WHO'S PICKING A FIGHT WITH "FIFTY SHADES"?

OLD FASHIONED--a Small-Budget Indie--Climbs in the Ring With Valentine Weekend's Studio Behemoth

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BURBANK, Calif. -- Nov. 13, 2014 --Get ready to rrrr-rumble!  Release of the new “Fifty Shades of Grey” trailer has a video/trailer response from underdog OLD FASHIONED, also opening nationwide on Valentine’s weekend 2015.   OLD FASHIONED Calls Out “Fifty Shades of Grey”  In this corner, the heavyweight Cineplex champ “Fifty Shades of Grey”--bestselling soft porn about a naïve heroine and a tortured leading man who likes his women that way too. In this corner, OLD FASHIONED, in which two souls who are 50 shades of jaded try to build a love to last. OLD FASHIONED is the story of a former frat boy and a free-spirited woman who together attempt the impossible: an “old-fashioned” courtship in contemporary America. In his new video riposte to the “Fifty Shades” trailer (full transcript here), OLD FASHIONED writer/director Rik Swartzwelder opens with the obvious. “Why would a modestly budgeted romantic movie like OLD FASHIONED want to jump in the arena and go toe-to-toe in a David vs. Goliath standoff with a cultural juggernaut? “Well, honestly, because we believe it matters,” he answers. “And I gotta believe—I find it impossible not to believe—that deep down we want to celebrate something more than ‘Fifty Shades.’  As with Christian Grey in “Fifty Shades,” OLD FASHIONED protagonist Clay Walsh packs a past. In contrast to Grey, however, Clay resists his friends’ cynicism and rejects the dead-end pain of standard dating. While Christian Grey leads Ana to the Red Room of Pain, Clay Walsh takes pains to avoid using Amber, whom he’s attracted to. “When did treating women with respect become the joke?” Clay asks in the film. In an earlier scene he muses, “I don’t believe dating trains us to be good husbands and wives. It trains us to be skilled in the superficial.”   OLD FASHIONED “is a compelling look at modern relationships through the lens of honor,” Melinda Ledman writes in Christian Cinema. “ . . . a fascinating dive into the respectfulness of the past and its plausible application for the present.” “‘Fifty Shades’ is short-term titillation and OLD FASHIONED offers a long-term alternative,” Producer Nathan Nazario explained. “Audiences want to hear that the best of the past is still possible—that a relationship can be the safe room.” “Maybe it’s time for a line in the sand,” Swartzwelder said. “How much further can the envelope be pushed?  OLD FASHIONED raises questions worth asking from a cultural perspective. What is it that we genuinely aspire to, what is it we truly hope and long for?  For ourselves?  Our children?  Is it objectification?  Unbridled pursuit of our basest desires? Is that the legacy we want to create?  Is that the American dream?” On Valentine’s weekend, the battle is at the box office, but Nazario says the action already is underway. “The more clicks on the OLD FASHIONED site, the greater our voice to say the values that got us here are the best ones to take into the ring,” he said. OLD FASHIONED, from Freestyle Releasing, opens nationwide on Valentine’s weekend 2015.  For interviews, contact:  Michael Conrad  Michael@Lovell-Fairchild.com 214-616-0320 To learn more about OLD FASHIONED, visit: OldFashionedMovie.com For press materials, visit: OldFashionedMovie.com/pressroom or EPK.tv For updates and breaking news, follow @OldFashionedVow on Twitter or visit the Old Fashioned Movie Facebook page. About Skoche Films Skoche Films is an independent motion picture development company dedicated to crafting cinematic narratives that entertain, challenge and inspire.  For additional information on Skoche Films and its properties, please visit the official website at http://www.skochefilms.com. About Motion Picture Pro Studios Motion Picture Pro Studios is a production and creative services company specializing in film, television and entertainment. For more information on Motion Picture Pro Studios, visitmotionpicturepro.com. About Freestyle Releasing Freestyle Releasing is a full-service, theatrical, motion picture distribution company that helps independent companies, major studios and mini-major studios exhibit their films in first-class theatrical releases. The founders and principals of Freestyle Releasing, Mark Borde and Susan Jackson, are motion-picture industry veterans. The Freestyle platform is an anytime-anywhere capability in the viewer’s choice of medium, a positive digital viewing experience on any device in any location. http://www.freestylereleasing.com

