PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 29, 2007
HART SHARP VIDEO AND WARRIOR POETS ANNOUNCE THE
MORGAN SPURLOCK PRESENTS...2007 LINE-UP
NEW YORK, NY - Hart Sharp Video and Oscar® nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock in association with his production company, Warrior Poets, announce the 2007 Morgan Spurlock Presents. line-up. The list of titles will include the newly acquired CHALK and THE THIRD WAVE which will both be released theatrically. Morgan Spurlock Presents. is a series of documentary and narrative feature films handpicked by Spurlock and Amodei that have distinct social relevance and importance to society and the world today.
"It is exciting to see the level of films that are beginning to come our way," said Amodei. "This library of films has quickly moved past the direct to DVD phase and now includes films that have a theatrical release. To have these higher profile films in the mix strengthens the entire line."
"These movies blew me away when I saw them and I am thrilled that even more people will get a chance to experience their importance, humor and originality," said Morgan Spurlock.
MORGAN SPURLOCK PRESENTS...2007 LINE-UP:
Class Act is a documentary that tells the tale of teacher Jay W. Jensen and his personal story with the fate of arts education in America today, giving us a report card on what lies ahead for America 's children. But the story doesn't end in his classroom. With a starting salary of just $2,000 in 1959, Jay secretly amassed millions. To the astonishment of everyone, he then did the most extraordinary thing: he gave it away in the name of education and the arts becoming the most unlikely philanthropist. Today, Jay continues to inspire thousands of students - fat, thin, shy, extroverted, gay, straight, under achiever and academic powerhouse - to follow their dreams. Jay alumni include a virtual who's who of Hollywood, including actor Andy Garcia, film director Brett Ratner, songwriter Desmond Child, music executive José Behar, Broadway producer Adam Epstein, casting director Debra Zane, and sportscaster Roy Firestone, as well as the filmmakers themselves. The street date is March 6, 2007.
The Future of Food is a documentary by Deborah Koons Garcia about GMO (genetically modified organism) foods and the effects it has on society. The film examines the introduction of new life forms into the food chain without long-term testing of their health effects and government regulation. This is a perfect companion piece to " Super Size Me". This film will also be added to Hart Sharp Video's educational product release sked. The street date is April 10, 2007.
Chalk is a "doc" in the comedy style of "The Office" and "Best in Show," Chalk pulls you in to the frenetic and awkwardly painful journey of three novice teachers as they navigate one memorable school year. Director Mike Akel provides a rare and realistic teacher's perspective into the absurd, provocative and occasionally volatile world of public education. In a country where 50% of teachers quit within the first 3 years, Chalk delivers an enormous dose of heart, hilarity and hope for America 's most important institution. The film has won many awards on the film festival circuit including a Jury Award for outstanding performances at the Los Angeles Film Festival; a Grand Jury Award at the Independent Film Festival of Boston for Best Narrative Feature; the Best Feature Comedy Audience Award at the Cinequest Film Festival; and a Special Grand Jury award for best ensemble acting at the Florida Film Festival. Recently, Chalk received an Independent Spirit Award Nomination for the John Cassavetes Award for best film made for under $500,000. The theatrical release will be in 2nd quarter 2007.
Czech Dreams is the true story of two film students who set out to document the influence of western consumerism on Czech Society. The result is an eye-opening look at how effective advertising can be. This was a Tribeca Film Festival spotlight premiere. The street date is May 8, 2007.
The Third Wave explores the aftermath of the deadly 2005 Tsunami and how for individuals from different parts of the world gathered together to rebuild a small town in Sri Lanka . This is a story that begins with tragedy but ends with hope as volunteers from around the globe converge on this country to create The Third Wave . Emotionally draining yet inspiring at the same time this film will reach inside the hearts of the viewer and never let go. Coming in late 2007.
ABOUT HART SHARP VIDEO : Hart Sharp Video was founded in 2003 by Joe Amodei to develop, acquire, market and distribute DVD product in the theatrical feature film, documentaries, special interest and sports categories. Hart Sharp Video has built partnerships with E! Entertainment Television, Sundance Channel Home Entertainment, ESPN, MLB Productions, Bombo Sports and Entertainment, NESN and other high profile entertainment brands since their inception. Some recent releases include Game 6, starring Michael Keaton; When Do We Eat?, starring Michael Lerner, Lesley Anne Warren and Jack Klugman; Patriot Act: A Jeffrey Ross Home Movie featuring Drew Carey; and Down to the Bone starring Vera Farmiga.
For more information please visit www.hartsharpvideo.com .
ABOUT WARRIOR POETS: Spurlock established his New York based production company, Warrior Poets, in 2005. Warrior Poets is currently creating and producing film and television projects that bridge the gap between entertainment and social awareness. The company recently produced two seasons of the award winning and critically acclaimed television series 30 Days for the FX Network; executive produced the film Class Act ; produced the film What Would Jesus Buy? about the commercialization of Christmas; and is releasing a slate of films under the "Morgan Spurlock Presents" title together with Hart Sharp Video. Spurlock is currently in production on his next feature film, which will be released in 2007. He was nominated for an Academy Award® in 2005 for Best Documentary Feature for his film, Super Size Me , and was the recipient of the Writers Guild of America inaugural Best Documentary Screenplay Award the same year.
CONTACT:
Lynne Hillman Hart Sharp Video
lynne.hillman@hartsharpvideo.com/ lynne_hillman@yahoo.com
For Morgan Spurlock and Warrior Poets
David Magdael, David Magdael & Associates, Inc.
213/624-7827 dmagdael@tcdm-associates.com |
