DOCUMENTARY ON NASCAR LEGEND DALE EARNHARDT TO DEBUT IN FEBRUARY ALONGSIDE THE DAYTONA 500
02/05/07
DOCUMENTARY ON NASCAR LEGEND DALE EARNHARDT TO DEBUT IN FEBRUARY ALONGSIDE THE DAYTONA 500
DALE To Roll Out Theatrically In 40 Markets Following the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
Distribution Approach Includes Private Screenings Hosted by Chevrolet/GM Goodwrench, Followed By Large Event Screenings and Public Film Showings Through National CineMedia in Select Movie Theaters Nationwide
NASHVILLE, TN and CHARLOTTE, NC – February 5, 2007 – DALE, the only authorized documentary on racing legend Dale Earnhardt, will be showcased in movie theaters beginning in February, coinciding with the launch of the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series in Daytona Beach, Fla. The release of DALE includes private premieres hosted by presenting sponsor Chevrolet/GM Goodwrench, large-scale consumer event screenings, and through partner National CineMedia, limited showings in select AMC, Cinemark, Regal Entertainment Group and Georgia Theatre Company movie theaters nationwide.
DALE will continue to roll out in 39 additional markets, as it follows the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. DALE is produced by NASCAR Images and CMT Films.
“These unique, rolling market theatrical events, following the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series circuit, are the first of their kind and provide an incredible opportunity for fans and sponsors alike,” said Jeff Yapp, executive vice president, program enterprises, MTVN/CMT Films.
“To be able to directly tap into such a devoted fan base, with a movie on the sport’s biggest hero, is a winning combination for NASCAR, CMT Films, Chevy/GM Goodwrench and National CineMedia,” said Jay Abraham, president/CEO, NASCAR Images.
Two weeks prior to race day in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series markets and selected secondary markets, Chevy/GM Goodwrench will initiate each market’s showings with one to two nights of invitation-only shows. Consumers who test drive a Chevy vehicle in these markets will receive complimentary tickets to these exclusive Chevy screenings, along with other VIP clients.
In those same markets, NASCAR fans will have the opportunity to see the film at special screening events in large auditoriums/venues (generally 1,500 – 3,000 seats) for one to two nights. With the large, expanded setting, these events are designed to give fans a concert-like, state-of-the-art, movie-going experience. These events will be open to the public, with tickets being sold at www.dalethemovie.com.
Following the Chevy/GM invitation-only shows and the special event screenings, leading in to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race weekend, DALE will debut through NCM Fathom, a division of National CineMedia, at select AMC, Cinemark, Regal Entertainment Group and Georgia Theatre Company theaters throughout the race market area. Trailers for DALE began running in theaters in select markets in December 2006. Ticket information for National CineMedia theater showings is also available at www.dalethemovie.com, as well as local ticket outlets and participating movie theater box offices. A complete list of markets, dates, venues/theaters is also available on the website. DALE will be made available for private screenings and corporate events nationwide through National CineMedia’s CineMeetings & Events (www.cinemeetings.com/dale).
Narrated by Paul Newman, DALE is the first documentary on the late driver that has been given the full support of Teresa Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt’s widow and executor of his estate; as well as Richard Childress, founder of Richard Childress Racing and owner of Earnhardt’s famed No. 3 Chevrolet race cars. The film includes archival race footage, rare outtakes, never-before-seen family home videos and interviews with his closest friends and family, toughest competitors and most avid fans, illustrating the depth of Earnhardt's influence in the racing world and beyond.
Dale Earnhardt is widely regarded as one of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time. In his 22 seasons on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series circuit, he racked up an amazing 76 wins and seven championships, with career winnings totaling more than $41 million. A perpetual fan favorite, Earnhardt was nicknamed “The Intimidator” for his competitive instincts and highly aggressive driving style. Although his death in 2001 on the last lap of the Daytona 500 cut short his legendary career, he will always be remembered for his skill, determination and passion for the sport.
DALE is executive produced by NASCAR Images’ Jay Abraham and Jim Jorden, with Ryan McGee serving as editor-in-chief; Rory Karpf and Mike Viney, producers; and Al Francesco, director of photography. For CMT Films, Jeff Yapp, Paul Villadolid and Lewis Bogach serve as executive producers.
Visit CMT's press-only web site www.cmtpress.com for more information and downloadable photos.
Formed in 2005, CMT Films is a division of MTV Networks that uses innovative distribution methods including theatrical and television network premieres to distribute its films before premiering them on CMT and releasing for DVD sales. The first CMT Film, Toby Keith’s Broken Bridges, debuted in National CineMedia theaters in September 2006, and then later released on CMT and DVD. More information is available at country music’s biggest website, www.CMT.com.
NASCAR Images, the exclusive rights holder of NASCAR event footage, is a marketing and entertainment company in business to leverage The Sight, Sound and Emotion of NASCAR® through TV and Film production, home video, licensed consumer products and premiums for the sports’ sponsors, tracks, teams and fans. www.nascarimages.com
National CineMedia, LLC is a venture of AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark USA, Inc. and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), three of the world's leading theatrical exhibition companies. The company develops pre feature entertainment; cinema and lobby advertising products; comprehensive meeting and event services; and alternative forms of entertainment content for distribution across the approximately 13,000 screens operated by its owner theatre circuits and other theatre affiliates. Over 11,000 of these screens are part of NCM’s Digital Content Network (DCN), one of the world's largest in-theatre digital distribution networks. The network provides content and advertising to 150 U.S. markets, including 49 of the top 50, reaching an estimated 500 million movie patrons annually. For additional information, please go to www.ncm.com.
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PRESS CONTACTS:
CMT/CMT Films Rogers & Cowan for NASCAR Images
Rebecca Thews Glenn Lehrman
615-335-8407 310 -854-8189
rebecca.thews@cmt.com Lehrman@webershandwick.com
National CineMedia
Amy Jane Finnerty
212-931-8117
amy.finnerty@ncm.com
