'DAWN' of a New Day at MGM

'DAWN' of a New Day at MGM

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM has acquired all North American rights to RESCUE DAWN, the survival story of Dieter Dengler, an American pilot shot down in Viet Cong territory, written and directed by Werner Herzog and starring Christian Bale, it was announced today by the company's COO Rick Sands. The film, which was produced by Gibraltar Entertainment in association with Thema Production, debuts at the Toronto International Film Festival this Saturday, September 9th, is scheduled for a theatrical run in December, 2006.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20011119/MGMLOGO )

Based on the true story of an American pilot, Dieter Dengler (Christian Bale) is shot down during a top-secret mission to destroy Viet Cong strongholds in Laos at the beginning of the Vietnam War. Taken hostage, he endures unimaginable conditions at the hands of cruel captors in a makeshift POW camp. Dengler's iron will to survive guides him and fellow prisoners in a meticulously-planned, death-defying escape, only to discover the harsh realities of an unforgiving jungle beyond the camp's walls. Steve Zahn and Jeremy Davies costar in this unforgettable story of one man's determination and unrelenting pursuit of freedom.

"We're very excited to be working with Herzog," said Sands. "He is a legendary director, and he and Bale have brought this incredible and compelling story to the screen in a raw and emotional film."

RESCUE DAWN is produced by Steve Marlton, Elton Brand and Harry Knapp, executive produced by Jimmy de Brabant, Michael Dounaev, Kami Nagdi, Elie Samaha, Gerald Green, Nick Raslin and Freddy Braidy, and associate produced by Adam W. Rosen and Robyn Klein, with cinematography by Peter Zietlinger, editing by Joe Bini, and original musical by Klaus Badelt.

The deal was negotiated by Scott Packman and Ayano Ichida at MGM, and Adam W. Rosen of Rosen Feig Golland & Lunn represented the filmmakers in the sale.

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, which is comprised of more than 4,000 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 110 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), Texas Pacific Group (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

About Gibraltar Entertainment

Gibraltar Entertainment was founded in 2005 by Steve Marlton and Elton Brand with the goal to not only invest in the film business, but to also nurture new screenwriting and directing talent to produce vibrant new films, with a focus on superior quality entertainment. Gibraltar is dedicated to cultivating independent visions, discovering new directors and acting talent, as well as working alongside some of the biggest names in the business. RESCUE DAWN is the first collaboration from Producers Elton Brand and Steve Marlton.

Contact:
Jeff Pryor
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
(310) 449-3446
e. jpryor@mgm.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20011119/MGMLOGO
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PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

CONTACT: Jeff Pryor of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.,
+1-310-449-3446, jpryor@mgm.com

Web site: http://www.mgm.com/

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