Codeblack Entertainment Breaks International Ground with the Theatrical Distribution of Kevin Hart's "LAUGH AT MY PAIN"

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As the first independent film company to venture into a deal of this magnitude, Codeblack Entertainment breaks international ground with Kevin Hart's LAUGH AT MY PAIN. This will be the first-ever American stand-up movie to be released in East and West Africa and will include the following countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. The monumental partnership with Silverbird Cinemas, the exclusive theater chain servicing East and West Africa, marks an unprecedented multi-year distribution deal for international marketing and distribution for the movie industry.

"International territories, especially for black cinema, have historically been a challenge for filmmakers to break through," states Jeff Clanagan, CEO and President of Codeblack Entertainment. "We believe the impact of this partnership with Silverbird Cinemas will open international channels that have been underserved." Adding, "The international platform is a significant contributor to the success of films large and small."

As the exclusive theater chain servicing East and West Africa, with up to 100 screens in those regions, Silverbird Cinemas is the ultimate partner to bridge the international audience. LAUGH AT MY PAIN is slated for international release late September, following its U.S. release of September 9, exclusively at AMC Theatres in 25 markets.

In addition to LAUGH AT MY PAIN being the first comedy film to release in East and West Africa and the first theatrical release from this international partnership, Codeblack Entertainment will be the exclusive promoter to bring Black American Comedians to perform live comedy shows to these areas in Africa. This is one of many strategic ventures for Codeblack as they continue to be visionaries in digital and international expansion for urban entertainment. They currently distribute titles in South Africa for DVD and broadcast through the continent's leading distributor Nu Metro. Codeblack also solidified a deal with M-Net, South Africa's first private subscription television service, to license a portion of its library for broadcast.

Jeff Clanagan and his business partner Quincy Newell, Executive Vice President, currently have projects in various stages of production and development. These include a partnership with Shaquille O'Neal and AEG for ALL STAR COMEDY JAM; Russell Simmons and Stan Lathan for the "Def Comedy Jam" catalog; and Bishop TD Jakes for WOMAN THOU ART LOOSED: ON THE 7TH DAY which will be the second film scheduled for theatrical release in East and West Africa 1Q 2012, starring Blair Underwood and Sharon Leal.

About Codeblack:

CODEBLACK is the first independent, vertically integrated African American-owned film studio, actively engaged in the business of feature film production and distribution, worldwide DVD & digital assets distribution, urban market consulting, and production of programs for television broadcast and syndication.

Media inquiries: The Sorensen McQueen Group at (646) 330-5458 or via email, Lisa Sorensen, [email protected] or Chandra McQueen, [email protected].

SOURCE Codeblack Entertainment