Replies to post #13991 on Hannover House Inc (HHSE)

[The Rainmaker]

TDGI-All-in-One PR's - Updated 2/07/10

Target Development Group Acquires Entertainment Distributor Hannover House in Stock Swap Agreement

SPRINGDALE, Ark., Dec 09, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Target Development Group, Inc. (Pinksheets: TDGI) (Other: www.TargetDevelopmentGroup.com , www.HannoverHouse.com ), a Wyoming based development corporation, has acquired entertainment distributor Hannover House in a stock-for-stock swap venture that immediately elevates the stature of both entities. Hannover House, established in 1993, owns or controls over $15-million in assets, including a film library, literary properties and motion picture production equipment and facilities. The newly merged entities will continue to trade stock under the TDGI.PK symbol, but will release films, videos and books under the Hannover House brand name.

Simultaneous with the December 1st merger transaction, the officers and directors of Target were restructured to add Hannover House executives to the board, with Eric Parkinson also tapped as Chairman / CEO and Fred Shefte as President.

Additional information on these and other corporate developments for Target and Hannover House will be published in the Initial Information and Disclosure Statements to be available for TDGI via the Pinksheets website at www.Pinksheets.com .

Hannover House is the releasing label for Truman Press, Inc., which is the corporate entity acquired by Target under this venture. Hannover House has an impressive slate of new films, videos and books for release during 2010 to supplement revenues from the company's library of seventy-five properties currently in release. Additionally, strategic relationships with suppliers representing multiple titles will be announced in the coming weeks, collectively providing Hannover and Target with more than 30 titles for release during 2010. Each of the key new release titles will be announced separately.

Eric Parkinson is a veteran of the film distribution industry, with 27 years of experience including a high profile position as CEO at Hemdale Communications, Inc. Fred Shefte has over 35 years of business experience, working primarily as an attorney and banker. Their support staff includes middle management positions in marketing, sales, operations and finance, collectively performing all of the duties required to properly maintain current reporting status for the newly combined Hannover-Target entity.

Principal offices, warehousing and production facilities for Hannover House are located in Springdale, Arkansas, in close proximity to the world headquarters for WalMart Stores, Inc., the nation's largest retailer for DVDs and Blu-Ray discs. Other key retail accounts for Hannover House book and video products include Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Blockbuster, Borders, Christian Book Outlet, Family Christian Stores, Hastings, Hollywood Video, Movie Gallery, Netflix and SAMS Clubs.


Target Development Group and Hannover House Acquire Acclaimed Suspense-Thriller, ""Sensored"

SPRINGDALE, AR, Dec 10, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Hannover House, the film and video releasing label for Target Development Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: TDGI) (Other: www.TargetDevelopmentGroup.com , www.HannoverHouse.com ), has acquired the North American video rights to "Sensored," an acclaimed suspense thriller starring Robert Picardo ("Star Trek: Voyager," "Stargate Atlantis," "Stargate SGI").

The agreement was entered into between Target-Hannover House president Fred Shefte with Jo and Kevin Haskin, of KeJo Productions, LLC, an up-and-coming feature film production company headquartered in Sacramento, California.

In "Sensored," Robert Picardo plays Wade Nixon, a children's book author trying to keep his frayed mind from unraveling. Wade's battle with his own demons causes him to believe there is a conspiracy against him. Hanging in the balance is his legacy, and he'll stop at nothing to prove its reality. The line between mundane reality and horrific fantasy is skillfully blurred in this powerful film that Movie News described as "intense and intelligent... a top quality thriller that delivers the goods."

"Sensored" has generated enthusiastic audience reactions in sneak preview screenings, with research feedback meeting or exceeding results generated by the current, indie-cinema hit, "Paranormal Activity."

Legendary film director Joe Dante ("Gremlins," "Small Soldiers") provided insightful commentary about the film.

