainer RuPaul and body painting icons Craig Tracy and Robin Slonina. The winner of the competition will receive a $100,000 cash prize, a one-year supply of paint and will be the featured guest artist at IMATS, the premiere body painting trade show in New York City.

SKIN WARS is executive produced by Michael Levitt of Michael Levitt Productions (Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, Ask Oprah’s All Stars, Billboard Music Awards), Jill Goularte, Colleen Sands and Rebecca Romijn. Craig Tracy and Robin Slonina also serve as producers.

Press Release: CELEBrations Premiers August 1, 2014

DRAMA, DIVAS AND DAVID THIS SEASON, PARTY PLANNING IS THE EASY PART! DAVID TUTERA’S CELEBrations, PREMIERES FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 AT 9PM ET/PT

NEW YORK – July 8, 2014 – Event planner, father to Cielo, and shrink to the stars, celebrity party planner David Tutera is back with an all-new season of WE tv’s DAVID TUTERA’S CELEBrations. David is undertaking some of the biggest celebrations of the year for some of Hollywood’s biggest divas including Taylor Armstrong’s wedding to lawyer John Bluher (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills), a party for Jennifer ‘JWoww’ Farley (Jersey Shore, Snooki & JWoww), Lil’ Kim’s baby shower for daughter, Royal Reign, an anniversary party for Brandy and Ray J’s parents, a self-indulgent party for the infamous Tanisha Thomas (Bad Girls Club), Amy Weber’s twins’ birthday party (WWE), Alexis Bellino’s vow renewal (The Real Housewives of Orange County), and Jonathan Platero’s ambush wedding to Oksana Dmytrenko (Dancing with the Stars). In this must-see new season of DAVID TUTERA’S CELEBrations, premiering Friday, August 1 at 9PM ET/PT, fashion flies, deadlines are missed and egos need to be checked at the door as reality TV’s biggest personalities go toe-to-toe with David in a diva vs. divo battle.

David’s not just planning weddings and birthday parties, he’s planning life-changing moments for these public personas. The stakes are high, and high stakes mean high drama. It’s up to David to keep these over-the-top celebs in line and get the job done. No demand, no deadline, no outrageous request is too big for this party planner extraordinaire, but will these reality stars’ demands push him over the edge?

In the season premiere of DAVID TUTERA’S CELEBrations, David plans a jaw-dropping wedding for reality star Taylor Armstrong, former housewife on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, to lawyer John Bluher, with just two weeks notice. After her well-publicized divorce and the death of her first husband, will Taylor finally get the happily-ever-after she has been waiting for? She reluctantly entrusts David with every detail of the wedding, including selecting her wedding gown and not revealing it until Taylor’s big day, which makes the Beverly Hills diva frantic. David is tasked with planning the event of Taylor’s dreams, but will her controlling ways and Gemini tendencies prevent that from happening?

GET MORE DAVID TUTERA’S CELEBrations AT WEtv.COM

For more information on DAVID TUTERA’S CELEBrations, go to WEtv.com for a new Meme Generator to seed out the many faces of David with juicy quotes from the show! Weekly blogs from David will post after each episode as well as a ‘Get The Party Look’ that will let fans know how they can get the look that David designs each week. Like us on Facebook, follow @WEtv on Twitter (hashtag: #DavidTutera) and check us out on Instagram (IG: @WEtv) for inside information and special giveaways.

DAVID TUTERA’S CELEBrations is produced for WE tv by Pilgrim Studios, with Craig Piligian and Melodie Calvert serving as executive producers. Lauren P. Gellert and Kate Farrell serve as the executive producers for WE tv.

Press Release: Wolfe Acquires 3 Films

WOLFE ACQUIRES THREE FILMS AT FRAMELINE 38

Specialty Distributor Acquires
LADY VALOR: THE KRISTIN BECK STORY, OF GIRLS AND HORSES, and EAT WITH ME

SAN JOSE, CALIF. (July 8, 2014) — Wolfe Releasing, the world’s largest exclusive distributor of gay and lesbian films, has acquired the U.S. Digital and DVD rights to LADY VALOR: THE KRISTIN BECK STORY, the powerful and heroic documentary from directors Mark Herzog and Sandrine Orabona, OF GIRLS AND HORSES, Director Monika Treut’s coming-of-age drama, and Director David Au’s poignant romantic drama, EAT WITH ME out of Frameline 38 – the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival.

