B-Side Entertainment Launches Film Distribution Arm at South by Southwest

Innovative Film Distributor Joins EyeSteelFilm and NFB to Roll Out Documentary Feature RiP: A Remix Manifesto

Austin, TX (March 10, 2009) - With the U.S. premiere of the documentary feature of the EyeSteelFilm and National Film Board of Canada production RiP: A Remix Manifesto at this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW), Austin-based film distribution company B-Side Entertainment officially launches its new distribution arm. B-side will release RiP in partnership with DVD distributor Disinformation, as well as the film’s producers Eye Steele Productions and the National Film Board of Canada. In addition to RiP, B-Side will also participate in the Austin Interactive Showcase and host an official SXSW festival party in honor of RiP.

B-Side offers filmmakers a viable alternative to the highly expensive and nearly impossible world of independent distribution. Through innovative marketing and detailed audience data, B-Side has turned the industry’s model upside down to generate significant ancillary revenues at a fraction of the normal cost.

Directed by Web activist and filmmaker Brett Gaylor, RiP explores issues of copyright in the information age, mashing up the media landscape of the 20th century and shattering the wall between users and producers. The documentary feature will screen at SXSW on March 15th, 19th and 21st.

“RIP is a film that challenges the traditional rules and conventional wisdom of the entertainment business. As a distributor that also challenges traditions and conventions, B-Side is a perfect match and we are excited to work with Disinformation, the NFB and Eye Steele on an innovative release,” said Chris Hyams, Founder and CEO of B-Side. “To us, there’s no better place than Austin - our hometown - to kick off our 2009 releases. SXSW is a great event and a good friend to B-Side.”

B-Side will host a special by-invitation-only party to celebrate the premiere of RiP. The event will take place on Saturday, March 14th, and feature a live performance by remix artist Eclectic Method and local Austin band, Diagonals.

For more information about the premiere of RiP: A Remix Manifesto, visit http://sxsw.com/film/screenings/schedule/?a=show&s=F13852.

About B-Side

Founded in 2005, B-Side (www.bside.com) uses proprietary technology to capture audience opinions and discover great films. Through its Festival Audience Network - a portfolio of over 250 International Film Festival websites and 4 million audience members - B-Side has the ability to market and exhibit films globally, using theatrical and non-theatrical venues, and through partnerships with digital and television distributors, including Amazon and Hulu. By combining innovative marketing plans with detailed data on potential audiences, B-Side and its distribution partners generate significant ancillary revenues at a fraction of the normal cost. B-Side’s investors and board members include Valhalla Partners, Silverton Partners, television writer / producer Steven Bochco, long-time media & advertising executive William Apfelbaum, and venture investor Mike Maples, Jr. B-Side is headquartered in Austin, TX.