January 23rd, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Park City, UT [January 23, 2015] –Tribeca Film announced today it is acquiring North American rights to Kevin Pollak’s directorial debut Misery Loves Comedy, which world premieres today at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. The film, a Heretic Films and NewAley Pictures production, is written by Pollak and John Varhous, and produced by Becky Newhall, Burton Ritchie and Barry Katz.  Ben Galecki, Ashton Newhall, Liz Davidson and Jess Ravich are the executive producers.  Tribeca is targeting a 2015 spring release.

Tom Hanks, Jimmy Fallon, Amy Schumer, Judd Apatow, Jon Favreau, Lisa Kudrow, Larry David, Steve Coogan, Jim Gaffigan, and Whoopi Goldberg are among over 60 famous funny people featured in this hilarious twist on the age-old truth: misery loves company. Director Kevin Pollak shares in-depth, candid interviews with some of the most revered comedy greats who each share their unique path and a life devoted to making strangers laugh. With arresting anecdotes and insights from the comedy underbelly that reveal the paradox of a performer’s desire to connect with audiences, Misery Loves Comedy is the definitive master class on the art of humor that details a comedian’s rare ability to help us understand life as only they can.

“Misery Loves Comedy is a fascinating, unparalleled look inside the minds of some of the greatest and most beloved comedians of our time.  Kevin Pollak has made a ‘must watch’ on the art of comedy, for casual enthusiasts, to connoisseurs, to aspiring comedians,” said Todd Green, General Manager of Tribeca Film.

"As a first time director, I couldn't ask for more than the thrill and assurance I've received from the entire team at Tribeca. This is a HUGE victory and celebration for my team," said Kevin Pollak.

The deal was negotiated for Tribeca Film by Alison Diviney, Manager of Acquisitions, along with Nick Savva, VP of Acquisitions, and UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the filmmakers.

Editor’s note: A film still can be accessed at the following link: http://tribecafilm.com/press-center/tribeca-film/misery-loves-comedy

About Tribeca Film

Tribeca Film is a comprehensive distribution label dedicated to acquiring and releasing independent films across multiple platforms, including theatrical, video-on-demand, digital, home video and television. It is an initiative from Tribeca Enterprises designed to provide new platforms for how film can be experienced, while supporting filmmakers and introducing audiences to films they might not otherwise see. Current and upcoming Tribeca Film releases include Alex Ross Perry’s Listen Up Philip, Gerard Johnson’s Hyena, and the documentary I Am Big Bird.

Press Contacts:
Tammie Rosen, 212-941-2003, trosen@tribecaenterprises.com
Tahra Grant – Rubenstein Communications, 212.843.9213, tgrant@rubenstein.com