"The great Robert Picardo gets inside the mind of a madman in Ryan Todd's unexpected, riveting mindbender that plays like a horror film but ends up being so much more. A tour-de-force for one of my favorite actors, who at last gets to carry a picture. Sarah Knowlton is likewise memorable. Timely, thoughtful and altogether engrossing. One of the year's finest indies." -- Joe Dante.

The film was directed by Ryan Todd and produced by Kevin Haskin and Jo Haskin of KeJo Productions, LLC.

"Sensored" is not currently rated by the MPAA, but is expected to earn a "R" rating when reviewed by the Classifications and Ratings Administration. The film runs for 91 minutes and is in color and stereo. DVDs of "Sensored" will be priced at $19.95 suggested retail and Blu-Ray units will be priced at $24.95 suggested retail. The DVD UPC number is 7-6145073673-3 and the Blu-Ray UPC number is 7-6145003673-4. Hannover House and Target have set a video release date for Tuesday, February 2, 2010.

For more information on the film or to view the trailer, visit: www.SensoredTheMovie.com . For more information on Target Development Group, Inc. and Hannover House, contact Fred Shefte at 479-751-4500 / email: [e-mail]


Target Development Group and Hannover House Announce Eight New Titles for Q1 Release

SPRINGDALE, AR, Dec 11, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Hannover House, the film and video releasing label for Target Development Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: TDGI) (Other: www.TargetDevelopmentGroup.com , www.HannoverHouse.com ), has announced eight new video and literary properties for release during the first calendar quarter of 2010.

In January, the company will release three titles to the DVD and Blu-Ray markets. "American Drug War" is the acclaimed Showtime documentary about government activities in the war on drugs. "The Hiding" is a horror-thriller about a haunted forest. "2 Dudes and a Dream" is a comedy about actors trying to make it in Hollywood. Also in January, Hannover will release "Made in the USA," the long-anticipated economics book by best-selling author, Barr McClellan.

In February, Hannover will release to DVD and Blu-Ray two recent theatrical titles. "War Eagle, Arkansas" is an acclaimed drama that won top awards at more than 20 film festivals. "Chelsea on the Rocks" is an insider's look at the notorious Chelsea Hotel in New York, from director Abel Ferrara. "Sensored," a suspense thriller starring Robert Picardo will also be releases in February.

In March, Hannover will release "Bobby Dogs" to DVD and Blu-Ray. This festival favorite chronicles the plight of a recovering alcoholic as he struggles to rebuild a life.

Hannover House and Target Development Group work with a wide variety of independent film production companies and programming licensors. "American Drug War" is being released under license from SCP Enterprises. "The Hiding" is being released under a distribution venture with Central Film Company. "2 Dudes and a Dream," "War Eagle, Arkansas," "Chelsea on the Rocks" and "Bobby Dogs" are part of a multi-title distribution pact with Producer's Releasing Organization, Inc.


Target Development Group in Pursuit of Hemdale(ET)

SPRINGDALE, AR, Dec 14, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Target Development Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: TDGI) (Other: www.TargetDevelopmentGroup.com , www.HannoverHouse.com ), the parent company of entertainment distributor Hannover House, is in negotiations to acquire and resurrect Hemdale Communications as a vehicle for Target's higher profile film releases.

Eric Parkinson, Target Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, was formerly C.E.O. of Hemdale Home Video, Inc. and Hemdale Communications, Inc. Over the past few weeks, and on behalf of Target Development Group, Parkinson has contacted the major shareholders of Hemdale Communications, Inc. and commenced negotiations to acquire certain assets, including the license authority for the company's releasing brand.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to build on the brand legacy of Hemdale and provide a quality releasing vehicle for Target," said Parkinson. "For more than 20 years, Hemdale was the most respected releasing label for independent cinema, filling a market segment that exists again today. The major studios have been moving their release plans entirely toward mega-event releases on 3,000 or more screens. In doing so, they have virtually walked away from the billion-dollar market segment for quality, mid-level theatrical titles. We believe that Hemdale brand will provide Target with the ideal releasing entity to address this significant market," he concluded.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Hemdale name was synonymous with quality, independent cinema. The company produced and distributed over 100 major feature titles including two Best Picture Oscar winners, "Platoon" and "The Last Emperor." Other notable titles from Hemdale include "Terminator," "Hoosiers," "Impromptu," "Salvador," "Hidden Agenda" and "Vampire's Kiss."

