By Elina Shatkin, August 9, 2004
Automat Pictures, Inc., a multi-award winning DVD Added Value production company, whose clients include most of the major motion picture studios, has announced the launch of “Automat EPK” as a new division. The company has also cited its most recent DVD and EPK/DVD projects. In addition, Automat Pictures co-founder Laura Nix has been promoted to Co-President.
Automat Pictures’ DVD division works with the Home Entertainment divisions of the major studios. Since the company’s inception, the division has been specializing in the production of original documentaries, the creation of interactive features, facilitating deleted scenes, production of audio commentaries, and the creation of menus for a wide variety of DVD releases.
Automat Pictures’ newly launched “Automat EPK” unit will work with the theatrical publicity departments of the studios. The unit will specialize in the full-service production and post-production of electronic presskits, which will include interviews with cast, directors, and crew, behind-the scenes/making-of pieces, along with film clips and trailers for a wide variety of promotional outlets. This EPK footage is later transformed into DVD Added Value Material.
Regarding today’s announcement, Schwarz and Nix said jointly, “More of our clients have discovered the value of having seasoned DVD producers also produce the EPK content used to promote their films
. We saw an opportunity to increase our client services and at the same time expand our business.”
Automat Pictures has most recently completed DVD Added Value for a new boxed collection from a prominent director (details to be given separately). Earlier this year Automat produced the EPK and the Special Edition DVD for New Line Home Entertainment’s soon-to-be-released “Elf,” and the EPK and Special Edition DVD for Lions Gate Home Entertainment’s “The Punisher.” For Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment's "Philadelphia," Automat delivered a feature length documentary about the making of the film, "People Like Us," as well as other outstanding supplements.
Laura Nix, Co-Founder of Automat Pictures, has been promoted to Co-President along with Schwarz. In her new capacity, she will head up the company’s Automat EPK Division.
During the past four years, Laura has produced over 50 DVD Added Value and EPK presentations. These include work on behalf of such noted feature films as “John Q,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” the “Rambo” Box Set, “The Mack,” “Eat, Drink, Man, Woman,” “Ghost World,” and “The Running Man,” with “Elf” and “The Punisher” slated for release on DVD later in 2004.
She is also the writer/producer/director of the critically acclaimed independent feature film “The Politics of Fur.” The film is the winner of many awards, including the “Grand Jury Prize/Best American Narrative” and “Best Actress” Awards for Katy Selverstone, at Outfest 2002, and the “Best Feature Film” Award at the Boston Underground Film Festival, 2003.
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