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9 months ago
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EXCLUSIVE: Legion M has unveiled the trailer and theatrical release date for feature doc William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill, announcing that it will debut on hundreds of screens across North America on March 22nd, as Shatner celebrates his 93rd birthday. Presale ticket packages are now available. View the trailer above.
Legion M, the world’s first fan-owned entertainment company, is distributing the film and has partnered with Falling Forward Films for theater booking and FilmFrog for theatrical marketing. Vortex Media holds Canadian rights and will release the film simultaneously.
Directed by Alexandre O. Philippe (78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene, Memory: The Origins of Alien), You Can Call Me Bill is billed as an intimate exploration of Shatner’s life and career. From his unforgettable portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise to the diverse accomplishments of a 70+ year career across film, television, and the arts, the documentary captures the essence of Shatner’s journey and his extraordinary contributions to the entertainment industry.
The documentary was entirely financed by over 1,200 fans via Legion M’s “Fan-First-Financing,” which allowed people to invest as little as $100 to own a financial stake in the film and any profits it generates.
Acknowledging the “fans of independent film, fans of documentaries, and fans whose support has given me a career in this industry,” Shatner stated that “Legion M’s approach of uniting the audience to make movies is brilliant. I’m honored to stand with those who invested, and proud to be a part of the work they helped create. I hope everyone comes out to join our celebration when the film releases in theaters on March 22.”
Expressing his conviction that “movies are meant to be seen in theaters,” Legion M co-founder and President Jeff Annison added that “as a company owned by fans, we’re excited by the opportunity to create a truly unique theatrical experience, bringing together audiences around the country to celebrate William Shatner’s life, legacy, and 93rd birthday.”
Following its world premiere at SXSW 2023, the Shatner doc has gone on a worldwide festival tour that has included stops at BFI London, Sitges, Melbourne, Karlovy Vary, and Filmfest München. Kerry Deignan Roy from Exhibit A Pictures and Annison produced the film, in association with CCG Guardian Entertainment Inc. Exec producers include Paul Scanlan, Terri Lubaroff, David Baxter, Matt Kemner, and Shatner.
Pic is the latest addition to Legion M’s expanding portfolio, which includes films Mandy, Nandor Fodor & the Talking Mongoose, The Man in the White Van and the SXSW-bound My Dead Friend Zoe.
