The inspirational film, To Save A Life, debuts on Blu-ray and DVD today, August 3rd from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and tells the story of the difference one person can make when they use their influence and time for others. Earlier this year, over 600,000 teens, parents, and youth workers filled seats in theaters to experience this compelling drama that asks the simple question: How far would you go to save a life?
Written by youth pastor Jim Britts and directed by Brian Baugh, To Save a Life stars Randy Wayne (The Haunting of Molly Hartley, The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning), Deja Kreutzberg (TV’s “As the World Turns,” “CSI Miami”), Joshua Weigel (The Butterfly Circus), Robert Bailey, Jr. (The Happening), Kim Hidalgo (Ball Don’t Lie), Sean Michael Afable (Akeelah and the Bee), Bubba Lewis (TV’s “Medium”), and Steven Crowder (TV’s “Greek”). The film was produced by Nicole Franco, Steve Foster and Jim Britts, with Scott Evans serving as executive producer and Grammy award-winning Charlie Peacock as Music Supervisor. To Save A Life is loaded with bonus content including deleted scenes, music videos, filmmaker commentary track, a gag reel, and the featurette “To Save a Life: Behind the Scenes.” To Save a Life is available on Blu-ray for $34.95 SRP and DVD for $24.96 SRP.
SYNOPSIS:
Jake Taylor has it all, friends, fame, a basketball scholarship and the hottest girl in school. What could be better? Enter Roger Dawson. Roger has nothing. No friends. No hope. Nothing but put-downs and getting pushed aside. Jake and Roger were best friends when they were kids. But the politics of high school quickly pulled them apart. Now Roger doesn’t fit in Jake’s – or anyone’s circle – and he’s had enough. He walks onto campus with a gun in his pocket and pain in his heart and makes a tragic move. Jake’s last ditch effort can’t stop Roger, and the sudden tragedy rocks Jake’s world. Something breaks loose inside and sends him questioning everything. Most of all, he can’t shake the question; could I have saved Roger? In a quest for answers, Jake finds himself looking for the next Roger and reaching out to the outcasts and lonely. But he quickly finds that crossing class castes threatens all his world is built on. And it could cost him his own friends, his girl, his dreams and even his reputation. Is it worth the price to find the answer to his ultimate question; what do I want my life to be about?
Blu-ray and DVD Special Features Include:
• Filmmaker Commentary
• Deleted Scenes
• Gag Reel
• Featurette: To Save a Life: Behind the Scenes
• Music Videos: "Bounce" by J-Rus, "Sunset Cliffs" by Paul Wright
To Save a Life has a running time of approximately 120 minutes and is rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements involving teen suicide, teen drinking, some drug content, disturbing images and sexuality.
For more on To Save A Life, visit www.ToSaveALifeMovie.com
Artwork and digital clips are available for download at www.sphepublicity.com
Visit Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on the Web at www.SonyPictures.com
During the week of September 6-12, corresponding with National Suicide Prevention Week, the creators of the #1 faith-based film of 2010 To Save a Life plan to use the movie as a vehicle to save lives and inspire teens to reach out to their communities and engage with the hurting and lonely in their midst.
Since its theatrical release in January, To Save A Life has impacted over 600,000 teens, youth workers, coaches, pastors and parents who viewed the film in theaters. Thousands have written in to the To Save A Life Web site (ToSaveALifeMovie.com/stories) to share their response to the film. And just under 160,000 have created an active community on the To Save A Life Facebook page sharing their compelling and often heartbreaking personal stories, and supporting each other as they navigate the challenges of life.
Topically, the film fearlessly tackles a number of subjects that teens confront on a daily basis, including depression, suicide, bullying, teen pregnancy, cutting, substance abuse and body image. High school is a much more challenging place than it was just a few years ago, and teens need help and guidance in navigating these challenges.
Because of this, the teams at Outreach have set an objective of seeing one million lives touched during this week through the hosting of To Save A Life events and movie screenings across America.
