Miramax Acquires The Heart of the Game

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 17, 2005 — Miramax President, Daniel Battsek, today announced his first acquisition for the company. Miramax acquired all rights for North America to Ward Serrill's The Heart of the Game.

The Heart of the Game captures the passion and energy of a Seattle high school girls' basketball team coached by a maverick tax professor and tells the incredible true story of one player's fight to play the game she loves. The film had its World Premiere at this year's Toronto International Film Festival where it garnered critical and audience acclaim.

Battsek notes, "I was captivated by this inspirational true story that follows a remarkable young girl on her journey to play the game she loves. It's a perfect title for the Miramax label and I believe that audiences everywhere will respond with the same enthusiasm as they did at the worldwide premiere in Toronto."

Adds filmmaker Ward Serrill:  "This has been a true odyssey for me from walking into the Rough Rider gym seven years ago and seeing something unique going on there, to last Saturday and the World Premiere and the response which has truly stunned me, to today and the confirmation that this film will have U.S. distribution."

Continues Producer Liz Manne:  "Miramax is a perfect fit for The Heart of the Game. It was tremendously gratifying that we had so much interest in our film but Battsek's deep enthusiasm for the project, along with the corporate synergies they can bring to the table really sealed the deal."

Woody Creek Productions in association with Flying Spot presents The Heart of the Game, written and directed by Ward Serrill and produced by Ward Serrill and Liz Manne. Larry Estes is the executive producer. The music supervisor is Sue Jacobs, the composer is The Angel, and sound design is by Bad Animals. The film is edited by Eric Frith and the director of photography is Ward Serrill.

The deal was negotiated by Michael Luisi on behalf of Miramax, and John Sloss of Cinetic Media and Liz Manne of Duopoly on behalf of the film.

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