Gravitas (US and International) and Phase 4 Films (Canada) announced today that they have acquired VOD rights to JACKHAMMER, a male stripper comedy from writer/director/star Michael Hanus, co-writers Guy Christie, Duncan MacLellan, Julian Paul and Jason Burkart. The film features Jamie Kennedy, Jason Burkart, Peter Shinkoda, Robb Wells, Nicole Sullivan and a cameo appearance from Pamela Anderson. The film is slated for a VOD release with numerous cable operators, online platforms and Reelhouse.org online partnerships, worldwide on September 2nd, 2014.
An audition Gone horribly wrong leaves actor Julius Warner (Christie) blacklisted by the city's most powerful casting agent, Lance Selmour (Kennedy). Pushed to the edge after being fired from his job at the sandwich hut, and finding his girlfriend in bed with another "man", Julius turns to his older brother, protein addicted, wanna-be-rapper, award winning male stripper JACKHAMMER (Hanus) and is thrust into the wild world of male stripping. Things quickly go sideways for Julius when they get mixed up with the Russian mob, crazy ex-girlfriends, protein-dealing thugs, and a host of colorful characters. The hi-jinx doesn't let up as JACKHAMMER takes it upon himself to make things right.
Shot over 5 years in small town Victoria Canada, Hanus started shooting on weekends, and ended up attracting his Hollywood dream comedy cast and industry professionals. Beyond some finishing funds via Telefilm, JACKHAMMER was entirely self-funded. Now Mike Hanus's power producing team that consists of wife Silvana (who stars alongside him), McKinley Hlady and Jason Burkart are not slowing down. The team is now focused on releasing a subsequent series of episodes based on the characters in the movie. Fans will have a chance to be a part of the series by donating to JACKHAMMER's crowd source campaign, also launching Sept 2.
JACKHAMMER has entertained audiences with multiple sold out screenings and won awards at festivals globally most recently screening at the 2014 Cannes Marché du Film.
In addition to the integrated distribution strategy, the team has partnered with Reelhouse.org to create an innovative profit share partnership program for social media stars, high traffic websites, and bloggers across North America and Worldwide. They are also partnering with select charities to give 100% of profits from those affiliate links.
About Gravitas Ventures - Gravitas Ventures is an independent film distributor - bringing you the movies you want in theaters and On Demand. By acquiring all-rights, Gravitas has the ability to release a movie in over 100 Million homes in North America and over 1 Billion worldwide. Whether it's releasing a movie before it hits theaters, the day-of, or on home video - Gravitas Ventures is on the cutting edge of 21st century, independent film distribution. Some of their recent releases include Dave Grohl's 2013 Sundance premiere SOUND CITY, PERFECT SISTERS, based on the true story of the "Bathtub girls" starring Abigail Breslin, Georgie Henley & Mira Sorvino, and Michael Tully's
Ping Pong Summer with Susan Sarandon, Lea Thompson, and Amy Sedaris. Next up, Carter Smith's 2014 Sundance alum JAMIE MARKS IS DEAD with Cameron Monaghan,
Noah Silver, Morgan Saylor, Judy Greer and Liv Tyler, Peter Glanz's
The Longest Week with Jenny Slate, Olivia Wilde, Billy Crudup and Jason Bateman and Matthew Saville's FELONY with Joel Edgerton, Tom Wilkinson, and Jai Courtney. For more information, please check out
www.gravitasventures.com and @GravitasVOD.
About Phase 4 Films - Phase 4 Films (
www.phase4films.com) is one of the leading full service independent studios. With offices in ten cities in the U.S. and Canada, Phase 4 provides a full range of services relating to the sales, marketing, licensing and distribution of feature films, television and special interest content across all media in the North American market. Its recent release includes
A Night In Old Mexico starring Robert Duvall and the Jay-Z documentary Made in America, directed by Ron Howard. Upcoming releases include Fort Bliss with Michelle Monaghan and Catch Hell, starring and directed by Ryan Phillippe. Its dedicated kids & family label, kaboom! Entertainment, is one of the most recognizable brands in the market.
