Documentary BURT'S BUZZ Lands U.S. Distribution Out of TIFF

Everyday Pictures, Inc. and digital entertainment curator FilmBuff announced today that they will release the entertaining and insightful documentary BURT'S BUZZ, about Burt's Bees founder Burt Shavitz in theaters and on VOD in 2014, after its World Premiere at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.

Directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Jody Shapiro (How to Start Your Own Country, "Green Porno") and executive produced by Jean Du Toit (My Winnipeg), Phyllis Laing (Keyhole) and Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet, "Green Porno"), Burt's Buzz is a riveting and humorous portrait of the dichotomous life of Burt Shavitz - an allusive beekeeper who reluctantly became one of the world's most recognizable brand identities.

Shapiro follows Burt from his modest home in Maine where he lives off the grid with the help of a wood-burning stove, to an airport in Taiwan where the bearded septuagenarian is greeted by hoards of adoring fans. In between the contrasts, lies a fascinating story of a drifter who happily followed any path he came across, and in his wake, spawned a billion dollar natural product line. From Burt's early years as a gifted photo journalist, to his solitary life as a beekeeper, and then status as a global brand ambassador, the film is a fascinating study of one man's ability to remain true to himself despite the pressures of a larger, influential world around him.

"Knowing the importance that VOD now plays when releasing a documentary, I couldn't be more excited to bring Burt's unique story to both cinemas and homes across the US," said director Jody Shapiro. "I'm absolutely thrilled that Burt's Buzz will now be part of the FilmBuff family."

"Burt's Buzz is not only a character driven, human story about a remarkable man, but also provides an incredible lens into one of the most recognizable brands in the world. We immediately fell in love with Burt, and know that his surprising journey will resonate with audiences," said FilmBuff's Head of Content Partnerships, Steven Beckman.

FilmBuff will release Burt's Buzz in theaters and across all leading Video On Demand platforms in the U.S. early 2014 including iTunes, Amazon Instant Video, Cable Movies On Demand, Google Play, Xbox Video, Sony Playstation, Cinemanow and Vudu. Sales for all international territories are being handled by The Film Sales Company's Andrew Herwitz.

Burt's Buzz is in the TIFF Docs section at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival.

Additional screening times:
Monday, September 9 at The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema at 9:00 AM
Friday, September 13 at The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema at 12:00 PM

For more information, please visit www.burtsbuzzdoc.com and follow the film on Twitter @burtsbuzzdoc.

About FilmBuff
Founded in 2007, New York-based FilmBuff is the leading distributor of incomparable digital entertainment. The Company draws upon its deep relationships within the film industry to curate content that consistently informs, entertains and inspires. FilmBuff designs innovative digital strategies to supply content to all on-demand outlets. Serving as a bridge between filmmakers and audiences, FilmBuff actively engages in conversations with fellow entertainment lovers through its exclusive access, original content and unique voice. Find FilmBuff content on all cable, satellite and telco services, game consoles, online retailers, wireless platforms and hardware manufacturers worldwide. Connect with FilmBuff www.filmbuff.com and @filmbuff.

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