HIGH POINT, N.C., June 7, 2012 - It's pretty cool to say you can walk into a big-box store and buy the film you personally wrote, directed, and produced - and Ed Simpson, chair of the Department of Theatre at High Point University, will be able to say that in just a matter of days. His film, "Elephant Sighs," a feature film produced by New Garden Media and filmed locally, is making its nationwide debut on June 12.
Distributed by Green Apple Entertainment, the film - which is a story about loss, loneliness and the healing power of friendship - will be available from a wide variety of outlets, including Wal-Mart, Blockbuster, and Barnes and Noble. The film can also be ordered through Amazon and Green Apple Entertainment, and it will be available at Redbox in July. In addition, there will be a "faith-based" version of the film that will be released to Christian bookstores and churches. This special version will have a study guide as part of the "extras."
The production, which stars Emmy Award-winner Ed Asner ("The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Lou Grant," "Up!," and "Elf") also features a powerhouse cast of some of Hollywood's best character actors including Tony-nominated John Cariani ("Fiddler on the Roof," "NUMB3RS," "Law and Order," "Showtime") ; Jack Kehler ("The Big Lebowski," "Love Liza," "Dudley Doright," "Waterworld," "Mad Men"); Mark Fite ("Independence Day," "Seinfeld," "Fight Club," "Godzilla"); and David Wells ("Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Hose," "Shameless," "Charlie Wilson's War," "Basic Instinct.") The film was executive produced by former Boston Celtics player, coach, and general manager M.L. Carr.
Simpson says he is naturally excited about the film's release. "This is great news for us. The deal with Green Apple is the culmination of about 5 years of enormously challenging but very rewarding work. I'm really proud of our film - and it's really satisfying getting 'Elephant Sighs' released nationally."
Several public appearances are scheduled in conjunction with the release of the film. On the June 12 release date, Ed Asner will be autographing copies of the film at the Barnes and Noble store at "The Grove," an upscale shopping complex in Hollywood. In addition, Simpson, Asner, and the rest of the cast, will appear on the Jewish Life Television Network talk show, "Main Street." The show will air on June 10.
An addition, Simpson says New Garden and Green Apple are in negotiations for foreign distribution rights, and the possibility for a limited theatrical release is also being pursued.
A movie trailer for the film can be viewed on YouTube under "Elephant Sighs, Trailer."
At High Point University, every student receives an extraordinary education in an inspiring environment with caring people.℠ HPU, located in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, is a liberal arts institution with over 4,200 undergraduate and graduate students at campuses in High Point and Winston-Salem. It is ranked by US News and World Report at No. 3 among Regional Colleges in the South. Parade Magazine lists HPU in the top 25 private schools in the nation. HPU was selected in the 2010-2011 list of "Colleges of Distinction," as well as one of the top green schools in the country by the Sierra Club. The university offers 44 undergraduate majors, 40 undergraduate minors and 10 graduate degree programs. It is a member of the NCAA, Division I and the Big South Conference. Visit High Point University on the Web at highpoint.edu.
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