PRESS RELEASE: Quinn Shephard's Directorial Debut "Blame" Acquired by Samuel Goldwyn Films

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Samuel Goldwyn Films announced today the acquisition of the teen drama "BLAME" after its highly reviewed world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival earlier this year. The film stars writer/director/producer Quinn Shephard (TV’s “Hostages”), Nadia Alexander (TV’s “The Sinner”), Trieste Kelly Dunn (UNITED 93), Marcia DeBonis (SULLY), Tessa Albertson (3 Generations), Sarah Mezzanotte (TV’s “The Interestings”), Owen Campbell (AS YOU ARE), Luke Slattery (TWO FOR ONE), with Tate Donovan (SHOOTER), and Chris Messina (ARGO). Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired the North American and Latin American rights.

Photo Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films

The summary of the movie reads as follows:

It’s the start of a new year at a small suburban high school. Abigail (Quinn Shephard) is an outcast who seeks solace in the worlds of the characters she reads about, much to the amusement of her manipulative classmate, Melissa (Nadia Alexander). When an intriguing new drama teacher (Chris Messina) casts Abigail over Melissa in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, Abigail’s confidence blooms, and soon her relationship with Jeremy begins to move beyond just fantasy. Melissa, fueled by vengeful jealousy, begins to spiral out of control and concocts a plot against Abigail. This triggers a chain of events that will come to affect everyone around them, as well as reveal some dark truths. 

Photo Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films

“One of our strategies is to work with emerging filmmakers,” says Ben Feingold, Chief Executive of Samuel Goldwyn Films. “Quinn not only fits the bill, but has written, produced, directed, and starred in an extraordinarily impressive first feature film. She is the real deal, and I believe she will become a major talent in the industry.”

Photo Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films

Filmmaker and star Quinn Shephard had this to say about the acquisition: “Blame is the result of years of hard work -- is so special and personal to my mom and I, and we couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity to share it with a wider audience through Samuel Goldywn Films. I feel the message of the film is so important, both for its adult audience and for a younger generation of moviegoers.”

Photo Courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films

The deal was negotiated by Peter Goldwyn of Samuel Goldwyn Films and Josh Braun of Submarine on behalf of the filmmakers. The movie is slated to be released in theaters, on demand, and via digital media this winter.