Feature Film to Open in Triangle Theatres March 7

RALEIGH, NC, March 4, 2008 – Jim O’Brien, entertainment attorney at Poyner & Spruill LLP, one of North Carolina’s oldest and largest law firms, will help unveil the new feature film Bar Starz when it premieres on March 7 in the Triangle. The film will premiere on over 150 screens across the U.S. that day. Bar Starz is a PG-13 rated comedy about the adventures of the lead character’s quest to win an internship with the trend-setting local ‘Bar Starz’.

O’Brien has worked on numerous entertainment projects since joining Poyner & Spruill after moving from California nearly 14 years ago. He acts as production counsel on films, including Bar Starz, handling everything from helping the producer acquire rights to the project and putting together investment packages, to negotiating deals with actors and hiring musicians for soundtracks. O’Brien worked with local production company OBX Productions, based in Cary, to bring Bar Starz to the big screen.

“We have high hopes for Bar Starz and know that movie-goers will enjoy it and find the humor in its portrayal of the modern social scene,” said O’Brien. “The process of bringing it to theatres was a successful journey and we are excited to see how the public responds and from there bring the film to even more screens.”

Bar Starz is directed by Michael Pietrzak and written by Peter Castanik and Marc James. Lead character ‘Barry’ is played by Derek Waters and other cast members include Jana Kramer and Charlie Murphy, Eddie Murphy’s brother.

Bar Starz will be shown at the following Triangle area theaters starting on March 7:

• Carmike 15, Raleigh

• Raleigh Grande 16

• Regal Brier Creek 14, Raleigh

• Carmike Park Place 16, Morrisville

• Carmike Wynnsong 15, Durham

• White Oak Cinemas 14, Garner

• Regal Town Square 10, Garner

• Crossroads 20, Cary

• Beaver Creek Cinemas, Apex

O’Brien also collaborated with OBX on "Betsy's Kindergarten Adventures," a new animated children’s show that airs on 37 PBS stations. The show, which has also been picked up by UNC-TV, features the voice talents of Nancy Cartwright, Sally Struthers and Tom Bosley.