Holla

LIONSGATE ACQUIRES NORTH AMERICAN DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS TO URBAN HORROR-COMEDY, HOLLA

Los Angeles, CA (BlackNews.com) - Rockstone Pictures announced today that Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), the premier independent filmed entertainment studio, has acquired the exclusive North American distribution rights to writer/director H. M. Coakley's urban horror-comedy, Holla.

This addition to the Lionsgate library enhances what is already one of the most prolific and prestigious urban catalogs in the entertainment industry.

Deal was announced by Lionsgate President Steve Beeks after the picture's sold out screening at the recent Urbanworld VIBE Film Festival in New York City and was negotiated on behalf of the studio by Malik Ducard, Vice President of Acquisitions and Business Development and by Stephen Espinoza of Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca, Fischer, Gilbert-Lurie, Stiffelman & Cook LLP on behalf of the filmmakers.

The acquisition also marks the first time in the festival's ten year history, that a film has been acquired by a major distributor. Holla, which features a cast of young, up-and-coming African-American actors, tells the story of a television star, stranded with seven of her friends in a cabin at a campsite - stuck with them is a murderous sociopath. The film was produced by Coakley's wife and business partner, Camille Irons Coakley under their Rockstone Pictures banner and independently financed by a small group of African-American businessmen lead by real estate developer, Jeffrey Hampton, who served as Executive Producer on the picture.

Coakley, producer of the indie features Ten Benny and Restaurant, as well as dozens of music videos, co-wrote the picture with Byron Taylor and makes his feature directorial debut with Holla. "Lionsgate has never wavered in our commitment to provide quality, diverse programming," said Beeks.

"Research shows us that urban audiences embrace horror films, and this film directly targets that consumer with a unique comedic twist." "We are thrilled to be in the Lionsgate business," said Coakley. "Lionsgate has proven time and time again that they are the best in the game when it comes to distributing both urban and horror content."