Santa Monica, CA—(Dec. 20, 2010) – GoDigital Media Group, a leading entertainment media distribution and marketing company, announced today the digital release of “Shadow in the Trees.” This film will be available on iTunes, CinemaNow, and YouTube Rentals January 11, 2011. The title will also be available on many cable OnDemand systems across the US between Feb. 24 – Apr. 23, 2011. Check your local VOD service for availability. “Shadow in the Trees” comes from UCLA graduate and Tahoe native Chris Smith. Chris is best known as the co-creator and de facto main character of the famed web series “Dorm Life” (seen on Hulu, Youtube, and dorm-life.com). Since its premiere in 2007, “Dorm Life” has garnered over 14 million views. It won gold in the 2008 W3 awards, was an official honoree in both the 2008 and 2009 Webby Awards, and was a 2009 and 2010 official nominee for the Streamy Awards, which included a best director nomination for Chris.
“We are always excited to distribute a debut feature film, especially from a guy as talented as Chris”, remarked Gil Stark, GoDigital’s Sr. Product Manger.
“Shadow in the Trees”, Chris Smith’s first feature, was made in tribute to his father, Phil Smith, who on January 11th, 2004 lost his life in an attempt to save two young boys drowning off the coast of Mendocino, CA. After battling tumultuous currents and freezing temperatures, Phil was able to save one of the boys, but eventually died of hypothermia while attempting to save the second. Phil, a wonderful father, friend, and adventurer, left a great impression on the community of South Lake Tahoe after his death. A scholarship was formed in his name and he was posthumously awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal by the US Coast Guard. The film was a creation fueled by Chris’ journals and conversations during the months that followed his father’s death. The film will be distributed on the 7th anniversary of his Phil’s passing: January, 11th 2011.
”With this film, I hope to connect with people who have also lost someone they loved. To show them that they are not alone, and maybe even give those who have not endured such a tragedy, a chance to appreciate what they have. But if nothing else, I hope to scare the pants off the viewer.” said Chris.
Be sure to look out for “Shadow in the Trees” on Netflix and add to your queue for availability.
About Chris Smith:
While attending UCLA, Chris Smith wrote, directed, produced, and edited “Shadow in the Trees” off a budget just shy of $50,000. Chris graduated from UCLA with a degree in Theater Arts. Shortly after graduating from UCLA in 2007, Chris and six other friends began the creation of “Dorm Life”, under producers “Attention Span Media” (A social media studio). The series became an instant success, winning numerous awards, accumulating millions of views on YouTube and Hulu, and acquiring a Carl’s Jr. sponsorship. Through the relationship with Carls Jr., Chris went on to direct 20 commercials for a 2009 viral marketing campaign entitled “Whaaaaat?!” While a student at UCLA, Chris was also known as ‘The UCLA Juggler’. Chris used his talents to travel to Hong Kong, Beijing, Copenhagen and Nepal to perform for various international events- including the Chinese New Years parade in 2007. Chris has also performed for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, and at three NCAA Final Four Championships (2005-2007). In 2010, Chris was accepted into Cirque du Soleil’s physical actor database and performed with Cirque in June of last year. Chris currently resides in Los Angeles, California. He is an avid traveler and outdoorsman.
About Producer Travis Cabral:
Travis Cabral has won just about everything there is to win on the World Cup Moguls circuit and he achieved it at a younger age than anyone else. He was the youngest US National Champion ever (at 15 years of age) and the youngest World Cup Overall Grand Prix Champion ever (at 19 years of age). In 2004, at only 20 years of age, Travis once more raised the bar and set the new standard by becoming the first male athlete to win U.S. National Championship titles in Moguls and Dual Moguls in the same year. Travis went on to become a member of the 2006 US Olympic Ski Team where he competed for gold in Torino, Italy. After his Olympic dream was realized, Travis retired from skiing to start a new career in law enforcement. Travis, now a member of the South Tahoe Police Department, married his long time girlfriend, Kenna, and the two just had their first daughter, Myelena.
About GoDigital Media Group:
Founded in 2005, GoDigital Media Group is a diversified new media firm providing a range of strategic services including distribution, marketing, online PR, and AdShare™ content protection & monetization. GoDigital Media Group is headquartered in Santa Monica, California.
GoDigital’s expertise includes distribution of feature film, television, and music content to hundreds of entertainment retailers including Netflix, iTunes, Hulu, and CinemaNow. Upcoming film releases include “Being Michael Madsen” starring Michael Madsen (“Reservoir Dogs”) and Academy Award nominee Virginia Madsen (“Sideways”), as well as family classic “Where the Red Fern Grows.” On the television side, GoDigital will be distributing the second season of the ESPN series “American Dragster.”
For further information please visit http://www.godigitalvod.com or contact Barry Daffurn 310 394 9610.