RLJ Entertainment Acquires Bruce Willis Action Comedy ONCE UPON A TIME IN VENICE

RLJ Entertainment (NASDAQ: RLJE) has acquired all U.S. rights to the highly anticipated action/comedy ONCE UPON A TIME IN VENICE, directed by Mark Cullen, which is set to release in theaters and on VOD on June 16. This film is the second collaboration between star Bruce Willis (Die Hard Series) and writers Mark Cullen and Robb Cullen. They previously worked on the action/comedy COP OUT in 2010.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN VENICE also stars an ensemble cast including John Goodman (10 Cloverfield Lane, The Big Lebowski), Thomas Middleditch ("Silicon Valley"), Jason Momoa ("Game of Thrones", Justice League), Famke Janssen (X-Men Series, "How To Get Away With Murder"), Adam Goldberg ("Fargo", Saving Private Ryan) and Kal Penn ("Designated Survivor", Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle). Mark Ward, RLJE's Chief Acquisitions Officer, made the announcement today.

"We are excited to work with such a talented ensemble cast, with Bruce Willis at its helm," said Ward. "Bruce Willis is an iconic actor known for his action roles and impeccable comedic timing. We're proud to bring this film to the big screen and various platforms."

ONCE UPON A TIME IN VENICE tells the story of Venice Beach P.I. Steve Ford (Bruce Willis): a detective who's good with the ladies, bad with the punches, and wild about his dog, Buddy. But when his beloved pet is stolen by local thugs, Steve makes a questionable alliance with their devious leader, Spider (Jason Momoa). Teaming up with his best friend (John Goodman), Steve pulls out the big guns in search of Spider's stolen cocaine and cash in order to set things straight and get Buddy back where he belongs.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN VENICE is produced by Nicolas Chartier (The Hurt Locker), Laura Ford (Carolina), Zev Foreman (Dallas Buyers Club), Mark Cullen and Robb Cullen, and is executive produced by Jonathan Deckter (Colossal) and Stephen J. Eads (Live Free or Die Hard).

RLJE's Mark Ward negotiated the deal with Voltage Pictures' President and Chief Operating Officer, Jonathan Deckter on behalf of the filmmakers.

ABOUT RLJ ENTERTAINMENT

RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) is an entertainment content distribution company in primarily North America, the United Kingdom, and Australia. RLJE's titles are distributed in multiple formats including broadcast television (including satellite and cable), theatrical and non-theatrical, DVD, Blu-Ray, digital download, and digital streaming.

With its popular OTT branded channels, Acorn TV (British TV) and UMC (Urban Movie Channel), RLJE targets distinct, premium audiences and Urban niche audiences. The company grows its proprietary digital channels through development, acquisition, and distribution of exclusive rights of program franchises and feature film content.

Through Acorn Media Enterprises, its UK development arm, RLJE owns all rights to the hit UK mystery series FOYLE'S WAR and is developing new programs. RLJE owns 64% of Agatha Christie Limited, which manages the intellectual property and publishing rights to some of the greatest works of mystery fiction, including stories of the iconic sleuths Miss Marple and Poirot. Through its proprietary e-commerce web sites for the Acorn brand in NORTH AMERICA and the UK, the company also has direct contacts and billing relationships with millions of consumers.

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