The Katz Meow: 'Local' Las Vegas Movie Hits Big Screens Nationwide

The Katz Meow: 'Local' Las Vegas Movie Hits Big Screens Nationwide

LAS VEGAS, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- What happens in Vegas, no longer will stay in Vegas, thanks to a movie called "Self-Medicated" that will be bursting onto movie screens across the country on Friday, August 31.

A true prescription for mesmerizing audiences everywhere, "Self-Medicated" was written by native Las Vegan Monty Lapica, who also stars in the full-length feature film. Based on actual events, it paints a searing true portrait of a 17-year-old Lapica (in the role of Andrew Eriksen) on the edges of Las Vegas, his life gone out-of-control after the death of his father.

Variety calls Lapica's performance "especially blistering" and says that the portrait of redemption and personal triumph over hardship "packs a startling punch." The film, which made its debut at the 2006 CineVegas Film Festival at the Palms in Las Vegas, went on to win top awards at 39 film festivals worldwide.

Lapica's real lifelong best friend, Shane Stuart (son of "Legends In Concert" creator/producer John Stuart), plays Eriksen's best friend Seth Calenes (one of the leading supporting roles) and is also the associate producer of the movie. Additionally, the film's producer, Tommy Bell, is another native Las Vegan. Lapica, Stuart and Bell grew up together and personally lived the events depicted in the film.

"Monty's friends became increasingly important to him," says Shane Stuart. "They became his family through his deepest trials and tribulations."

Filmed almost entirely in Las Vegas, the movie also stars Golden Globe nominee Diane Venora as Andrew's mother and Michael Bowen and Greg Germann.

"Self-Medicated" is Lapica's writing and directorial debut. Stuart recently made his full directing and producing debut in his second film, "Heart of the King," a documentary that gives an insight into the Elvis Presley phenomenon and what has made the 36,000 Elvis impersonators worldwide give up their lives and other professions to live through a jumpsuit as Elvis. "Heart of the King" won the People's Choice Award at the 2007 Silverlake Film Festival in Los Angeles and is the official selection to preview at the Great Lakes Film Festival in Pennsylvania on September 29. John Stuart is executive producer of the film.

"Self-Medicated" is just what the doctor ordered -- take two tickets (or more) and call the box office in the morning.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: John Stuart Productions, Inc.

CONTACT: Bobbie Katz for John Stuart Productions, Inc., +1-702-897-4536

Web site:

http://www.johnstuartproductions.com/

-------
Profile: intent