FilmRise Acquires Star Wars Documentary ELSTREE 1976

FilmRise announced today that it has acquired from The Works the exclusive North American distribution rights in all media for ELSTREE 1976. Slated for release in May 2016, the documentary centers on the untold, behind-the-scenes stories of the iconic series, which spans nearly four decades from George Lucas' original A New Hope to J.J. Abrams' recent record-breaking blockbuster The Force Awakens.

Having made its world premiere at the 2015 London Film Festival, Elstree 1976 explores the lives of the actors and extras behind one of the most celebrated franchises in cinematic history. From the man behind film's most iconic villain, to the actor whose character was completely cut from the final film, the documentary delves into the eccentric community these individuals have formed and how the Star Wars franchise continues to impact their lives decades later.

Directed by Jon Spira and produced by Hank Starrs, the film was recognized by ScreenDaily as an "affectionate tribute" that "offers a slice of enjoyable nostalgia, capturing a sense of life as silly, surprising, regretful and all too fleeting." The Hollywood Reporter has hailed it as a "genial, humane project with obvious fan appeal."

"As evidenced by the incredible success of the latest Star Wars installment, the franchise has found its way back into mainstream consciousness," said FilmRise CEO Danny Fisher. "We are confident fans will enjoy this exploratory look into the lives of the original film's actors and extras, as it provides them with a new perspective on this massive cultural phenomenon."

The deal was negotiated by Fisher and VP of Acquisitions Max Einhorn with CAA.

Elstree 1976 is a Canal Cat Production in association with British Film Company, Verax Films and The Works.

ABOUT FILMRISE
FilmRise is a film and TV distribution company founded by veteran producer/financiers Danny Fisher, Jack Fisher and Alan Klingenstein. With over 6,000 titles in a wide range of genres, the company's recent film acquisitions and releases include HBO's multiple Emmy®-winning "Going Clear," the "Toxic Avenger" series, the hit documentary "Back in Time," the Global Lens Collection and Slamdance Audience-award winner "Hank and Asha." Television titles include hit series such as Showtime's Emmy®-winning "Years of Living Dangerously," and the longest running true crime show on television "Forensic Files." Titles are in release digitally on Amazon Prime, iTunes, Netflix Instant Watch, Hulu, VUDU, Xbox, Sony PlayStation, Crackle, Fandor and other platforms, and on DVD and BluRay on Amazon and over 200 online retailers, including Walmart and Barnes & Noble. FilmRise's most recent acquisitions are the 2015 Cannes Classics selection "Steve McQueen: The Man & Le Mans"; the highest grossing film in China's history, "Monster Hunt"; "Janis: Little Girl Blue," from Oscar®-winning producer Alex Gibney and Oscar®-nominated director Amy Berg; and "Lolo," the latest film from two-time Oscar® nominee Julie Delpy. For more information go to: www.FilmRise.com