“We’re very much looking forward to releasing LADY VALOR: THE KRISTIN BECK STORY, OF GIRLS AND HORSES and EAT WITH ME — these are three exceptional films that audiences will be thrilled to see,” said Wolfe Video president Maria Lynn. “I really urge everyone to experience Kristin Beck’s amazingly heroic story that is so wonderfully told in LADY VALOR: THE KRISTIN BECK STORY. It’s also a great honor to have EAT WITH ME, an emotional story supported by an all-star cast, and OF GIRLS AND HORSES, a beautiful lesbian feature from one of the world’s most respected lesbian filmmakers, Monika Treut.”

LADY VALOR: THE KRISTIN BECK STORY is a powerful portrait of decorated U.S. Navy SEAL Kristin Beck’s transition from Christopher to Kristin. The documentary, directed by Mark Herzog and Sandrine Orabona, follows Beck’s journey as she redefines the social notions of heroism.

OF GIRLS AND HORSES, directed by Monika Treut, is a coming-of-age love story involving a misfit school drop-out and a privileged upper-class girl whose unlikely relationship grows following a weekend alone on a Northern German farm. The film stars Ceci Chuh, Vanida Karun, Alissa Wilms and Ellen Grell.

Director David Au’s EAT WITH ME is a charming comedy-drama about a mother and her gay son who heal, connect and grow together as the son’s Chinese restaurant faces foreclosure. The film stars Sharon Omi (50 First Dates), Teddy Chen Culver, Nicole Sullivan (TV’s “Family Guy”) and features a special appearance by George Takei (Star Trek).

Following each film’s festival runs, LADY VALOR: THE KRISTIN BECK STORY, OF GIRLS AND HORSES, and EAT WITH ME will be released by Wolfe on VOD and DVD later this year and in early 2015.

Press Release: GKids Retrospective Coming to Six US Markets

GKIDS RETROSPECTIVE COMES TO SIX US MARKETS “AN ANIMATED WORLD: CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF GKIDS CLASSICS”

FEATURING 8 GKIDS ANIMATED CLASSICS:
“THE SECRET OF KELLS”
“A CAT IN PARIS”
“ERNEST & CELESTINE”
“TALES OF THE NIGHT”
“ELEANOR’S SECRET”
“MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO”
“MIA & THE MIGOO”
“NOCTURNA”

JULY 12 TO SEPT 3

FOR ADVANCE TICKETS GO TO: AngelikaFilmCenter.com

New York, New York – July 8, 2014 – GKIDS, a distributor of award-winning animation for both adult and family audiences, will present a retrospective of their films in six US markets over eight weeks, starting Saturday, July 12 and running through Thursday, September 3. The program, titled AN ANIMATED WORLD: CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF GKIDS CLASSICS, will feature eight films, including the return of animated classics like Oscar® nominated The Secret of Kells, A Cat in Paris, and Ernest & Celestine; animated features Tales of the Night, Eleanor’s Secret, My Neighbor Totoro, Mia & the Migoo, and Nocturna: as well as a selection of short films from the GKIDS produced New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival.

The retrospective will play at Angelika and Reading theaters in New York, Washington D.C., Dallas, Sacramento, Honolulu and San Diego.

Press Release: SnagFilms Presents Four Documetnary Premieres

FROM SURFING BREAKS TO CATCHING BREAKS, THIS JULY, SNAGFILMS PREMIERES FOUR UPLIFTING VOD DOCS ABOUT DETERMINATION, INSPIRATION AND CREATION

SPLINTERS (7/14) and CHARLIE DON’T SURF (7/14) Deliver Viewers to the Breaks of Papua and California for Two Different Takes on Surfing, While BROKE (7/21) and WAKALIWOOD (7/28) Feature Emerging Artists Looking for Their First Big Breaks All Films Make Their Free VOD Debuts on SnagFilms Free Streaming Site and Devices

NEW YORK, NY, July 10, 2014 – From SPLINTERS’ indigenous New Guinean surfers and the wheelchairbound daredevils of CHARLIE DON’T SURF to the fledgling musicians of BROKE* and WAKALIWOOD’s Ugandan action director making something from nothing, SnagFilms July VOD premieres are all about inspiration and perspiration in equal measures.

