RoundAbout Madison - Movie Update 11-02

From left, actors Chelcie Ross and Frank Knapp at the 2001 Heartland Film Festival, Indianapolis

‘Madison’ release on Jan. 31, 2003, appears certain this time

Trailers are scheduled to begin running in mid-November, industry trade journals say

Special premiere planned in Madison, Ind.

By Don Ward, Editor
(November 2002)

MADISON, Ind. – After two previous false starts, this time it looks official. Really.
The Jan. 31, 2003, national release of the movie “Madison” in late October appeared for the first time in Box Office magazine and on websites dedicated to national theater operators, a sure sign that the movie will soon be in theaters.
The newly formed Premiere Marketing and Distributions Group is distributing the film, in conjunction with Hollywood giant MGM. Premiere Marketing was formed to help give independent films national exposure and marketing. Company officials have previously announced they will release the film in more than 2,000 theaters.
Locally, city officials are hoping to organize a Hollywood-type premiere party the week prior to the national release at the Ohio Theater in downtown Madison. No firm plans have been made yet, said Laura Ratcliff, who owns the theater with her husband, Tony.
“We are seeing the movie being advertised in our trade magazines now, so that’s a good sign,” Ratcliff said.
Tony Steinhardt of Madison was the Miss Madison crew chief in 1971 and served as a technical adviser on the film. He is the principal organizer of the premiere party. He has been reluctant to discuss any premiere plans until he sees the movie being advertised in the Hollywood press. But he already has spoken with the Ratcliffs about a premiere party a day or so before the movie will be shown in theaters nationally.
Hollywood insiders associated with the film say that Premiere Marketing plans to start running trailers of “Madison” in mid-November along with the release of the new James Bond movie, “Die Another Day.” A review of “Madison” can be found on the Box Office magazine website: www.boxoff.com.
“Madison” stars James Caviezel and Jake Lloyd as the Unlimited hydroplane racing father-and-son McCormick duo from Owensboro, Ky. The late Jim McCormick piloted the community owned Miss Madison to a Cinderella victory in the 1971 Gold Cup race in Madison. Lloyd plays the then 9-year-old Mike McCormick.
Other stars include Bruce Dern, Paul Dooley, Chelcie Ross, Mary McCormack, Kristina Anapau, James Andelin, Brent Briscoe, Mark Fauser, Frank Knapp, Richard Lee Jackson, Cody McMains, William Shockley, Vincent Ventresca and John M. Watson Jr.
The independent film was shot on location in Madison during the 1999 Madison Regatta and throughout the fall. Scenes were also shot in other southern Indiana locations, as well as in southern California and Chicago.
The film was co-written by Indianapolis brothers Bill and Scott Bindley and directed by Bill Bindley.
Premiere Marketing previously announced it would release the film Oct. 25, 2002, but later postponed the date to allow more time to prepare and to better coordinate promotional appearances with actor Caviezel, company officials said.
* Check back on this web page for future updates as they become available.

“Madison” Movie Credits
Made in USA, 2001
Release Date: Jan. 31, 2003
Distributors: MGM and Premiere Marketing & Distribution Group
Runtime: 94 min.
Executive Producers: Carl Amari, Chris Dennis, Steve Salutric, Roy Millonzi
Producers: Martin Wiley, William Bindley
Co-Producer: Lisa Lloyd
Screenwriters: William Bindlye, Scott Bindley
Director: William Bindley (Credits: “The Eighteenth Angel,” “Judicial Consent”)
Principal Cast: Jim Caviezel (Jim McCormick), Jake Lloyd (Mike McCormick), Mary McCormack (Bonnie McCormick), Bruce Dern (Harry Volpi), Paul Dooley (Mayor Don Vaughn), Brent Briscoe (Tony Steinhardt).
Additional Cast: Frank Knapp (Bobby Humphrey), Kristina Anapau (Tami), James Andelin (Merle), Reed Diamond (Skip), Mark Fauser (Travis), Richard Lee Jackson (Buddy), Matthew Letscher (Owen Henderson), Cody McMains (Bobby Epperson), William Shockley (Rick Winston), Vincent Ventresca (Walker Grief), John M. Watson Sr. (Walter).
Storyline: A somewhat fictionalized account of a true story about an Unlimited hydroplane driver’s surprise victory in the 1971 Gold Cup at Madison, Ind.
Official website: http://www.madisonthemovie.com