The concept is simple. During this week, churches, families, pastors, teachers, coaches, mentors and teens themselves are encouraged to invite their friends to watch To Save A Life with them. The goal is to have the film shown in over 10,000 locations, where every teen in America can see the movie either in a church, home, store, classroom, auditorium or theater.
Afterwards, participants are challenged to go to the next level. It’s not enough to just talk about the change you want to see—To Save A Life Week is about action, and viewers are encouraged to be a catalyst for this change. Some students may start a “Lunch Club” to help befriend the lonely kids in their school. Some may start actively inviting new people to their youth group or club meetings. Others may plan events with experts or mentors who can help teens navigate the challenges in their lives. A new school year is never easy for teens in crisis—To Save A Life Week can help ease some of these tensions while providing a solid message of hope for those who are hurting.
To help teens and those who care for them, Outreach has created a series of tools designed to get the process and conversation started, including inspirational books, novels, social media tools, curriculums and topical helps. Several Web sites, including ToSaveALifeLeaders.com, can help leaders looking for ideas and resources. Outreach is dedicated to maintaining the momentum of the To Save A Life movement and inspiring a generation to reach out to hurting and lonely people.
To Save A Life releases on DVD and Blu-ray August 3 through Sony Pictures Home Entertainment/Affirm Films. To Save A Life is rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements involving teen suicide, teen drinking, some drug content, disturbing images and sexuality.
More information on To Save A Life Week can be found by clicking here: http://www.ToSaveALifeLeaders.com/tsalweek/
How can a little indie film with no major actors, no real TV advertising, and little attention from the mainstream press catch the attention of 215,000 teenagers who came out opening weekend?
How can it also have the #1 fan rating today on Fandango.com and Flixter.com?
IndieWire.com says “’Life’ Debuts Strong” and “debuted on an aggressive 441 screens and managed to break the overall top 15. The film - about ‘an all-star athlete must change his life - and sacrifice his dreams to save the lives of others’ - grossed an impressive $1,499,400.” (Final numbers in today give the weekend gross for To Save A Life at $1,513,955)
In comparison, To Save A Life was neck and neck with teen horror flick Daybreakers, however To Save A Life was on less than a third of the number of screens. A similar story occurred with Youth In Revolt, which was on 300 more screens, yet To Save A Life grossed nearly $700,000 more.
The LA Times calls the film an “absorbing redemption story” that “is a deftly acted, generally absorbing cautionary tale with wider allure than its faith-based label may imply.”
The Kansas City Star reports, “It features good acting, excellent production values and even a solidly eclectic musical score that ranges from rap to alternative.”
Big Hollywood.com, on the making of the film, states, “To Save a Life is perhaps even more a miracle than the average feature film. Not only did it beat the odds, it did so with its soul still firmly attached.” In contrast to more typical teen fair, such as Youth In Revolt and Daybreakers, it begs to ask the question – are teens looking for more?
“I was thinking as I was approached about this film, why aren’t we creating films that can actually make a positive change in the life of teens, movies that don’t just entertain, but also make an impact in the lives of the viewers?” said Brian Baugh, director of To Save A Life. Exit polls from teens after having seen the film show they want be challenged. And, they feel typical Hollywood films aren’t inspiring them to make their schools a better place.
Not only do box office numbers speak loudly, but the social media sites prove this point. The movie’s official Facebook page jumped over 30,000 users in the last five days – with over 90,000 active users. This number, compared to Youth In Revolt’s 42,000 fans, and the Book of Eli’s 44,000 fans, is compelling. Now, local splinter groups are breaking off, creating To Save A Life groups for their own communities.
Teens are coming together on the Facebook site, talking about their lives, their struggles, and inspiring each other to reach out to the hurting and lonely in their communities.