CHIVALRY MAKES A COMEBACK-- AN 'OLD FASHIONED' TAKE ON LOVE TAKES ON 'FIFTY SHADES OF GREY'

On Valentine's Weekend, OLD FASHIONED, a New Indie Faith Film, Opens Opposite FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, Trailer/Key Art Debuts Today

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BURBANK, Calif. – Oct. 9, 2014 – This Valentine’s 2015, romance-minded moviegoers can choose between the girl-meets-bondage story of FIFTY SHADES OF GREY, in which a couple explores their dark desires, or its polar opposite, OLD FASHIONED, about two broken people coming out of the dark into real love. OLD FASHIONED launched its trailer and debuted its key promotional artwork today. Click here to view the trailer.  Click here to download the key art. “The timing of it all definitely provides a stark contrast—and that’s the point,” OLD FASHIONEDwriter/director/star Rik Swartzwelder said. “The conversation should be pushed. Not all fantasy is harmless and not all paths lead to true and lasting love. We have two movies here, both about people with troubled pasts . . . but both taking very different approaches to getting romance right.” The romantic-drama, OLD FASHIONED centers on Clay Walsh (Swartzwelder), a former frat boy who gives up his carousing ways and now runs an antique shop in a small Midwestern college town. There, he has become notorious for his lofty and outdated theories on love and romance. When Amber Hewson (Elizabeth Ann Roberts), a free-spirited young woman with a restless soul, drifts into the area and rents the apartment above his shop, she finds herself surprisingly drawn to his noble ideas, which are new and intriguing to her. And Clay, though he tries to fight and deny it, simply cannot resist being attracted to her spontaneous and passionate embrace of life. Ultimately, Clay must step out from behind his relational theories, and Amber must overcome her own fears and deep wounds, as the two of them, together, attempt the impossible: an “old-fashioned” courtship in contemporary America.  “The wheels of OLD FASHIONED were in motion long before the FIFTY SHADES book got to Hollywood,” Swartzwelder said. “We didn’t create our film in response to any other specific book or film, at all . . . but the decision to hold-off on our release so it could open alongside FIFTY SHADES? Yes, that was indeed deliberate.” “We thought it was a unique opportunity to set up a film as antidote,” he continued.  “Think of a young woman you care about . . . which love story would you wish for her?” News of OLD FASHIONED facing off with FIFTY SHADES drew international attention in leading media outlets. MTV understood Swartzwelder’s choice: “There’s a faith-based film about ‘old-fashioned courtship’ hitting theaters on the exact same day as the sinful, S&M-filled adaptation of  FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. And if you thought that was some sort of divine coincidence, you’d be wrong. This is a challenge.” Britain’s Daily Mail headlined its story, “Trading bondage for Bibles: Christian movie takes on FIFTY SHADES OF GREY at the box office with its 'godly romance' alternative” E! Online clearly captured audience options: “If you want to see a love story this coming Valentine's Day, you can either go to the very clean and tame end of the spectrum, or you can go to the other end of the spectrum that leads to the red room of pain. Your choice.” “FIFTY SHADES will attract that book’s readers and a lot of curiosity,” OLD FASHIONED Producer Nathan Nazario said. “The OLD FASHIONED audience will include people drawn to real life, real love. Of course, we’re after conversations prompted by two contrasting takes on sex, love and romance . . .  