MLS Partner with D&E Entertainment to Market New Sports Documentary

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 16^th 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.