Montreal, Canada (May 24, 2006) – M8 Entertainment Inc. (TSX: MEE.MV.A and MEE.SV.B), a leading film entertainment company engaged in the production, financing, acquisition, and worldwide licensing of theatrical feature films in a variety of genres, announced today that its principal subsidiary Media 8 will produce, finance, and distribute the feature film project “The Ramen Girl” starring Brittany Murphy (“Sin City,” “Sin City 2,” “Little Black Book,” Eight Mile”). Written by Becca Topol, this whimsical, romantic comedy-drama will be directed by Robert Allan Ackerman, who is also a producer on the project along with Murphy. Media 8 is selling international rights to the film at the Cannes Film Market.
“The Ramen Girl” is the charming story of a young American woman (Murphy), who finds herself stranded in Tokyo after a break-up with her boyfriend. Searching for meaning and direction in her life, she soon finds herself training to be a ramen noodle chef under the tutelage of a tyrannical, temperamental Japanese master (Nishida). Their contentious relationship is the center of this funny, bittersweet story.
“This script truly captures the transformational, magical power of both food and love,” said Stewart Hall and Jenna Sanz-Agero, Co-Presidents of Media 8 Entertainment. “'The Ramen Girl” is about a unique relationship that is both cross-cultural and cross-generational, and we love this aspect of the project.”
Brittany Murphy is one of Hollywood's most sought after and engaging young actresses. Since her breakout role in 1995's “Clueless,” Murphy has appeared in more than 25 films. Most recently, she appeared as Shellie in the hit film “Sin City,” a role which she will reprise in the upcoming sequel. Murphy recently completed principal photography on Edward Burns' “The Groomsmen,” and starred opposite Aaron Eckhart and Ian McKellen in “Neverwas,” which debuted at the Toronto Film Festival. Murphy also recently completed filming “Love and Other Disasters,” written and directed by Alek Keshishian with David Fincher and Luc Besson producing. Murphy also starred opposite Ashton Kutcher in Shawn Levy's romantic comedy “Just Married,” in Curtis Hanson's “8 Mile” opposite Eminem, and in the comedy “Uptown Girls” with Dakota Fanning. Murphy has also starred in Ed Burns' ensemble drama “Sidewalks of New York,” Penny Marshall's “Riding in Cars with Boys” opposite Drew Barrymore, James Mangold's “Girl, Interrupted” opposite Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder, and Gary Fleder's “Don't Say A Word” opposite Michael Douglas.
Robert Allan Ackerman is a veteran director of theater, television and film. His television credits include directing the made for TV movies “The Reagans,” “The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone,” and the critically acclaimed "Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows," which was the recipient of numerous awards including five Emmys, The Golden Globe, AFI, Television Critics' Association, and Broadcast Journalist Critics Choice Awards. Ackerman has won various awards for his work in the theater including an Obie Award for "A Prayer for My Daughter," Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Director for "Extremities" starring Susan Sarandon and Ellen Barkin and "Slab Boys" starring Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon, and Val Kilmer, as well as a Dramalogue Award for Best Director for "The Vortex," starring Rupert Everett. Ackerman also directed the original Broadway production of “Bent” which starred Richard Gere, which was truly a legendary production. Ackerman has also directed the theatrical film "Safe Passage," starring Susan Sarandon and Sam Shepard.
The deal was negotiated on behalf of Media 8 Entertainment by Tiffany Leclere.
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