Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s Screen Media Acquires ‘The Green Wave’ Exclusively for Crackle Plus

Rhea-AI Summary

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE) announced the acquisition of the award-winning sports documentary The Green Wave, set to premiere exclusively on Crackle Plus. Directed by Emmy winner Guido Verweyen, the film chronicles the inspiring comeback of the Summerville High School basketball team following the tragic loss of their coach, Louis Mulkey. This acquisition aligns with Screen Media's commitment to showcase true-to-life inspirational stories, enhancing its content offering in the streaming market.

Positive

• Acquisition of The Green Wave enhances content library for Crackle Plus.
• Film has won the 'Best Documentary Award' at the Los Angeles International Film Festival, indicating high quality.
• Aligns with strategy to provide inspirational and true stories, potentially attracting more viewers.

Negative

• None.

COS COB, Conn., Aug. 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, today announced Screen Media’s acquisition of the award-winning sports documentary film The Green Wave to premiere exclusively on Crackle Plus. A crowd pleaser on the festival circuit, the film recently won the “Best Documentary Award” at the Los Angeles International Film Festival.

Directed by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Guido Verweyen (After the Fire, Blood Relatives, Dance Moms, Raising Asia), The Green Wave tells the incredible true comeback story of the Summerville High School basketball team after their coach Louis Mulkey, a dedicated firefighter, dies in a catastrophic fire. Mulkey’s legacy continues on today in success stories including AJ Green, who became an NFL star, and other former players who continue making waves as coaches, fathers and successful businessmen. “If it wasn’t for coach Louis, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” stated NFL star AJ Green.

“It has been a true privilege to portray this extraordinary person who has been such an inspiration to so many people during his lifetime and beyond, overcoming tragedy and discrimination. May his story inspire the audience to find hope and courage in these troubled times,” said Verweyen.

“Screen Media and Crackle Plus are dedicated to highlighting inspirational true-to-life stories, and we believe that The Green Wave is a great representation of this ethos,” said Brendan Murray, Digital Acquisitions Manager at Screen Media. “We can't wait for our viewers to be moved by the award-winning story of Louis Mulkey and the Summerville High School basketball team.”

Written and directed by Verweyen, The Green Wave was executive produced by Alois Rostek, co-produced by Christian Beutel, and edited by Carla Roda.

The deal was negotiated by Brendan Murray on behalf of Screen Media with Christian Beutel on behalf of Rosco Polska Company and Cosmic Pictures LLC.

Crackle recently premiered the six-episode docuseries Promiseland, chronicling the rise of Memphis Grizzlies star and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Ja Morant. Created and directed by Dexton Deboree (Unbanned: The Legend of AJ1) the series featured Morant, Carmelo Anthony, A’Ja Wilson, Moneybagg Yo.

ABOUT CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE) operates streaming video-on-demand networks (VOD). The company owns Crackle Plus, which owns and operates a variety of ad-supported and subscription-based VOD networks including Crackle, Popcornflix, Popcornflix Kids, Truli, Pivotshare, Españolflix and FrightPix. The company also acquires and distributes video content through its Screen Media subsidiary and produces original long and short-form content through Landmark Studio Group, Chicken Soup for the Soul Unscripted, APlus.com and Halcyon Television. Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment is a subsidiary of Chicken Soup for the Soul, LLC, which publishes the famous book series and produces super-premium pet food under the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand name.

ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH ENTERTAINMENT
Founded 35 years ago, Breakthrough Entertainment is an award-winning producer and distributor of original, premium content for audiences around the world. It is also one of Canada’s most established and respected production companies. Breakthrough’s library now boasts 50-plus feature films and 3,000 television episodes which air on major networks and digital channels worldwide.
breakthroughentertainment.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of management and are not predictions of actual performance. Such assumptions involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to our core strategy, operating income and margin, seasonality, liquidity, including cash flows from operations, available funds, and access to financing sources, free cash flows, revenues, net income, profitability, stock price volatility, future regulatory changes, price changes, the ability of the Company’s content offerings to achieve market acceptance, the Company’s success in retaining or recruiting officers, key employees, or directors, the ability to protect intellectual property, the ability to complete strategic acquisitions, the ability to manage growth and integrate acquired operations, the ability to pay dividends, regulatory or operational risks, and general market conditions impacting demand for the Company’s services. For a more complete description of these and other risks and uncertainties, please refer the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2021, and for further information regarding our recent acquisition of the Sonar library and related assets, please see our Current Reports on Form 8-K, as amended, filed with the SEC on May 27, 2021 and July 1, 2021. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with respect thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

INVESTOR RELATIONS
Taylor Krafchik
Ellipsis
csse@ellipsisir.com
(646) 776-0886

MEDIA CONTACT
Kate Barrette
RooneyPartners LLC
kbarrette@rooneypartners.com
(212) 223-0561

FAQ

What is the significance of the acquisition of <em>The Green Wave</em> by CSSE?

The acquisition enhances Crackle Plus's content library with an award-winning documentary, potentially increasing viewership and engagement.

When will <em>The Green Wave</em> premiere on Crackle Plus?

The exact premiere date has not been specified in the press release.

Who directed the documentary <em>The Green Wave</em>?

The documentary was directed by Emmy award-winning filmmaker Guido Verweyen.

How does <em>The Green Wave</em> relate to Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment's business strategy?

The acquisition fits into the company's focus on delivering inspirational content, thereby expanding its market presence in the streaming sector.

What awards has <em>The Green Wave</em> won?

It recently won the 'Best Documentary Award' at the Los Angeles International Film Festival.