http://experiencemediastudios.com/ Experience Media Studios @ News Thu, 1319135707 en-us http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=36 20 Oct 2011 During the opening remarks of the 2011 Austin Film Festival (AFF) it was announced that veteran director Jonathan Lynn (My Cousin Vinny, The Whole Nine Yards) has signed on to helm Jasper Milliken, a quirky story written by Julie Howe that won the Best Comedy Screenplay Award in the 2010 AFF Screenplay Competition. Lynn will work closely with Howe to continue shaping the creative direction of the movie until filming begins the second quarter of 2012. Earlier this year Howe signed an exclusive deal with Experience Media Studios to produce the award-winning screenplay, and has since expanded the team to include Sony Pictures Entertainment based producers Alex Siskin (Big Daddy, Mr. Deeds) and Joyce San Pedro (an AFF judge and panelist). We are very excited to have Jonathan bring his talent, vast experience, and comic sensibility to this movie, said Michael-Ryan Fletchall, CEO, Experience Media Studios. With a charming and witty script by a very talented writer, a veteran comedy director, and our producing partners, we know we have a winning team to make something very special for the big screen. Jasper Milliken is a quirky feature length comedy about a psychic orphan whose odd predictions derail a crooked deal that lands him in hot water with the egotistical mayor of his newly adopted town. Jonathan Lynn is represented by Gersh agent Sandra Lucchesi and manager Mike Marcus, and Julie Howe is represented by attorney Matthew Saver. About Experience Media Studios Experience Media Studios is a privately held next-generation global entertainment media company launched in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in 2009, and expanded to North American in 2010. The company specializes in movie and television show investments, development, creation, management, licensing and distribution across all current and emerging media and platforms. In March, the company will release Carmel-by-the-Sea, starring Lauren Bacall, Josh Hutcherson, Alfred Molina, and Hayden Panettiere. About the Austin Film Festival The Austin Film Festival (AFF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the art and craft of filmmaking by inspiring and championing the work of screenwriters, filmmakers, and all artists who use the language of film to tell a story. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=35 19 Mar 2011 After a well received private red carpet sneak peek in Hollywood, Experience Media Studios is screening Carmel-by-the-Sea during a Monterey Bay Film Society fundraising event to benefit California State University Monterey Bays TAT program. Many people involved with making this movie were not able to make it down to Hollywood to watch the film, so this is a great opportunity for them to see it and at the same time raise money for the local filmmaking community, said Michael-Ryan Fletchall, CEO, Experience Media Studios. Carmel-by-the-Sea follows a 15-year-old art prodigy Joshua (Josh Hutcherson), abandoned by his drug-addicted mother in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small town in northern California known internationally for its local art community. He is discovered for his own artistic talent and taken in by two apparently opposite mentors played by Alfred Molina and Lauren Bacall. While being mentored, Joshua is introduced to the high dollar, underground world of art forgery. Joshua's love interest is played by Hayden Panettiere. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=34 09 Mar 2011 Experience Media Studios is holding a private red carpet event at the world famous Arclight Hollywood Theater to give industry insiders a sneak peek at Carmel-by-the-Sea, the feature-length film about art forgery based in the famous art community of Carmel, California. Carmel-by-the-Sea features an all-star cast led by Academy Award winner Lauren Bacall (Howl's Moving Castle), Josh Hutcherson (Red Dawn), Alfred Molina (Prince of Persia), Hayden Panettiere (Heroes), Dina Eastwood (True Crime), Billy Boyd (Lord of the Rings), and Alexandra Carl (Gossip Girl), some of which will be in attendance. We are excited to show 'Camel-by-the-Sea' to our cast, crew, investment partners and potential distributors, said Michael-Ryan Fletchall, CEO, Experience Media Studios. This film has been a long time in the making and we are happy to have an opportunity to reward everyone for their hard work. Carmel-by-the-Sea follows a 15-year-old art prodigy Joshua (Josh Hutcherson), abandoned by his drug-addicted mother in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small town in northern California known internationally for its local art community. He is discovered for his own artistic talent and taken in by two apparently opposite mentors played by Alfred Molina and Lauren Bacall. While being mentored, Joshua is introduced to the high dollar, underground world of art forgery. Joshua's love interest is played by Hayden Panettiere. