Cinedigm Acquires North American Home Entertainment Rights to THE ULTIMATE GIFT Movie Series

Cinedigm (CIDM) has acquired North American home entertainment rights to THE ULTIMATE GIFT movie series, which includes THE ULTIMATE GIFT (2006), THE ULTIMATE LIFE (2013) and the third and most recent entry, THE ULTIMATE LEGACY (2017). Cinedigm is planning a home entertainment release for the newest picture, including DVD and Digital HD, for early 2017. Additionally, fans of the franchise will be able to re-live the first two films on the Dove Channel, Cinedigm's over-the-top digital streaming service targeted to the faith and family audience, this Summer. They will be able to purchase the two catalog titles this Fall on DVD & Digital HD.

The trilogy is based on the "Ultimate Gift" series of best-selling novels by Jim Stovall, an acclaimed author and highly sought-after motivational speaker with thirty books to his credit. As in the books, the "Ultimate Gift" movie series explores how to live a meaningful life and imparts common sense, positive value-driven lessons that resonate with young and old alike. All of the pictures carry the Dove Foundation's Seal of Approval, which is awarded to content considered safe and recommendable for family viewing. The Dove Foundation is also Cinedigm's partner in Dove Channel.

THE ULTIMATE LEGACY premiered on the Hallmark CHANNEL in January and is based on Stovall's novel, "The Gift of a Legacy." This third installment continues THE JOURNEY of character Jason Stevens, as he learns firsthand the value of teaching. Jason must provide guidance to an aimless young man, Joey Anderson, who is forced to run his family's bed-and-breakfast for a year before earning his inheritance in his late grandmother's will. As part of Joey's journey to purpose, he must learn to appreciate hard work, forgiveness, generosity and the enduring value of family and friends. Logan Bartholomew (THE ULTIMATE LIFE, LOVE'S LONG JOURNEY) returns as Jason Stevens. The picture boasts strong supporting cast with veteran actors Brian Dennehy, Raquel Welch, Doug Jones, Bill Cobb and Lee Meriwether. Additional talent includes Myko Olivier and Aly Hillis. The picture was directed by Joanne Hock. Executive Producer is Rick Eldridge, the CEO of ReelWorks Studios. Eldridge previously produced ULTIMATE GIFT and ULTIMATE LIFE.

The initial entry in the series, THE ULTIMATE GIFT, stars James Garner, Abigail Breslin and Brian Dennehy. The picture has enjoyed significant success on home entertainment, selling over 1.3 million DVD and Blu-Ray units. THE ULTIMATE GIFT introduces the character of Jason Stevens, a rich playboy who learns life lessons via posthumous video instruction from his late grandfather (James Garner). Along the way, Jason comes to see the value of family and friends through the eyes of a young leukemia patient (Abigail Breslin). Directed by Michael Landon Jr., THE ULTIMATE LIFE, the sequel to ULTIMATE GIFT, stars Logan Bartholomew and continues Jason's journey as he struggles to lead his grandfather's charitable foundation and battle a lawsuit brought by greedy relatives. Jason again turns to the wisdom of his grandfather to guide him through difficult times.

"The Ultimate Movies are worthwhile and uplifting, with the power to inspire viewers towards a more purposeful life, and we are proud to partner with ReelWorks Studios to bring these fantastic movies to audiences," says Yolanda Macias, EVP of Acquisitions and Digital Sales for Cinedigm. "These pictures will make wonderful additions to Cinedigm's Dove Channel, our digital streaming network aimed at family and faith viewers."

"Cinedigm boasts wide distribution reach and understands THE FAMILY entertainment space," says Eldridge. "With Cinedigm's expertise and proven track record of success, I can think of no better distribution partner for us on the 'Ultimate Gift' movie series."

The deal was brokered between Eldridge and Melody Fowler, Cinedigm's Executive Director of Acquisitions.

ABOUT REELWORKS STUDIOS

With over 30 years in the entertainment business as a musician, producer, director and entrepreneur: C.E.O. and Co-Owner Rick Eldridge knows how to make projects happen. Whether sports programming, live production, animated series or feature films, Eldridge has been involved in every facet of creative development and production management in the entertainment industry. His resume is a road map to an extraordinary career that includes the best and most respected names in the industry: Universal, Disney, and ESPN, to name a few.

Eldridge is presently working on an animated theatrical feature of his "HERMIE" series. Currently Eldridge is President/CEO of ReelWorks Studios a multifaceted film/video post-production company in Charlotte, NC. Under the same roof is GlueWorks Creative Management, an animation company prized with numerous awards of excellence for projects such as Hermie & Friends, Gigi, The Pond and On the Farm.

Eldridge is an active member of the following boards: Officer of the board of trustees for Brevard College in Brevard, NC, Advisor board for the communications major at Queens University in Charlotte, NC, Advisor board for the film graduate program at Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA, Founding board member of Compass Film Academy in Grand Rapids, MI, Member of the board of directors for HEARTLAND Film Festival in Indianapolis, IN, Member of the board of directors for Media Fellowship International in Los Angeles, CA, Member of the counsel of elders for Forrest Hill Church in Charlotte, NC.

His creative vision has led to his involvement in numerous projects including:

• The Ultimate Gift (feature film)
• Bobby Jones - Stroke Of Genius (feature film)
• Hermie & Friends (animated series)
• Gigi (animated series)
• Struggle and Triumph (2008 Olympic feature)
• The Prize (World Cup Soccer TV special)
• The Perfect Game (feature film)
• Running The Sahara (feature documentary)

ABOUT CINEDIGM Cinedigm is a leading independent content distributor in the United States, with direct relationships with thousands of physical retail storefronts and digital platforms, including Wal-Mart, Target, iTunes, Netflix, and Amazon, as well as the national Video on Demand platform on cable television. The company's library of films and TV episodes encompasses award-winning documentaries from Docurama Films, next-gen Indies from Flatiron Film Company, acclaimed independent films and festival picks through partnerships with the Sundance Institute and Tribeca Films and a wide range of content from brand name suppliers, including Discovery, Scholastic, NFL, Shout Factory, Hallmark, Jim Henson and more.

Additionally, given Cinedigm's infrastructure, technology, content and distribution expertise, the Company has rapidly become a leader in the quickly evolving over-the-top digital network business. Cinedigm's first channel, DOCURAMA, launched in May 2014, and is currently available on iOS, Roku, Xbox and Samsung, with additional platforms currently being rolled out. Cinedigm launched CONtv, a Comic Con branded channel in partnership with WIZARD WORLD, on March 3, 2015. The Company's third OTT channel, DOVE CHANNEL, will be a digital streaming subscription service targeted to families and kids seeking high quality and family friendly content approved by Dove Foundation. Adding to Cinedigm's diversified portfolio of digital networks, in early 2015 the Company announced an OTT partnership with TV4 Entertainment and the planned launch of the BRIGHT edu-tainment OTT channel. Cinedigm and Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp are trademarks of Cinedigm Corp. [CIDM-G]

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