Back9Network and Catapult Entertainment Release Inclusionary Golf Film in Honor of Black History Month

HARTFORD, Conn., Feb. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Back9Network, a golf lifestyle television and multiplatform media company, announced the launch of a promotional short film, co-produced with Catapult Entertainment, to honor the network's mission statement of "growing the game of golf through the inclusion of all people."  Through the medium of shadow dance, Catapult and Back9's video tells the story of a young boy's personal connection with golf and the opportunities he was presented throughout his life by playing and loving the game. 

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140205/NY59261LOGO)

"The collaboration was inspired primarily by Back9 board member, Sanford "Sandy" Cloud Jr., and his personal journey as a young African-American boy growing up in Hartford to becoming a prominent lawyer, business and civic leader, and two-term state senator," said James L. Bosworth Jr., Back9Network's Chairman and CEO. 

Cloud's passion for golf began in the summer of 1957, when he was refused a job picking shade tobacco because he was only 13 years old, a year younger than the age requirement to work there.  Instead, Cloud spent the summer caddying for a friend at Tumblebrook Country Club, where he was first introduced to the game.  By 1979, he was admitted as the first African- American member of The Country Club of Farmington and the first African-American of any private golf club in Greater Hartford. 

"We believed it would be most appropriate to release the video publicly during Black History Month since the inspiration we received for this film derived from Sandy's contributions to our community and our sport.  As we share this collaboration, we remember that diversity forges growth and brings people together," concluded Bosworth.

The co-produced film can be viewed at Back9Network's website at: http://www.back9network.com/article/video-back9network-presents-catapult-entertainment-performance/

Back9Network management discovered Catapult Entertainment through its well-known performance on NBC's talent competition show, "America's Got Talent."  The two young companies were able to quickly collaborate on the project over the last several months with both Back9Network and Catapult having their headquarters in Connecticut.  To pay further homage to their Connecticut roots, the short film incorporates musical contributions from Javier Colon, a Hartford native, recording artist, and winner of Season 1 of NBC's "The Voice." 

The project was filmed at Connecticut's famed Warner Theatre in Torrington, Conn., which was built by Warner Brothers Studios and opened in 1931 as a movie palace.  The theatre was severely damaged in the 1955 Flood, and with business declining and maintenance needed, it was facing certain demolition in the 1980's.  The theatre was saved by a concerned group of citizens that formed the non-profit, Northwest Connecticut Association for the Arts, Inc. (NWCAA), to purchase and restore Warner Theatre.  This group led a dramatic grass-roots campaign successfully raising the money necessary to purchase and restore Warner Theatre.

About Catapult Entertainment: Catapult Entertainment, created by Adam Battelstein in 2008, is a shadow-dance company based out of Torrington, Conn.  The Catapult dancers have the skills to transform their bodies into seemingly impossible images to tell a story through movement. Catapult has produced films for corporations and has performed live for a variety events in the U.S. and internationally.  The group was also featured on Season 8 of "America's Got Talent," advancing all the way through to the semi-final round.

About Back9Network: Back9Network, based in Hartford, Conn., is a lifestyle multiplatform television network and media company.  Back9Network was developed as a complementary alternative to traditional media's focus on professional golf tournament coverage.  Focused on compelling storytelling, interesting personalities, features and fashions, interviews and instruction, travel, gear and much more, fans of all kinds will want to hang with the Back9Network.  Back9Network.com, the online clubhouse for Back9Network, delivers a fresh perspective on the golf lifestyle and its worldwide influence.  Back9Network's leadership includes respected and outspoken executives from the golf and media industries.  Back9Network recently moved into its new Corporate Headquarters and TV/Video Production Studio in Hartford, joining ESPN, NBC Sports and YES Network in Connecticut.  For further information, visit www.Back9Network.com.

Media Contact:

Gina Antoniello            [email protected]             732-236-4659

SOURCE Back9Network