NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

MoviePass Films, a majority-owned Helios and Matheson Analytics Inc. (Nasdaq: HMNY) company, and Art of Sport (AOS), the newly-formed, sports-centric distribution entity behind Cannes Alum Gabe Polsky’s upcoming feature-length documentary, In Search Of Greatness, have teamed up to bring MoviePass Films on board the project as an investor and strategic marketing partner ahead of the film’s early-November theatrical release.

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MoviePass Films adds documentary feature to 2018 slate with Red Carpet premiere in Los Angeles tonight (Photo: Business Wire)

In Search Of Greatness, directed by acclaimed documentarian Gabe Polsky, best known for his previous feature Red Army, which debuted in Cannes in 2014 and was distributed by Sony Pictures Classics, and his work on Nat Geo’s Emmy-award-winning TV show Genius, is a provocative work of non-fiction which examines the importance of creativity in determining athletic ability and also analyzes the roles nature and nurture play in the development of young athletes.

The film, which includes in-depth interviews with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, superstar wide receiver Jerry Rice, and soccer icon Pele, opens in 11 major U.S. markets on November 2nd, and expands to theaters across North America by mid-month.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be partnering with Gabe and the AOS team to support this terrific documentary and help bring the personal stories of these world-class athletes to audiences everywhere,” said MoviePass Films Chairman Ted Farnsworth and Co-CEO Randall Emmett. We are pleased to be able to continue supporting independent creators and helping them bring their artistic visions to life on the big screen.”

The In Search Of Greatness investment follows a busy month of deal-making for the MoviePass Films label. In late September, MoviePass Films partnered with leading indie distributor NEON to co-release Reinaldo Marcus Green’s Sundance award-winner Monsters and Men (currently in theaters) and is preparing to co-release the second film in that partnership, Ali Abassi’s Cannes award-winner Border (which debuts in theaters this week). MoviePass Films also recently wrapped production on its Bruce Willis-starrer 10 Minutes Gone and green-lit Neil Marshall’s The Reckoning which starts production in Wales in January. The MoviePass Films team intends to produce 10-12 films per year, and intends to acquire an additional 8-10 films per year, starting in 2019.

“This is my most personal film, and I am very passionate about its important messages. I made this movie to be seen in theaters, and our relationship with MoviePass Films provides a unique opportunity to engage targeted movie goers nationwide. I am very appreciative of their support,” said director Gabe Polsky.

MoviePass Films via its sister services MoviePass™, the nation’s premier movie theater subscription service, and Moviefone™, will mount a robust marketing campaign to support the film’s success while in theaters. In Search of Greatness will be made available to MoviePass™ subscribers as a "Bonus Movie," which will not count toward their monthly in-theater movie ticket allotment. MoviePass™ subscribers will also have a chance to attend the films’ red-carpet premieres and receive other special perks throughout the duration of the partnership.

The deal with AOS was brokered by MoviePass Films President of Acquisitions, Zac Bright.

About MoviePass Films

MoviePass Films LLC is dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers and distributors by collaborating with creatives, co-acquiring equity stake in films and offering them enhanced performance in the theatrical window. A joint venture of Helios and Matheson Analytics Inc. and Emmett Furla Oasis (EFO) Films, MoviePass Films focuses on studio-driven content and new film production for theatrical release and other distribution channels, with the goal of democratizing the film production experience by bridging the gap between moviegoers and film industry endeavors.

About AOS

Art of Sport (AOS) is a filmmaker driven, innovative theatrical film production, marketing and distribution company. AOS is dedicated to making a social event out of how audiences experience cinematic, commercial, and sports-themed storytelling. AOS strives to elevate the cultural perception and social impact of important sports-themed stories and characters among frequent movie going audiences who enjoy both artistic and commercial content.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-looking Information

Certain statements in this communication contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or under Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) that may not be based on historical fact, but instead relate to future events, including without limitation statements containing the words “believe”, “may”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect” and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this communication are forward-looking statements.

Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions. Although Helios’ management believes that the assumptions made and expectations represented by such statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that a forward-looking statement contained herein will prove to be accurate. Actual results and developments (including, without limitation, the ability of the MoviePass Films team to produce 10-12 films per year and to acquire an additional 8-10 films per year, starting in 2019)) may differ significantly from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein and even if such actual results and developments are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences or effects. Risk factors and other material information concerning Helios and MoviePass are described in Helios’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2018 and June 30, 2018 and other filings, including subsequent current and periodic reports, information statements and registration statements filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You are cautioned to review such reports and other filings at .

Given these risks, uncertainties and factors, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements and information, which are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. All forward-looking statements and information made herein are based on Helios’ current expectations and Helios does not undertake an obligation to revise or update such forward-looking statements and information to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except as required by law.

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