The proof comes from what teens are saying about the movie themselves:
Nicole- This movie saved my life, last night i attempted suicide but didnt succeed and my confirmation sponsor asked if i wanted to go see it today and as much as i didnt want to i did, and it made me think so much. I have been where jake was on top of everything and no matter what was happening in your life i always had a smile on my face but i have also been in jonny's position too, i used to cut, people just dont no peoples breaking points and i wish people could just be who they want to be without being judged or doubted on your abilities. i was, and now i realize if you trust in the lord and just do the right thing, you will be just fine.
Mark - IN 6th grade i felt alone. i didnt feel like anyone liked me. today, i still feel like some people are just acting nice to me. i dont know what to do. i feel alone a lot, and i dont know what to do. Please help me. The movie was great and got me thinking that other people are just like me. I still feel alone, please help me.
Missy - I cried when I saw the movie, because I want real life to be like that. I never had anyone to turn to when I was depressed, and I still don't. I don't cut myself and I don't try to hurt anymore, I've made a few friends but none of them have seen me hurt. I hide it all in a mask of shame, but I'm going to take off the mask, finally I'm gonna start and I'm gonna help other people, I'm gonna help myself too. No longer will I just be [Missy], I'm going to be known to save a life. Because of this movie. You inspired me.
Travis – I saw the movie yesterday and all i can say is wow it has really touched my life and im not gona sit back and watch anymore im goin out and try to make a difference
Dale - When I was in junior high, I was bullied to the point of suicidal thoughts. God is who stopped me from following through. I had previously just pushed the memories behind me and acted like nothing ever happened, but now I want to do something. I want to make sure no one else feels the way I once did. This movie changed the way I look at life. Save a Life!
Mel - I just got home from watching "To Save A Life" and immediately I came on the computer to Google information. I haven't even taken my jacket off yet. I was so touched by this movie its indescribable; I cried all the way home. I want to make a difference in someone's life. I notice things from the movie that happen around me in school, but it never hit me till now. This movie made me sad, emotional, but most importantly it made me realize that I have the opportunity to help someone. I'm a college student and I cant wait for classes to start Monday cause I already know what I'm going to do. Save a Life
Sara - The To Save A Life Story means a lot to me, because I was the one that needed saving last year. If people could only understand how far one small act of kindness could go, the world would be a better place. I love that this movie is bringing real-life issues that people rarely talk about to light and showing teens how to deal with them. You never know who around you feels he is the outcast - treat others as you would want to be treated. Save a life. This movie is going to change our teenage population for the better.
To Save A Life was created by New Song Pictures and Outreach Films, and is distributed through Samuel Goldwyn Films. After opening on 441 screens this weekend, the film will continue to open in new markets in the coming weeks.
www.ToSaveALifeMovie.com
www.facebook.com/tosavealife
Releasing today, along with the film, the official soundtrack for TO SAVE A LIFE is available exclusively as a digital download at www.tosavealifemovie.com.
In the coming weeks, the project will be available on other digital outlets such as iTunes, Amazon, eMusic, Napster and Sony Connect.
Compiled by music supervisor Charlie Peacock, and executive producers Nicole Franco and Scott Evans, the soundtrack includes songs that are featured in the film, songs sharing the spirit of the project, and an original piece scored by Timothy Michael Wynn.
“I thoroughly enjoyed working with director Brian Baugh to select the music for TO SAVE A LIFE,” explains Peacock, “It's rewarding to watch scenes come alive when the right music connects with the visuals. I suspect people will enjoy the soundtrack as well and connect with great emerging artists like Joy Williams, The Daylights, J-Rus, and composer Tim Wynn's beautiful score."
