Academy Award Nominated Director Peter Spirer Signs On For Multi-Picture Deal
Image Hires Brett Dismuke to Lead Division
September 20, 2007
CHATSWORTH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Image Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq:DISK), a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of feature films and entertainment programming in North America, today announced the launch of its newly formed urban division named One Village Entertainment.
One Village Entertainment provides independent filmmakers with a home for their urban programming, from which it can then be distributed across multiple platforms including theatrical, broadcast, DVD and digital streaming and downloading.
In conjunction with the launch of One Village, Image announced the signing of a multi–picture production and worldwide distribution agreement for documentaries and narrative feature films with Rugged Entertainment, a production entity formed by Academy Award® nominated director Peter Spirer, director of Image’s recent release, Notorious BIG: Bigger Than Life. Additionally, through Image’s distribution agreement with QD3 Entertainment, Spirer directed Thug Angel: Life of Tupac Shakur, and the Beef I/II/III trilogy of films.
The first documentary to be produced under the agreement should be ready for release in mid-2008. The agreement also calls for projects acquired by Rugged Entertainment to be distributed exclusively through Image.
Image has also acquired several films to be released under the One Village label. These films include Love and Other 4 Letter Words, a romantic comedy starring Tangi Miller, Flex Alexander and Essence Atkins, Two Turntables and a Mic, a music documentary about the life and untimely death of Jam Master Jay with guest appearances by Russell Simmons, Reverend Run, Jay-Z, LL Cool J and 50 Cent, and Life Is Not A Fairy Tale, the highest-rated program in the history of VH-1, starring Fantasia Barrino.
The new division is helmed by recently hired Brett Dismuke, who comes to Image as its Vice President of Urban Programming. Dismuke has over 13 years of marketing, sales and branding experience, having worked for entertainment staples including Disney, Polygram and Universal Music. In addition to locating and securing new content, Dismuke will oversee strategic planning, financial management, brand building and product lines for the division. Dismuke will work closely with Image’s Director of Urban Marketing, David Kimbrough.
David Borshell, Image’s Chief Operating Officer commented, "The launch of One Village signifies our long-term dedication to serving the urban marketplace. Over the past several years we have built a substantial library which includes many of the industry’s top selling urban programs. Under the One Village label we will maintain our aggressive acquisition efforts and continue to bring the urban consumer exciting and creative content." Borshell continued, "We’re obviously excited to have signed an agreement with Peter Spirer. Peter’s filmmaking efforts are highly regarded in the urban community and we look forward to teaming with him on his new projects."
"Lastly, and certainly no less important, is the fact that Brett Dismuke has joined the company. We plan on providing Brett with all the support he needs as he sets his sights on further developing the industry’s most respected urban entertainment label," concluded Borshell.
According to Peter Spirer, "Over the past seven years, I have been privileged to direct a number of Image’s top-selling urban documentaries. I am greatly looking forward to this new venture, bringing Rugged Entertainment’s new vision of films to Image Entertainment’s library of already stellar titles."
Image’s Vice President of Urban Programming Brett Dismuke declared, "I’m really excited to be part of the Image team. One Village Entertainment symbolizes the many facets of the urban marketplace. Regardless of what type of urban entertainment an individual prefers, be it hip-hop, gospel, action, comedy or family themes, it all comes from the same community. One Village signifies the fact that you can find all types of urban entertainment under one label. In other words… one cause, one mission, one voice… One Village!"
About Image Entertainment:
Image Entertainment, Inc. is a leading independent licensee, producer and distributor of entertainment programming in North America, with approximately 3,000 exclusive DVD titles and approximately 250 exclusive CD titles in domestic release and approximately 450 programs internationally via sublicense agreements. For many of its titles, the Company has exclusive audio and broadcast rights and, through its subsidiary Egami Media, Inc., has digital download rights to approximately 2,000 video programs and over 250 audio programs containing more than 4,000 tracks. The Company is headquartered in Chatsworth, California. For more information about Image Entertainment, Inc., please go to www.image-entertainment.com.
About One Village Entertainment:
One Village Entertainment, a division of Image Entertainment, Inc., is devoted to the development, production and acquisition of diverse products specifically targeting consumers seeking quality, urban entertainment. The newly formed division will distribute feature films, comedy specials, staged plays, documentaries and music content targeting the African-American consumer. One Village Entertainment strives to become a dominant force in the urban genre by providing the marketplace a vast collection of higher quality programming.
Contacts
Image Entertainment
Spencer Savage, 818-407-9100 Ext. 308
ssavage@image-entertainment.com
