THE STANDBYS SET FOR THEATRICAL
DEBUT AS PART OF DIGINEXT FILM SERIES ON DEC. 7
Feature Film Offering Inside Look Into the Lives of Broadway’s Unsung Heroes Set to See Theatrical Release Including Live Q&A with Producer and Director Stephanie Riggs
NEW YORK, NY – October 23, 2012 — The DigiNext In-Venue Film Festival announced today the theatrical release of The Standbys. This evocative and original behind-the-scenes documentary offers a look at the unique and challenging lives of Broadway’s Understudies and Standbys. The Standbys, Produced and Directed by Stephanie Riggs and Executive Producers John C. Pinckard, Lily Fan, and Steven C. Beer, is set to debut in theatres on December 7. A joint venture between Digital Cinema Destinations Corp. (Digiplex Destinations) and Nehst, the DigiNext In-Venue Film Festival provides opportunities for talented, emerging filmmakers without previous distribution the chance to reach an appreciative audience of targeted movie aficionados.
The Standbys follows three undiscovered performers for several years through their ups and downs, struggles and triumphs, onstage performances and private lives. When these Standbys are finally given the chance of a lifetime, anything can – and does – happen. Never-before-heard stories from industry insiders and celebrities alike reveal the unimaginable struggles these under-appreciated performers endure as they wait in the wings for their shot at a dream that may never come true.
“While The Standbys has the backdrop of Broadway, we’ve found the documentary speaks volumes to audiences who don’t live in that world or may never have even seen a Broadway show.” Producer and Director of The Standbys, Stephanie Riggs. “Ultimately this film is about those of us working tirelessly, passionately, and boldly towards our dreams. After receiving such strong interest from the public in the festival circuit, it is fantastic to be a part of the DigiNext In-Venue Film Festival and offer people across the country the chance to see the film.”
“How wonderful to see the very often unsung heroes of Broadway, the standbys and understudies, get their due,” said Nathan Lane. “It is probably the hardest job in the theatre, and this touching documentary reveals the ups and downs of three gifted performers, who are stars in their own right, and what it’s like to be a working professional. Bravo.”
“The Standbys is a film that we think is a great fit for the DigiNext Festival,” said Nehst cofounder and Chairman Larry Meistrich. “So many people out there are fans of Broadway and we thought this film provides a great inside look into the arduous lives of people who arguably have the toughest role in the theatre.”
“The promise of digital cinema, which Digiplex embraces in every way, has always been about more choices for audiences of every kind,” said Bud Mayo, CEO of Digiplex Destinations. “Our DigiNext JV with Nehst Studios is in many ways the embodiment of that promise. The Standbys is a terrific crowd pleaser and resonates with aspirants from all walks of life. A live Q&A with cast members adds a dimension for our audiences and makes them all participants.”
A breakthrough for filmmakers and consumers alike, the DigiNext In-Venue Film Festival will recreate the excitement of the film festival experience in seven local Digiplex theaters (full list follows below) showcasing selectively chosen American independent movies and award-winning foreign language films featured at the top 20 international and domestic film festivals. To further the enhanced movie-going experience, the series will include Q&A sessions with filmmakers, both in-person and via Skype, as well as celebrity appearances and gift bag giveaways for attendees.
About Nehst
Nehst Media Enterprises is a content financing, development, production and distribution company innovating in many facets of the entertainment world. Nehst is founded on the premise that today’s media landscape requires content development and distribution focused on niche marketing, community and branding. Nehst applies unique strategies to information technology to discover, produce and distribute content people care about. More information about Nehst is available at www.nehst.com. You can also connect with Nehst via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
About Digital Cinema Destinations Corporation (www.digiplexdest.com)
Digital Cinema Destinations Corp. (NasdaqCM: DCIN) is Digiplex Destinations, dedicated to transforming its movie theaters into interactive entertainment centers. The Company provides consumers with uniquely satisfying experiences, combining state-of-the-art digital technology with engaging, dynamic content that far transcends traditional cinematic fare. The Company’s customers enjoy live sports events, concerts, conferences, operas, videogames, auctions, fashion shows and, on an ongoing basis, the very best major motion pictures. Digiplex operates nine cinemas and 85 screens in PA, NJ and CT. You can connect with Digiplex via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Blogger. Digiplex is also a partner in DigiNext, a unique, specialty content joint venture (with Nehst) featuring curated content from festivals around the world. DigiNext releases typically include innovative live Q&A sessions between the audience and cast members.
Digiplex Partner Theatres
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Bloomfield, CT
- Lisbon, CT
- Cranford, NJ
- New York, NY
- Bloomsburg, PA
- Selinsgrove, PA
- Camp Hill, PA
- Fairgrounds Square, PA
- Williamsport, PA
About Sunchaser Entertainment
Sunchaser Entertainment maintains an exclusive development slate focused on expanding the art of documentary storytelling as well as producing narratives based on true stories. The company is currently in post-production of THE BANSHEE CHAPTER, a 3D horror thriller with Before The Door Pictures and in development on an Untitled Zombie docu-narrative. Manhattan-based Sunchaser also creates unique content and commercials for corporate clients and has produced works for Disney Creative Entertainment, HBO, financial institutions, and multimillion dollar technology-based research projects. www.SunchaserEnt.com
