LOS ANGELES, July 29 /PRNewswire/ -- New Line Cinema has purchased the
comedic spec screenplay Detroit Rock City from screenwriter Carl Dupre, it was
announced today by Michael De Luca, President and Chief Operating Officer of
New Line Productions.
    Set in 1978, Detroit Rock City is a hilarious coming-of-age story about
four teenagers who embark on a wild adventure to attend a KISS concert.
Driven by their unwavering passion to experience their favorite legendary rock
group live, the teens will stop at nothing to scam their way into the sold-out
show.  KISS was the #1 grossing act of the 1996-1997 concert season according
to Polstar.
    The film will be produced by KISS lead singer Gene Simmons, as well as
Barry Levine and Kathleen Haase through their respective production companies,
Takoma Entertainment Group and Base 12 Productions.  Simmons will also star in
the film along with original band members Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter
Criss.  Director Adam Rifkin, who most recently scripted Small Soldiers and
Mouse Hunt, will develop the project and direct the film.
    "We believe this is an ideal vehicle for young actors who want to do an
edgy, generational comedy," De Luca said.  "Dupre has done an outstanding job
of capturing the essence of being a teenager in the '70s while making it
entertaining for audiences of all ages.  KISS rules.  They ruled back then,
and they rule now.  We hope to get this project into production as soon as
possible."
    "I've been a huge KISS fan since I was a kid," said Rifkin.  "Mike De Luca
and Brian Witten have been phenomenally supportive of the project, and based
on their recent string of hit comedies, I think New Line is the perfect home
for this film."
    "Detroit Rock City is the quintessential coming-of-age story," added
Simmons.  "I think there will be a lot of kids who will relate to the
pilgrimage these teens are on.  It's like they're after the Holy Grail!"
    Vice President of Production Brian Witten brought the project into the
company and will serve as the production executive with De Luca.  The company
expects to begin casting in the near future.
    David Alper, Senior Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs,
negotiated the deal on behalf of the studio.  Phil Rosen and Gene Simmons
negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.  Jon Levin represented
Levine, and Alan Gasmer brokered the deal on behalf of Rifkin.
    Founded in 1967, New Line Cinema is the entertainment industry's leading
independent producer and distributor of theatrical motion pictures.  New Line
licenses its films to ancillary markets including cable and broadcast
television as well as to international venues.  The company, which is a
subsidiary of Time Warner Entertainment, operates several divisions including
in-house theatrical distribution, marketing, home video, television,
acquisitions, production, licensing and merchandising units.

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