National Lampoon Launches In-House Distribution Ventures

LOS ANGELES, April 26: National Lampoon has announced the launch of two new in-house distribution ventures—National Lampoon Releasing and National Lampoon Home Entertainment—with Tom Daniels, previously the CEO of MediaWorks, tapped to head the divisions as the president of worldwide distribution.

The new distribution entities will not be limited to the release and distribution of National Lampoon branded titles. The launch follows the company’s recent decision to build and own its own library, developing and producing for theatrical, home entertainment, television and digital markets.

National Lampoon Releasing and National Lampoon Home Entertainment will release up to 12 titles per year comprised of four original movies and up to eight acquisitions. Distribution will be handled independently with some titles having broader distribution in partnership with major studios. The first movie National Lampoon has scheduled for release is National Lampoon’s Bag Boy, starring Brooke Shields, Dennis Farina and Larry Miller and directed by Mort Nathan (Kingpin, Van Wilder). The movie will have a theatrical release in the U.S. later this year and will be showcased to international buyers at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. In addition, the company has also acquired the film Electric Apricot, a dry character-driven comedy that marks the feature directorial debut of Les Claypool. The film will be released in theaters later this year as National Lampoon Presents Electric Apricot—Quest for Festeroo, and shortly thereafter on home video.

“This is an important and significant milestone in the evolution of National Lampoon,” said Daniel Laikin, National Lampoon’s CEO. “National Lampoon has been a leader in the comedy world for many years, and we are excited to take this next step in building our business through copyright ownership and exploitation. Our comedic themes of college life and carefree days hold a universal appeal that will connect across all continents, with or without the National Lampoon brand attached.”