FREESTYLE RELEASING ACQUIRES U.S. DISTRIBUTION FILM RIGHTS
TO THE IDENTICAL STARRING RAY LIOTTA, SETH GREEN
AND ASHLEY JUDD
Music-driven family drama slated to open nationwide in theaters
September 12,2014
SOURCE: Rogers & Cowan
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (April 3, 2014) – Independent film distribution company Freestyle Releasing, has acquired U.S. rights to the music driven family drama, The Identical. The announcement was made today by Freestyle co-President, Mark Borde who will release Dustin Marcellino’s directorial debut nationally on September 12, 2014.
The Identical stars Golden Globe nominees Ray Liotta (The Place Beyond The Pines, Goodfellas, Field of Dreams) and Ashley Judd (Divergent, Olympus Has Fallen, Dolphin Tale), along with Emmy award-winning Seth Green (The Italian Job, Austin Powers, Dads, Family Guy, Robot Chicken) and newcomer music sensation, Blake Rayne. The full-length feature is produced by Mark G. Mathis (Precious), Yochanan Marcellino of City of Peace Films, Matthew Dean Russell, Coke Sams and Clarke Gallivan, along with Michael Edious Johnson, Yochanan Marcellino and Ray Liotta serving as executive producers.
Inspired by an original story by Wade Cummins, with a screenplay written by Howard Klausner (Space Cowboys), The Identical tells the story of identical twin brothers (both played by Rayne) who are separated at birth during the Great Depression. Despite their different upbringings, the boys share a similar passion for music, causing their lives to unknowingly intersect as they experience a powerful and mysterious connection often felt by twins.
The film also stars Brian Geraghty (“Boardwalk Empire,” The Hurt Locker), Emmy award- winning Joe Pantoliano (“The Sopranos,” Memento), Amanda Crew (Jobs, Charlie St. Cloud), and Erin Cottrell (lead actress in Michael Landon Jr.’s “Love Comes Softly” series).
Rayne’s film debut includes his performance of many of the original songs in the movie. The film’s soundtrack highlights over 20 original songs by legendary Motown record producer Jerry Marcellino (Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Bobby Darin, Frankie Valli and many others) and Yochanan Marcellino. In addition to Rayne, the soundtrack also features a stellar line up of City of Peace Record’s recording artists including The Morph Kings, Darcey and Mo, House of Peace and the Ricky Reece Band. The music from the film represents three decades (the 50s, 60s and 70s) of Pop, Rock, R&B and Bluegrass.
“Freestyle Releasing was immediately onboard The Identical when we saw it,” said Borde. “Ray Liotta delivers one of his finest performances and Blake Rayne’s voice is on par with the legends of the era. This is a film that will definitely appeal to mass audiences.”
“Freestyle’s impressive track record coupled with their seasoned and aggressive team led by Mark Borde and Susan Jackson, provides the ideal match for our film and our company’s business model,” says Yochanan Marcellino, founder, president and CEO of City of Peace Media and City of Peace Films.
The deal was negotiated by Freestyle Releasing’s Mark Borde, along with Michael Helfant, Don Noes and Yochanan Marcellino who negotiated on behalf of City of Peace Films in association with Identical Production Company, LLC.
About Freestyle Releasing
Freestyle Releasing is a full-service, theatrical motion picture distribution company that specializes in representing independent companies, major studios, and mini-major studios for the purpose of exhibiting their films in a first class theatrical release. The founders and principals of Freestyle Releasing, Mark Borde and Susan Jackson are highly regarded and experienced motion picture veterans with a combined total of over a century of respected work in the industry. This is a platform that delivers an anytime-anywhere capability in the medium of their choice and a positive digital viewing experience on any device in any location.
About City of Peace Films
The primary focus of City of Peace Media and City of Peace Films is to provide framework where music, films and video with “redeeming value” can be developed, produced, marketed and distributed worldwide, bringing a message of hope, love and encouragement to this generation. www.cityofpeace.com. Website:www.theidenticalmovie.com.