NEW YORK, NY (August 4, 2003) - Showtime Networks Inc. has acquired East of Doheny Productions' feature debut "A Time For Dancing," directed by Peter Gilbert. Based on a true story retold in the book by Davida Wills Hurwin, the film is a poignant account of a gifted young woman who fights to fulfill her dreams despite having been diagnosed with a serious illness. "A Time For Dancing" will have its U.S. premiere on SHOWTIME in 2004.

 

Jules, LarisaOleynik ("10 Things I Hate About You"), has dreamed of studying dance at Julliard since she was a child. With an abundance of talent and ambition, Jules concentrates on this mission single-mindedly at the expense of her social life as well as her relationship with boyfriend Eli, Scott Vickaryous (Romy and Michelle).   Her best friend and dance buddy Sam played by Shiri Appleby ("Swimfan"), has followed her nearly every step of the way but struggles without a sense of her own identity. With her audition steps rehearsed to perfection, all that stands between Jules and her dream is a routine physical and the chance to shine for the Julliard selection committee. However, the bonds of family and friendship are unexpectedly tested when prior to her physical a nagging pain turns out to be much more serious than previously thought. Jules, Sam and her entire family discover the importance of love and acceptance through the life lessons this crisis presents.

 

Playing the role of Jules' father William is Peter Coyote ("A Walk To Remember"); Jackie, Sam's mother, is portrayed by Amy Madigan ("Pollock"), Patricia Kalember ("Signs") plays Jules' mother, while her brother, Jackson, is played by Anton Yelchin ("Hearts In Atlanti").   Lynn Whitfield ("The Josephine Baker Story") is Linda, Jules's dance teacher.   The screenplay was written by Kara Lindstrom.

 

Negotiating on behalf of Showtime Networks Inc. was Vice President of Acquisitions Gary Garfinkel.

 

East of Doheny is a multi-faceted independent film, theatre and television production company formed by Kelly Gonda in 1997.   The company made its feature debut with A TIME FOR DANCING and premiered Tennessee Williams, Tony® Award winning play NOT ABOUT NIGHTENGALES on Broadway. East of Doheny has also produced the Tony® Award Winning, Broadway musical SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, FLOWER DRUM SONG in Los Angeles, the first national tour of ART in the U.S. and THE FULL MONTY, CRESSIDA and NAPOLEON on London's West End.   East of Doheny is part of Los Angeles based Lexington Entertainment Group which also includes Lexington Road Productions, Aura Entertainment, Post Logic Studios and Creo.

 

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Viacom Inc., owns the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL" and FLIX®, as well as the multiplex channels SHOWTIME® TOO", SHOWTIME® SHOWCASE, SHOWTIME EXTREME®, SHOWTIME BEYOND®, SHOWTIME NEXT®, SHOWTIME WOMEN®, SHOWTIME FAMILYZONE® and TMC xtra. SNI also offers SHOWTIME HDTV®, SHOWTIME ON DEMAND® and THE MOVIE CHANNEL ON DEMAND". SNI operates and manages the premium television network SUNDANCE CHANNEL®, which is owned by SNI, Robert Redford and Universal Studios. All SNI feeds provide enhanced sound using Dolby Digital 5.1. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME® PPV.    Additionally, the advertiser-supported television network SHOWTIME EXTREME® is available in Spain through a joint venture with Media Park and the advertiser-supported television network SHOWTIME is available in Turkey through a joint venture with UK-based Zone Vision.