HOUNDDOG RELEASE PUSHED BACK

BEVERLY HILLS, CA—(Marketwire - June 13, 2008) - Empire Film Group, Inc. One of the first releases to benefit from the Empire - Tradewell venture is "Hounddog," opening at theaters on September 5, 2008. "Hounddog" stars Dakota Fanning, Robin Wright-Penn and David Morse, and is slated for release in the top forty U.S. markets.

Sadly, it seems Empire films has pushed back the release date for HOUNDDOG. HD is no longer scheduled to hit theatres in July as originally promised, but in September. I don't know whether to interpret this as a good thing (from a strategic marketing perspective) . . . perhaps Empire Films has determined in their imminent wisdom that HD stands a better chance of a successful release in September. All this has certain logic to it, HD is a small movie, despite a cloud of controversy, most of the furor has blown over and is relegated to the dustbin of “yesterdays” news. To further up the ante, Dakota hasn't had a movie released in two years. In the mean time Abigail Breslin has become the reigning Hollywood “IT” girl.

Therefore, it seems the strength of Dakota's Star power will have to be tested. Perhaps this is the smart move on Empire's part, as a small independent film, HD runs the risk of being swamped by some of the summer blockbusters. On the other hand, this move could represent just one more sign of trouble for what has been from the start a very troubled and controversial movie. *Sigh* Oh, well, boys and girls, it looks like its going to be a long hot summer . . .

n.b. Empire Films has announced due to conflict with booking because THE DARK KNIGHT has been held-over, HOUNDDOG's release date has been pushed back again, to September 19th.