[July 15, 2001, New York City] nextPix, a New York City-based production company, announced that it has selected its first project under its innovative "firstPix" program to help fund new directors working in the world of digital video. The film selected is Gordon Halloran's feature film debut, SINGING THE BONES, based on the acclaimed play of the same name. The stage version of BONES toured 35 cities internationally and received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. BONES the film blends documentary and narrative film techniques, creating a unique fusion of styles that transcends genres.

SINGING THE BONES stars Caitlin Hicks (IT, THE BLACK STALLION) as she takes her virtuoso stage performance to the screen. Critics have described the play as "brilliant, moving and very powerful," and "a rich combination of the historical and the contemporary, the personal and the political, the particular and the universal." For five years BONES has toured throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Excerpts of the play were selected and published by Smith & Kraus, New York, in the annual "The Best Women's Stage Monologues." The screenplay for the film version of BONES was adapted by Halloran.

In addition to his firstPix selection, Halloran was recently short listed for THE SHAVICK AWARDS, a $10,000 cash prize for first time directors. Sixty films were chosen, with ten short listed for three prizes.

nextPix president Don Thompson states, "We believe in this film and feel it has great potential. Caitlin and Gordon are a fantastic creative team. Caitlin is an incredibly versatile actress and a gifted writer, and Gordon has adapted the play into a striking film."

In the deal, nextPix will provide Halloran with partial post-production funding to help ready the film for the festival circuit and eventual acquisition. Halloran, who is a well-known Canadian artist who has received high profile commissions throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe, is excited about the deal, stating: "Outside of helping us to finish the film, I think the nextPix relationship will help us wade through the process of finding the right home for BONES. Finishing a film is half the battle. A successful independent filmmaker has to become educated about the entire process, including marketing and distribution."

In the film, three characters (mother, midwife and obstetrician - all portrayed by Hicks) are linked by a mysterious twin pregnancy which unravels their secrets and haunts their dreams. On the night of the birth, the past and present collide, creating the possibility of a miracle. Controversial, thought provoking and inspirational, SINGING THE BONES weaves childhood trauma, the scars of war and the mystery of birth into a rich tapestry of transformation and redemption.

For more information about nextPix or the firstPix program, please visit the company's website at www.nextpix.com or call 212-465-3125.

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