Tom & Alissa

Big news, folks:

Brooklyn, NY—In what many are calling a “tipping point” in independent movie distribution, three redemptive filmmakers, in partnership with YouTube, will release their feature-length film free of charge on the world’s most popular video sharing website. The world-premiere of The Cult of Sincerity is slated for April 8, 2008.

“Five years ago, even two years ago, releasing a full-length feature online would not have been possible,” said filmmakers Adam Browne, Brendan Choisnet, and Daniel Nayeri of Cult Classics, LLC. “Independent filmmakers are democratizing Hollywood. The online generation is looking for good content, and we believe The Cult of Sincerity will be embraced by the college and career audience.”

An intellectual and off-beat comedy set in New York, the film’s main character, Joseph, starts a “cult of sincerity” to confront the perceived unhappiness, cynicism, and boredom of his generation. He wants to find something to believe in, something simple enough to put on a T-shirt. Reminiscent of Don Quixote, Joseph sets off to find the most genuine thing you could ever say to someone. The Cult of Sincerity is a witty exploration of changing friendships, permanent regrets, and hope in the age of irony.

Cult Classics is creating a new revenue model for independent filmmakers. By partnering with the independent music website, AmieStreet.com, the film will be available to audiences free of charge, while still generating revenue for the filmmakers and providing financial support for an African charity.

The goal is to get viewers to watch The Cult of Sincerity on YouTube, as well as sign-up with AmieStreet.com where the registrant will receive two free songs and the filmmakers $2. Cult Classics also is offering a mobile download (iPod, portable device) for the discounted price of $3, with 2/3 of the money going to Fount of Mercy, a respected faith-based charity that helps children in Africa.

“This is the triple-bottom-line approach to entertainment,” said Erik Lokkesmoe of Different Drummer, a global grassroots marketing company that is promoting the film. “Three things happen when people watch this film. They support the independent filmmaker. They receive free songs and an entire online experience. And they help a charity. This is the future of film.”

For more information on “The Cult of Sincerity,” contact Ben Laurro at Pure Publicity or visit www.cultofsincerity.com. Advanced online screenings for reviews are available upon request.

Tom was the first assistant director on this film, and if you squint, you’ll see me in the background as well. Expect to hear much more from me about this.

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