As the summer heats up, those seeking an escape are invited to join SnagFilms, the award-winning social video-viewing platform and 2014 Webby® nominee, for four new VOD premieres. Each premiering for the very first time at no cost and exclusively on SnagFilms, the films will be available to view online at SnagFilms.com, and all supported devices, including their award-winning, multi-platform app.

Splinters
Premiere Date: July 14

Filmed in cinema veritéstyle, SPLINTERS is the first feature length doc about the evolution of indigenous surfing in the developing nation of Papua New Guinea. In the ’80s, an intrepid Australian pilot left behind a surfboard in the seaside village of Vanimo. Fast forward twenty years, where surfing is not only a pillar of village life, but a means to prestige. With no access to economic or educational advancement, let alone running water and power, village life is hermetic. A spot on the Papua New Guinea national surfing team is the way to see the wider world; the only way.

Set at the crossroads of civilization in a land where cannibalism proceeded into the 20th century, the story is as much a tale of budding sportsmen chasing their dreams as it is the Old World fusing with the Modern World. Profiling several villagers in their quest to become professional surfers, the backdrop is the upcoming inaugural Papua New Guinea National Surfing Competition — the ultimate proving ground that will send the winner to Australia to train with world-class surfing athletes. Wrapped in compelling visuals, SPLINTERS is at once a visceral dramatic narrative about a village grappling with its identity and young heroes using their surfboards to carry them to a better life.

Charlie Don’t Surf
Premiere Date: July 14

Meet Christiaan, Patrick and Jake, three larger-than-life personalities – and quadriplegics and paraplegics — who triumph over their physical disabilities in a life where the only POV comes from a wheelchair. Symbolizing hope to their peers as they dare to go where wheelchairs are not welcome — the ocean, the jungle and the skate park — watch as they smash through goals in a place where the only obstacle is the mind! Uplifting, emotional and inspiring, CHARLIE DON’T SURF follows these extraordinary athletes and their families from the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach to the coast of Central America, where their ongoing fight is to conquer, once and for all, the stereotypes of those suffering spinal cord injuries.

Broke*
Premiere Date: July 21

Is it possible for an artist to break? Following on-the-verge artist Will Gray (who tragically lost his fight against cancer last July 26) through the recording of his debut album (featuring production by Grammy Award-winning producer, T Bone Burnett), BROKE* chronicles the stories of artists and executives searching for ways to thrive in the face of today’s music industry challenges. Featuring candid interviews with industry insiders and some of the brightest emerging musical talent in the country, including Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, Buddy Miller, Isaac Slade of The Fray and producer Don Was, the film digs beneath the clichés and standard story lines to reveal an industry struggling to find a new identity and an artist who’s simply trying to establish one. Can a new act be “broken”?

Wakaliwood: The Documentary
Premiere Date: July 28

Isaac Godfrey Geoffrey (I.G.G.) Nabwana is a loving husband and father who produces, directs, and edits feature film — mainly action — from his home in the slums of Wakaliga, Uganda. In 2005, Nabwana founded Ramon Film Productions, a team of nearly 100 actors, filmmakers, and technicians, all volunteers, dedicating to building an independent film industry. And in a way that harkens back to the early days of Hollywood, the team must invent all their equipment while relying on ingenuity and available materials. Their tripod is a modified car jack, props are typically welded from scrap metal and used car parts and Isaac personally built the computer he uses for editing, sound mixing, and special effects, though due to the climate it overheats regularly. But the fact that Isaac’s video camera has a busted viewfinder and his only battery is held together with string hasn’t slowed him down one bit. Filmmaking is difficult in any environment, but life in a slum presents unique challenges including illiteracy, disease, and a struggle for basic utilities such as water, electricity, and plumbing. Yet funny, touching, and inspiring, WAKALIWOOD: THE DOCUMENTARY celebrates the pure joy of creativity and reminds us that a dedicated team can overcome any obstacle when united by a common dream.

