BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Feb. 5, 2007 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ — Imperia Entertainment, Inc. (Pink Sheets: IPEI) President James Hergott announced today that MMA legend, UFC Hall of Famer, former World Wrestling Entertainment (NYSE:WWE) wrestler and current International Fight League, Inc. (OTCBB: IFLI) Reno Lions coach Ken Shamrock has been cast in the role of Max in the MMA movie “Never Submit”.
“I have been a fan of Ken Shamrock since his early UFC and Pancrase days and I knew that he fit my vision for the character of Max in the movie,” said Hergott. “I was pleasantly surprised that Mr. Shamrock was very passionate about the project and committed to my vision for the movie. He stated to me that he felt very connected to the story. Shamrock is known as a fighter, not an actor, but I think his performance in this movie will be much more realistic than people might expect. The character hits very close to home for him, ” he added.
Mr. Shamrock comments, “As I am entering a new period in my life, I find myself with a lot that I want to offer. I would like to continue to influence not only my sport, but also the public’s perception of it. I also want to continue to grow professionally and to expand my career into new horizons. James Hergott has given me an opportunity to accomplish both goals. I am very excited about this opportunity and am anxious to show the world a new, and frankly, more complete, side to Ken Shamrock. Having spent some time with Mr. Hergott, I trust him and trust his vision. This is going to be a fantastic film and I can’t wait to share it with the public.”
ABOUT KEN SHAMROCK
Ken Shamrock is an MMA fighter who’s accomplishments consist of being former King of Pancrase, former UFC Superfight Champion, UFC Hall of Famer, WWE veteran, IFL team coach, founder of the Lion’s Den, and being one of the most recognizable names in the sport.
Shamrock’s October 11th fight with Tito Ortiz on Spike TV drew record ratings for Spike TV and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The card drew 4.2 million viewers, topping out at 5.7 million during the Ken Shamrock fight and beat out the MLB playoffs on Fox in its draw of men, ages 18-34.
Ken Shamrock’s Reno Lions team recently won their IFL debut, besting brother Frank Shamrock’s Razorclaws.
ABOUT “NEVER SUBMIT”
“Never Submit” is a movie set in the world of MMA. The performances will be a mix of nationally recognized actors and fighters. Auditions are being held across the country looking for actors and fighters for the movie.
“Never Submit” is an inspirational tale similar to “Rocky,” but the lead character is an intelligent young man (as are most fighters competing in this sport) rather than a beaten-down punch-drunk fighter. An amazing cast of characters will round out this film; each from different walks of life; each with his own set of circumstances and motivating factors driving him to be the best. “Never Submit” is a metaphor describing the way these athletes live their lives.
Imperia Entertainment recently announced a partnership with TapouT Magazine (www.tapoutmagazine.com) as part of a cross-country tour to promote the publication as well as the movie. Stops at select dojos to hold auditions for “Never Submit” are being finalized. TapouT Magazine readers can expect to see the mixed martial arts movie prominently featured in the bi-monthly publication throughout the casting, filming and theatrical release stages, as well as enjoy behind the scenes details from “Never Submit” director James Hergott, one of TapouT Magazine’s newest contributors.
During the last ten days the company announced bond financing sufficient to fund the film through to completion, and the casting of Three Time World Kickboxing Champion Cung Le as the main villain in the film.
“Never Submit” is featured on myMMAspace.com. myMMAspace.com is the fastest growing mixed martial arts (MMA) destination site on the Internet. The site features traditional social networking features and tools like Myspace, but also provides specialized tools for MMA fighters, brands, promoters, and fans to communicate and interact in an MMA focused environment. www.myMMAspace.com The company’s weekly internet radio show, Cage Side Live!, will feature interactive and entertaining interviews with MMA’s top fighters, promoters, and personalities. James Hergott was interviewed on the show Thursday, February 1st, and is scheduled to do another interview with Cung Le on Thursday February 15th.Inquiries pertaining to fighters and actors interested in auditioning for roles, potential sponsorship opportunities available to companies/vendors and MMA media requests should be made via e-mail to Stephanie Johnson at neversubmitmovie@gmail.com
ABOUT IMPERIA ENTERTAINMENT
Imperia Entertainment, Inc. (www.imperiaentertainment.com) is a company that has emerged as a player in the area of independent film production and distribution, once monopolized by the major film studios. In conjunction with its distribution subsidiary, Imperia International Distribution, the company engages in investing in and producing and distributing full-length feature films. Along with its equity interest in “All That I Need” (www.allthatineed.net), released in theaters last year, and now being marketed for DVD distribution, Imperia’s film properties include its feature film, “Say It In Russian” (www.sayitinrussianmovie.com), starring Faye Dunaway and Agata Gotova, “Brothers,” by Tarquin Gotch (“Home Alone”), “Whiskers,” a family film, made by Imperia’s subsidiary, Muller Media, Inc. (Pink Sheets: MUME), and the award-winning “Autograph” television series (www.autograph.tv), which airs on the OlympuSAT system. This press release contains statements, which may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Imperia Entertainment, Inc. and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-statements include fluctuation of operating results, the ability to compete successfully and the ability to complete before-mentioned transactions. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results.