Empire Sets Theatrical Plans and Oscar Sites for The Countess MALIBU, Calif., June 25, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Empire Film Group, Inc. (Pink Sheets:EFGU - News; http://www.empirefilmgroup.com) prevailed over several major contenders in securing the USA distribution rights to the acclaimed new period-drama, "The Countess," starring William Hurt and Julie Delpy, and directed by Delpy. The acquisition agreement, announced today, was negotiated at the recent Cannes Film Festival between Empire Distribution CEO Eric Parkinson with Alessandro Raja of Paris-based Celluloid Dreams, the worldwide distribution representative of the picture.
"Empire is very pleased to be representing this powerful film for the U.S. market," said Empire CEO Dean Hamilton-Bornstein. "The production values are outstanding, the performances are profound and the storyline is timeless. Julie Delpy has created a haunting character that surpasses Hannibal Lecter as one of the greatest film villains of all time. The Countess is a complex character, obsessed with youth and beauty to the point of murder. We think that movie audiences will be enthralled, terrified and thoroughly entertained." Empire is formulating its theatrical release strategy for the film, under the direction of David Magedman, former Senior V.P. of Warner Independent Pictures and now head of Empire's theatrical division. "It's an obvious choice for awards eligibility," said Eric Parkinson, Empire's CEO of Distribution. "We are looking at a variety of release scenarios, including an Oscar and Golden Globe qualifying release in December, followed by a larger roll-out to theaters in January or February 2010. The film is ready now, so it's also possible that we will consider an earlier release date. Certain key territories, including Germany, are looking at release dates for this summer and early fall, so we will be studying their results to determine the best USA strategy." Julie Delpy performed multiple duties on the film, in addition to writing, directing and starring. She also served as one of the film's producers, and composed the film's score. "Delpy is a creative force for all to recognize," said Parkinson. "This is truly her film, on so many levels, and she has delivered to the highest echelon of excellence. She has made a remarkable film that we believe audiences will embrace." Worldwide distribution and representation for The Countess has been handled by Celluloid Dreams, with the film already licensed to top distributors in most key territories. Empire Film Group, Inc. is a fully-integrated entertainment company, with in-house distribution capabilities for the release of films to theaters, home video and television markets. The senior executives of Empire are seasoned and proven entertainment industry professionals, with expertise in all relevant skills of production, theatrical distribution, video distribution and finance. The company produces some of the film and television properties it distributes, in addition to the licensing of third-party acquisitions for distribution. Empire also owns and operates Hannover House, a well-established book publisher and entertainment distributor founded in 1993. Learn more about Empire Film Group at www.empirefilmgroup.com Contact: Empire Film Group, Inc. Jim Townsend 310-317-9176 JTownsend@EmpireFilmGroup.com Source: Empire Film Group, Inc.
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