PHASE 4 FILMS ACQUIRES ALL U.S. AND CANADIAN RIGHTS
TO ANNA PAQUIN-STARRER FREE RIDE
Film Marks First Production From
Paquin and Stephen Moyer’s Production Company
CANNES, FRANCE (May 19, 2013) - Berry Meyerowitz, President & CEO of Phase 4 Films, announced today from the 2013 Cannes Film Festival that the company has acquired all U.S. and Canadian rights to writer/director Shana Betz’s feature directorial debut FREE RIDE, starring Anna Paquin, Cam Gigandet, Drea De Matteo, Liana Liberato, Jeff Hephner, Brit Morgan and Ava Acres. With a screenplay by Betz, the film was produced by Susan Dynner, Cerise Hallam Larkin, and Paquin, and executive produced by Mark Larkin and Stephen Moyer. This is the first film production from Paquin and Moyer’s new production company CASM. Phase 4 will release the film later this year in theaters and on demand.
Set in the 1970s and based on her life story, Betz’s accomplished directorial debut is a provocative crime thriller that stars Academy Award®-winner Anna Paquin as a single mother who moves to Florida with her daughters in search of a better life, but gets pulled into the high-stakes drug-trade business.
“Shana Betz has written and directed a poignant and gripping film anchored by a powerful performance by Anna Paquin,” says Meyerowitz. “We look forward to working with Shana, and the entire cast and producing team to bring this film to audiences.”
“It's always very exciting to discover talented writers and directors at the beginning of their careers. Based on the life story of Shana Betz, our writer-director, FREE RIDE tells an emotionally intense story of survival, and the lengths a mother will go to, to take care of her children,” said Paquin. ”This was a story we felt passionately needed to be told. We are thrilled that Phase 4 is as excited about the film as we are and look forward to working with them."
The deal for FREE RIDE was negotiated by Phase 4's Larry Greenberg and Katharyn Howe with Paradigm's Nick LoPiccolo and attorney Ron Levin on behalf of the filmmakers. Featured Artists Agency's Brian Dreyfuss reps Betz and was heavily involved in packaging the movie. Cargo Entertainment is handling international sales.
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For more information, please contact:
Michael Kupferberg
Strategy PR/Consulting
O: 646-918-8718
michael.kupferberg@strategypr.net
About Phase 4 Films
Phase 4 Films (www.phase4films.com) is one of the leading full service independent studios. With offices in nine cities in the U.S. and Canada, the company provides a full range of services relating to the sales, marketing, licensing and distribution of feature films, television and special interest content across all media in the North American market. Its recent releases include The Baytown Outlaws, starring Eva Longoria and Billy Bob Thornton, and Generation Um starring Keanu Reaves. Its dedicated kids & family label, kaboom! Entertainment, is one of the most recognizable brands in the children's and family market.
www.phase4films.com