Target's plan for a revived Hemdale would include the opening of a Los Angeles-based office to oversee production and acquisition opportunities.

"We're extremely excited about this opportunity, and hope to reach an agreement with the rest of the principal Hemdale shareholders soon," Parkinson concluded.


Target Development Group and Hannover House Enter Into Film Library Ventures With Elite Entertainment and FOCUS film Entertainment

SPRINGDALE, AR, Dec 16, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Hannover House, the film and video distribution division of Target Development Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: TDGI) (Other: www.TargetDevelopmentGroup.com , www.HannoverHouse.com ), has entered into a distribution venture to become the exclusive USA DVD and Blu-Ray distributor for the Elite Entertainment and FOCUSfilm Entertainment libraries, collectively adding more than 60 catalog titles and up to 20 new release titles to the Hannover House roster.

The distribution pact was negotiated between Target and Hannover President D. Frederick Shefte and Vini Bancalari, president of Elite Entertainment, Inc. and partner in FOCUSfilm Entertainment. The agreement was activated this week through the initial funds transfer from Hannover House, with additional installment payments slated over the coming months. Actual sales representation of the Elite and FOCUSfilm titles will commence in January 2010.

The Elite Entertainment label is the premiere science-fiction, fantasy and horror film independent video supplier in North America. Key titles include director Philippe Mora's alien-abduction masterpiece, "Communion" starring Christopher Walken; the big-foot monster classic, "Boggy Creek 2: The Legend Continues"; "Savage Harvest 2: October Blood"; and the 10-title horror series, "The Fearmakers Collection." The FOCUSfilm library contains a wide range of classics and international cinema favorites including multipacks of "Sherlock Holmes," "Ryder P.I." and the Orson Welles boxed set, "Citizen Welles." Additional titles, trailers and more information are posted at www.EliteDisc.com .

"This is an ideal marriage for both companies," Shefte said. "Elite and FOCUSFilm were looking to expand their distribution reach while Hannover House was looking to acquire more programming to present to our large and growing customer base. We feel uniquely qualified to maximize revenues from their catalog titles, and build on their exciting new release titles coming in 2010 and 2011."

"It's a multimillion dollar opportunity that adds significantly to Hannover's product roster and market credibility," he added.

Target Development Group, Hannover House Acquire 10 Video Titles

SPRINGDALE, AR, Dec 18, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Hannover House, the film and video releasing label for Target Development Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: TDGI) (Other: www.TargetDevelopmentGroup.com , www.HannoverHouse.com ), announced today the acquisition of video distribution rights to 10 additional titles, including six new release feature films. The programs, under license from Central Film Company and Family Universal Network, will be released by Hannover House on DVD and Blu-ray in late spring and early summer 2010.

Central Film Company has expanded its existing distribution relationship with Hannover House with the addition of six new release features: "Eyes of the Woods," "Allegheny Sunset," "Naked Nerve Endings," "The Sky is Falling," "Static" and "The Wind and the Long Black Scarf."

Los Angeles-based Family Universal Network will provide four animated features -- "Treasure Island," starring the voice talent of Hugh Laurie ("House") and Richard E. Grant ("Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties"); "Journey to the Center of the Earth"; "Around the World in 80 Days"; and "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Each will be available as individually packaged DVDs, as well as be part of a three-pack item Hannover will release as "The Jules Verne Classics Collection."

Earlier this week, Hannover House announced a library distribution venture with Elite Entertainment and FOCUSFilms. The total number of titles in the Hannover House library now exceeds 150, including catalog programs, new releases and newly acquired theatrical feature films to be announced in the upcoming months.

