News
| Mon Mar 19, 2007 Thunderbird Films Picks Up Tragedy At Mayerthorpe | |
| Vancouver, CANADA --- March 19, 2007 --- Thunderbird Films today announced they have picked up world-wide distribution rights for To Serve and Protect: Tragedy at Mayerthorpe (working title), now in production from Calgary's SEVEN24 Films and Toronto's Slanted Wheel Entertainment. The docudrama which was commissioned by CTV chronicles the tragic deaths of four RCMP officers in rural Alberta and is expected to air as part of CTV's 2007-2008 broadcast slate. Michael Shepard, President, Thunderbird Films says, "We believe that this film will have universal appeal -- even though it is such a tragic story. Shepard adds, "We are really impressed with the quality of the cast." Based on the screenplay by Andrew Wreggitt (Shades of Black), To Serve and Protect: Tragedy at Mayerthorpe recounts the events of March 3, 2005 when four RCMP officers were ambushed and gunned down by a heavily-armed, habitual criminal named James Roszko (Brian Markinson, Eight Days to Live) on his farm near Mayerthorpe, Alberta. Henry Czerny (Clear and Present Danger) stars as a fictional RCMP corporal, and three-time Oscar nominee Diane Ladd (Chinatown) plays Roszko's mother. Ken Girotti (24) directs. SEVEN24 Films producer Jordy Randall was equally effusive, "We are deeply impressed that Thunderbird Films was able to step into the project so quickly as their commitment is vital to the film's success. We were thrilled they saw value in such an important project." Produced with the cooperation of the surviving families of the tragedy, production of the film is underway with cameras rolling in Calgary and the nearby towns of Irricana and Cochrane. The film is produced in association with CTV with the participation of the Canadian Television Fund, created by the Government of Canada and the Canadian Cable Industry, the COGECO Program Development Fund, the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, the Ontario Film & Television Tax Credits and Government of Alberta, Alberta Film Development Program. About Thunderbird Films, Inc. Vancouver-based Thunderbird Films, Inc. is recognized worldwide as a producer, distributor and financier of high-quality television and films. Thunderbird Films' founding partners---Tim Gamble and Michael Shepard---have been responsible for internationally acclaimed scripted drama and action series, award-winning theatrical features and movies-of-the-week produced for and aired on every major U.S. network, as well as on major broadcast and cable outlets around the globe. Thunderbird Films' commitment to high production values, its unique focus on global, high-value territories for distribution, and the economical benefits of its British Columbian location have distinguished the company among its competitors in the world marketplace. For more information on Thunderbird Films, visit www.thunderbirdfilms.net. Media Contact: Melissa Ford/Priority Public Relations (661) 964-0333; melissa@prioritypr.net | |
