Maya Entertainment Acquires Mark Ruffalo’s Feature Directorial Debut

MAYA ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES MARK RUFFALO’S FEATURE DIRECTORIAL DEBUT

SYMPATHY FOR DELICIOUS

THEATRICAL RELEASE SET FOR SPRING 2011

Film Stars Ruffalo, Christopher Thornton, Juliette Lewis,
Orlando Bloom and Laura Linney

LOS ANGELES, CA (November 4, 2010) – Maya Entertainment has acquired U.S. rights to Sympathy for Delicious, the feature film directorial debut from Mark Ruffalo, to be released theatrically in Spring 2011. The seven-figure deal positions the film as a key project in Maya’s first quarter 2011 theatrical release strategy.

Written by Christopher Thornton, who also stars in and produced the project, Sympathy for Delicious follows the true story of a newly paralyzed DJ who gets more than he bargained for when he seeks out the world of faith healing. The film also stars Ruffalo, Juliette Lewis, Orlando Bloom and Laura Linney and is based on Thornton’s real-life experiences. The film was produced by Corner Store Entertainment’s Scott Prisand, Matt Weaver and Andrea Sperling, with Mark Ruffalo and Christopher Thornton. The film was awarded a Special Jury Prize for Directing at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Maya also has made a deal with Tom Ortenberg’s One Way Out Media to come on board as a marketing consultant on the project.

“After its successful premiere at Sundance this year, we’re so excited to be releasing this powerful and moving film and working with Mark Ruffalo on his award-winning directorial debut,” said Tonantzin Esparza, Director of Acquisitions for Maya Entertainment. “It’s an honor to collaborate with Mark on a project that has been so important to him.”
Ruffalo added, “This film has been a very personal project for me, and I know Maya will be a wonderful partner to have in our corner.”

Ruffalo will next begin production on Marvel’s The Avengers, in which he plays “The Hulk.” He joins Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johanssen and Jeremy Renner.

The deal for Sympathy for Delicious was negotiated by UTA Independent Film Group co-head Rena Ronson on behalf of UTA client Mark Ruffalo and Wendy Rutland, with Tonantzin Esparza on behalf of Maya Entertainment.

About Maya Entertainment
Maya Entertainment Group, Inc. distributes, acquires, and produces multicultural and Latino themed film and television product for all distribution platforms throughout the world. Recent theatrical and home video releases include the Official 2010 Sundance selection The Dry Land starring America Ferrera, Jason Ritter, Wilmer Valderrama, and Melissa Leo; and the action-drama Across the Line starring Aidan Quinn, Mario Van Peebles, and Andy Garcia. Maya recently completed its second annual Maya Indie Film Series, a branded and sponsored theatrical showcase which toured 8 cities nationwide. Now in its third year of business, Maya Entertainment has established a library of over 100 titles all available via retail, rental and VOD. On the horizon, Maya Entertainment is expanding its production and distribution slate as the premier source for Latino-themed and multicultural, quality entertainment.

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Official Site