"We're pleased to have a solid line-up of diverse, new release videos through 2010," said Eric Parkinson, CEO of Hannover House and Target Development Group. "These titles will provide a significant foundation for our expansion into the higher-profile, theatrical features that ultimately will define the company."

Hannover House was established in 1993 as a publisher of fine literature, and was expanded in 2002 by former Hemdale CEO Eric Parkinson to include film and video products. Attorney and banker D. Frederick Shefte joined Hannover House as President in 2007. Target Development Group, Inc. acquired Hannover House this month in a stock-for-stock swap agreement. For 2010, Hannover House plans to release eight films to theaters, 28 titles to home video, and six new release books.

Target and Hannover House Set for Direct Video-On-Demand Access


SPRINGDALE, AR--(Marketwire - 12/30/09) - Hannover House, the film and video distribution division of Target Development Group, Inc. (Pinksheets:TDGI - News) (Other: www.TargetDevelopmentGroup.com, www.HannoverHouse.com), has entered into direct access agreements with more than a dozen of the top U.S.A. based Video-On-Demand providers and retailers, with titles being offered as soon as February 2010. The new structure will enable Hannover House to deliver new release movies and catalog titles on a direct basis through streaming technologies available over the internet and through cable television providers.

"This is a major, structural development for the company," said Eric Parkinson, C.E.O. of Hannover House and Target Development Group, Inc. "We see Video-On-Demand emerging in 2010 as a significant revenue source for Hannover House and other studios with large content libraries. Quality and security issues with the technologies have been resolved, making V.O.D. the easiest way for consumers to access entertainment. As a rights owner and distributor, Hannover saves on the manufacturing and freight costs associated with DVDs and Blu-ray videos, plus benefits from the faster and more direct payment stream. It's a highly-profitable method to deliver entertainment and our new structure should maximize these results," Parkinson concluded.

The Hannover House 2008 release of "Hounddog," starring Dakota Fanning, was made available for Video-On-Demand through a variety of cable networks, V.O.D. suppliers and internet retailers. Key accounts included Time Warner Cable, Comcast, Cox Communications, DISH Network, AT&T, Verizon, Amazon.com and Netflix. Access to these accounts was through a third-party agency, which Hannover felt significantly reduced efficiency, profitability and cash flow timing. Hannover's new structure provides direct access to V.O.D. suppliers and is expected to improve placements, revenues and collections. A complete listing of Hannover House V.O.D. partners will be released in mid-January.

Hannover House owns or controls the distribution rights to more than 150 feature film and television properties. Principal offices, warehousing and production facilities are located in Springdale, Arkansas, in close proximity to the world headquarters for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., the nation's largest retailer for entertainment products. Other key accounts for Hannover House products include Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Blockbuster, Borders, Christian Book Outlet, Family Christian Stores, Hastings, Hollywood Video, Movie Gallery, Netflix and SAMS Clubs.


Hannover on Target for Major Title Acquisitions

SPRINGDALE, AR--(Marketwire - 12/31/09) - Hannover House, the film and video distribution division of Target Development Group, Inc. (Pinksheets:TDGI - News) (Other: www.TargetDevelopmentGroup.com, www.HannoverHouse.com), is closing in on the acquisition of distribution rights for three additional feature films described by the company as "major profile releases with significant commercial value for the theatrical, video and television markets."

These new titles will supplement the company's existing release slate of approximately 30 video releases, 4 theatrical releases and 5 new release book properties already set for release during 2010. Hannover will also implement several catalog sales promotions in support of the company's extensive library of DVD and Blu-ray properties.

"We're encouraged by the quality and quantity of new films being offered to Hannover House now that we've joined forces with Target Development Group," said C.E.O. Eric Parkinson. "The company is uniquely positioned to provide access to theaters, video retailers and television outlets throughout North America, and our management team is known and respected within the industry. The marriage of Hannover House into Target was the catalyst for obtaining new credit funding and off-balance-sheet financing opportunities that have made the acquisition of major titles both realistic and obtainable."

