More2Screen secures theatrical and TV distribution rights
to White Stripes film Under Great White Northern Lights

 

Tuesday 26th January 2010: Leading alternative content distributor More2Screen has secured theatrical and TV distribution rights to UNDER GREAT WHITE NORTHERN LIGHTS, a unique film which provides a fascinating look into the on and off-stage lives of one of the world’s most enigmatic bands – The White Stripes.

London-based More2Screen signed a deal with XL Recordings to release the film in UK and internationally (excluding USA, Japan, South East Aisa), with the theatrical release planned to roll out in digital cinema sites from March 2010.

UNDER GREAT WHITE NORTHERN LIGHTS is directed by acclaimed music video and film director Emmett Malloy, and premiered at Toronto Film Festival 2009 to rave reviews.

Penny Nagle, Co-Founder, More2Screen says: “We are delighted to be working with the White Stripes and XL team, as we have been huge fans of theirs since inception, and this film is a characteristically brilliant and original take on the concert road movie.”

Ben Beardsworth, Managing Director XL Recordings says: “The White Stripes are true innovators and Emmett's film captures something not seen before. We needed an ambitious partner to work with us on this remarkable film and More2Screen are independent and gutsy; a perfect fit.”

In the summer of 2007, The White Stripes embarked on a cross-country Canadian tour to accomplish their goal of performing in every province and territory across the expansive northern nation.  UNDER GREAT WHITE NORTHERN LIGHTS in the unique documentation of that journey, along with the bands’ first ever official live album, featuring 16 songs on both vinyl and CD.  

The film documents the band playing to crowds in towns of all sizes across the Great White North - from traditional venues to matinee gigs at unusual locations such as a bowling alley, a boat and even on a city bus - culminating in a momentous 10th Anniversary show at the historic Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. 

A captivating mix of striking live footage and poignant off-stage moments, this visually stirring and emotive feature length film celebrates the band’s 10 year history, bringing the band full circle in their career to a place reminiscent of how they first started out; shows where no one knew who they were, and where they were left to make a first impression with their music. 

The live album continues that celebration and is a perfect companion piece to the film, featuring 16 songs recorded at various shows throughout the Canadian tour - a collection that captures all the aural intensity and spontaneity that The White Stripes have become known for.  A compelling reflection of the band’s career, both the live album and the documentary will allow fans to reminisce about where they were when they first heard The White Stripes, while also adding extraordinary pieces of work to their already stunning artistic cannon.

XL Recordings will release the live album and DVD on 15th March 2010, with a limited edition box set available from 16th March. 



Some praise for UNDER GREAT WHITE NORTHERN LIGHTS:

“Arty but accessible, Malloy’s film is a treat for any White Stripes fan: a document of a global band visiting the ends of the Earth to deliver their delicious clatter to their most out-of-way followers” - NME
“…reveals as much about Canadian culture as it does about Jack and Meg White’s friendship, work ethic and music.” – RollingStone
“One-of-a-kind scenes…that make this film a true gem.” – Spin
“…can credibly be included alongside such canonical rock-docs as "Gimme Shelter" and "Don't Look Back." – LA Times
“…capture[s] the quirkiness of the entire tour, but also the intense emotional moments.” – Reuters
“…a pure blast of the fierce joy of live rock 'n' roll.” – MSN

For further information on the release of UNDER GREAT WHITE NORTHERN LIGHTS please contact Lyndsey Honour at More2Screen:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it / 07989 945 066
For more information on White Stripes, the album and DVD release please contact Jon Wilkinson at XL Recordings – 020 8875 6257 / This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it


EDITOR’S NOTES

More2Screen
London-based More2Screen is the leading independent provider of cultural programming to digitally equipped cinemas and at big screen venues in the UK. Programmes include pre recorded and live concerts, music documentaries, sporting events and educational features.

Co-founders Christine Costello, former CEO of Pearl & Dean cinema advertising, and Penny Nagle, former MD of igig.tv, have over eight years experience in releasing alternative content into cinemas in the UK and Europe (including the first-ever live high definition broadcast of a music concert in Europe, Robbie Williams Live in Berlin, in 2005).  Robbie Williams and Led Zeppelin theatrical releases delivered the highest and second highest selling music DVDs in the UK ever in 2004 and 2005.    
                                         
In 2008 More2Screen was the worldwide theatrical distribution partner for a series of operas from the world renowned Glyndebourne Festival. They also exclusively distribute programmes from world renowned La Scala, Salzburg Festival, Italy’s Grand Operas and the Kirov ballet plus many more.