Danny Burstein, Jennifer Laura Thompson & More Sign on for CONSTRUCTION Film

Vision Vehicle Productions announced today that the independent studio has sold worldwide rights to its next two features, PASS THE LIGHT and CONSTRUCTION, to DigiNext. Both films will be released theatrically and downstream through DigiNext's unique direct-to-consumer (DtoC) platform, a customized end-to-end solution for independent features and documentaries. Digiplex (NASDAQ: DCIN), DigiNext's JV co-owner with Nehst Out, agreed to be acquired by Carmike Cinemas (NASDAQ: CKEC), the nation's fourth largest exhibitor, in a transaction announced in May. Inclusive of the 200+ screens being purchased, Carmike's domestic footprint will expand to approximately 3,000 screens across 41 states. Vision Vehicle Productions' features will be the first narrative films to utilize this unique theatrical release and DtoC distribution platform.

Founded by Malcolm Goodwin, best known for his acting work in Universal films "American Gangster" and "Leatherheads," A&E's "Breakout Kings" and upcoming CW's "iZombie"; veteran Broadway actor Victor Hawks of "The Producers," "Les Miserables" and "South Pacific"; and producer Angie Canuel of Awaken Entertainment; Vision Vehicle Productions is committed to producing high-quality films at responsible price points.

"I am passionate about all aspects of story-telling, so directing and producing is a natural extension of my acting career," said Goodwin. "Victor and Angie share my vision for raw, soul-stirring content, and together we've been able to create a slate of diverse, dynamic, interesting projects. Bud Mayo, Larry Meistrich and Ari Friedman are visionaries in this industry. We couldn't ask for better theatrical distribution partners."

Bud Mayo stated, "We are delighted to forge this new distribution agreement with Malcolm, Victor, and Angie of Vision Vehicle Productions. We expect PASS THE LIGHT and CONSTRUCTION to play very well across Carmike's large and growing national footprint. Larry and the Nehst Out team specialize in curating quality independent titles and we believe both of these are excellent fits for DigiNext's direct-to-consumer platform."

In theaters first is the faith-inspired film PASS THE LIGHT. Goodwin helmed a script penned by Hawks about a 17-year-old high school student, Steve Bellafiore (Cameron Palatas of MTV's "Zach Stone Is Gonna Be Famous"). Disturbed by a congressional candidate's use of religion to spread hatred and intolerance, Steve runs for Congress on a campaign of uniting the town by spreading the message of love and community. The film also stars Alexandria Deberry (Disney Channel's "A.N.T. Farm"), Jon Gries (FOX's "Taken" franchise) and Milena Govich (NBC's "Law & Order," MTV's "Finding Carter").

Also scheduled for release in Carmike Cinemas theaters in early 2015 is the romantic-musical-film CONSTRUCTION. Goodwin directs a script from Hawks following blue-collar New Yorker Vin (Hawks) in his pursuit of Broadway dreams and the girl he loves (Brooke Nevin of A&E's "Breakout Kings"). The film also stars Alexandra Chando (ABC Family's "The Lying Game"), Devin Ratray (Paramount Vantage's "Nebraska," FOX's "Home Alone") and Gino Anthony Pesi (Columbia's "Battle Los Angeles").

"The fact that all three of Vision Vehicle Productions' films have secured substantial distribution is incredibly humbling, and a testament to our storytelling and business formula," said Hawks. "We received several offers on PASS THE LIGHT and CONSTRUCTION, but we held out for the deal with DigiNext because we adamantly wanted wide exposure for these films. As our company begins to develop bigger film and TV projects, with proportionate budgets, it is important for us to maintain the same aggressive principles in production and story-telling that have led us to this point."

Freestyle Releasing released Vision Vehicle Productions' first feature, "A True Story", in theaters and on-demand in 2013. The shingle's three feature films have won numerous awards at domestic and international film festivals, and PASS THE LIGHT completed a widely successful screening tour of 10 cities this spring. The production company has several film and TV projects in development focusing on character driven stories.

Malcolm Goodwin, Victor Hawks and Angie Canuel established Vision Vehicle Productions in 2012. Collectively having roots in the New York City film and theatre community, the founders of Vision Vehicle Productions share a love and passion for the arts and the impact that a good story can have. This partnership was formed on the promise to always produce stories that stirred the soul, stimulated the mind, and have a big beating heart in the center. Vision Vehicle Productions is currently producing film and TV projects that meet the standards of great storytelling and good business.

The future of film distribution, DigiNext has developed a comprehensive worldwide, direct-to-consumer (DtoC) movie release platform. The platform showcases the talents of today's most talented and passionate directors and producers of independent features as well as issue-based documentaries, providing them with a unique and customized way to drive additional value and recognition of their work. DigiNext offers filmmakers a domestic theatrical release, plus a global, targeted reach to audiences in 70+ countries via electronic sell-through including digital downstream, DVD and other ancillary revenue opportunities. Brands and marketers also can reach pre-selected targeted audiences via DigiNext's end-to-end platform. DigiNext is a joint venture partnership between Digiplex Destinations and Nehst Out.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos

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