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=33 16 Feb 2011 @font-face { font-family: "Times"; }@font-face { font-family: "Cambria"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Experience Media Studios announced today it has completed production on Carmel-by-the-Sea, the feature-length film based in the famous art community of Carmel, California. The film is produced by Craig Comstock and Experience Media Studios CEO Michael-Ryan Fletchall. Carmel-by-the-Sea features an all-star cast led by Academy Award winner Lauren Bacall (Howl's Moving Castle), Josh Hutcherson (Red Dawn), Alfred Molina (Prince of Persia), Hayden Panettiere (Heroes), Dina Eastwood (True Crime), Billy Boyd (Lord of the Rings), and Alexandra Carl (Gossip Girl). Carmel-by-the-Sea producer Craig Comstock has a long-standing relationship with Experience CEO Michael-Ryan, calling the company to partner responsibilities on the film and help guide completion of the film. Experience Media Studios reorganized the film, raising an additional round of funding and completed the ensemble cast, feature-film. By supplying the additional funding round, Experience Media Studios eliminated any outstanding debt on the film, obtaining the film and its worldwide rights from its former owners. Experience Media Studios is now exploring relationships with several major distributors to release the film on an international theatrical release. We are excited to have completed 'Camel-by-the-Sea' by partnering with Craig Comstock and are confident the finished product will exceed expectations to investors and the hundreds of Carmel residents who contributed to a film that uses the tapestry of the famous coastal art colony and its community as the backdrop for this story, said Michael-Ryan Fletchall, CEO, Experience Media Studios. With its stellar cast and pristine backdrop, Craig saw the true value in completing 'Carmel-by-the-Sea' and we were happy to add the funds and oversee other aspects to make that happen. Experience Media Studio completed the film outright filming additional scenes, adding aerial photography, music and completing post-production in just 12 weeks. With the work done on the financial and creative side of 'Carmel-by-the-Sea' we are now looking forward to the film's acquisition process, ensuring this film gets the proper theatrical release it deserves, said Craig Comstock. Strong roles played by Josh Hutcherson, Alfred Molina, Hayden Panettiere, a moving performance by the legendary Lauren Bacall, and the cinematography showcasing the shimmering town that is Carmel, is something that needs to be experienced on the big screen. Carmel-by-the-Sea follows a 15-year-old art prodigy Joshua (Josh Hutcherson), abandoned by his drug-addicted mother in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a small town in northern California known internationally for its local art community. He is discovered for his own artistic talent and taken in by two apparently opposite mentors played by Alfred Molina and Lauren Bacall. While being mentored, Joshua is introduced to the high dollar, underground world of art forgery. Joshua's love interest is played by Hayden Panettiere. Jason Kay, Experience Media Studios' VP of North American Production, oversaw the completion of Carmel- by-the-Sea. The film is directed by Lawrence Roeck, cinematography by Walt Lloyd,edited by Michel Aller, and music composed by Jim Dooley. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=32 21 May 2010 Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA, USA Experience Media Studios, a next-generation global entertainment media company, announces the acquisition of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a feature length film starring Academy Award winner Lauren Bacall (Howls Moving Castle), Josh Hutcherson (Red Dawn), Alfred Molina (Prince of Persia), Hayden Panettiere (NBCs Heroes), Dina Eastwood (True Crime), Billy Boyd (Lord of the Rings), and Alexandra Carl (Gossip Girl). The story follows a 17-year-old art prodigy abandoned by his drug-addicted mother in Carmel-By-The-Sea, a small town in northern California known internationally for its local artists. While trying to survive on his own, he is introduced to the high dollar underground world of art forgery. With principle photography complete, the films producers aim to finish the movie for a September theatrical release. We made every frame of this movie a work of art through our talented cast and crew and by the support of the local community, said Craig Comstock, one of the movies producers. Im excited that Experience Media Studios came in to help us take this film to the next level. Craig and the production team did a fantastic job telling this story while capturing the essence of a beautiful small town on celluloid, said Michael-Ryan Fletchall, CEO of Experience Media Studios. We are honored to be a part of this film and look forward to sharing it with international audiences. Carmel-by-the-Sea is the Studios first North American project announced under the Experience InvestmentsSM banner since launching operations in Las Vegas, Nevada last month. For more information about the movie, please visit www.carmel-movie.com. