LOS ANGELES, CA – November 3rd, 2011- Maya Entertainment has acquired from Los Angeles based HSI Films the domestic rights to “La Hora Cero”, a non-stop action/thriller shot entirely on location in the streets of Venezuela. The deal for domestic rights includes plans for a 2012 VOD on Maya’s Comcast and Time Warner branded folders, Blu-Ray/DVD, and iTunes and other digital platforms.
Quickly becoming the highest grossing local film in Venezuelan history, “La Hora Cero” (aka The Zero Hour) is a gritty, fast-paced heist film. Set in Caracas during the 24 hours of a controversial medical strike, it follows Parca, a tattooed hit man as he takes a private hospital hostage in order to save his girlfriend. What seemed like a perfect plan will end in a frenetic outcome, as Parca is forced to come to terms with his past, and as he discovers that his worst enemies are much closer than he ever imagined. A love story told in the midst of chaos, “La Hora Cero” is a timely and universal story about the mythic rise to power and the inevitable fall from grace.
“Maya Entertainment is extremely proud to have acquired the in-your-face action picture “La Hora Cero”, and even more thrilled to be working with the talented writer/director Diego Velasco and writer/producer Carolina Paiz,” said David Rand, EVP of Home Entertainment for Maya Entertainment.
Hollywood Studios International (parent company to HSI Films) Chairman and CEO Steven Saxton said, “We’re extremely pleased to have found the perfect partner in Maya Entertainment for the US release of one of the most exciting and influential films to come out of Latin America this past year.”
“La Hora Cero” was produced by Open Studios and Factor +RH in association with Anonimo Studio and Centro Nacional Autonomo de Cinematografia (CNAC), and Executive Produced by Sergio Aguero. The deal was negotiated by Tonantzin Esparza, Director of Acquisitions on behalf of Maya and Eric Christenson of HSI Films on behalf of the producers, Diego Velasco and Carolina Paiz.
ABOUT MAYA ENTERTAINMENT
Maya Entertainment Group, Inc. is an independent multi-platform content/distribution company that has established itself as the leader of media product that appeals to the “new mainstream” of American Latino and Multi-cultural audiences. Led by entertainment industry pioneers, Moctesuma Esparza (Selena, Gettysburg) and Jeff Valdez (Sí TV, QuePasa.com), Maya Entertainment has established a library of over 100 titles, which are carried in retail, rental, and VOD, and are sold to foreign markets by Maya International Distribution. Maya is constantly expanding its reach via evolving distribution technologies. Recent theatrical and home video releases include Sympathy for Delicious, directed by and starring Mark Ruffalo, Orlando Bloom, Laura Linney and Juliette Lewis; Café, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jamie Kennedy; and Without Men, starring Eva Longoria Parker, Kate del Castillo, Christian Slater and Oscar Nunez.
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.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any assumption could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion should not be regarded as a representation by the Company or any other person that the objective and plans of the Company will be achieved.
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