Feature Documentary from Noted Filmmaker Nicole Conn Picks Up A Half-Dozen Festival Awards, Other Critical Acclaim

 

LOS ANGELES, CA (October 28, 2005) — Showtime Networks Inc. has acquired the pay television rights to little man, a newly acclaimed documentary from noted filmmaker Nicole Conn, it was announced by Larry Greenberg, Vice President of Acquisitions, Showtime Networks, and Danny Jacobsen, Producer of little man. With the theatrical release set for today in Los Angeles, along with other major U.S. cities in coming weeks, little man has already garnered “Best Documentary” pre-release honors at a half-dozen film festivals around the country.

 

From the writer-director of the critically-received lesbian drama "Claire of the Moon," Conn takes us on a riveting – sometimes harrowing -- real-life personal journey of a family in crisis. Conn and her life partner, political activist Gwen Baba, are severely tested when a surrogate mother prematurely gives birth to their son Nicholas, who is delivered at just less than 1 pound and 100 days early.

 

Conn’s award-winning little man inspires the audience to examine and re-examine their own moral compass in a film that asks: How far would you go when faced with a situation that shatters everything you thought you believed? Without warning, her family is brought to its knees — as the movie gives viewers unprecedented, never-before-seen access to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles — when Conn and her partner must choose between the destruction of their idyllic family and the life of their infant son.

 

In a world where filmmakers play it safe, little man challenges and dares viewers to dig deep within themselves. Raw, relentlessly honest and controversial, little man makes people feel, and feel deeply. Conn states, “I’m more proud of this than anything I have ever done.”

 

“SHOWTIME is dedicated to lasting images, and the network is one of the strongest, most nurturing platforms for independent filmmakers to gain access for their work,” said Conn, who served as writer and director of little man. "Showtime wants to inform in a daring and provocative manner, and that fits perfectly with the story of little man,” Conn added.

 

"As producer of the documentary film little man, I couldn't ask for a better partnership than with Showtime Networks,” said Jacobsen. “The innovative, cutting edge and inventive programming that SHOWTIME provides to its viewers is truly outstanding. Having SHOWTIME present the television premiere of little man is an honor for our film."

 

SHOWTIME is tentatively targeting a March 2006 window to trigger the world premiere telecasts of little man.

 

In recent months, little man has won either “Best Documentary” or “Best Feature” awards from The New York NewFest, Los Angeles OUTFEST, Chicago Indiefest, Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Miami International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and San Diego Film Festival. 

 

As the first movie from Conn’s new Little Man Productions banner, little man is executive produced by David C. Bohnett, Katie Well is supervising producer, Brian Hoven is co-producer, and Stacee Silver is associate producer.

 

Downloadable pictures, graphic art, theater openings and special screening dates, and other information for the film can be found at www.littlemanthemovie.com.

  

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom Inc., owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME® TOO™, SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE® and TMC XTRA. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HD®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL HD™, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND™ and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND™. SNI also is an owner of the premium television network SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, which is a venture between NBC Universal, Robert Redford, and Showtime Networks Inc. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME® PPV. Additionally, the advertiser-supported television network SHOWTIME is available in Turkey through a joint venture with UK-based Zone Vision.