Empire Launches Theatrical Release of 'Hounddog' With Support of Major Critics, Media and Organizations

Empire Launches Theatrical Release of 'Hounddog' With Support of Major Critics, Media and Organizations

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Empire Film Group, Inc. (http://www.empirefilmgroup.com/) will release the highly anticipated drama, "Hounddog" to theaters on September 19th, with a coalition of support from top film critics, major media organizations and women's and children's support groups. The film will launch in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and selected other markets, with two major waves of expanded release set for October 3 and October 10. Ultimately, Empire plans to reach all of the top 100 markets in the USA, with more than 400 total play dates.

"We have been pleasantly overwhelmed by the support being generated for 'Hounddog'" said Eric Parkinson, CEO of Distribution for Empire Film Group, Inc. "This is truly one of the most important films of the year, and it's encouraging to see the momentum building so powerfully."

"Hounddog" stars Dakota Fanning as an Elvis-obsessed 12-year old in the late 1950's, who must endure a difficult family situation compounded by a life-altering assault. The film was written and directed by Deborah Kampmeier ("Virgin"), a rapidly rising star among women film directors. Producers on the film include Jen Gatien ("Chelsea on the Rocks"), and Scott Franklin, whose most recent production of "The Wrestler" just won the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival. Other principal cast members include Robin Wright-Penn ("Forrest Gump"), David Morse ("The Green Mile") and three-time Academy Award nominee Piper Laurie.

"Hounddog" will be featured in a variety of national television entertainment programs and major newspapers over the next two weeks, including feature stories in the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times.

In a related transaction, Empire has finalized a bank credit facility arrangement with Legacy Bank of Springdale, Arkansas. Proceeds from the credit facility will be utilized for Empire operational needs as well as for marketing costs of "Hounddog", "Local Color" and other Empire film, DVD and book releases. The bank transaction was structured and negotiated by Empire Home Entertainment President, D. Frederick Shefte, and involved an off-balance sheet transaction with a private investor and Wells Fargo Bank in Los Angeles.

Link to LA Times Feature Story: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/la-ca-indieeye14- 2008sep14,0,2921697.story

For more information on Hounddog visit: www.HoundDogMovie.com

Learn more about Empire Film Group at www.empirefilmgroup.com

Source: Empire Film Group, Inc.

CONTACT: Jim Townsend of Empire Film Group, Inc., +1-310-317-4456,
JTownsend@EmpireFilmGroup.com

Web site: http://www.empirefilmgroup.com/
http://www.hounddogmovie.com/

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