Microsoft to Premiere ‘Pulp’ on Xbox 360 in UK March 4

In a move that marks a radical shift in the way feature films are distributed in the United Kingdom (UK), Microsoft will premiere the British comedy feature film Pulp on Xbox 360 beginning March 4, 2013. The 96-minute comedy will become the first feature film to ever premiere on Xbox 360 and will be available to watch via the Xbox LIVE service in the UK.

 

An irreverent comedy set in a world where comic book publishing and international crime intersect, Pulp has become a favourite on the global festival circuit.

Pulp tells the story of Tony Leary, the nice-guy owner of Junk Comics, whose new superhero title, The Sodomizer, is to launch at the British International Comic Show, and nothing will stop Tony from making it a success. Nothing except a gang of Geordie criminals who are using another comic company to launder their dirty money. Tony is drafted by the police to identify the culprits and bring them to justice. Aided by his trusty geek sidekicks, Rick and Keith, Tony must defy the odds if he is to become a real-life hero.

Pulp stars Jay Sutherland, Gavin Molloy, Simon Burbage, Neil Jennings, Lee Ravitz, Sarah Alexandra Marks, Lucy Cudden and John Thomson.

Pulp’s co-director and producer, Adam Hamdy, said, “Microsoft might not seem like the obvious partner for an indie comedy, but the film industry has changed. Xbox 360 can instantly distribute Pulp to millions of UK customers, and publicize the release in ways that simply aren’t possible with traditional releasing models.”

The deal was brokered by Pat Nelson of SyndicateWorks, an innovative talent and brand management agency. “The Xbox 360 team saw Pulp, and immediately spotted the appeal the film would have to their audience. It’s fun, off-the-wall, and laugh-out-loud funny. Pulp’s equity based, independent finance structure meant the producers weren’t tied to a traditional release model, and were free to strike an innovative deal that we think might herald a new model for feature film releasing.”

Phil Bland, producer of Pulp, said, “Many people in the film business talk about the threat digital media poses to film, but, as newcomers to the industry, all we can see are opportunities. Microsoft is an exciting partner, and the fact they can release our film to millions of customers at the push of a button is very attractive.”

Pulp’s extended trailer, which features a now infamous ‘Star Wars’ scene, became an online sensation earlier this year, resonating with people around the world, as it racked up over a million views (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGE0q_bQN4M).

Adam Hamdy is optimistic about the film’s prospects, “Pulp is not a remake, sequel or

adaptation of a board game. It wasn’t created by a committee of suits sitting in a
skyscraper in Los Angeles. It was born of a series of crazy events, and made by a group
of talented actors and dedicated filmmakers who fell in love with a nutty script. We had
a lot of fun making Pulp, and festival audiences who have seen the film say that fun energy shines through the film.”

Pulp was selected for the Just For Laughs Comedy Film Festival, and was nominated for the London Comedy Film Festival Discovery Award.

Phil Bland said, “Pulp has travelled the international festival circuit. Getting nominated for the Best Feature Film of 2012 at the Las Vegas Film Festival was probably our most surreal experience. Although Pulp may not be as polished as your average multi-million dollar Hollywood production, it has a rare charm and a wicked sense of humour that audiences really respond to."

Pat Nelson said, “The theatrical release model is now only financially viable for big budget films. Mid and low budget films are really struggling due to the marketing costs required to release theatrically. The DVD market is in decline and no longer supports that mid to low budget tier. If Xbox customers respond to the premiere of Pulp, this could mark a turning point in the industry and a seismic shift in how filmmakers reach their audience.”