XSEL Secures Exclusive China Rights to More Than A Game from Lionsgate Movie to be Distributed by China Film Group in Late 2009
Entertainment Limited (“XSEL” or the “Company”; Nasdaq: XSEL), a leading
sports and entertainment media company in
subsidiary, Xinhua Media Entertainment (“XME”), has licensed the exclusive
Mainland China distribution rights to More Than A Game from Lionsgate. The
movie stars the reigning NBA MVP LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and
will be distributed by China Film Group Corporation, the most dominant film
entertainment company in Mainland China, later this year.
“More than a Game will enable kids all around the world to learn that they
can achieve their dreams and goals through hard work and perseverance, not
just in basketball but in whatever they decide to do in life,” said
James
which I hope to convey and lead by example.”
“XSEL is again leading the way in the Chinese sports entertainment media
sector by bringing the on and off the court real life story of the NBA’s most
valuable player to audiences nationwide,” said Ms.
“This is an inspirational film about how inner-city boys overcame
tremendous odds to become the best in doing what they love most. We are
thrilled that this motivational story will be shared with people of all ages
in
the world. According to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television
(“SARFT”), 2008 box office revenues grew by 30% to
consecutive year of more than 25% growth. For the first half of 2009, Chinese
box office revenues continued to grow at a record setting pace, led by
Transformers 2, which shattered the all time highest grossing record set by
Titanic in 1998. The growth potential in
while
has less than 1/7 the number of movie screens.
About
recognized basketball superstar who plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Selected to the NBA All-Star team every year since 2005, LeBron has
electrified fans across the globe with his dazzling play and
record-breaking achievements. He is the youngest player in NBA history to win
Rookie of the Year honors and reach 12,000 career points. LeBron served as a
co-captain of the Team USA basketball team that won the Gold Medal with an
undefeated record at the 2008 Summer Olympics in
James
through the LeBron James Family Foundation, he hosts the King for Kids
Bike-a-thon in
and the Akron Urban League. In addition, as part of an on-going initiative
that began in 2008 during the NBA All-Star activities in
and his foundation installed a playground at the St. Bernard Recreation Center,
and in 2009, in
installed at the Robson Boys and Girls Club, in
About More Than A Game
Five talented young basketball players from
remarkable true-life coming of age story about uncommon friendship in the face
of unprecedented fame. Their coach is a hard-driving, charismatic but
inexperienced player’s father. Their leader future NBA superstar
This is the “Fab Five’s” story — an improbable nine-year journey that takes
them from a decrepit inner-city gym to the doorstep of a national high school
championship. Along the way, the close-knit team is repeatedly tested — both
on and off the court — as James’ unparalleled talent explodes into worldwide
celebrity, threatening to destroy everything they’ve set out to achieve
together. More Than A Game combines a series of unforgettable one-on-one
interviews with rare news footage, never-before-seen home videos and personal
family photographs to bring this heartwarming story to life.
Lionsgate and Harvey Mason Media in association with Interscope Records
present a Harvey Mason Media Production in association with Galley Boy and
Spring Hill Productions a film by
written by
The film features
About XME
Xinhua Media Entertainment (XME), a majority owned subsidiary of XSEL, is
a motion picture enterprise dedicated to aggregating and marketing world-class
quality film entertainment products to the Chinese audience. Collaborating
with leading filmmakers and distributors in
assembled an initial slate of eight projects, two of which are completed films
to be released in
U. Lee
the leaders that specialize in bridging the two film industries. Lee is
credited as Co-Executive Producer of The Forbidden Kingdom, which he helped
structure as the most successful
also credited as Co-Executive Producer of
Yun-Fat, Gong Li and
About XSEL
sports and entertainment media company in
of young and upwardly mobile consumers, XSEL is well-positioned in
its unique content and access. Through its key international partnerships,
XSEL is able to offer its target audience the content they demand — premium
sports and quality entertainment. Through its Chinese partnerships, XSEL is
able to deliver this content across a broad range of platforms, including
television, the Internet, mobile phones and other multimedia assets in
Along with its integrated advertising resources, XSEL offers a total solution
empowering clients at every stage of the media process linking advertisers
with
Headquartered in
has offices and affiliates in major cities throughout
Limited shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market (NASDAQ: XSEL). For more
information, please visit http://www.xsel.com .
Safe Harbor Statement
This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements
are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be
identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,”
“intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar
statements. Among other things, any quotations from management in this
announcement contain forward-looking statements. Statements that are not
historical facts, including statements about XSEL’s beliefs and expectations
are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Potential risks and
uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks outlined in XSEL’s
filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual
report on Form 20-F. All information provided in this press release is as of
the date hereof, and XSEL undertakes no duty to update such information,
except as required under applicable law.
For more information, please contact:
Media Contact
Joy Tsang, XSEL
Tel: +86-10-8567-6050
Mobile: +86-136-2179-1577
Email: joy.tsang@xsel.com
IR Contact
Edward Liu
XSEL
Tel: +86-10-8567-6061
Mobile: +86-139-1610-1635
Email: edward.liu@xsel.com
Howard Gostfrand
American Capital Ventures
Tel: +1-305-918-7000
+1-877-918-0774 (toll free)
Email: info@amcapventures.com
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