 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INDIE FILMMAKER WILL BE SELLING HER MOVIE AT CANNES… ON EBAY?! Hollywood, CA- Independent producer, Melissa Balin will be selling her directorial debut, FreezerBurn The Movie at the Cannes Market, like over 40,000 other filmmakers and distribution agents. What sets Balin apart from the pack is that she will be selling her wares on eBay! The online auctions will take place from May 17-May 23, 2006. Bradford Williams, Vice President, Communications of eBay, told Balin that he was not aware of there ever having been an auction of this nature on eBay prior to this. Technology seems to have prompted the next trend in the Motion Picture business, much like the independent film revolution of the 70’s; independent distribution is creating new channels to bring freedom of expression to audiences around the globe. “This is just a testament to the individualist plea that movies shouldn’t have to be for everybody, they should just have to find their audience and not cost more than they make.” Balin explains. All Digital, FreezerBurn The Movie has been the catalyst for many entertainment, philanthropic and technology firsts, all for a shocking $450,000 (US); donating 100% of the proceeds of the Indie Soundtrack to restoring the hurricane stricken City of New Orleans and now, in offering the movie’s International rights on eBay, buyers are encouraged to bid generously, as 10% of each territory sale is being donated to Washington D.C. based organization, Wider Opportunities For Women. “I had to hire myself in order to be given the opportunity to direct.” Balin laughs, “So, using my movie as a way to fundraise for an organization that encourages girls to consider non-traditional jobs seemed incredibly appropriate.” Many industry experts have warned Balin that she may be introducing this distribution model prematurely to an unwilling crowd. “We’ll find out soon enough.” Balin responds, “Seven years ago, a friend of mine asked me what I thought of creating an online forum where all distributors could check out a trailer and synopsis for a movie and I said it sounded ridiculous, would be an impossible amount of bandwith and that the Studio execs would never go for it… now more trailers are viewed from Apple’s website than in the theatres, my parents have dsl and most of those Studio execs have taken the Early Retirement Plan. In 2006, as we are getting our HD DVD master ready for duplication, nothing seems that ridiculous anymore. Mel Gibson has done for Independent Distribution what Warren Beatty did in the 70’s for Independent Filmmaking. It remains to be seen if there will result a revolution of equal proportions.” International buyers will be notified of the International online auctions by e-mail blast, but Balin is not trying to conduct the entire transaction online. International buyers will be encouraged to request a DVD screener of the movie in advance of the Cannes Market and Balin will be at Cannes in person to take meetings with all interested parties. ABOUT FreezerBurn The Movie: FreezerBurn The Movie is a contemporary Hamlet that takes place on the set of a TV reunion with a quadruple homicide and an alien-worshipping cult led by Hal Linden’s character. The dark comedy stars internationally recognizable faces such as Rachel Hunter (supermodel), David Faustino (“Married With Children”), Robert Hays (Airplane!), Hal Linden (“Barney Miller”), Dick Van Patten (“Eight is Enough”), Ted Raimi (“Xena Warrior Princess”). More information on the movie and the making of it can be found at http://www.freezerburnthemovie.com For more information or to interview Melissa Balin before or at Cannes, please contact her directly at (country code 001) 323.216.9657 or info@freezerburnthemovie.com www.freezerburnthemovie.com |