Issues

The Spotlight Initiative

May 27, 2008

Dear Friend of The Creative Coalition:

We are proud to introduce you to a new program, The Spotlight Initiative, launched earlier this year by Screen Media Films and The Creative Coalition.

Under The Spotlight Initiative, we will be rolling out a series of independent film releases with a unique and specific goal in mind: make a positive difference in the world. We are looking for partners – both brands and organizations – that can maximize and leverage the messages in the film to support marketing and/or issue agendas. We will engage consumer brands, organizations and media outlets; and look forward to you participating.

The Spotlight Initiative will invoke cause-related marketing strategies to extend the reach of a film’s message beyond the movie screen. The Spotlight Initiative serves as a strategic business component that will create unique marketing, branding, and advertising opportunities; and will make a positive impact on society.

Here’s a partial list of sample opportunities available with the Spotlight initiative:

DVD customization: includes PSAs or Ads for brand/sponsor, branded DVD jacket, etc
DVD sales: incentive for brands / organizations to recoup on their investment Broadcast rights
Print Media opportunities: event re-cap, in-book & online
Digital opportunities: downloadable
Online cross promotional opportunities (drive traffic to your website), sweepstakes, giveaways, etc.
Retail opportunities: in-store promotions, DVD signings, etc.
Premiere / screening & event opportunities
Premiere after party event opportunities
Media partnership opportunities: exclusive interviews & photos w/ the cast & crew
Product Placement
Charity Event or Gala

Here’s a look at our upcoming releases this summer that are available for partnering opportunities:

Big Rig (June 2008) – a documentary that focuses on the American truck driver and lends itself to brands and causes. It showcases economic issues and the need for more efficient fuel alternatives for the future. http://youtube.com/watch?v=J6fh1OVlEMo

Honeydripper (June 2008) – a film that depicts African American life in a small town in 1950’s Alabama – a rock and roll fable. Oscar-nominated director John Sayles delivers an electrifying and vivid rock & roll fable starring Danny Glover and Charles Dutton. Throughout the film, themes of art and music are prevalent and inspiring. http://www.screenmediafilms.net/index.php?videoName=honeydripper

Bustin Down The Door (July 2008) – a documentary on the history of surfing. Narrated by multiple Academy Award-nominee Edward Norton with music by David Bowie, The Terribles, T. Rex and others, it’s heralded as the most significant surfing documentary since Endless Summer, one the biggest grossing documentary film of all time. The film includes legendary surfers from the 70's like Shaun Tomson, Rabbit Bartholomew, Mark Richards & Eddie Aikau and modern stars like Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Jon Jon Florence and Andy Irons. This film presents themes including environmental protection, ecosystems and climate change; as well as the efficacy of sports for a healthy lifestyle. http://bustindownthedoor.com/

14 Women (August 2008) – this documentary takes an in-depth look inside the lives of Hillary Rodham Clinton, Elizabeth Dole and other modern day iconic women serving as US Senators. Narrated by Annette Benning, it tells the story about a series of events that lead us to this pivotal moment in the history of our country where more women than ever before are in elected positions. Empowerment, self-esteem, and a call to action -- this film speaks to many issues women face in today’s workforce while balancing their families, friends, staff, and workload. www.screenmediafilms.net/trailers/14women.html

As part of our initiative we also are working with Screen Media Films’ back catalogue to raise awareness on current social issues. Here’s a partial list of films and causes:

Title : Social Issue, Film Notes

No Turning Back: Immigration Reform

Anne B-Real: Empowerment, Self Esteem, Women’s Rights

The Gatekeeper: Immigration Reform; Best Film Winner at the Hispanic Film Festival

The Courage To Love: Empowerment, Self Esteem; starring Vanessa Williams, Gil Bellows

Smile: Dental / Healthcare; starring Mika Boorem, Beau Bridges, Sean Astin

One Last Dance: Arts Advocacy; starring Patrick Swayze, Lisa Niemi

SherryBaby: Healthcare; starring Maggie Gyllenhaal

Something To Cheer About: Multiculturalism / Athletics; starring Oscar Robertson (NBA Hall of Fame), Willie Merriweather (NCAA All-American) & Hallie Bryant (Harlem Globetrotter)

Canvas: Mental Illness; starring Joe Pantoloano, Marcia Gay Harden

Skid Row: Healthcare, Homelessness; documented by Pras from The Fugees

Adrift In Manhattan: Healthcare; starring Heather Graham, William Baldwin, Dominic Chianese, Elizabeth Pena

If you would like additional information on any of these film or are interested in discussing what opportunities exist please let us know or contact The Spotlight Initiative’s Marketing Manager at 212-512-5687/212-308-1790 ext 143 or via email at arucker@thecreativecoalition.org /arucker@screenmedia.net. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

About The Creative Coalition

The Creative Coalition (www.thecreativecoalition.org) is the leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating and mobilizing its members on issues of public importance, primarily public education, the First Amendment, arts advocacy, media literacy, destigmatizing mental illness and stemming runaway production. The Creative Coalition does not endorse or raise funds for political parties or candidates.

About Screen Media Films

Screen Media Films acquires the rights to high quality, independent feature films for the US and Canada. Screen Media’s theatrical releases include Skid Row starring Pras from the Grammy award winning Fugees, and the award winning drama Canvas starring Marcia Gay Harden. Adding to the 2008 theatrical slate will be Trailer Park Boys from Executive Producer Ivan Reitman, and the Werner Erhard documentary, Transformation. Since 2001, Screen Media has released more than 100 titles including Noel, starring Penelope Cruz and Susan Sarandon; Sherrybaby, starring Maggie Gyllenhaal; Kevin Bacon's directorial debut, Loverboy, starring Kyra Sedgwick and Matt Dillon; and Emmy nominated Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. All films are distributed on home video through an exclusive distribution arrangement with Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

We look forward to your joining us in this new venture.

All the best,

Robin Bronk

Executive Director, The Creative Coalition

Robert Baruc

President, Screen Media Films

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