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=31 12 Apr 2010 LAS VEGAS, NEVADA Experience Media Studios, a next-generation global entertainment media company, announced the launch of its North American operations headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The announcement came during the NAB Show, an annual conference and expo for professionals who create, manage, and distribute entertainment across all platforms. Since launching its global headquarters in Abu Dhabi in February 2009, the studio has been a driving force behind the United Arab Emirates emerging media industry by developing regionally themed movie and television content for international audiences. Most notably is the feature film biopic ZAYED about His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late ruler of Abu Dhabi and founding father of the United Arab Emirates. With easy access to Hollywood, New York, Vancouver, and aggressive tax incentive states, the Las Vegas offices will allow the studio to expand its international reach by leveraging relationships with top-tier talent, distribution, and Middle East capital to acquire, package and produce high quality cost effective entertainment media for United States, Canada, and worldwide audiences. North America accounts for more than a third of the worldwide box office, so this strategic investment is a logical next step for Experience Media Studios, said studio CEO Michael-Ryan Fletchall. We are solidifying key partnerships and will be announcing some exciting projects in the coming months. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=30 06 Dec 2009 Abu Dhabi, UAE Experience Media Studios is developing Abdulla Omar and the Lost Sand City, the first UAE action-adventure movie. The fictional film follows renowned Emirati archeologist and adventurer Abdulla Omar as he uses his expertise and Bedouin instincts to find an ancient sand city buried deep under the Al Gharbia desert. A three thousand year old artifact is found in the western region of Abu Dhabi proving the existence of a legendary secret city believed to hold a Mesopotamian kings vast treasures. Abdulla Omar must move fast to solve the clues and claim the treasure for the UAE, before international treasure hunters steel it from the country for a hefty ransom. Producers aim to use the movie initiative to further the national identity by creating the first Emirati action hero, while driving development in the western region of Abu Dhabi by helping local businesses, job creation, and expanding the infrastructure. This movie will excite and entertain worldwide audiences while reflecting UAE culture and the Emirati identity, said studio CEO Michael-Ryan Fletchall. At the same time, we will achieve a profitable double bottom line for our investors through the films box office revenue, as well as the inward investment in the growth of Abu Dhabis media industry. Abdulla Omar and the Lost Sand City is the third project announced of seven movie and television shows the studio has slated to produce in the next two years under their Experience InvestmentsSM banner. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=29 09 Oct 2009 Abu Dhabi, UAE Experience Media Studio is attending the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF) and Circle Conference to support the local film community. The studio has been a driving force behind the emerging media industry and a major advocate of using local filmmaker talent to grow the sector from within the country. To grow the UAEs emerging media industry, we need three things: to support and nurture our local filmmakers and talent, to create opportunities within the UAE by making private equity investors comfortable with film financing, and having the equipment to physically create the media, said studio CEO and Hollywood producer Michael-Ryan Fletchall. The government has invested heavily in the infrastructure and investors are getting more savvy with alternate investments including movies and television shows. Experience Media Studios presence at MEIFF is following through on our commitment to continually support our local Emirati filmmakers and industry. The 3rd Annual Middle East International Film Festival runs October 8-17 in Abu Dhabi. More information can be found on the festivals website at meiff.com. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=28 30 Sep 2009 Abu Dhabi, UAE Experience Media Studios is developing a biographical movie about His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late ruler of Abu Dhabi and founding father of the United Arab Emirates. The biopic tells an intimate story of the second half of the beloved leaders life, beginning in the 1960s through present day, as his vision of stability and unity turned the regions bleak past into a promising future. After forming the UAE in 1971, His Highness pushed for unprecedented change while holding on to the cultural ethos of the region and national identity of the Emirati. As a result, the country has made more progress in nearly 40 years than any other country in the world. But during nearly half a century, regional and world events challenged the integrity and diplomacy of Sheikh Zayed, and the resolve of a young nations people to establish their place as one of the top countries in the global community. If we had to choose only one UAE story to put on film, Zayed would be it, said studio CEO Michael-Ryan Fletchall. Like Lion of the Desert did for Omar Mukhtar, this movie will immortalize a great man and celebrate his lifes work while entertaining worldwide audiences and future generations of Emirati. With its sights set on creating a franchise, the studio plans to premiere the first film of the trilogy on the countrys 40th anniversary in December 2011, with annual National Day rereleases in theatres and on television. Zayed is the second project announced of seven movie and television shows the studio has slated to produce in the next two years under their Experience Investments(sm) banner. