"Big Ideas for a Small Planet" and "Nimrod Nation" First Releases
New York, NY December 20, 2007 - Arts Alliance America will become the exclusive distributor of Sundance Channel's home entertainment library and has a first look deal on all Sundance Channel original programming and one-off documentaries. The announcement was made today by Joe Amodei, President of Arts Alliance America and Laura Michalchyshyn, Executive Vice President and GM Programming and Creative Affairs, Sundance Channel. The first titles to be released are a pair of Sundance Channel original series: "Big Ideas For A Small Plant" produced by Scout Productions and, from filmmaker Brett Morgen, the highly acclaimed "Nimrod Nation."
"Big Ideas for A Small Planet" is a 13-part documentary eco-series designed to be both informative and entertaining. The series presents the forward-thinking designers, products and processes that are on the leading edge of a new green world. Each episode revolves around a different green theme as it spotlights a specific innovator or innovation that has the potential to transform our everyday lives. The release of this DVD box set will coincide with the second season premiere of the show this spring April 2008."Big Ideas for a Small Planet" is produced by Scout Productions.
An 8-part original series, "Nimrod Nation" was filmed in the remote town of Watersmeet, Michigan, where life converges around two things: hunting and high school basketball. "Nimrod Nation" takes in both the unique and universal details of life in Watersmeet, moving from the basketball court to the family kitchen, from local watering hole to snowy vista, to deliver a richly textured portrait of a quintessential American town. It was conceived by Oscar-nominated director Brett Morgen (Chicago 10, The Kid Stays in the Picture; On The Ropes), and executive produced by Morgen, Kevin Proudfoot (Wieden + Kennedy) and Adam Pincus, The series is produced in association with Fremantle International Distribution, Wieden + Kennedy Entertainment and Public Road Productions. Lynne Kirby is executive producer for Sundance Channel.
Joe Amodei stated "It is an honor to act as the home video distribution arm for Sundance Channel which is such a highly respected and recognized supporter of independent programming. This arrangement, building on the success of our prior relationship, should result in a partnership that is both exiting & rewarding."
Michalchyshyn said,"Pushing Sundance Channel content out to audiences on a variety of platforms is key to our business strategy. In the independent Home Video market, Joe Amodei has a reputation and a track record that is quite formidable -- we are really pleased to be back in business with Joe (now part of Arts Alliance), and to have Sundance Channel's original programming and film content made available on DVD."
To celebrate its new partnership with Sundance Channel, Arts Alliance America is ALSO re-launching their already extensive library of Sundance Channel Home Entertainment programming. Twenty-eight titles featuring marquee stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Ryan Gosling, Richard Burton, Christopher Walken, and Helena Bonham Carter, and directed by Hollywood legends such as Robert Altman and Peter Fonda, will be re-promoted and re-priced at a low price of $14.98 each.
About Sundance Channel
Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, uncompromising and irreverent, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries, and original programs, all unedited and commercial free. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is a venture of NBC Universal, CBS and Robert Redford. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression. Sundance Channel's website address is www.sundancechannel.com.
About Arts Alliance America
Arts Alliance America (AAA), is part of Arts Alliance Media (AAM), Europe's leading provider of digital film distribution services to the cinema, home and entertainment industry. Arts Alliance America, formerly 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. The company has built partnerships with Sundance Channel Home Entertainment, ESPN, MLB Productions, Bombo Sports and Entertainment, TV Guide and NESN and other high profile entertainment brands since their inception. Some upcoming AAA releases include Chalk, which pulls you in to the frenetic and awkwardly painful journey of three novice teachers, by director Mike Akel and Impossible to Forget: The Story of the 1967 Red Sox chronicling the most beloved, mythical team in the history of Boston sports.
For more information please visit www.artsallianceamerica.com and www.artsalliancemedia.com