Press Release: GKids Events at San Diego Comic-Con

IRISH ANIMATION STUDIO CARTOON SALOON TO PRESENT AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON “DESIGNING THE SECRET OF KELLS” BOOK LAUNCH PLUS EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW OF SELECTED SCENES FROM UPCOMING “SONG OF THE SEA”

New York, NY – July 10, 2014 – GKIDS, a distributor of award-winning animation for both adult and family audiences, announces that Kilkenny-based Cartoon Saloon will be launching their Designing The Secret of Kells book and unveiling never-before-seen clips from their upcoming feature film Song of the Sea, at San Diego Comic-Con this month. The book will be available for sale at Cartoon Saloon’s online store, as well as from Stuart Ng Books. GKIDS and Cartoon Saloon began their relationship with the North American release of The Secret of Kells in 2010, which resulted in the Irish animation studio’s first Academy Award® nomination. Cartoon Saloon’s second feature film, Song of the Sea, will be released theatrically in North America by GKIDS later this year.

Cartoon Saloon at San Diego Comic-Con: Schedule

Thursday – Sunday, July 24th – 27th (Booth 5012 / SDCC)
DESIGNING THE SECRET OF KELLS book signings will take place at Stuart Ng Books (Booth 5012)

5:30pm-7:00pm Thursday & Saturday
Friday 6:00 – 7:00pm

Friday, July 25th (See SDCC program for time and room number)
Cartoon Saloon’s SONG OF THE SEA ‘Sneak Peek Panel’ at Comic- Con

Monday, July 28th (The Animation Guild, 1105 North Hollywood Way, Burbank)
Animation Guild Book Signing (6-9pm ) Free admission; open to the public. Street parking only.

Tuesday, July 29th
ASIFA-Hollywood Sneak Peek Presentation and Book Signing (for ASIFA members only)

Press Release: Highlights of MTV’s TCA Presentation

MTV GREENLIGHTS “SHANNARA” STRAIGHT TO SERIES AND ANNOUNCES JONATHAN LIEBESMAN AS DIRECTOR DURING SUMMER TCA PRESENTATION

Network Also Announces Series Renewal for “Catfish: The TV Show,” and Premiere Dates for “Are You The One?,” “Awkward,” “Faking It,” and New Scripted Dramedy “Happyland”

Beverly Hills, CA (July 11, 2014) – MTV announced today the straight to series order for “Shannara,” the international best-selling fantasy novels from author Terry Brooks which is being adapted for the small screen. Additionally, Jonathan Liebesman (“Wrath of Titans”) has signed on to direct the first two episodes. MTV and producing partner Sonar Entertainment announced the development deal in December. Al Gough and Miles Millar will write and executive produce the series, which is greenlit for 10 episodes. Jon Favreau, Jonathan Liebesman, Terry Brooks and Dan Farah will serve as executive producers.

The network also announced it has greenlit a fourth season of the hit “Catfish: The TV Show,” and revealed premiere dates for returning series “Are You The One?,” “Awkward,” “Faking It,” and the new scripted dramedy “Happyland.” Additionally, MTV will air an “Are You The One?” season one reunion special in advance of the series’ season two return.

The announcements were among those made today by Susanne Daniels, President of MTV Programming, during the network’s presentation at the Summer 2014 Television Critics Association Press Tour.

SHANNARA
“Shannara” is set in our world, thousands of years after the destruction of our civilization. The story is centered on the Shannara family, whose descendants are empowered with ancient magic and whose adventures continuously reshape the future of the world. The first season will be based on The Elfstones of Shannara, the second title in the series, a fan favorite which spent 16 weeks on the New York Times’ Bestseller list and is accredited with cementing the series’ place in the fantasy world.

The “Shannara” books are estimated to be the highest-selling un-adapted fantasy book series in the world. Terry Brooks is estimated to be the second highest-selling living fantasy author, after Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling.

CATFISH: THE TV SHOW
“Catfish: The TV Show” has had continued success as Wednesday’s #1 original cable series with P12-34, and has been picked up for a fourth season that will air across MTV’s channels globally.

