Growing Op - A Film by Michael Melski November 8, 2009

AWARD-WINNING FEATURE GROWING OP PREMIERES AT LOS ANGELES COMEDY FESTIVAL

(TORONTO) The feature film GROWING OP will have its West Coast Premiere at the Los Angeles Comedy Festival on Sunday Nov.8, at the famous Acme Comedy Theatre in Hollywood.

A comedy sensation in its Canadian festival run and release, GROWING OP tells the tale of Quinn, a teenage boy who 'rebels against rebellion', embodied by his home-schooling, fugitive parents, by resolving to go to high school for the first time. But leaving the family ‘farm’ causes Quinn to discover that the real jungle isn’t in his living room, but in the bizarre nature of the suburban status quo.

Heartfelt and hilarious, GROWING OP is a sly satire of classic 80's teen films, delivering twists on high school comedy and family drama. It features a powerhouse indie cast, including Rosanna Arquette (Afterhours), Wallace Langham (CSI Las Vegas), Rachel Blanchard (Flight of the Conchords), Katie Boland (Adoration), Alberta Watson (Spanking the Monkey), and Steven Yaffee (MVP).

The film has an unforgettable rock soundtrack featuring acclaimed international artists SLOAN, MATT MAYS AND EL TORPEDO, CLASSIFIED, JOEL PLASKETT EMERGENCY, AMELIA CURRAN, IN FLIGHT SAFETY, JENN GRANT, TWO HOURS TRAFFIC and post-punk heroes TEENAGE HEAD.

“I’m excited that the film is part of the opening weekend of the LA Comedy Fest” says Writer-Director Michael Melski of his feature directing debut. “It’s an 18 day extravaganza with film premieres and live acts, in the center of the comedy universe. GROWING OP has been very popular north of the border, and it’s a universal humor, so I expect it will translate well to US audiences.”

A recent award-winner for BEST IN SHOW, FEATURE FILM in the 2009 Accolade Film Competition, GROWING OP is exec-produced by celebrated filmmaker Thom Fitzgerald. Shortly after its Canadian premiere last year, GROWING OP was acquired by LA’s Shoreline Entertainment for International Sales.

Some response to GROWING OP from critics and festivals:
“A Hilarious Feel-Good Teen Movie!” Cinema Eye

“3 and ½ Stars (out of 4) Sweet and Surprising...A High Note for East Coast Filmmaking” Chronicle Herald
“A Definite Hit...Two Thumbs Way Up. Growing Op is defiantly a crowd-pleaser!” The Argosy

“Cleverly sends up a slew of genres—the high school movie; the rebel movie; the dope comedy—turning them inside out for satiric pleasure. Don't Bogart your time—check this out.” Moovy.Ca

“GROWING OP is top-notch entertainment...It has exactly the right combination of a well-written script, obviously high production standards, and great acting...Katie Boland really stands out as his sarcastic sister...A brilliant performance by Wallace Langham.” Popcorn Philosophy

“GROWING OP is loaded with laugh out loud jokes, but thankfully most of them aren't based on pot smoking teenagers. The humour in this film comes from the heart of what it is really about - the difficulty and awkwardness of growing up...Wonderfully acted and a pleasure to watch.” Schemamag

“Pitch Perfect Satire...A gem.” Vancouver International Film Festival

“Witty...High Grade!” Eye Weekly
“Fast, furious and very funny!” Atlantic Film Festival
“GROWING OP dares to take a different path... it’s rare to see a teen film that gets the most of out ludicrous situations to make you laugh.” The Cultural Post

“GROWING OP, the ultimate coming of age film, is the best capture of social interaction amongst youth I have ever seen. I felt like I was watching this generation's “Risky Business”! Michael Melski's directorial debut is nothing short of brilliant...” Silver Wave Film Festival

“GROWING OP Far From Ordinary...With great performances from virtually the entire cast, and a satirical sensibility that anyone could appreciate, this film is definitely worth your time.” Intermedias

The wildly-enthusiastic response from audiences can be found on the GROWING OP Facebook Fan Page or in IMDB user comments.

GROWING OP screens on Nov.8 at 6:00pm at the Acme Comedy Theatre in Hollywood, 135 North La Brea Avenue. Valet Parking is available.

Tickets available online at www.lacomedyfest.com. Industry reservations can be made by calling (323) 463-2942.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Michael Melski: Writer-Director, 902-441-0795, [email protected]
Brandon Paine: Director of Acquisitions, Shoreline Entertainment, 310-551-2060, [email protected]
Lawrin Gouston Salazar, Executive Director, Los Angeles Comedy Festival, (323) 806-9974, [email protected]
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