BEVERLY HILLS, CA -- 03/14/08 --
Empire Film Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: EFGU) ("Empire Film") (
http://www.empirefilmgroup.com) has acquired all
North American distribution rights to the highly anticipated and
controversial independent film, "Hounddog" starring Dakota Fanning, Robin
Wright-Penn, Piper Laurie and David Morse. Empire has initiated a
marketing campaign to release the film to more than 500 theaters on July
18, and anticipates box office revenues of more than $15 million.
"We believe that 'Hounddog' will be one of the top, independent films at
theaters this summer," said Dean Hamilton-Bornstein, CEO of Empire Film
Group. "It is a powerful, coming-of-age drama that deals with serious
issues that should resonate with audiences. Dakota Fanning delivers an
Oscar-worthy performance and we expect to see a lot of media attention."
"Hounddog" generated tremendous media interest when a promo reel was shown
at the Sundance Film Festival last year. The character played by
12-year-old Dakota Fanning is sexually assaulted in a scene that enraged
conservative media pundits, even though the attack is implied and not
actually shown.
"I think we all wish that no children were ever assaulted," said Deborah
Kampmeier, writer and director of the film. "But it's not helpful to the
victims for our society to ignore the subject and pretend that it's not
real. 'Hounddog' takes this dark moment through an emotional recovery
brought about through friends, family and music, to a message of hope."
Dakota Fanning is the most successful young actress in the motion picture
industry. She has starred in over a dozen major hits including "War of the
Worlds," "Charlotte's Web" and "Man on Fire" with her last six theatrical
films averaging over $46 million in USA box office gross. David Morse has
starred in over 35 major films, with recent hits such as "Disturbia" and
"16 Blocks." Morse is currently starring as George Washington in the $100
million-dollar-budgeted HBO miniseries "John Adams." Robin Wright-Penn has
starred in over 30 major films, ranging from her Golden Globe nominated
role as "Jenny" in "Forrest Gump," to the recent hit "Beowolf."
"Hounddog" features original music tracks and performances by Elvis
Presley, including the title song. The film was produced by Scott
Franklin, Jen Gatien, Terry Leonard, Lawrence Robbins and Deborah Kampmeier
for Motion Picture Group, Deerjen Productions and Full Moon Films.
Executive Producers include Stacey Bakula, Rebecca Cleary, Sam Froelich,
Heidi M. Kessler and Robin Wright-Penn. Director of Photography was Jim
Denault, ASC. The 93 minute film is expected to receive a PG-13 rating.
The film's release campaign will be designed and implemented by Eric
Parkinson for Empire Film Group, Inc., utilizing Empire's internal
distribution and marketing staff as well as key outside service providers.
Statement of support from Lynn Parrish, spokesperson for RAINN (Rape And
Incest National Network):
"As the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization, RAINN is proud
to support 'Hounddog.' Although not a topic frequently broached in
entertainment media, rape happens everyday. In fact, every 2.5 minutes,
another American is sexually assaulted. And assaults on minors make up
nearly half of these cases. All too often, victims of rape -- especially
those under 18 -- suffer in silence, without access to the support they
need. RAINN applauds 'Hounddog' and Dakota Fanning for shedding light on
the issue of sexual assault against our nation's children, a problem that
should no longer be ignored. It is our hope that the national discussion
created by the film will give a voice to young survivors everywhere,
allowing them to come forward despite the hurdles they face."
About Empire Film Group, Inc.
Empire Film Group, Inc. ("EFG") is a new independent film finance,
production, and distribution company led by a management team with over 25
years of experience in development, production, distribution, finance and
marketing of feature films and television programming. Through its
acquisition of Truman Press, Inc., d/b/a "Hannover House," Empire is now a
fully integrated, independent studio with internally controlled
distribution capabilities to reach theaters, video retailers and television
outlets.
Learn more about Empire Film Group by visiting www.empirefilmgroup.com
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For more information contact:
Eric Parkinson
CEO
Empire Home Entertainment
818-481-5277
email: Email Contact
