MarVista Picks Up Teen Musical Next Level

MarVista Entertainment has acquired the worldwide distribution rights to the teen musical feature Next Level, adding to its expanding young adult content slate.

Billed as a “cross between High School Musical and Mean Girls,” the movie is set at the Next Level Academy, where the girls compete to be crowned Miss Next. When the reigning champion finds herself bunking up with a talented newcomer and her biggest competitor, she tries to ostracize her and sabotage her performances in the hopes of holding onto her title. Produced by Kristi Kaylor and Lisa McGuire of The Loft Entertainment in association with Family Theater Productions and Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company, the movie will premiere in select theaters with simultaneous digital distribution on September 6.

Next Level stars such up-and-coming talent as influencers Lauren Orlando (Total Eclipse) and Hayden Summerall, Emily Skinner (Andi Mack), Chloe East (Kevin Saves the World), Brooke Elizabeth Butler (Chicken Girls), Ellarose Kaylor and Chloe Lukasiak (Dance Moms). Kaylor conceptualized the movie, which was directed by Ilyssa Goodman (The Standoff), written by Byron Kavanaugh (Garner’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything, Kickin’ It), with Andrew Lane (High School Musical) serving as the music supervisor. The soundtrack will feature nine original songs, including tracks from Orlando, Summerall, Skinner, Butler and Kaylor.

Kaylor said: “I was able to put together a dream cast married with a great story, fun music, and standout performances that resulted in an engaging family film that all ages will enjoy. I love to create innovative content that matches talent with brands in unexpected ways. Next Level organically incorporates brands in a way that helps to authentically serve the story. I’m thrilled to be partnering with MarVista who understands this space and adds tremendous value to the film and the overall brand.”

MarVista CEO Fernando Szew added: “MarVista has always embraced young adult content. With the proliferation of distribution outlets, we have seen an increased demand in this space and have thus increased our production and distribution pipeline. Next Level offers all the elements to appeal to the Gen Z demographic, including a standout cast featuring top-notch singing and dancing; a classic tale of overcoming challenges; and a solid production team. We strongly believe that this movie will perform well and that its audience will love it.”