MLS Partner with D&E Entertainment to Market New Sports Documentary
November 2, 2011
Major League Soccer have partnered with D&E Entertainment in providing marketing support for the theatrical premiere of the inspirational sports documentary “RISE & SHINE: THE JAY DEMERIT STORY, adiposity ” set for nationwide release by D&E Entertainment beginning Nov. 3.
Produced by Truth2Life Productions, “RISE & SHINE” follows DeMerit’s riveting career arc from undrafted high school and collegiate athlete to internationally respected soccer star.
“RISE & SHINE is an inspiring story that reflects the passion people have for the sport of soccer, and it was a natural fit for Major League Soccer and D&E to provide marketing support for each other in promoting the national release and MLS Cup 2011,” MLS marketing manager Charlie Shin says.
Major League Soccer, which concludes its 16th season with the MLS Cup game in Los Angeles on Nov. 20, is featuring a “RISE & SHINE” trailer in its Jumbotron programming at several stadiums. The league also is helping with social-media outreach, while D&E will feature a special introduction from MLS before every screening of “RISE & SHINE.”
D&E principals Evan Saxon and Doug Kluthe touted benefits of MLS’ support.
“MLS’ promotional support during its much-watched playoffs is the perfect setting to reach families and fans,” Saxon says. Kluthe adds, “The promotional partnership with MLS complements the extensive grassroots marketing provided by AYSO, Truth2LIfe and D&E.”
“RISE & SHINE: THE JAY DEMERIT STORY” is set to open in more than 130 theaters nationwide. That includes distribution in top-25 markets such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, St. Louis and all cities boasting an MLS franchise.
Co-directed by filmmakers and Truth2Life partners Nick Lewis and Ranko Tutulugdzija, the 92-minute film traces the Green Bay, Wisc.-native’s journey from failed pro tryouts through early frustrations in English football’s lowest divisions. DeMerit ultimately triumphs in soccer glory, becoming a captain for England’s Watford FC and joining Team USA as a hard-charging center halfback at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Today, he captains MLS’ Vancouver Whitecaps.
Financed through crowd-sourcing site Kickstarter, “RISE AND SHINE” features game footage from worldwide competitions including cameos by soccer greats Wayne Rooney, Didier Drogba and Landon Donovan.