“Catfish: The TV Show” tackles the mystery and complexities of dating in a digital world. The hour-long series follows Nev Schulman, whose own online love drama was the subject of the “Catfish” film, and filmmaker Max Joseph as they take viewers on a deeply personal journey that goes inside the stories of young people as their online-only romantic relationships collide with first-time, real-life encounters.

“Catfish: The TV Show” is produced by Relativity Television and Catfish Picture Company LLC for MTV with Relativity Television’s Tom Forman, Brad Bishop, Julie Link Steffens serving as executive producers alongside David Metzler, Ariel Schulman, Henry Joost, Nev Schulman, Max Joseph, Andrew Jarecki and Mark Smerling. Marshall Eisen, Nomi Ernst Leidner, and Dave Sirulnick are executive producers for MTV. Relativity Television’s Jonathan Karsh is co-executive producer. Kelly Ostreicher is Supervising Producer, MTV. Jonathan Mussman is Executive in Charge, MTV.

ARE YOU THE ONE? – Monday, September 29 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT
“Are You The One?” season two returns September 29 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT with a twist that will challenge the contestants like never before, making the search for true love more difficult than they expect. The new season will air across MTV’s international channels soon after the U.S. premiere (check local listings).

On September 22, MTV will air a special that reunites the “Are You the One?” season one cast one last time to celebrate the biggest, most life changing event in Ethan and Amber’s lives – a BABY. Viewers will also find out what the cast has been up to – who’s made up, who’s broken up, and who’s hooking up, as they spend one wild weekend in Los Angeles together to throw an outrageous baby shower… AYTO-style.

“Are You The One?” concept by Executive Producers Howard Schultz, Rob LaPlante and Jeff Spangler of Lighthearted Entertainment. Scott Jeffress is executive producer for Lighthearted Entertainment. Lauren Dolgen, Tiffany Lea Williams, Matthew Parillo and Hannah Uszak are Executives in Charge for MTV. The first season of “Are You the One?” was the #1 program in its time slot across all TV with W18-24.

AWKWARD SEASON 4B – Tuesday, September 23 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT
Leading a solid Tuesday night comedy block on September 23, the second half of “Awkward” season four will debut at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT with the second season of scripted comedy “Faking It” premiering at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. “Awkward” was up 5% versus season 3B and was Tuesday’s #1 cable series with P12-34. “Faking It” was Tuesday’s #1 cable series in its timeslot.

When “Awkward” senior year continues this fall, the stakes are higher than ever for Jenna and her friends. As they anxiously await college admission verdicts, they try to contain Senioritis and relish their remaining time together. As much as they are all looking forward to graduation, which they see as the gateway to adulthood, they all have a lot to figure out before they arrive at that milestone: romances both new and old percolate, families are turned upside down by huge revelations, and friendships are tested. The sense of time running out heightens all of Jenna and Matty’s interactions as they try to figure out if they are meant to be just friends or more than that. Their fraught interactions are further complicated by a school scandal that triggers an all-out battle of the sexes. All this and more culminate in a shocking Spring Break finale at the beach. The new season of “Awkward” will air across MTV’s international channels soon after the U.S. premiere (check local listings).
Mike Chessler and Chris Albergheni are the executive producers of “Awkward.” The series was created by Lauren Iungerich. “Awkward” stars Ashley Rickards as “Jenna, Beau Mirchoff as “Matty,” Molly Tarlov as “Sadie,” Jillian Rose Reed as “Tamara,” Brett Davern as “Jake,” Nikki DeLoach as “Lacey,” Desi Lydic as “Valerie,” Greer Grammer as “Lissa” and Mike Faiola as “Kevin.”
FAKING IT – Tuesday, September 23 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT
“Faking It,” a romantic comedy series, returns to MTV with 10 all-new episodes on Tuesday, September 23 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT. This season, everyone is faced with a dilemma that forces them to tell the truth or keep a secret. Best friends Amy and Karma struggle with figuring out their relationship after Amy revealed her true feelings for Karma. Questions are answered – will Karma find out about Liam and Amy’s hook-up? What will happen to ‘Karmy?’ Will Liam and Karma get back together? What are Lauren’s pills for? Can Shane really be in a celibate relationship?
“Faking It” was created by Dana Min Goodman and Julia Wolov. The series is Executive Produced by Carter Covington (“10 Things I Hate About You,” “Greek” “Hart of Dixie”). “Faking It” stars Katie Stevens as “Karma” (“American Idol”), Rita Volk as “Amy,” Gregg Sulkin as “Liam” (“Wizards of Waverly Place”), Michael Willett as “Shane” (“G.B.F.”) and Bailey Buntain as  ”Lauren” (“Bunheads”). “Faking It” season one will air across MTV’s international channels beginning in September 2014 (check local listings).
HAPPYLAND – Tuesday, September 30 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT
New dramedy series “Happyland” will premiere on Tuesday, September 30 at 11:00 p.m. ET/PT, following “Awkward” and “Faking It.” “Happyland” is a soapy teen dramedy exploring the underbelly of one of the country’s most popular theme parks, going behind the scenes to reveal the not so magical reality of the park workers. The series centers on Lucy (Bianca Santos), the cynical teenage daughter of idealistic park princess mom, Elena (Camille Guaty). Having grown up in a world of manufactured happiness, Lucy wants to get out and experience something real. When Ian (Shane Harper), the new park owner’s son, arrives and sweeps her off her feet, Lucy is left wondering if fairy tale endings do exist after all. But when a scandalous secret turns her life upside down, she learns Happyland is far from a walk in the park.

