This year some new variations on the posters for Christmas Ride were introduced. The one of Keri (played by Brittney Ham) driving was slightly favored over over a dramatic black and white version of her running in the results of a public poll.  Other posters featuring additional cast members and may be seen on Facebook. 

The most popular YouTube spot video on the film has garnered over 18,461 plays to date.   Trailer versions abound including a sketchy animated effect.  Click to see Top Trailer.  (It has 5241 plays.)  More Cast interviews, Musician profiles and news were posted to the Christmas Ride blog.    Announcements about the movie continue to be posted in LINKEDIN groups and on other social media sites along with some online advertising, and submission of press releases to the print media.
 
Additionally, the Title Certification Report was received and a Blu ray Master Mix of the DVD prepared.  A DCP version is being explored at this time for use in cinemas with digital projection systems.  An entertainment attorney continues to review the comprehensive  Actor and Location and Music Releases etc. to finalize Clearance for the film.  

As producer, Art Promotions, celebrating its 25th anniversary of making and selling "Paintings, Prints, and [now] Productions,"  continues outreach to the community and distributors with  considerations of booking cinemas to open film theatrically in Los Angeles, New York as well as Memphis.  Due to limitations on funds available for this family friendly movie, Christmas Ride is tied to local railroad tracks at the moment.  We need a Dudley Do Right of Studio Acquisition to appear and rescue us from the train of Exhaustion and put us in the Passenger seat through Cinema Rollout and Distribution.  Any ideas on this subject, or interest in playing this moving feature film in your cinema, contact Karen Francis kfrancis427@gmail.com.   

So pleased to have a Laurel to add to the CHRISTMAS RIDE Key Art from the Charleston International Film Festival.  The Title Report is in for the film name of Christmas Ride.  Looks good, per California Entertainment Attorney.
Studying a nine DVD series on Distribution and reading The Angry Filmmaker Survival Guide and continuing to explore the best order to release film.  Currently holding on to dream of Theatrical Release before TV, DVD and web.   Believe I have found source for making some encrypted DVDs for the hard copy Press Kit (in development)  to send to Distribution firms and Studios, which is next step.   Also developing advertising plan with media placement firm for Memphis area, and studying larger roll out, which would require major financial investment.  So goes the life of an indie . . . 

CHRISTMAS RIDE, a new dramatic family film, will premiere   for a one night showing   7:00 PM Tuesday, October 29, 2013, at the MALCO  in   Wolfchase Galleria (Carousel Entrance).   

The film tells the story of a woman with two kids and a mysterious neighbor driving South during the Christmas holidays in 1991 in the U.S..  Along their journey they share past tragedies, run into dangerous situations on the road, and ultimately discover a truth which tests the limits of forgiveness.    Tickets are $6.00.   The movie runs one hour forty-eight minutes.   Please arrive around 6:30 to buy tickets in the lobby and find seating.

The film is produced by Art Promotions, owned by Memphian Karen Francis,  in cooperation with Yarbrough Media Productions  of Covington.    This is an independent production, the first feature for each.   CHRISTMAS RIDE draws predominantly on acting talent from TN, such as Covington, Memphis, Bartlett,  with the male co star, H T Altman, being from Minnesota.   Over sixty actors are in the cast.  More than ten musicians have works in the movie.     Some of the actors will be there.   Come check it out, Memphis.   More info at  http://christmasride.wordpress.com      http://www.facebook.com/christmasride                   

Here's the link to a one minute trailer about CHRISTMAS RIDE, an indie family feature film.   That's Brittney Ham , the lead actress, in the photo to the left.  The complete film mix is now in its fifth, and hopefully, final edit before its anticipated release in October, 2013.  We're seeking theatrical distribution and/or a sale to television of this special dramatic holiday production with a theme of forgiveness.

CHRISTMAS RIDE took its family friendly feature on the road  to attend the Nashville Film Com Marketing/Networking/Educational opportunity along with Fuel Film of Memphis.   Producer, screenwriter Karen Francis of Art Promotions met many talented people in the industry from songwriters, other filmmakers, actors, bankers, and executive producers to name a few at the Expo held in Titan Stadium.  Seminar presentations held at the Country Music Museum provided valuable insights to the industry and social events included government luminaries in attendance. The conference then melded into the opening of a Nashville Film Festival so attendees could take in few new films.   

This poster incorporates the image of the cars that we have been using on facebook as well as a photo of Jeff Yarbrough, who plays RICHARD, skating with Brittany Ham, (KERI), a moment of confrontation between H T Altman (KEVIN)  and Brittany, and one of a military memory.   Look for it at Film Marketing Conferences, please.
The film is in post production now and music acquisitions are continuing.   

We are still seeking distribution for this HD (1920 x 1080) feature and will need additional funding for finishing and and marketing.  This film is due out in October, 2013.   

Authorized editions of this poster  may be ordered through fineartamerica.com  which gives a 30 day or money back satisfaction guarantee by clicking on the poster image in the widget in the lower right hand corner of the CREW page of this website.  The poster may be ordered in a variety of sizes, formats and prices.  

With lots of dedication by cast and crew, the filming stage of CHRISTMAS RIDE seems to be drawing to a close.  Editing has a ways to go yet, but a first draft of the scenes is near.  Sponsor or Advertising opportunities exist for companies wishing to be included in the credits.  Also, we are looking for theatrical distribution for this dramatic feature film.  The credits are being developed on this website with a few more details to be added.  More about this production:
1. Facebook  at http://www.facebook.com/ChristmasRide  
    plus on the web pages of cast and crew members
2. On a Word Press blog.   See http://christmasride.wordpress.com
3. On Pinterest.  See http://pinterest.com/paintingsofnote/   click on Christmas Ride Visuals
4. On IMDb.com
5. On CFDB.com
6. And on the Art Promotions blog.