Eddie Sutton Documentary Film Teams Up with Lionsgate For National Distribution

1577 Productions and Takashi Entertainment are pleased to announce that Lionsgate Entertainment has acquired the distribution rights for the feature-length documentary film EDDIE.  Plans to begin marketing the film is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, with the release date set for March 9, 2021.

Lionsgate Entertainment, a box office leader with over $10 billion in worldwide sales, gives EDDIE access to the largest markets possible.  Consumers will initially be able to purchase or rent EDDIE on over fourteen (14) media platforms including, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube, DirecTV, Dish Network, Cox and more.

“This film is a major accomplishment for 1577 Productions and contributes to the growing momentum of Oklahoma filmmakers.  We set out to prove that films can be born, financed, produced, and distributed by Oklahoma talent, and we’ve succeeded,” said Dave Tester, President, 1577 Productions. Many Oklahoma filmmakers were involved in this film including producer Wendy Garrett of Tulsa.

EDDIE Executive Producer, Chad R. Reineke said his company, Takashi Entertainment was honored to be involved in this film. “We knew both the power of Eddie Sutton’s story and Christopher Hunt’s ability to tell it.  The finished product, however, goes beyond our wildest expectations. If there is any doubt as to how extraordinary EDDIE is, one needs to look no further than the fact that it was not only picked up by Disney and aired on ESPN, but also secured national distribution from Lionsgate Entertainment. The reputation of those brands within the industry are unmatched and their association with the film speaks volumes as to its quality.”

“When we set out to make this movie, I think we all thought that EDDIE was a story that a national audience would enjoy.  Now, with the help of Lionsgate, this film will get the audience it deserves, and our team couldn’t be more excited,” said Christopher Hunt, Director, EDDIE. “Coach Sutton is one of college basketball’s giants, and with this film, I hope that his story continues to reach audiences both young and old for years to come.”

After watching the film, legendary ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale commented, “Fathers. Sons. The game of basketball.  For anyone who has ever loved them, this is a must-see film.”

Skip Bayless, of Fox Sports said, “I’ve long been an Eddie Sutton fan, but I found EDDIE riveting for reasons that transcended just coaching basketball.  This is about a father and his many “sons” as he tried to defeat his addiction at the most pressurized levels of college basketball.  Sean Sutton and Rex Chapman take the film to another level with their painful yet beautiful honesty.”

For additional information, please contact Dave Tester at dave@1577productions.com.