One Direction and Sony Pictures Take Fan Engagement to New Level With Opportunity to See "One Direction: This Is Us" Three Days Early

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Since it was announced in November 2012, fans have been rallying around "One Direction: This Is Us" (www.1DThisIsUs-Movie.com) in monumental numbers. In February, hundreds of thousands of fans submitted their photos online for the opportunity to be a part of the movie poster mosaic, and the movie's Twitter account rocketed to more than 1.8 million followers in just 8 months. Last week with the fans help, the music video for "Best Song Ever," One Direction's new song featured in the movie, broke VEVO's 24 hour view count record with 12.3 million views. With such an enthusiastic following, the stage is set for the 3D movie to erupt onto the scene in August. The single debuted No. 1 on the Hot Digital Songs chart and #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 – the band's highest charting position to date. For those who can't wait for the film's premiere, Sony Pictures Entertainment (www.SonyPictures.com) has put together an exciting opportunity for fans to become a part of the experience and be among the first to see the movie. This opportunity will be realized through an exciting partnership with the crowdsourced events platform, Tugg (www.tugg.com).

Directed by Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me), and produced by Simon Cowell, Adam Milano, Morgan Spurlock and Ben Winston, "One Direction: This Is Us" is a captivating, fun and intimate all-access look at the life of one of the globe's biggest music phenomenon. However, this movie is about more than just Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry and Louis, as it recognizes the undeniable importance of the band's fans in enabling their meteoric rise to fame.

Understanding this kindred relationship, it was important for everyone involved in the making of the movie to pay tribute to the fans and offer them the opportunity to see the film early.  Through Tugg, One Direction fans can request early screenings of the movie in their hometown, three days before it releases everywhere.  The 50+ locations with the highest volume of requests will receive a special screening– to be amongst the FIRST to see the movie. (http://1DThisIsUs.tugg.com)

See a personal message from the band, inviting the fans to see the film early: http://bit.ly/1ciXZ9S

"The unique story and rise of One Direction is one that has taken the world by storm since their debut on X Factor, but there is still so much about the band that fans don't know," stated Morgan Spurlock. "I have been privileged to tell their story in the upcoming film, which I can't wait for fans to see, and I am excited for fans to get a sneak preview through these new and engaging platforms which tie in perfectly with the One Direction story."

"One Direction: This Is Us," releases in the US on August 30th. The film will be released in theaters worldwide starting August 28^th. To learn more about the film and explore the exciting digital engagement campaigns, please visit www.1DThisIsUs-Movie.com. Also be sure to follow @1DThisIsUs on Twitter for exclusive updates about the movie, and join in on the conversation by using #1DThisIsUs.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment:
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; a global channel network; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in 159 countries. For additional information, go to http://www.SonyPictures.com/.

About Syco Entertainment:
Syco Entertainment is a joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music and is one of the world's leading global music, film and television production companies responsible for some of the world's most successful global TV and music franchises including The X Factor and Got Talent. Syco Entertainment is also the world most successful producer of international talent. Syco Music is the record label home for such diverse international recording artists as Labrinth, One Direction, Cher Lloyd, Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, Little Mix, and Il Divo as well as other artists discovered through Syco TV series' including Tate Stevens, Emblem3, Fifth Harmony, James Arthur, Ella Henderson, Loveable Rogues and Rebecca Ferguson. Artists discovered by The X Factor format have sold more than 100 million records worldwide, including 110 number ones, 270 top 10, and 501 top 50 releases. Syco's television assets include the global franchises The X Factor and Got Talent. The X Factor was created by Syco Television and is produced by Syco Television and FremantleMedia. Local versions of The X Factor are produced in more than 41 territories and the US version of The X Factor airs in over 166 countries. In 2012 Got Talent became the world's biggest selling TV format and is now commissioned in 52 countries as a local format. The US version, America's Got Talent, is NBC's leading summer entertainment format and additionally airs in 152 countries. In 2012 Syco TV formats were responsible for more than 2,000 hours of original television worldwide - equivalent to nearly three months of television viewing. The X Factor is now watched by more than half a billion people around the world.

In 2013 Syco continues to capitalize on the ongoing success of its established global hit TV formats and a number of new projects including new TV series Food Glorious Food and two films - One Direction's 3D movie with Sony Pictures and 'One Chance', a film based on the success story of Britain's Got Talent's first winner, Paul Potts, in association with the Weinstein Company. Syco Entertainment also recently announced it's new partnership with You Tube; "The You Generation" channel -- The world's first global talent discovery channel which spans across 26 countries.

SOURCE Sony Pictures