2008-04-14 23:45:34 -

- Empire Film Group, Inc. (Other OTC:EFGU.PK) ("Empire Film") (www.empirefilmgroup.com) is contemplating an expansion of its July 18 theatrical launch of "Hounddog," based on favorable reaction from theatrical exhibitors, media and consumer studies. Empire announced the film's release last month at the Showest convention, at which time the company forecasted opening on about 500 screens. The new

plan, fueled by consumer interest and media support, calls for a launch to more than 800 theaters, with the prospect of more than 1,000 locations based on screen availability.

"We're very encouraged by the high-level interest in the film," said Eric Parkinson, CEO of Empire Home Entertainment, the distribution division of Empire Film Group. "The film already enjoys a major profile, and the media plan supporting our theatrical launch is likely to generate a lot of discussion and awareness. Exhibitors are telling us that the film merits a broader release, and we take this recommendation quite seriously."

"Hounddog" is a coming-of-age drama set in 1961, starring Dakota Fanning as an Elvis-obsessed fan struggling with a difficult home situation and a traumatic assault. The film was written and directed by Deborah Kampmeier, and also stars Robin Wright-Penn, David Morse, Afemo Omilami and Piper Laurie. "Hounddog" sparked a media fury when a rough-cut version was screened at the Sundance Film Festival last year. Empire feels that the final edit version of the film will likely qualify for a PG-13 rating.

"There's a very important theme and message in the film that deserves to be seen by the largest possible audience," said Parkinson. "Deborah Kampmeier has skillfully balanced elements of hope and healing with difficult and real circumstances, and the final product is superb, on every front."

About Empire Film Group, Inc.

Empire Film Group, Inc. ("EFG") is a new independent film finance, production, and distribution company led by a management team with over 25 years of experience in development, production, distribution, finance and marketing of feature films and television programming. Through its acquisition of Truman Press, Inc., d/b/a "Hannover House," Empire is also a fully integrated entertainment distributor, with experience and success in theatrical, DVD, television, international sales arenas as well as with book publishing and distributing.

Learn more about Empire Film Group by visiting www.empirefilmgroup.com.

Empire Film Group
Eric Parkinson, 818-481-5277
HannoverHouse@aol.com