Two New Titles Join ACI Catalogue

LOS ANGELES: American Cinema International (ACI) has taken on the worldwide sales rights for two titles from Initiate Productions, Stay Cool and Smell of Success, which the Los Angeles-based distributor will be presenting for the first time at the AFM.

The comedy/drama Smell of Success stars Academy Award-winner Billy Bob Thornton, Tea Leoni, Kyle MacLachlan and Ed Helms. The story follows as Mr. Rose, the head of Rose’s Manure Company, dies and leaves his daughter Rosemary (Leoni) to take charge. She is battling a slick-talking competitor (MacLachlan) who wants to take over the manure industry. Rosemary tries against all odds to restore the family business. The film is written, directed and produced by the brothers Michael and Mark Polish (Twin Falls Idaho, The Astronaut Farmer).

ACI’s CEO, George Shamieh, commented, "Smell of Success is a well-crafted, perfectly cast film with wide commercial appeal. The Polish brothers are incredibly gifted filmmakers and we’re thrilled to have another film of theirs on our slate. All the talents of Michael and Mark are on display in this film and the reaction to it has been amazing so far."

Stay Cool stars Winona Ryder, Sean Astin, Hilary Duff, Josh Holloway and Jon Cryer, with Chevy Chase. Michael Polish directed Stay Cool from a screenplay written by brother Mark, who also stars in the film. The movie watches as successful author Henry McCarthy (Polish) returns to his home town to give a commencement speech, only to fall in love with his old crush Scarlet Smith (Ryder). He is asked to prom, however, by a sexy high school senior (Duff), and he faces a touch decisions following.

Shamieh said, “We’ve been on the lookout for a great, original comedy with mass commercial appeal and Stay Cool is a slam dunk in this category. The film has the irreverent freshness that audiences are drawn to and truly appreciate. We’re thrilled to have this film on our slate and eager to see buyers’ responses.”

Chevonne O’Shaughnessy, the president of ACI, added, “Stay Cool is a sharply written and directed film, eliciting great performances from an amazing cast. The chemistry amongst the ensemble cast really brings the story to life and delivers both funny and dramatic takes on a peculiar set of circumstances.”