ANVIL Documentary's U.S. Distribution 'Extensively Expanded'

As a result of the initial success of "Anvil! The Story of Anvil", VH1 Films and Abramorama have extensively expanded the distribution of the film beginning Friday, May 15 and will continue throughout the summer in additional markets across the country and Canada.

Since debuting in theaters in April, "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" has already grossed $380,000 in only 37 theaters, including last week's sold-out "Anvil Experience" show at the NuArt theater in Los Angeles. "The Anvil Experience" tour will also continue throughout the summer in expanded markets. At each tour stop, the film will be played immediately followed by a short performance by the band. With recent features in Newsweek and Rolling Stone, this expansion of the film marks a stellar comeback for the 30 year-old band.

As previously announced, VH1 acquired the exclusive rights for "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" and will release the film on television and DVD under its Emmy Award-winning "VH1 Rock Docs" franchise this fall. VH1 has been heavily supporting the initial theatrical distribution by Abramorama with a network-wide, multi-platform promotional campaign.

"Anvil! The Story of Anvil" is the directorial debut of screenwriter Sacha Gervasi ("The Terminal") and was produced by Rebecca Yeldham ("The Kite Runner" and "The Motorcycle Diaries"). The film follows Steve "Lips" Kudlow and Robb Reiner and their band, ANVIL, which released one of the heaviest albums in metal history, 1982's "Metal on Metal". The album influenced an entire musical generation of rock bands, including METALLICA, SLAYER, and ANTHRAX, who all went on to sell millions of records. ANVIL, on the other hand, took a different path — straight to obscurity. The film is both entertaining and touching as it follows their last-ditch quest for the fame and fortune that has been so elusive to them. "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" is a timeless tale of survival and the unadulterated passion it takes to follow your dream, year after year.

Praised as "the best documentary I've seen in years," by documentarian Michael Moore, "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" contains appearances by an array of heavy metal icons, including METALLICA's Lars Ulrich, former member of GUNS N' ROSES, Slash, ANTHRAX's Scott Ian, and SLAYER's Tom Araya, among others.

Celebrities unconnected to the film have rallied around it, urging their fans to see "Anvil" in theaters. Among them are: Ryan Gosling, Dustin Hoffman, Benji and Joel Madden of GOOD CHARLOTTE, MAROON 5, John Mayer, Mandy Moore, Keanu Reeves, Morgan Spurlock and Rob Thomas.

"It's so gratifying to see the love for ANVIL grow and how their story is capturing the hearts of moviegoers around the country," said Tom Calderone, President of VH1. "'Anvil! The Story of Anvil' has a huge heart and VH1 is happy to be able to share the film with even more people."

"Anvil! The Story of Anvil" is the newest film in the Emmy Award-winning VH1 Rock Docs franchise. VH1 Rock Docs are high-end feature-length documentaries that each reveal an untold story in the history of rock and hip-hop music, combining never-before-seen footage with a unique and unconventional narrative approach. The documentaries tell some of the most unique stories of artists and music from a wide range of genres, styles, and musical perspectives.