September 7, 2006

“The Rock & Roll Kid” Documentary Has World Premiere At “VIFF”

VANCOUVER, BC – Force Four Entertainment and Mars Entertainment are thrilled to announce the world premiere of the documentary, “THE ROCK & ROLL KID” on September 30th, 2006 as part of the 25th annual Vancouver International Film Festival.

THE ROCK & ROLL KID is guitar prodigy Danny Sveinson, who was just eight years old when he started jamming. By the time he was eleven, he had already played with legends like Les Paul, April Wine and Colin James.  Danny even performed at the world famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York, the same stage where the Jackson Five made their debut. All this from a kid who lives in Surrey, BC.

Danny is already being called a star and has even been compared to guitar greats Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. The film follows Danny and his suburban family for two years as they ride the rollercoaster of his rising star. Danny’s parents Darwin and Jean navigate through the rock and roll pitfalls and the moral dilemmas of Danny’s young age. Throw in a band of 30-somethings and a father who is trying to be the manager, and the tension inevitably goes through the roof.

Danny was 11 years old when Director Bob Fugger and Producer/Writer Marsha Newbery began documenting his journey. Mars Entertainment then teamed up with Executive Producer John Ritchie from Force Four Entertainment.  With CBC Newsworld giving the green light, cameras followed Danny for two full years.

“From the first moment we saw Danny play we knew he was unique” Producer Marsha Newbery explains – and more importantly – the path he was on was very special.”  Director Bob Fugger adds, “Watching him grow up in the spotlight has been an incredible lesson in the importance of having the right people around you.”

CBC Newsworld’s Andrew Johnson, who commissioned the film for documentary strand “The Lens”, says.“Audiences will root for Danny as they’re reminded that he really is just a kid in an industry where most adults get lost.” Executive Producer John Ritchie of Force Four Entertainment says of the first time filmmakers “Bob and Marsha were able to become an intrinsic part of Danny’s world and the intimate access they were allowed really shines through in the film.”

THE ROCK & ROLL KID is a crash course in what it takes to survive in the music industry and how one wrong step can bring a whole dream tumbling down. THE ROCK & ROLL KID premieres September 30th at 1pm and plays again on October 10th at 6pm. Both screenings are at the Empire Granville 7.

For more information on Danny, visit his band's site at www.soniccityband.com

REVIEW: Read the review by The Now Newspaper.com

THE ROCK & ROLL KID is presented by Force Four Entertainment and Mars Entertainment and produced in association with CBC Newsworld where it will be broadcast in the fall of 2006. THE ROCK & ROLL KID was produced in association with The Sundance Channel, Knowledge Network, SCN and with the participation of The Canadian Television Fund: License Fee Program and Equity Investment Program, Canadian Film & Television Tax Credit, British Columbia Film Incentive and developed with the participation of CBC British Columbia, Telefilm, and British Columbia Film.

Contact Producer Marsha Newbery at 604-418-1173 to arrange for interviews.