Movie Release: Romantic Family Comedy, Jumping the Broom, Produced by Our Stories Films, an RLJ Company, to Premiere Mother's Day Weekend

LOS ANGELES, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Robert L. Johnson, chairman of The RLJ Companies, founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET), and founder and CEO of Our Stories Films, announced today the launch of their new film, Jumping the Broom, an inspirational and positive story of two very different families who meet for the first time at a weekend wedding in Martha's Vineyard. Through multi-faceted storylines, the film explores the family dynamics of marriage and reminds us of the bonds that keep families strong.

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"Tracey is the president and COO of Our Stories Films where she oversees the development and production of projects for urban audiences. She is very talented and has a strong creative vision," says Robert L. Johnson. "I trust her direction in telling the memorable stories people want to see and know that audiences will truly enjoy this new film and will closely relate to the story," he added. "We were also pleased to collaborate with Bishop T.D. Jakes who is very committed to supporting family oriented films," Johnson concluded.

"We are excited to bring this romantic family comedy, featuring some of the top talent in the industry, to a nationwide audience," says producer Tracey E. Edmonds. "The positive feedback on this very funny, emotional, and uplifting story has been exceptional. We are certain that the relationship and familial issues explored will resonate with all and hope that audiences everywhere will fall in love with this film as much as we did creating it," Edmonds concluded.

Jumping the Broom stars Angela Bassett (Notorious, Meet The Browns), Paula Patton (Precious, Deja Vu), Laz Alonso (Just Wright, Avatar), Loretta Devine (Death at a Funeral, First Sunday), Tasha Smith (Couples Retreat, Why Did I Get Married Too?), Julie Bowen ("Modern Family"), Romeo Miller (Honey), DeRay Davis (Old Dogs, Semi-Pro), Valarie Pettiford (Why Did I Get Married Too?, Stomp the Yard), Mike Epps (The Hangover, Resident Evil: Extinction), Pooch Hall ("The Game") and Meagan Good (Stomp the Yard, Eve's Bayou).

The film is directed, and co-produced by Salim Akil ("The Game") in his feature theatrical film debut. The screenplay is by Elizabeth Hunter (Fighting Temptations) and Arlene Gibbs (Traitor), from a story by Elizabeth Hunter. Tracey E. Edmonds (Soul Food and Good Luck Chuck), T.D. Jakes (Not Easily Broken), Glendon Palmer, Elizabeth Hunter and Curtis Wallace (Not Easily Broken) produced the project. Director of photography is Anastas N. Michos, ASC (After.life). Production designer is Doug McCullough (Ice Castles). Terilyn A. Shropshire, A.C.E. (The Secret Life of Bees) is editor. Original music is by Edward Schearmur (The Wolfman).

About The RLJ Companies: Founded by Robert L. Johnson, is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies. Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds interests in businesses operating in hotel real estate investment; private equity; financial services; asset management; insurance services; automobile dealerships; sports and entertainment; and video lottery terminal gaming. The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, MD, with affiliate operations in Charlotte, NC; Little Rock, AR; Los Angeles, CA; San Juan, PR; and Monrovia, Liberia. Prior to founding The RLJ Companies, Johnson was founder and chairman of Black Entertainment Television (BET). For additional information please visit: www.rljcompanies.com.

Our Stories Films, LLC: Our Stories Films is the first African American owned film production studio that produces theatrical motion pictures that showcase the talents of African Americans on both sides of the camera and in the creative process. Founded in 2006, Our Stories Films is headquartered in Hollywood, CA, and targets underserved, urban audiences within the family and urban comedy genre with a production budget of $5M–$7M per film.

Contact: Traci Otey Blunt, 240.744.7858

SOURCE The RLJ Companies

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