Prepare to boldly explore the life of an icon as the feature documentary William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill makes its theatrical debut on hundreds of screens across North America on March 22 – the same date as William Shatner’s 93rd birthday.
Legion M, the world’s first fan-owned entertainment company is distributing the film and has partnered with long-time industry veterans Falling Forward Films to book theaters and FilmFrog for theatrical marketing. The movie will simultaneously release in Canada with distributor Vortex Media, which has acquired Canadian rights to the film.
Directed by the visionary filmmaker Alexandre O. Philippe (78/52: Hitchcock’s Shower Scene, Memory: The Origins of Alien), William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill is an intimate exploration of the life and career of William Shatner. From his unforgettable portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek to his diverse accomplishments of a 70+ year career across film, television, and the arts, the documentary captures the essence of Shatner’s journey and his extraordinary contributions to the entertainment industry.
The documentary was entirely financed by over 1,200 fans via Legion M’s innovative “Fan-First-Financing,” which allowed people to invest as little as $100 to own a financial stake in the film and any profits it generates.
“This film was made possible by fans,” said William Shatner. “Fans of independent film, fans of documentaries, and fans whose support has given me a career in this industry. Legion M’s approach of uniting the audience to make movies is brilliant. I’m honored to stand with those who invested, and proud to be a part of the work they helped create. I hope everyone comes out to join our celebration when the film releases in theaters on March 22.”
After premiering at SXSW in 2023, the film has been on a worldwide festival tour that included BFI London, Sitges, Melbourne, Karlovy Vary, and Filmfest München. It is 100% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes as it gears up for a release that is expected to reach hundreds of movie theaters across America.
“Movies are meant to be seen in theaters,” said Legion M co-founder and President Jeff Annison. “As a company owned by fans, we’re excited by the opportunity to create a truly unique theatrical experience, bringing together audiences around the country to celebrate William Shatner’s life, legacy, and 93rd birthday.”
“Theatrical releasing is as challenging as it’s ever been, but William Shatner’s story is extraordinary and the festival reception has shown this is a movie that appeals to fans of documentaries and independent film” said Scott Kennedy, CEO of Falling Forward Films. “Working on this project is truly a delight; it’s backed not only by the producers and stars but also by a global community of fans. We are proud to be a part of it”
“This is more than just a movie, it’s a celebration,” said Brandon Jones, President of theatrical marketing agency FilmFrog. “We’re building an extensive program to ensure cinemas of all sizes have the assets and information they need to make the most of this release.”
“It’s great for documentaries and for the industry that William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill is making its way to theaters,” said director Alexandre O. Philippe. “This film has been a labor of love – the big screen experience will allow audiences to immerse themselves in his journey. It’s an honor to have this project shared with audiences in theaters, where it truly belongs.”
Directed by Philippe, William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill is produced by Kerry Deignan Roy from Exhibit A Pictures and Jeff Annison, in association with CCG Guardian Entertainment Inc. Executive Producers include Paul Scanlan, Terri Lubaroff, David Baxter, Matt Kemner, and William Shatner. The film is the latest addition to Legion M’s expanding portfolio, which includes films Mandy, Nandor Fodor & the Talking Mongoose, The Man In the White Van and the upcoming SXSW premiere of My Dead Friend Zoe.