WITHOUT MALICE (formerly A LUCKY SHOT)

A LUCKY SHOT RIGHT ON TARGET AS THE FIRST FILM OF THE SASKATOON INITIATIVE

Released: December 16, 1999

(REGINA) Principal photography begins today on A Lucky Shot, produced by Minds Eye Entertainment of Regina in association with Thomega Entertainment of Saskatoon. The feature film is the first of eight action thrillers of the recently announced "Saskatoon Initiative" established by C.E.O. and Chairman of Minds Eye Entertainment, Kevin DeWalt. A Lucky Shot will be distributed internationally by Saban International.

Prince Albert National Park, one of Canada's premiere tourist destinations, serves as the backdrop for A Lucky Shot. The resort town of Waskesiu, Saskatchewan has been re-opened in its off-season for the duration of principal photography.

A Lucky Shot is an action-thriller set in the magnificent Canadian wilderness. To please his fiance, a self-centred plastic surgeon takes his brother-in-law-to-be, an ex-con and recovering addict, to a remote northern location to hunt elk. Paul, the arrogant doctor, and Marty, a former junkie, are from two different worlds, and are in conflict from the moment they arrive. In their first outing, the two encounter a bear, and to save Marty's life, Paul grazes the animal, then to protect them both, fires what he believes to be the fatal shot. When they discover that, by accident, they have killed a park officer, the two men launch an ill-fated coverup. Investigating the homicide is Park Warden Sam Wilkes, whose ability to study nature - in particular, human nature - leads her through the deep woods to solve the murder mystery, and discover the truth.

Craig Sheffer (The Fall, A River Runs Through It) stars as the pretentious Dr. Paul Venters. Jennifer Beals (Devil in a Blue Dress, Flashdance) plays the role of Warden Samantha Wilkes and Corey Haim (The Lost Boys, First Born) is ex-convict Marty. In a supporting role, Gabrielle Anwar (The Three Musketeers, Scent of a Woman) appears as Dr. Venter's fiancee and Marty's sister, Susan.

The film also features Saskatchewan actors Ian Black (Big Bear) as park officer Nick, Dan MacDonald (Something More) as Leo the helicopter pilot, Blaine Hart (The Lost Daughter) and Iain MacLean (Stranger in Town).

A Lucky Shot is directed by Rob King (Something More, Talker) and written by Canadian Peter Layton. Executive producers are Kevin DeWalt and Susan Cooper. Producers are Kevin DeWalt and Rhonda Baker, co-producer is Stephen Lillis. Associate producer is Tony Towstego. Director of photography is Ken Krawczyk, c.s.c.

The Saskatoon Initiative's primary objective is to create a skilled labour base of local crew for the thriving motion picture industry. Minds Eye Entertainment will shoot eight motion pictures in Saskatoon and area over the next two years. This initiative will create immediate employment, train newcomers to the industry and at the same time, foster continued growth in the motion picture sector.

Established in 1986, Minds Eye Entertainment is a fully integrated production, post-production and distribution entity with offices in Canada and the U.S. Its award-winning feature films, television series, shorts and documentaries have been sold in more than 100 countries.

Thomega Productions is a new Saskatoon based production company with Tony Towstego heading the company as C.E.O. A Lucky Shot is the first feature film in its production slate.

North American distribution will be handled by Minds Eye International.