National Promotion of "Into the Wild" Will Launch Program
Samsung Electronics America today announced its corporate commitment to independent films and its support of independent filmmakers. Based on the campaign theme True Vision Should Lose Nothing in Translation, and in conjunction with Landmark Theatres, Samsung has created a three-tiered independent film program that brings filmmakers’ true vision to life for consumers by giving them a “behind the scenes” look into select films.
“Independent filmmakers do not compromise their vision when creating films,” said D.J. Oh, president and CEO, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. “With the launch of the Samsung Independent Film program we are celebrating the passion of these filmmakers who stay true to their vision. At Samsung, we have a similar passion for bringing the best possible technology innovation to consumers so they can enjoy the films they love.”
Truly Indie™
In an effort to further Samsung’s commitment to independent film, Samsung will launch a competition for up and coming filmmakers whose films do not yet have distribution. Samsung along with Landmark Theatres’ Truly Indie™ program will provide the selected film with marketing support and distribution in five top markets.
Samsung believes in providing consumers with the “best seat in the house” to see filmmakers’ true visions come to life. To support this experience, Samsung had new blue seats installed in 10 select Landmark theatres (52 screens) throughout the country to provide filmgoers with the best viewing experience. Consumers lucky enough to sit in these newly upholstered blue seats will have the best line of sight and sound quality available as well as receive a surprise special offer prior to watching the film.
“We are very excited to be working with Samsung, a first-class organization offering the best products for home entertainment,” said Mark Cuban. “It is so rewarding to partner with a company that understands the passion of independent filmmakers as well as the devotion of our loyal moviegoers."
Premiere Sponsorship
Samsung will launch its Independent Film Program with a nationwide promotion of the film "Into the Wild," directed and screenplay adaptation by Academy Award-winner Sean Penn. Members of the cast will kick off the program along with Landmark’s Mark Cuban and Samsung Electronics America president and CEO, D.J. Oh at the film’s premiere held at the Director's Guild of America in Los Angeles on Sept. 18.
Samsung will announce additional film sponsorships later this year. To learn more about Samsung’s Independent Film Program, please visit www.blueseat.com.
About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA) markets a broad range of award-winning consumer electronics, information systems, and home appliance products; and oversees Samsung’s North American operations, including Samsung Telecommunications America, LP, Samsung Semiconductor Inc., Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Mexico, Inc. Its parent company, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., ranks #5 in the 2006 Consumer Electronics segment of the Fortune Magazine “America’s Most Admired Companies,” and ranks # 20 in the BusinessWeek “The Best Global Brand 100 2006.” Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd. is a top patent holder, ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2006. Please visit www.samsung.com for more information.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2006 parent company sales of US$63.4 billion and net income of US$8.5 billion. Employing approximately 138,000 people in 124 offices in 56 countries, the company consists of five main business areas: Digital Media, Telecommunication Network, Semiconductor, LCD, and Digital Appliance. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones, and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.
About Landmark Theatres
Landmark Theatres is the nation's largest theatre chain dedicated primarily to exhibiting and marketing independent film. Since its inception in 1974, Landmark has grown to 59 theatres in 23 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Denver, Boston and Chicago and provides customers with a number of amenities including the latest in film, digital and sound technology, the widest selection of concession items, in-theatre sales of DVDs, books and CDs as well as Landmark's signature brand of customer service. Landmark Theatres is part of 2929 Entertainment (www.2929entertainment.com), a vertically integrated group of media properties co-owned by Todd Wagner and Mark Cuban. For more information, please visit www.landmarktheatres.com.
About Into the Wild
Freshly graduated from college with a promising future, 22 year-old Christopher McCandless (EMILE HIRSCH) instead walked out of his privileged life and into the wild in search of adventure. What happened to him on the way transformed this young wanderer into an enduring symbol for countless people. Was Christopher McCandless a heroic adventurer or a naïve idealist, a rebellious 1990s Thoreau or another lost American son, a fearless risk-taker or a tragic figure who wrestled with the precarious balance between man and nature? Each strand of his journey is woven into Sean Penn’s screen adaptation of Jon Krakauer’s acclaimed bestseller, Into The Wild, which is as much about the insatiable yearning for family, home and connection as it is the search for truth and happiness. Paramount Vantage and River Road Entertainment present Into the Wild, written and directed by Sean Penn opening in theaters Sept 21st.