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=22 16 Sep 2009 Abu Dhabi, UAE Experience Media Studios is developing the first annual Global Citizen Awards, a live globally broadcast event that recognizes and awards major contributions to the advancement of mankind. The show aims to bring the same glamour and spectacle of the Academy Awards mixed with the significance and prestige of winning a Nobel Prize by bringing together scientists, entrepreneurs, ecologists, politicians, and celebrities from around the world to promote awareness of a wide range of issues human civilization is facing, and solutions that are showing significant progress. Events surrounding the black tie awards show include a red carpet pre-show, post show gala ball, benefit concert, and networking conference. From recently being chosen as the International Renewable Energy Agencys headquarters to building the first carbon-free city of Masdar, Abu Dhabi has built an international reputation as a place committed to sustainability on Earth, said studio CEO Michael-Ryan Fletchall. We are creating a show that continues this legacy while building the emirates emerging media industry. The tentatively titled Global Citizen Awards is the first project announced of seven movie and television shows the studio has slated to produce in the next two years under their Experience Investments(sm) banner. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=21 02 Sep 2009 The Channel, an international media magazine based in London, recently published an article in issue 2 of 2009 featuring Experience Media Studios CEO and movie producer Michael-Ryan Fletchall discussing the challenges and advantages of building a global entertainment media industry in the emerging United Arab Emirates market. You can read the Q&A in An Unforgettable Experience on page 32 of the magazine, or by visiting our digital press archives to download and read the PDF version HERE. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=20 23 Jul 2009 Concierge Dubai, a magazine for 5 star hotels in the United Arab Emirates, published an article in their July 2009 issue about the UAE's emerging movie industry. Check out The Reel Deal on page 20 in their online version HERE, or visit our digital press archives for the PDF version HERE. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=17 20 Jun 2009 HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA Abu Dhabi based Experience Media Studios CEO Michael-Ryan Fletchall attended an exclusive Hollywood film screening of the 2009 Camera Assessment Series (CAS). The groundbreaking joint initiative of The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), the Producers Guild of America (PGA) and Morgan Freemans Revelations Entertainment produced a two and a half hour film which features an in-depth side-by-side assessment of the current generation of HD digital motion picture cameras against the recognized film standard. This film and research represents a turning point in the movie industrys embrace of digital cinematography and is extremely valuable to us at Experience Media Studios because of its focus on overall cost, work flow efficiency, and quality, said Mr. Fletchall. The study will help us to make smarter choices with cutting edge technology to efficiently create and deliver high quality cost competitive media entertainment to our audience. The CAS screening, which was attended by many Academy Award winning master cinematographers, producers, and studio executives, showcased the following cameras: Arri D21, Panasonic HPX3700, Sony F23, Sony F35, Panavision Genesis, Thomson Viper, the RED ONE, and the Arri 435 film camera representative of the traditional celluloid medium. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=16 09 May 2009 Experience Media Studios CEO Michael-Ryan Fletchall discusses using postivie messages in movie and television programming to counter negative UAE press. See the Media Week Middle East article HERE. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=15 03 May 2009 ABU DHABI, UAE -- In a climate of global economic uncertainty, Experience Media Studios in Abu Dhabi is breaking new ground. This week the studio opened doors to its new offices in the Abu Dhabi media zone, ahead of schedule on its short term plans and on track for its long term strategy. Through the support of the Abu Dhabi government, the Emirate's media industry and infrastructure is experiencing substantial growth. With its slate of seven film and television projects in development and media services offerings, Experience Media Studios is positioning itself at the industry's forefront. We are excited to play a leading role in Abu Dhabi's emerging media industry because of the opportunities and benefits to the Emirate and UAE, says studio helmer Michael-Ryan Fletchall. Teaching skills and creating local job opportunities for Nationals is the foundation. The growth driver is creating movie and television show investment opportunities with returns streaming back to the country from regional and worldwide distribution. The additional benefit is using entertainment media as a platform for indirect positive messaging about the country and culture. Mr. Fletchall was recently featured in Media Week Middle East promoting the concept of positive PR for the country through movies and television shows. Experience Media Studios can be reached by phone at +971 (50) 810-9898, and by email at info@experiencemediastudios.com. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=14 21 Mar 2009 ABUDHABI, UAE -- Experience Media Studios FZ-LLC, a next-generation entertainment media company, announced a new suite of services and investment opportunities, including the Experience Investments (sm) banner, which creates joint ventures with regional investment partners to develop and produce movie and television media assets for distribution. Based in Abu Dhabi's media zone at TwoFour54, Experience Media Studios is the first UAE company to offer investments in entertainment media. Film financing is nothing new, but monetizing marketing efforts is cutting edge, and Experience Media Studios' niche market, said studio CEO Michael-Ryan Fletchall. We have taken the Hollywood entertainment business model and tailored it to the UAE market, and the people we have met are blown away by it. Our pitch is this - if a client spends ten million on marketing without making a return, then it's an expense. However, if they spend twenty million and distribute the media not only do they reach a broader audience for their brand, they also create a revenue stream for future marketing efforts, making it an investment. Generating revenue from entertainment media is what Experience Investments is all about. With a brand new state-of-the-art $100m facility, the studio is capable of front-to-back end media creation and distribution. In addition to the investment opportunities, the company offers services through Experience Solutions (sm), a turn-key production services solution to develop and produce media content for clients, and Experience Resources (sm), a media talent and equipment sourcing service. Under the Experience Co-Productions (sm) banner, the studio is using its Hollywood connections and global network to create co-production partnerships with other studios to produce movie and television media in Abu Dhabi for worldwide audiences. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=13 04 Feb 2009 ABUDHABI, UAE -- Experience Media Studios FZ-LLC officially established business today at the TwoFour54 Media Free Zone in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Branded as a 'next-generation global entertainment media studio', the company plans to develop and produce projects with positive but subtle messages and brands reflecting the local identity and feel of the UAE culture and exposing them to a broader audience. Abu Dhabi and the UAE are the perfect locations for media creation like movies and television shows because of its climate and geographical location to the world markets, says company founder and Hollywood producer Michael-Ryan Fletchall. Preserving the culture and heritage of the UAE and growing a film and television industry are not mutually exclusive. Stories reflecting the past of this country can be told to affect the future, not only with the Emirati, but with the world. The Hollywood entertainment industry was largely credited for pulling the US economy out of the Great Depression. Experience Media Studios is positioning to help stimulate the local economy from the global downturn by creating jobs and training Emirati within the developing media industry as well as creating movies and television programming as a UAE export. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=12 14 Jan 2009 ABUDHABI, UAE -- Hollywood producer Michael-Ryan Fletchall arrives in January to the heart of the new movie landthe United Arab Emirates. Fletchall who has relocated from Hollywood, California with his family, is creating a production company within the UAE to build a competitive global entertainment industry, and to create jobs for UAE Nationals. Right now I see the UAEs emerging media industry as an extension of other markets such as Hollywood and Bollywood. I will be using a new business model to build an entertainment industry for the future that will be positioned to compete around the world. In the process I will be working with local talent to help shape the film industry focusing on UAE culture and traditions while building a worldwide audience, said Fletchall. I like to think of it as Hollywood 2.0'. With over 12 years in the Hollywood entertainment industry with award winning productions, Fletchall intends to share his knowledge by teaching UAE Nationals who wish to pursue film making both in front of and behind the camera. Fletchall was recently seen attending the Middle Eastern International Film Festival in Abu Dhabi in September and was featured in Gulf News Friday Magazine in mid December. Fletchalls 2009 plans include development and production of two prime time scripted television series and two feature films. http://experiencemediastudios.com/news.php?news_id=11 26 Dec 2008 Hollywood producer and Experience Media Studios CEO Michael-Ryan Fletchall was recently featured in Gulf News: Friday Magazine. In the article, he discusses his plans for Experience Media Studios and the UAE movie industry. See the original article online HERE or download the PDF version HERE.