on what men and women really want, and what it takes to get it.” In addition to Roberts (Criminal Minds, Southland, CSI) and Swartzwelder (THE LEAST OF THESE, WAR PRAYER), OLD FASHIONED features Dorothy Silver (THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES), Tyler Hollinger (BLACK DOG, RED DOG; TRUST ME, I’M A LIFEGUARD;Taxi Brooklyn; What Would You Do?), LeJon Woods (HOMEMAKERS, TOMORROW YOU’RE GONE), Nini Hadjis (CROSS-EYED DINNER THEATER PRESENTS!, FOCUS ON ME), Maryann Nagel (INTO THE STORM, TRUE NATURE), Joseph Bonamico (Miami Vice, The Light of Day, Unsolved Mysteries),Lindsay Heath, Anne Marie Nestor (TURBINE, One Life to Live, The Onion News Network) and Ange’le Perez. OLD FASHIONED is produced by Swartzwelder’s Skoche Films, Nazario of Motion Picture Pro Studios, Dave DeBorde and Nini Hadjis. Freestyle Releasing distributes. Freestyle recently released the faith-based drama GOD’S NOT DEAD, which surpassed $60 million in domestic box office receipts.  Tyndale House Publishers releases two books based on the movie: Old Fashioned, a screenplay novelization by Rene Gutteridge, and a non-fiction devotional, The Old Fashioned Way—Reclaiming the Lost Art of Romance, on relationships and dating, and written by Ginger Kolbaba.   E-versions of both titles released September 1; print versions release mid-January 2015. For churches only, bulk orders for advance print copies of the books can be placed now for immediate shipment. Call 800-323-9400. Learn more. Find a retailer. Download a chapter. HERE Advance praise for Old Fashioned, the novel, captures its heart: "In a world where adultery is rampant and lust is exalted, it’s time for a new outlook on romance,” said LifeChurch.TV’s Amy Groeschel, co-author of From This Day Forward. “Refreshingly quirky with a compelling plot, Old Fashioned is a divinely romantic tale of two hurting souls that discover a not-so-new but spectacular way of pursuing love.” In The Old Fashioned Way—Reclaiming the Lost Art of Romance, award-winning author and speaker Ginger Kolbaba pens 40 daily readings that show—contrary to popular opinion—"old fashioned" doesn't mean dull or unromantic. A true old-fashioned relationship, Kolbaba said, can be more exciting and romantic than any alternative. For interviews, contact:  Michael Conrad  Michael@Lovell-Fairchild.com 214-616-0320 For press materials, visit: OldFashionedMovie.com/pressroom or EPK.tv To learn more about OLD FASHIONED, visit: OldFashionedMovie.com  For updates and breaking news, follow @OF_movie on Twitter or visit the Old Fashioned MovieFacebook page.  About Skoche Films Skoche Films is an independent motion picture development company dedicated to crafting cinematic narratives that entertain, challenge and inspire.  For additional information on Skoche Films and its properties, please visit the official website at http://www.skochefilms.com.   About Motion Picture Pro StudiosMotion Picture Pro Studios is a production and creative services company specializing in film, television and entertainment. For more information on Motion Picture Pro Studios, visit motionpicturepro.com. About Freestyle Releasing Freestyle Releasing is a full-service, theatrical, motion picture distribution company that helps independent companies, major studios and mini-major studios exhibit their films in first-class theatrical releases. The founders and principals of Freestyle Releasing, Mark Borde and Susan Jackson, are motion-picture industry veterans. The Freestyle platform is an anytime-anywhere capability in the viewer’s choice of medium, a positive digital viewing experience on any device in any location.http://www.freestylereleasing.com

