Grizzly Adams(R) Starts Production on 'Friends for Life'

Grizzly Adams(R) Starts Production on 'Friends for Life'

Family Film Features Wolves as the Major Stars

PROVO, Utah, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Grizzly Adams(R) Productions is currently in production on its first of 20 family-friendly feature films slated for production over the next five years. Grizzly Adams, famous for its animal pictures for the past 25 years, will be bringing back the emotionally captivating Capra-esque themed movies - this time with a new twist of using animals in contemporary story situations.

The first film, entitled "Friends for Life," featuring adorable wolf pups as the major stars, is being co-produced with Utah-based Flynn-Daines Productions, with principal photography in the Uinta Mountains, Heber City, Payson, and Provo. Based on the original story by Grizzly Adams(R) creator Charles E. Sellier, "Friends for Life" is written by Utah-based screenwriter Joe Meier.

"Friends for Life" will prove to be a family favorite, as it is a heartwarming outdoor adventure-typical of Sellier's many past films. "There's a yearning among the public for solid family values and feel-good movies," says Supervising Producer Sellier. "I am really pleased that we are able to produce films that not only entertain, but also provide the family values that have been so scarce in recent years."

The 19 wolves - pups, teens and full-grown adults - starring in the film along with a bad grizzly bear have been trained for the show by world-famous trainers Doug and Lynne Seus (Evan Almighty, Dr. Dolittle 2, The Bear, Growing Up Grizzly, The Edge, Everwood).

"Animal training is an art that requires immense patience, compassion, and understanding," says Doug Seus. "The wolves and grizzly bear being used in this film are highly trained - not only capable of behaviors and commands, but also characterization, which will indeed make them the stars of this feature film."

Co-producer Michael Flynn, of Flynn-Daines Productions, who has appeared in over 70 films and television shows (The Last Sin Eater, The Dance, Everwood, Touched by an Angel, Matlock, Perry Mason), will play the movie's grandfather, Jim Crawford, as well as co-produce the show.

Co-producer McKay Daines of Flynn-Daines Productions (Heber Holiday, The Power of Love, Dream Weaver, Gettysburg, Gods and Generals) is a well-known screenwriter, producer, and director. He wrote and directed "The Dance," which won the Redemptive Film Festival 2006 Storyteller Award.

Film and television director Michael Spence will direct the film. His directing credits include Legend of the Spirit Dog, Miracles and Other Wonders, Desperado, Edge of Honor and many other shows.

Major cast roles have gone to a number of Utah actors. Jimmy Chunga, who is Ralph, the Archangel in Sellier's film, has six films that will be released between 2007 and 2008, and also has the number-one radio morning show (KENZ/101.9 FM) in Utah. Connie Young, who plays Claire, the legal assistant, has had previous roles in Read It and Weep, Jupiter Landing, and Troll 2. The supporting role of Maggie, the film's restaurant owner, is played by Tayva Patch, whose roles have included Touched by an Angel, Unabomber: The True Story, and The Return.

Grizzly Adams Productions, named after its long-running NBC Network TV series "The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams," produces network "Sweeps" TV specials for the ION Network and major cable channels. During the past 30 years, Grizzly Adams has produced more than 1,000 family-friendly TV specials and series for NBC, CBS, PAX, Discovery, Sci-Fi and other networks. Eleven of their 40 theatrical films are still among the top 100 all-time independent grossing films (non-studio), with six of those releases ranked in the top 25.

To interview Grizzly Adams(R) producers, contact Debbie Pursell at (970) 214-5161, or email grizzlyadamsdeb@msn.com.

Website: http://www.grizzlyadams.tv/

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Source: Grizzly Adams(R) Productions

CONTACT: Debbie Pursell of Grizzly Adams(R) Productions,
+1-970-214-5161, grizzlyadamsdeb@msn.com

Web site:

http://www.grizzlyadams.tv/

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