Each of the four theatrical titles already acquired by Hannover House and Target Development Group will be individually announced during January. Pending approval from licensors, Hannover and Target plan to announce details of new acquisition titles at the Sundance Film Festival, occurring in late January in Park City, Utah.

The corporate websites for both Hannover House and Target Development Group have been substantially updated and redesigned, but have not yet been published live onto the internet as the company awaits formal announcement of each of the key titles. Additionally, the company plans to post consolidated 2009 year-end results by Friday, January 8, along with a management discussion and revenue forecasts for Q1, 2010.

"This is an exciting time for Hannover and Target," Parkinson continued. "Producers and program rights owners are actively seeking deals with us which will enable us to achieve our goals more quickly than originally anticipated."

Target Division Expands Book and Film Acquisitions
New Literary Properties for Hannover House Expand 2010 Slate

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - 01/06/10) - Hannover House, the entertainment distribution division of Target Development Group, Inc. (Pinksheets:TDGI - News) (Other: www.TargetDevelopmentGroup.com, www.HannoverHouse.com), will more than double its output of new release book titles in 2010, said company CEO Eric Parkinson. Encouraged by strong presales of the company's upcoming book release, "Made in the U.S.A." by best-selling author Barr McClellan, Hannover will accelerate the acquisition and release of other high-profile titles.

"Once a new book covers its initial releasing costs, the margins to Hannover House can be substantial," said Parkinson. "On a high-volume title like 'Made in the U.S.A.' the gross profit margin can exceed sixty percent. Accordingly, we plan to release another Barr McClellan book this Fall and more than ten other properties, several of which have the additional benefit of being suitable for development into feature films."

One of the existing Hannover House catalog titles, "Sacred Prey," a suspense thriller by Vivian Schilling, has been optioned by Warner Brothers Studios for potential production into a major motion picture. Hannover House would like to develop more of its book properties into feature films.

"Many of the top grossing films and film franchises of all times were launched first as books," said Parkinson. "We think that the book market provides Hannover House with a cost-efficient opportunity to generate excitement for a story and better position it for success as a feature film, which feeds into our other corporate activities in media distribution."

The "Twilight," "Harry Potter" and "Lord of the Rings" book series have each spawned a series of extremely successful movies, which in turn, sparked new interest and sales in the books. Hannover's new book acquisitions include titles that the company feels are ideally suited for production into major motion pictures.

New release books for Hannover House will be individually announced over the next two months, and will be prominently featured at the company's exhibit booth at the 2010 Book Expo America conference in New York City.

Hannover House on Target at Sundance for Major Titles

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - 01/07/10) - Hannover House, the film and video distribution division of Target Development Group, Inc. (Pinksheets:TDGI - News) (Other: www.TargetDevelopmentGroup.com, www.HannoverHouse.com), is armed with cash and ready to buy films as one of an elite group of recognized studio buyers at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival. Funds from a variety of off-balance-sheet acquisition ventures will enable Hannover House to compete with the major studios for the distribution rights to the top echelon of "A" level theatrical titles, said C.E.O. Eric Parkinson.

"We're actively pursuing commercial hits," said Parkinson. "Our acquisition model of off-balance-sheet co-ventures will enable Hannover House to pay significant advances if needed, yet limit the company's downside risk. We feel that this sort of credit arrangement is more beneficial to our shareholders than a traditional debt line or the issuance of new equity shares. It's a creative way for the company to acquire the high-profile titles that will drive our growing business," he continued.

Over the past 26 years, many key titles from the Sundance Film Festival have gone on to achieve notable, commercial success. Hannover House will be attending this year's festival looking to acquire the U.S. distribution rights to films that have significant theatrical potential.

"Hannover House already has a solid line-up of new release titles for 2010," said Parkinson. "But we have room to add up to four major titles to our schedule, and will be a highly visible player at this year's Sundance," he concluded.

The 26th annual Sundance Film Festival will be held from January 21 through 31 in Park City, Utah. Hannover House is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Target Development Group, Inc.


