Morgan Spurlock, Will Arnett, Jason Bateman & Ben Silverman Present "MANSOME" a Unique Look at Men's Identity in the 21st Century - In Theaters This May

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Apr 04, 2012, 09:00 ET

NEW YORK, April 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Electus, an operating business of IAC (Nasdaq: IACI) announced today that Oscar and Emmy Award-nominated director/producer Morgan Spurlock's new documentary film MANSOME will be distributed theatrically by Paladin. The hilarious look at men's identity through the exploration of male grooming habits, which is scheduled to have its world premiere at the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival on April 21st, will open in limited release in several major cities nationwide including New York and Los Angeles beginning May 18th. Written, directed and produced by Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me, The Greatest Movie Ever Sold) and executive produced by DumbDumb co-founders Will Arnett, Jason Bateman and Electus Founder Ben Silverman, MANSOME marks Arnett and Bateman's first executive producer credits.

In the age of manscaping, metrosexuals, fancy men's day spas, and high-end grooming products galore, MANSOME is a witty, provocative and highly-entertaining glimpse into what it means to be a man in a world where the definition of masculinity has become as diverse as a hipster's facial hair in Williamsburg. With his signature humor and insight, Spurlock combs over the follicles of men's idiosyncratic grooming habits, opening up a dialogue about men's unique approach to self image.

An expose of comic proportions, MANSOME follows Arnett and Bateman to the spa as they undergo various beautification rituals while offering amusing stories and observations about elusive male bathroom secrets. The film highlights a wide range of men including champion beardsmen, longtime barbershop owners, known metrosexuals, mustachioed males and professional wrestlers; all intercut with candid, one-on-one interviews and commentary from actor/comedians Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, Paul Rudd, Zach Galifianakis, Adam Carolla, Judd Apatow, as well as sociological experts and everyday men and women all of whom weigh in on everything from the growing incidence of men turning to plastic surgeons to our obsession with facial hair.

"As someone who has spent the past eight years shaving around a ridiculous mustache, I couldn't think of a more 'Mantastic' story to tell than this," said director/producer Morgan Spurlock. "I jumped at the chance to work with Will and Jason. They're so manly, so handsome, so ... Mansome."

"If I do say so myself, there are no better coiffed, buffed, sharpened and styled men than Morgan, Will and myself to open the world's eye to the changing notion of masculinity in today's culture," said executive producer and DumbDumb Co-Founder Jason Bateman. "Mansome is a special tribute to our passion and dedication for male grooming and the freedom of facial-hair expression which we wholeheartedly feel should be equal amongst both sexes," continued executive producer and DumbDumb Co-Founder Will Arnett.

"Jason Bateman and Will Arnett are two legendary back shavers, and Morgan's mustache and strange receding hairline make them the perfect partners to bring this project to life," said Ben Silverman, Executive Producer and Founder of Electus.

The other interview subjects featured in MANSOME include John Waters, ZZ Top band members Dusty Hill and Billy Gibbons, Anthrax musician Scott Ian, Cosmopolitan Editor-in-Chief Kate White, author Brett McKay, sociologist Michael Kimmel, beard expert Allan Peterkin, champion beardsman Jack Passion, Old Spice Guy Isaiah Mustafa, Co-Founder of Movember Andrew Garone, biological anthropologist Helen Fisher, pro-wrestler Shawn Daivari, stylist Stefan Campbell, clothing buyer Ricky Manchanda, and salon and barbershop owners Martial Vivot, Donnie Hawley, Ricky King, Adam Baker, Michael Haar and Kamal Neru.

MANSOME is created and executive produced by Warrior-Poets (Morgan Spurlock, Jeremy Chilnick), Electus (Ben Silverman, Drew Buckley, Laura Caraccioli) and DumbDumb (Will Arnett, Jason Bateman). Mark Urman's Paladin is handling the theatrical distribution of the film.

For additional information on the MANSOME, or to join the conversation, please visit www.MansomeTheMovie.com or www.Facebook.com/mansome.

About Electus
Electus is the first integrated multimedia entertainment studio to unite producers, creators, advertisers and distributors under one roof and produce all forms of content for distribution across a variety of platforms around the world. Headed by Ben Silverman in partnership with IAC (NASDAQ: IACI), the company connects advertisers, distributors and content creators early on in the development process, enabling marketers and advertisers to be a true partner in campaigns and content creation. Electus International, the global distribution arm of Electus, is responsible for all international sales and distribution for Electus' programming and its studio partners as well as programs and formats from other well-known 3rd party providers. For more information on Electus, visit www.electus.com.

About DumbDumb
DumbDumb is a digital content and production studio led by Jason Bateman and Will Arnett. By using their well-known comedic tone and sensibility, DumbDumb creates and produces brand-inspired entertainment content that reaches audiences across all forms of social, digital and traditional media. Their goal is to enhance traditional marketing and advertising activities, and ultimately revolutionize the way advertisers connect with their audiences. With the backing and distribution expertise of Ben Silverman's multimedia entertainment studio, Electus, and IAC, DumbDumb is a valuable strategic and creative resource for brands looking to harness the power of entertainment and humor. For more information about DumbDumb, visit www.DumbDumb.com.

About Warrior-Poets
Warrior-Poets is a New York-based production company that develops, produces, and edits content for television, film, and new media. Founded in 2004 by Super Size Me director Morgan Spurlock, the company has established itself as a leading producer of non-fiction programming. Spurlock and his business partner Jeremy Chilnick, have produced multiple award winning projects, including FX's 30 Days, What Would Jesus Buy?, The Simpson's 20th Anniversary Special In 3-D! On Ice!, and the recent Sony Classics release, Pom Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold. Their latest feature film Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope will be in theaters Spring 2012.

About Paladin
Paladin was formed in the fall of 2009 by veteran independent film industry executive Mark Urman. Its first release was the award-winning drama, "Disgrace," starring John Malkovich, and other titles the company has distributed include "The Loss of a Teardrop Diamond", based on an original screenplay by Tennessee Williams, and starring Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Evans; the acclaimed drama, "The Greatest," starring Pierce Brosnan, Carey Mulligan and Susan Sarandon; the Sundance 2010 critics' darling, "Douchebag," written and directed by Drake Doremus; and the prize-winning omnibus documentary, "Love Etc." In 2011, Paladin enjoyed its greatest success with Tom Shadyac's "I Am," which was in theaters nationwide for six months and became one of the year's highest grossing documentaries. More recent Paladin releases include "The Whale," narrated and executive produced by Ryan Reynolds; the Sundance 2011 award-winner, "Connected," Oscar-nominee Taika Waititi's prize-winning "Boy," and "Musical Chairs," the latest film by Susan ("Desperately Seeking Susan") Seidelman, currently in release. Upcoming titles include the conservation-themed "Otter 501,"scheduled to open this spring.