Anchor Bay Entertainment Premieres Sci-Fi Film Daddy at the Iconic Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor

DETROIT, MI [November 20, 2024] – Co-written and co-directed by Neal Kelley and Jono Sherman, in their feature film debut, DADDY is a sci-fi dark comedy set in a dystopian society where the state has the power to determine who can and cannot father children. Four men attend a government-mandated retreat in the remote mountains of California. When they arrive, there’s no guide or instructions waiting for them. So left to their own devices, they must prove to themselves that they have what it takes to become fathers.

The cast features Chicago Fire series star Yuriy Sardarov in the lead role. Sardarov appeared in over 160 episodes of the hit NBC show as the beloved fan-favodrite character of Brian "Otis" Zvonecek. Starring alongside him are Jacqueline Toboni (The L Word: Generation Q and Grimm), Pomme Koch (WeCrashed) and Britt Baron (GLOW).

The filmmakers hail from Michigan and share a deep connection to the state, along with key members of the main cast, who are proud alumni of the University of Michigan.

DADDY has been an official selection at numerous film festivals including Dances With Films, the Oxford Film Festival and the Rhode Island Film Festival. It won best film at the 2023 Ridgefield Independent Film Festival and was a marquee film at the 2023 Cinequest Film Festival. 

Thomas Zambeck and Brian Katz are Detroit Area natives, and the co-founders behind the newly reimagined Anchor Bay Entertainment, a revival of the beloved and widely recognized horror brand. With a fresh perspective and a passion for storytelling, they are dedicated to building a dynamic new library of films for distribution. Their slate encompasses a diverse range of projects, including innovative genre releases, hidden cinematic gems, cult classics, and meticulously remastered catalog favorites. Through this curated collection, Zambeck and Katz aim to honor the legacy of Anchor Bay while introducing a new generation of audiences to unforgettable stories and timeless films.

“DADDY had been on our radar since its festival run,” says Zambeck, also a University of Michigan Alum. “It fits in line with our vision for Anchor Bay, and redefines preconceived notions of both science fiction and comedy. We’re thrilled to share this brilliant, poignant film with audiences around the world.”

Katz, added, “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Nick and the Michigan Theater. The Michigan Theater is an iconic venue that has been a cornerstone of the local arts community for decades, and collaborating with Nick and his team is an incredible opportunity to bring something truly special to audiences and the start of what we hope is a long-term partnership.”

Anchor Bay Entertainment recently debuted CURSED IN BAJA, directed by Rob Zombie acting alum Jeff Daniel Phillips, and CRUST, directed by Sean Whalen and featuring Alan Ruck, who was recently nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his role on Succession.

They also released the ambitious horror film ABRUPTIO, a groundbreaking project and the first of its kind, utilizing lifelike puppets in hyper-realistic settings. James Marsters, best known for his iconic role as Spike on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, stars in the film. The film was named one of Harper’s Bazaar’s Top Horror Films of 2024 and also features genre icon Robert Englund and Academy Award winner Jordan Peele. Hana Mae Lee (Pitch Perfect), Christopher McDonald (Happy Gilmore), and Sid Haig (in his final performance) also feature in the film. The project is written, directed and produced by Evan Marlowe, alongside Kerry Marlowe.

Another highlight in Anchor Bay Entertainment’s catalog is DINNER WITH LEATHERFACE, a highly anticipated documentary about Gunnar Hansen, the actor who famously portrayed Leatherface in the 1974 horror classic The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The film is set to debut at the New York Horror Film Festival in December as their opening film. It includes intimate interviews with horror icons such as Evil Dead franchise star Bruce Campbell, Barbara Crampton, Betsy Baker, Brian O'Halloran, and Danielle Harris. This film is written and directed by Michael Kallio and produced by Lowell Northrop. Post-production was handled by Umbrelic’s subsidiary, OutPost X.

Prior to launching Anchor Bay Entertainment, the partners founded Umbrelic Entertainment in 2018. Under that banner, they have successfully produced and executive produced over 14 feature films. Recent highlights include Solo Mio, starring Kevin James and Alyson Hannigan; Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose, featuring Mission: Impossible franchise actor Simon Pegg and Academy Award-nominated actress Minnie Driver; American Murderer, starring Ryan Phillippe, Tom Pelphrey, and Idina Menzel (Frozen); And the adrenaline-fueled Mafia Wars, led by Smallville star Tom Welling and Twilight actor Cam Gigandet.

The pair are also in post-production on several other films including Hellfire, starring Avatar franchise star Stephen Lang, The Possession of Gladstone Manor with Lin Shaye and Barbara Crampton and Stay at Home featuring Jenna Davis and Jack Griffo.

ABOUT THE FOUNDERS

Thomas Zambeck is a post-production veteran with more than 16 years of experience, having overseen the global delivery of over 1,500 projects. Zambeck began his career at the original Anchor Bay Entertainment and later held roles at Starz, Sony, and Post Haste Digital. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and currently resides in Los Angeles.

Brian Katz, a seasoned film production expert with over 20 years of experience, also brings expertise from the technology, manufacturing, and private equity sectors. Katz resides in the Detroit area.

For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact [email protected].