Whistler/Blackcomb hosts Hit List World Premiere

Press Release

WHISTLER, BC, September 6, 2005 - Whistler Blackcomb will present the world-wide release of Matchstick Productions' (MSP) 2005/06 ski movie -"THE HIT LIST." The World Premiere will take place on September 15, 2005 at the Roundhouse Lodge, Whistler Mountain. Tickets for the event can be purchased at the Whistler Activity Centre, or at the Helly Hansen store located in the Westin Hotel.

"The Whistler Blackcomb spring heli shoot is our end of the year, all-time shoot. The jump was huge and it had a lot of pop," says MSP director Steve Winter.

The weather was perfect for the sunset shoot that took place last spring on April 25, 2005. An 85-foot table-top jump was built on Ridge Run and athletes including Whistler Blackcomb's Mark Abma and Mike Douglas as well as Eric Hjorleifson and Rory Bushfield hit the jump while a helicopter buzzed behind them with director Winter capturing the action on film. The result is mind-blowing footage the likes of which movie-goers have never seen.

The footage taken by MSP will also be used in the next movie Standard Films movie "Paradox," and has already been talked about in the latest Transworld Snowboarding Magazine. Quoting the magazine, "this year the boys stepped it up a notch with some nasty, nasty heli footage in the park at Whistler. The results are cyber-dynamic, almost 3D airs that will leave you wondering what postproduction tools they sneaked in there (none)."

"THE HIT LIST" will feature that footage as well as some the best skiers in the world including; Shane McConkey, Mark Abma, Ingrid Backstrom, Hugo Harrison, Mike Douglas, Sarah Burke and many more. Many of the athletes showcased in the film will be in attendance at the world premiere on September 15.

"This year we captured it all, powder, park, cliffs, and jumps all set in the most beautiful locations in the World," said director Steve Winter. "We couldn't be more excited about our new release."

Besides Whistler Blackcomb,"THE HIT LIST" features locations including Mica Heli Guides; Krasnaya Polyana, Russia; Crested Butte and Keystone, Colorado; California; and the unexplored remote inlets of British Columbia.

The world premiere kicks off the Matchstick Movie Tour presented by Whistler Blackcomb, hitting 59 cities in North America as well as showing throughout Europe and Australia.

"THE HIT LIST" is presented by Helly Hansen, and sponsored by K2 Skis, Salomon Skis, Giro Helmets and Powder magazine. Look for it in shops worldwide, or on the "Matchstick Movie Tour" presented by Whistler Blackcomb this fall. Pre-orders available at www.skimovie.com.