Official TO SAVE A LIFE soundtrack listing:
Da Enforcerz – “Boom”
Flynn Adam – “500,000 Boomin’ Watts”
J-Rus – “Bounce”
*Bobby Taylor – “Fall Back”
The Daylights – “Outsider” (Shift and Burn EP version)
Joy Williams – “Golden Thread”
Paul Wright – “Sunset Cliffs”
*Jillian Edwards – “Go Together”
Kendall Payne – “Rollercoaster”
Superchick – “Hero” (Red Pill Mix)
Timothy Michael Wynn – “Future Plans” Original Score
(songs with asterisk * are not included in the film)
“Knowing that you are part of a project that is meant to entertain as well as inspire was foremost in my mind when writing this music,” states Wynn. “Often times I would sit back and think that if the film and the music I created for it could change one mind or help one person, than it was worth it. High school is a tough time for teens and trying to fit in. This movie tries to shatter the stereotype of what is or what is not supposed to be cool and hip. I wanted the music for TO SAVE A LIFE to pave the road for the movie’s journey.”
The TO SAVE A LIFE film opens on over 440 screens across the US today, January 22, 2010. TO SAVE A LIFE was created by New Song Pictures and Outreach Films and is distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films.
Outreach Films and New Song Pictures are proud to announce the release of the indie feature film To Save A Life, opening theatrically nationwide January 2010.
To Save A Life is the story of an all-star athlete, Jake Taylor (Randy Wayne). After a childhood friend’s death, Jake’s world spins out of control and he has to make changes in his life and sacrifice some dreams to save the lives of others.
To Save A Life stars Randy Wayne (The Dukes of Hazard, Foreign Exchange, The Last Hurrah), Deja Kreutzberg (CSI Miami, Law and Order, Hope and Faith), Kim Hidalgo (Ball Don’t Lie, Jimmy Kimmel Life, Scrubs) and Sean Afable (Channels, Akeelah and the Bee, Phil of the Future.)
Director, Brian Baugh (D.P.: The Ultimate Gift, Jack and the Beanstalk, The Lost Medallion), is joined by Grammy winner Charlie Peacock as music supervisor, and Grammy, Emmy and Interactive Academy Award winning composers Christopher Lennertz and Timothy Wynn creating the score.
Jim Britts, the screenwriter of the film, and graduate of BIOLA’s prestigious film school, wrote the script to tell the story of the choices and challenges he sees teens facing today. Britts said “We hope that To Save A Life can truly help give a voice to the hurting, and inspire this generation to make a difference in the lives of those around them.”
Inspired by the film, Outreach, Inc. has produced a series of products that will help students and those who care for them to break down the barriers that often divide communities, and help others who are hurting in their communities.
Materials available at retail will include:
To Save A Life novel
Soundtrack to the film
A non-fiction book by the same name on how to help teens in crisis.
Devo2Go, a 36 day interactive audio devotional featuring weekly “guides” including Jack and Leeland Moring from the band Leeland, former NFL great Miles McPherson and teen abolitionist and author, Zach Hunter
A companion Curriculum Kit
To Save A Life Movie Resource Kit
Official wearables and accessories
The creators of To Save A Life are launching a leader’s site to provide a multitude of helps for parents, teachers, youth workers and teens. These materials are focused on opening discussion, and providing help to those who may need more information on some of the sensitive topics covered in the film. www.ToSaveALifeLeaders.com will also provide information about organizing group events surrounding the film and building what could be the largest outreach for teens many churches have ever undertaken.
To see the official move website, and view the trailer, please go to www.tosavealifemovie.com
To Save A Life is a powerful new indie movie for teens, written by a seasoned youth worker and produced by a cast
and crew with Hollywood experience. It tells a story about young people and their real-life challenges and choices.
The movie is being acclaimed by thousands of teens and those who care for them.
Find out more about the cast below:
Randy Wayne, plays Jake Taylor
Deja Kreutzberg, plays Amy Briggs
Robert Bailey Jr., plays Roger Dawson
Joshua Weigel, plays Chris Vaughn
Kim Hidalgo, plays Andrea Stevens
Sean Michael, plays Jonny Garcia
Bubba Lewis, plays Danny Rivers
Steven Crowder, plays Doug Moore