Sundance Festival Proves Active for Hannover House
1:38 PM ET 1/25/10 | Marketwire

Sundance Film Festival -- Hannover House, the entertainment distribution division of Target Development Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: TDGI) (Other: www.TargetDevelopmentGroup.com, www.HannoverHouse.com), has closed its first acquisition agreement at the Sundance Film Festival, and is moving towards closure on three additional titles, reports company C.E.O. Eric Parkinson.

"Edgar Allen Poe's Requiem For The Dead," from producer Robert Tinnell's Allegheny Image Factory, is the first title bought by Hannover House during Sundance. The company plans to market the PG-13 level thriller as a hybrid release, appealing to both horror audiences and fans of Poe's classic literature. Previous feature films from Producer-Director Tinnell include "Believe" starring Elisha Cuthbert, "Airspeed" starring Joe Mantegna and "Kids of the Roundtable" starring Malcolm McDowell.

Hannover is also pursuing several high-profile theatrical titles at the Sundance Festival. "The Company Men" starring Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Cooper and Kevin Costner, directed by John Wells, is one of Hannover's top targets and negotiations have commenced with C.A.A., the agency representing the film. Hannover is also looking closely at acquisition opportunities for the Joel Schumacher drama "Twelve," starring Emma Roberts, Chase Crawford and 50 Cent, as well as two features represented by Cinetic Media, the thriller "Holy Rollers" (starring Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Bartha) and the drama "The Kids Are All Right" (starring Julianne Moore, Annette Bening and Mark Ruffalo).

"These are just a few of the titles we are looking at for possible acquisition," said Parkinson. "We're impressed with the selection of theatrical quality films at Sundance this year, and feel confident that we'll prevail in our pursuit of several major acquisitions."

Target Division Hannover House Scores Top Sundance Title
Font size: A | A | A
9:01 AM ET 2/2/10 | Marketwire

Sundance Film Festival -- Hannover House, the film and video distribution division of Target Development Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: TDGI) (Other: www.TargetDevelopmentGroup.com, www.HannoverHouse.com), prevailed over three other studio bidders at last week's Sundance Film Festival to purchase the North American distribution rights to director Joel Schumacher's acclaimed teen drama, "Twelve." Based on the best-selling book by Nick McDonnell, "Twelve" presents a powerful and insightful look into the secret lives of today's youth, and stars Chase Crawford ("Gossip Girls"), Emma Roberts ("Nancy Drew"), Rory Culkin ("Lymelife"), Ellen Barkin ("Ocean's 13"), Keifer Sutherland ("24") and multi-platinum-selling rap music superstar Curtis "50-Cent" Jackson.

"This is a major acquisition and positive step towards the realization of our 2010 business plans for Hannover House and Target Development Group," said Eric Parkinson, C.E.O. "Major feature titles such as 'Twelve' have tremendous commercial value, and will contribute significantly to our revenues. We are extremely pleased to have prevailed in our acquisition efforts for this title, and are excited about the film's theatrical release plans for this summer."

Hannover House plans to release "Twelve" to theaters on June 18, 2010. The marketing and distribution plan is being handled by industry veteran Tom Ortenberg, who set multiple theatrical releasing achievement records during his 12 years as President of Lionsgate Films. While at Lionsgate, Ortenberg managed the release of more than 100 films including Academy Award winners "Crash" and "Monster's Ball," as well as "Fahrenheit 9-11," the first five "Saw" movies and four successful Tyler Perry / Madea films. Ortenberg will consult with Hannover House through his recently formed entertainment venture, One Way Out Media.

"The principal cast of 'Twelve' shares our enthusiasm for the film's release and will be supporting our premiere and media campaign this summer," said Parkinson.

"The film resonates and connects with today's youth like nothing else I've ever seen. Films such as 'Rebel Without A Cause,' 'Risky Business' and even 'Napoleon Dynamite' have provided a voice for generations of youth to be heard. But 'Twelve' really gets into the hearts and minds of today's teens and young adults," concluded Parkinson.