“Happyland” stars Bianca Santos as “Lucy” (“The Fosters”), Camille Guaty as “Elena” (“Prison Break”), Shane Harper as “Ian” (“Awkward”), Katherine McNamara as “Harper” (“Contest”), Cameron Moulene as “Will” (“Raising Hope”), Ryan Rottman “Theodore” (“90210”) and was created by Ben Epstein. Storyline’s Neil Meron and Craig Zadan serve as executive producers along with Jill Cargerman.

Source: Nielsen. Live+SD. P12-34, unless noted. Ranked on 000s. Best new series: excludes spinoffs/extensions.

Press Release: Freestyle Releasing “108 Stitches” in Fall 2014

FREESTYLE PITCHES ‘108 STITCHES’ THIS FALL

Baseball Comedy Set for Day and Date Release on Multiple Platforms September 12th, 2014

Los Angeles, CA (July 9, 2014) – Freestyle Releasing and Freestyle Digital Media (FDM) announced today that they have acquired theatrical and all DVD/VOD rights to 108 STITCHES, the baseball comedy from writer/director David Rountree and co-writer Jake Katofsky. The film features Josh Blue (“Last Comic Standing” winner), Dat Phan (“Last Comic Standing” winner), Erin Cahill (POWER RANGERS), Larry Thomas (“Seinfeld’s” Soup Nazi) and Bruce Davison (X-MEN), with a special appearance by baseball legend Roger Clemens. 108 STITCHES was co-written and produced by Jake Katofsky, with producers that also include Jeff Katofsky and J.P. Pierce. The film is slated for a theatrical and VOD release on September 12th, 2014.

With baseball being the last thing on these players’ minds, and dealing with one of the longest losing streaks in college history, the team of misfits comes to the realization that the school, led by the corrupt and unethical President of the University, has plans to disband the entire program. Hilarity ensues as they have one afternoon to execute a plan to fill the stadium, sign the top recruit on the planet, and help send their coach out with a bang.

Freestyle’s Mark Borde brokered the deal with producer Jeff Katofsky of 108 Stitches LLC on behalf of the filmmakers.

“108 Stitches is a hilarious baseball comedy with nods to National Lampoon’s Animal House,” said Borde, “In addition to traditional marketing efforts, the film will be supported through numerous comedy and sports outlets.”

Film star Dat Phan will host a kick-off comedy event for the film this Sunday, July 13th at Flappers Comedy Club & Restaurant in Burbank, CA.

Recent Freestyle titles include the box office hit GOD’S NOT DEAD, as well as recent titles BOTTLED UP with Melissa Leo, UNDERDOGS, with D.B. Sweeny and Natalie Imbruglia, TIGER EYES, the first big screen adaptation of a Judy Blume novel starring Willa Holland and the upcoming THE IDENTICAL starring Ashley Judd and Ray Liotta.