Beverly Hills, CA (December 7, 2011) – The Sundance Film Festival will premiere the feature film LUV, starring actor/musician/author Common, at this year’s festival. LUV is one of 16 films in the 2012 US Dramatic Competition at Sundance.
Hollywood Studios International is a production company for the film and is also handling international sales for LUV. Hollywood Studios International’s President & CEO Steven Saxton is an Executive Producer on the project along with Tom Fore, Michael Finley and Dwayne Robinson.
Director Sheldon Candis’ film also stars Dennis Haysbert (24, Jarhead), Danny Glover (Death at a Funeral, 2012, the Lethal Weapon franchise), Charles S. Dutton (The Obama Effect, Fame), Meagan Good (Jumping the Broom, Brick), Michael K. Williams (HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, The Road), Russell Hornsby (Lincoln Heights, In Treatment), Lonette McKee (Honey, Malcolm X) and features a breakout performance from 11-year-old newcomer Michael Rainey Jr..
With an original script by Candis and Justin Wilson, LUV was lensed in Baltimore, Maryland. The film is a co-production of Hollywood Studios International, FilmForward Independent, Bijelonic/Turner Films, TideRock Films and Freedom Road Entertainment. Producers are Jason M. Berman, Gordon Bijelonic, Michael Jenson, Joel Newton, Datari Turner, Common and Derek Dudley. The film was cast by Mary Vernieu, C.S.A. and Lindsay Graham.
LUV follows a day in the life of William “Woody” Watson (played by Michael Rainey Jr.), a shy and somewhat timid 11-year old in search of a family and a better life. Looking to his ex-con Uncle Vincent (Common), Woody hopes he’s found the father figure he’s never had. But when his Uncle’s desire to create a legitimate life for himself clashes with the chaos of his past, Woody must decide where to stand, with his beloved Uncle, or against him.
Common has a starring role in AMC’s new series Hell on Wheels, and his critically acclaimed memoir, ONE DAY IT’LL ALL MAKE SENSE rose to number 18 on the New York Times Best Seller list following its release this September. His new album, THE DREAMER, THE BELIEVER will be released on December 20th.
ABOUT HSI FILMS
HSI Films is a worldwide theatrical motion picture financing, production and distribution division of Hollywood Studios International. The company handles all aspects of marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures, as well as acquired films. HSI Films Distribution is led by Eric Christenson, who has licensed films that represent more than 50 Academy Award nominations, including: Academy Award “Best Picture” winners “The Hurt Locker” and “The Departed,” as well as “Traffic”, “The Aviator,” and “Gangs of New York”. HSI Films Production is overseen by Producer Paul Schiff. Schiff has an in-house first-look production deal with HSI. Some of the films produced by Schiff include “Young Guns I & II,” “My Cousin Vinny,“ “The Vanishing,” “Rushmore,” “Maid in Manhattan,” “Mona Lisa Smile,” and “Solitary Man.”
ABOUT HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS INTERNATIONAL
Hollywood Studios International is a media holding company focused on the intelligent deployment of capital in the entertainment industry. The company has developed a portfolio of fee-based businesses ranging from talent representation to international distribution.
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