Press

New York, NY – November 19, 2014 – Film & TV distributor The Orchard has acquired all North American rights to The Yes Men Are Revolting, a comic documentary that premiered earlier this year at the Toronto International Film Festival and will have its New York premiere as the closing night film of the DOC NYC festival tomorrow.

The film, which is the third installment of the unabashedly provocative series, is co-directed by Emmy-nominated Laura Nix and returning prankster-activists Andy Bichlbaum and Mike Bonanno. This time, The Yes Men tackle the issues of global warming and middle-aged activism — all with their unique, uproarious flair.

“We’re thrilled to partner with The Orchard on the release of The Yes Men Are Revolting,” share Nix and The Yes Men. “They really understand the film and how to take advantage of the social media following we’ve accumulated over the years. We look forward to the most successful outing yet.”

This tome sees the dynamic duo from The Yes Men (2003) and The Yes Men Fix The World (2009) get back into their thrift store-bought suits and shameless can-do attitude, with the one caveat that they are now also in their 40s and bound by certain classic societal commitments. Bichlbaum and Bonanno juggle to shed light on the attitude and malpractice seen by greedy mega-corporations, corrupt governments and complacent media in regards to one of the biggest concerns of our time: global warming.

“The Yes Men Are Revolting continues the glorious tradition of hilariously duping the media and government while also remaining socially relevant,” says The Orchard’s SVP of Film & TV, Paul Davidson. “Andy, Mike and Laura have delivered a unique film – one that entertains and inspires audiences to make a difference.”

The deal was negotiated by The Orchard’s Danielle DiGiacomo and Cinetic Media on behalf of the filmmakers. The Yes Men Are Revolting will be released theatrically and digitally across North America in 2015.

Find out more about The Yes Men at: http://theyesmen.org/
Follow The Yes Men on Twitter: @theyesmen

ABOUT THE ORCHARD

The Orchard is a pioneering music, video and film distribution company and top-ranked Multi Channel Network operating in more than 25 global markets. With a holistic approach to sales and marketing combined with industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard amplifies reach and revenue across hundreds of digital, physical and mobile outlets around the world. The Orchard streamlines content owners’ business complexity with an intuitive client dashboard, comprehensive rights management and tailored client support. Founded in 1997, The Orchard empowers businesses and creators in the entertainment industry. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com.

“Linnea and I are both thrilled to be working with The Orchard,” says Holdridge. “We truly couldn’t have dreamed up a better group of creative, passionate and ambitious partners. To us their infusion of creative energy is the shot of adrenaline the U.S. film distribution world has been awaiting for a long time. It is the most exciting company in film distribution right now — bar none. We feel very lucky to be part of what they are launching this year.”

Art imitates life in Meet Me in Montenegro, as it is closely tied to Holdridge and Saasen’s real-life relationship. The film centers around L.A.-based writer-filmmaker Anderson (Holdridge) and Norwegian dancer Lina (Saasen), who shared a brief whirlwind romance which took them from Berlin to Montenegro, where Lina vanished – leaving only a note. Years later, a chance encounter reignites their mutual attraction, but their romantic future is ultimately in the hands of fate.

“From the minute we saw Alex and Linnea’s film in Toronto, we were taken by the charm and wit of Meet Me in Montenegro,” said The Orchard’s SVP of Film & TV, Paul Davidson.  “And while the themes of love, relationships and commitment are universal, we loved that the personality of the film is unique unto itself.”

The deal was negotiated by Danielle DiGiacomo of The Orchard and Cinetic Media. The film is slated for a 2015 theatrical release.

Still from “Meet Me in Montenegro” – Good Viking Productions, 2014

ABOUT THE ORCHARD

The Orchard is a pioneering music, video and film distribution company and top-ranked Multi Channel Network operating in more than 25 global markets. With a holistic approach to sales and marketing combined with industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard amplifies reach and revenue across hundreds of digital, physical and mobile outlets around the world. The Orchard streamlines content owners’ business complexity with an intuitive client dashboard, comprehensive rights management and tailored client support. Founded in 1997, The Orchard empowers businesses and creators in the entertainment industry. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com.

BalconyTV was awarded the Silver Lovie for best Music and Entertainment Internet Video, as well as the People’s Choice Award, or People’s Lovie, in the same category, voted on by the online public. These awards spotlight Europe’s leaders of digital innovation, celebrating and supporting the industry’s driving forces.

“BalconyTV is delighted to win these two Lovie Awards; it’s great recognition from our fans for all the hard work our producers put into their shows all over the world,” said BalconyTV’s Founder, Stephen O’Regan. “To be up against such big names and come out on top is a great accolade for us. And to be recognized by one of the most prestigious awards for digital content — we are chuffed!”

With nearly 1,500 entries from over 30 European countries, and over 40,000 votes in the People’s Lovie, The 4th Annual Lovie Awards was the biggest in the Awards’ history. BalconyTV’s Silver Judges’ Award, chosen by members of the International Academy of Digital Arts & Sciences, comes in second to Bob Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone” interactive music video.

BalconyTV is a mainstay in the digital world of music discovery; it has built its channel by empowering a passionate network of local producers to scout talented, up-and-coming artists in over 43 major cities. To date, BalconyTV’s global audience has generated over 50 million views of its videos through channels on YouTube, Vevo, Daily Motion, Muzu and others. Music, film & TV distributor The Orchard acquired BalconyTV in March 2014 to continue to expand its reach around the world.

ABOUT THE LOVIE AWARDS

The mission of the Lovie Awards is to recognise the unique and resonant nature of the European internet community – from Europeʼs top web and creative networks and content publishers to cultural and political organisations and bedroom bloggers. Now in its fourth year, The Lovie Awards continues to celebrate the most resonant and pertinent stories in Europe. With nearly 1,500 entries from over 30 countries across the EU, the Awards reflect the tremendous growth of the internet as a tool for business and everyday lives. Work in English, French, German, Spanish and Italian can be entered in five main category types: Websites, Mobile & Apps, Internet Video, Online Advertising, and Social. More information at www.lovieawards.eu/ Partners and Sponsors of The Lovie Awards include Google, MailChimp, MediaMonks, Coolhunting, ACE Hotel, Full Fat PR, NUMA: Paris, Rude Baguette, Springwise, Creativepool, Internetworld, net magazine, Quixel, and Lürzer’s Archive.

ABOUT BALCONYTV

BalconyTV is indie music unplugged for the internet generation. Launched in 2006 on a balcony in Dublin, Ireland, Balcony TV has grown into a 21st century online music network. Our producers scour the globe for the best local talent, tape them performing a single song live on a balcony and post the performance online to be enjoyed by a worldwide audience. We post 50 performances per week from 50 different cities on 6 different continents. Notable artists who have appeared on Balcony TV include Mumford & Sons, The Script, Jessie J, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, Neon Trees, Matisyahu, Temper Trap, Little Green Cars, Ed Sheeran and many more!

ABOUT THE ORCHARD

The Orchard is a pioneering music, video and film distribution company and top-ranked Multi Channel Network operating in more than 25 global markets. With a holistic approach to sales and marketing combined with industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard amplifies reach and revenue across hundreds of digital, physical and mobile outlets around the world. The Orchard streamlines content owners’ business complexity with an intuitive client dashboard, comprehensive rights management and tailored client support. Founded in 1997, The Orchard empowers businesses and creators in the entertainment industry. For further information, please visit www.theorchard.com.