INDIE ‘OLD FASHIONED’ SETS UP DAVID V. GOLIATH WITH ‘50 SHADES’ IN THEATERS VALENTINE'S DAY 2015

Freestyle Releasing Targets Counter-Programmer as a Date Night Alternative for Christian Couples, Singles and Like-Minded Romantics OldFashionedMovie.com BURBANK, Calif. – July 28, 2014 – OLD FASHIONED—an indie faith-based film that offers up a rather  unique and challenging take on chasing love in today’s culture—will open Valentine’s weekend 2015. The co-announcement was made today by Bill Reeves, Owner, Working Title Agency, producer Nathan Nazario and Freestyle Releasing Co-President, Mark Borde, who will distribute OLD FASHIONED in a platform theatrical release. “I wanted to tell a love story that takes the idea of Godly romance seriously,” said Rik Swartzwelder, the film’s award-winning writer-director and lead actor.  “A story that, without apology, explores the possibility of a higher standard in relationships; yet, is also fully aware of just how fragile we all are and doesn't seek to heap guilt upon those of us that have made mistakes.” A faith-based romantic drama, OLD FASHIONED centers on former frat boy, Clay Walsh, and Amber Hewson, a free-spirited woman, who together attempt the impossible: an “old-fashioned” courtship in contemporary America. "Opening the same weekend as FIFTY SHADES, there's definitely a David v. Goliath comparison," Swartzwelder continued.  "They will have more screens, more money, more hype . . . but we're hopeful that we are not alone in our belief that there are others out there who desire more from love--and the movies--than objectification or domination.  That being the case, we simply want to offer an alternative view on the topic of romance; and, perhaps even dare to suggest that there is a more beautiful way to which we all can aspire." “OLD FASHIONED is a unique indie film, and we’re excited to partner with the first faith-based theatrical release to specifically target the underserved Christian singles audience,” said Freestyle Co-President, Mark Borde. “It’s also a very tender and artful film, and we see the potential for some crossover here.” Freestyle recently released the faith-based drama GOD'S NOT DEAD, which surpassed $60 million dollars in domestic box office receipts. “We’re delighted to partner with Freestyle, who clearly demonstrate a passion for quality storytelling and a proficiency in reaching specialized audiences,“ added Reeves. OLD FASHIONED features Swartzwelder as Clay and Elizabeth Ann Roberts (TV: Heroes, House, Southland; FILM: RAGAMUFFIN, BLACK KNIGHT) as Amber. The film also stars Dorothy Silver (THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, PROMISED LAND), Tyler Hollinger (BLACK DOG, RED DOG), Lejon Woods (TOMORROW YOU’RE GONE), Nini Hadjis, Maryann Nagel (TAKE SHELTER), Joseph Bonamico (TRUMPET IN THE LAND), Lindsay Heath, Anne Marie Nestor and Ange’le Perez. OLD FASHIONED is produced by Swartzwelder’s Skoche Films, Nathan Nazario of Motion Picture Pro Studios, Dave DeBorde and Nini Hadjis. Freestyle Releasing distributes. The distribution deal was negotiated by Mark Borde, Bill Reeves of Working Title Agency and Nathan Nazario on behalf of Skoche Films, LLC and Old is New, LLC. Swartzwelder is a writer-director-producer whose films have screened at over 145 film festivals worldwide and garnered over 50 major awards, including a Crystal Heart and a CINE Special Jury Award. OLD FASHIONED marks his feature film debut. OLD FASHIONED was shot on location in rural northeastern Ohio by David George and features an original score by Kazimir Boyle. Its eclectic soundtrack includes work from Bill Mallonee, Connie Lim, Roz Bell, Ralston Bowles, Alfa Garcia and Scott Krippayne, among others. This fall, OLD FASHIONED begins promotional screenings across the country. In addition, Tyndale House Publishers will release two books based on the film: Old Fashioned, a novelization of the screenplay written by Rene Gutteridge, and a non-fiction devotional, The Old Fashioned Way, on relationships and dating, written by Ginger Kolbaba. E-book release of both titles is Sep. 1, 2014, with print versions releasing mid-January 2015. For interviews, contact:  Michael Conrad  Michael@Lovell-Fairchild.com 214-616-0320 To learn more about OLD FASHIONED, visit: OldFashionedMovie.com For updates and breaking news, follow @OF_movie on Twitter or visit the Old Fashioned Movie Facebook page. About Skoche Films: Skoche Films is an independent motion picture development company dedicated to crafting cinematic narratives that entertain, challenge and inspire.  For additional information on Skoche Films and its properties, please visit the official website at http://www.skochefilms.com. About Motion Picture Pro Studios: Motion Picture Pro Studios is a production and creative services company specializing in the film, television and entertainment industries. For additional information on Motion Picture Pro Studios, please visit the official website at http://www.motionpicturepro.com. About Working Title Agency: Working Title Agency (WTA Services, LLC) is a leading faith-based film marketing and financing agency. Launched in 2009, the agency represents and assists authors, writers and filmmakers in developing books, films and consumer products. Through ideation, product development, distribution, financing and marketing, the agency, and its team has been involved in successful films such as Fireproof, Courageous, Soul Surfer, God’s Not Dead and Heaven is for Real and books including Alex and Stephen Kendrick’s The Love Dare. For more information on Working Title Agency, visit: www.thewtagroup.com. About Freestyle Releasing: Freestyle Releasing is a full-service, theatrical motion picture distribution company that specializes in representing independent companies, major studios and mini-major studios for the purpose of exhibiting their films in a first-class theatrical release. The founders and principals of Freestyle Releasing, Mark Borde and Susan Jackson, are highly regarded and experienced motion picture veterans with a combined total of over a century of respected work in the industry. This is a platform that delivers an anytime-anywhere capability in the medium of their choice and a positive digital viewing experience on any device in any location. http://www.freestylereleasing.com