November 6, 2007

Liberation Entertainment Sets Sights on ‘Shotgun Stories’

A Much Lauded Meditation on American Violence

“A point-blank buckshot blast of American rage.” - Variety

Los Angeles, CA – Upload Films and Liberation Entertainment today announced that they have signed a deal for the theatrical & DVD rights to the critically acclaimed drama Shotgun Stories. Jeff Nichols’ feature directorial debut stars Michael Shannon (Bug) in what New York Magazine calls “A searing, then sobering exploration of primal injuries.” Produced by David Gordon Green (director of George Washington, All the Real Girls and the upcoming The Pineapple Express), Lisa Muskat and director Nichols, the film debuted at the Berlin International film festival and was the winner of the Grand Jury Prize for New American Cinema at this year’s Seattle Film Festival. Sure to provoke controversy and inspire debate, the theatrical release is slated for early 2008 followed by a DVD release later that summer.

“This is one of those films that sticks with you a long time after you’re done watching it,” says Liberation CEO Jay Boberg. “It may be the most important statement on the escalation of violence I’ve ever seen.”

"My hope is that Shotgun Stories gives an honest portrayal of normal, hard working people responding to the pain and heartbreak they find, and at times create, in their own lives, said director Jeff Nichols. “It isn't every day that you find a company that reciprocates the passion you feel for your own project. I feel like we've found that in Liberation Entertainment, and I look forward to working with them to get Shotgun Stories out into the world."

Shotgun Stories tracks a feud that erupts between two sets of half brothers following the death of their father. Set against the cotton fields and back roads of Southeast Arkansas, these brothers discover the lengths to which each will go to protect their family. “One of the most impressive independent American Productions of the year,” said Berlin Film Festival juror Ansgar Vogt, “Played with the disarmingly placid inevitability of Greek tragedy,” continued Daily Variety’s Eddie Cockrell.

For more information go to: www.shotgunstories.com

ABOUT LIBERATION ENTERTAINMENT
Based in Los Angeles with a burgeoning office in London, Liberation Entertainment Inc. is a leading independent global distributor of visual content.  Launched in 2006 by influential media entrepreneur Jay Boberg, with the financial backing of media and communications private-equity firm Clarity Partners LP, Liberation Entertainment owns the rights to a wide variety of premium audio-visual content, including independent and feature films, classic television, CGI animation, music and lifestyle programming.  With unmatched expertise in worldwide television sales and domestic and international DVD distribution, Liberation Entertainment will continue to grow as a compelling force in the global entertainment market. For more information, please visit www.liberationentertainment.com.

ABOUT UPLOAD FILMS
Upload films was founded in 2006 by producer Todd Williams, post-production supervisor John Portnoy and entrepreneur Nick Thurlow to provide a home for filmmaker-based projects that expand the vocabulary of independent film. Combining production, finishing funds, and post-production services under one roof, projects are developed and partnerships encouraged to bring engaging films with strong creator visions to the screen. Shotgun Stories is soon to be followed by The Babysitters, starring John Leguizamo, Cynthia Nixon & Kathleen Waterston –premiering at this year’s Toronto Film Festival. For more information, please visit www.uploadfilms.com

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