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13 years ago
NEWS JUST OUT:
Hollywood Studios International Acquires Highest Grossing Venezuelan Film of All-Time "The Zero Hour"
Film's Amazing Backstory Creating Just as Much Buzz as Box Office Records; Filmmakers Ink Representation Deals With Artist International
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Press Release Source: Hollywood Studios International On Tuesday February 8, 2011, 8:24 pm
LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - 02/08/11) - Continuing to bolster its slate with the the hottest films from around the world, Hollywood Studios International (OTC.BB:HYWS - News) has acquired worldwide rights (outside of Venezuela), through its HSI Films division, to the record setting thriller "The Zero Hour" (Spanish title: "La Hora Cero"), which was co-executive produced by HSI Chairman & CEO, Steven Saxton.
The film has been a massive success in Venezuela, breaking records on its way to becoming the highest earning Venezuelan film in history and out grossing popular studio films such as INCEPTION, IRON MAN 2 and TWILIGHT: ECLIPSE. This amazing feat was accomplished with the purchase of only one billboard. The film has remained at the top of the box office in Venezuela for fifteen weeks, reaching #1, opening ahead of and out-grossing films such as TRON: LEGACY, THE TOWN, THE SOCIAL NETWORK, SAW, DUE DATE, WALL STREET 2 and PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2.
As highlighted in the current issue of Weekly Variety Magazine, the filmmakers made "The Zero Hour" with great sacrifice and literally risked their lives to shoot it. Three crew members were kidnapped, the director was held up at gunpoint, and one of the actors was killed a week before shooting his part. The film brings to life the violence and chaos that currently characterizes Venezuela and it has already had a huge impact in the country. It focuses on a Sicario, one of Latin America's most feared criminal types, and explores the link between violence and social inequality -- in this case the gap in quality between private and public health care.
HSI Films is introducing "The Zero Hour" to eager foreign buyers for the first time at the upcoming European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin where the film will have its market debut this week.
Set and filmed in Caracas, "The Zero Hour" is the big-screen debut of Venezuelan-born and U.S.-raised director Diego Velasco, whose short films have won over 26 awards. Set during the real-life, 24-hour national health strike that paralyzed the city's public hospitals in 1996, it follows a fictional hitman (Sicario) who takes control of a private hospital to save his pregnant friend -- the victim of a shooting in which the culprit is revealed only later in the film.
Written and directed by Velasco, the film's lead is played by Ruben Zapata, aka Zapata 666, an underground hip-hop artist from Petare (Venezuela's largest slum) in his first acting role. Starring alongside Zapata are Venezuelan stars Amanda Key, Erich Wildpret, Laureano Oliveres and Marisa Roman as well as American actors Alejandro Furth ("Dreamgirls," "Fun with Dick and Jane"), and Steve Wilcox ("American Me").
Carolina Paiz wrote the screenplay with Velasco and produced the film with Rodolfo Cova. Sergio Aguero ("Y Tu Mama Tambien," "Quarantine") executive produced.
On their way to becoming one of the hottest filmaking duos in the business, Diego Velasco and Carolina Paiz have signed on with Hollywood Studio International's wholly owned management company, Artist International, for representation in all areas of their business and creative pursuits.
The filmmakers say they did not want to produce a socioeconomic critique. "We want viewers to digest and interpret the movie's ideas, not to put ideas in their heads," said Carolina Paiz.
HSI President, Eric Christenson, commented, "We've been on the lookout for great, distinctively original films with mass commercial appeal and 'The Zero Hour' has it all. The film brings a raw edginess that audiences are drawn to and appreciate, as evidenced with its record breaking success in Venezuela. I was blown away when I first screened the film. It's much more creative and edgy than your typical thriller, delivering a visually enthralling and unique experience for audiences that will translate well beyond the borders of Venezuela and Latin America. For us, the film exemplifies the pedigree of picture HSI is committed to bringing to the international marketplace. We're excited to see the reactions to the film in Berlin."
Less than a year old, Hollywood Studios International has already made a sizeable footprint in the independent landscape having executive produced, as its debut film project, the breakout hit "The Kids Are All Right," one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year and winner the 2011 Golden Globe® for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy as well as Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy (Annette Bening). Recently nominated for four Oscars®, including Best Picture, the film was produced in association with Artist International (an HSI company) and executive produced by Steven Saxton
mAjOr dAmAgE
16 years ago
Russ Lyster Joins Artist International as Partner, New York
Hollywood Studios International (PINKSHEETS: HYWS) CEO Steven Saxton announced today that Russ Lyster has joined Artist International as a partner in the New York office. Russ brings many years of experience and a plethora of talented clients including Joe Perrino ("The Sopranos," "Assassination of a High School President," "The Sophomore"), Amelia Alvarez ("Veronica Mars"), Nigel Havers ("Empire of the Sun," "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," "Penelope"), and Sir Tom Courtenay ("The Golden Compass," "Flood," "Nicholas Nickleby"). Russ will focus on expanding the Artist International brand on the East Coast while developing new talent and managing his current client list.
"We are very excited to bring Russ on as a Partner at Artist International. Russ brings years of experience as both an agent and a manager and his knowledge and insight is immeasurable," said Steven Saxton at the announcement.
About Russ Lyster
Russ was a highly successful talent agent for over twenty years in Los Angeles. He began his career as an agent at Charles Feldman, and has worked with other top agencies including Hal Stallmaster, The Artists' Group, Metropolitan Talent, and Don Buchwald and Associates. He then became President of Prism Management. Russ has represented major talent such as John Rhys-Davies ("Indiana Jones," "Lord of the Rings," "Aladdin"), John Ratzenberger ("Cheers," "Toy Story," "Monster's Inc."), Christopher Lee ("Star Wars," "Lord of the Rings," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"), David Warner ("Titanic," "The Time Machine"), Nigel Havers ("Empire of the Sun," "The Life and Death of Peter Sellers," "Penelope"), and Sir Tom Courtenay ("Doctor Zhivago," "Nicholas Nickelby," "The Golden Compass"). Along with his years of experience Russ also brings a collection of incredible new talent including Joe Perrino ("The Sopranos," "Assassination of a High School President") and Amelia Alvarez ("Veronica Mars," "The Distance from Here").
About Artist International
Artist International (www.artistint.com) provides professional representation to actors, models, writers, directors, athletes, music performers, artists, and other entertainment properties. Its four divisions -- music, literary, sports, and talent -- operate with the singular focus of understanding the goals and talents of clients and maximizing their potential.
About Hollywood Studios International
Hollywood Studios International (www.hsifilms.com), an entertainment holding company, exists to create award-winning entertainment which succeeds both artistically and commercially through the inherent synergies of combining elements of a traditional studio system with the structure of artist management. The Company has recently completed a financial audit and is filing the appropriate paperwork to begin trading in the US (PINKSHEETS: HYWS). Current subsidiaries and divisions include Artist International Management, Doc Hollywood Kidz, Doc Hollywood Records, and Bop City Records. The Company has recently signed a Letter of Intent to acquire feature film production and distribution company Foresight Unlimited.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Although Hollywood Studios International believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any assumption could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the objective and plans of the Company will be achieved.
Contact:
Investor Relations
(310) 358-9007
Source: Marketwire (December 20, 2007 - 2:53 PM EST)
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