Atlas Distribution Company has acquired Lucca Films in association with Creative Partners International & Realize Studios chilling thriller “Dark State,” from writer/director Tracy Lucca (“The Finders”) which will open theatrically on March 19, beginning in Dallas, Washington DC, Chicago, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Austin before extending into Los Angeles & New York, among other markets.  The film will next launch across the North American continent (US & Canada) on all TVOD/Digital platforms on May 4, 2021.

Exposing startling coverups and deadly secrets “Dark State” stars Constantine Maroulis (“American Idol, “ “Rock of Ages”),  Nicholas Baroudi (“Fosse/Verdon,” “Person of Interest”), Katie Stahl (“Under the Flowers, “the Finders”), Melissa Connell (“Under the Flowers: Circle of Hell,” “Control”), Greg Wood (“The Sixth Sense,” “Signs”), Antoni Corone (“Bad Boys II,” “We Own the Night”), Jared Delaney (The Story of Penny”), Kim Carson (“The Finders”), Ariana Ballerini (“Harry Godfather,” “7^th Secret”), and the feature film debut of K. O' Rourke.  

"Tracy Lucca's Dark State is one of those independent thrillers that'll keep audiences on edge," said Harmon Kaslow, President of Atlas Distribution Company.  

Katie Marro is on the verge of becoming a movie star when her plans are brutally interrupted. While driving home to her small hometown, she is involved in a fatal car crash in which she is the only survivor. Alicia Gazzarra, a local reporter at the Hammonton Herald, begins to write an article about the accident and the deceased passengers: a retired Army intelligence officer, an heir to a pharmaceutical fortune, and a self-confessed serial killer. As Alicia begins to investigate why these seemingly unconnected people would be together in the same car, a complicated picture begins to emerge. Eventually, Alicia uncovers connections deeper and more sinister than anyone in her small town could imagine. When events begin to turn deadly, Alicia must choose between helping Katie expose the truth or accepting the possibility that the world is ruled by a global network of ruthless insiders that is determined to wield power over all of mankind in a coming Dark State.

 Written and directed by Tracy Lucca; produced by Tracy Lucca, Michel Grey (“Days of Power,” “Beyond the Bombs”), and Mark Riccadonna (“Radio Gods,” “Days of Power); executive produced by Dino F. Petrongolo, Tracy Lucca and Lynne Lucca; director of photography Steven Michael ; production designer Jay Weber (“Radio Gods,” “The Shadow Effect”); costume designer Meg Timney (Dante’s Cove”); and edited by Justin Aquilar (“The Omega Series,” “Inner Demons”).

 "The film is timely, yet hopeful, and I hope it gives weight to the fact that one person can make a difference," director Tracy Lucca.

Michel Grey of Realize Studios negotiated on behalf of the filmmaking team directly with Harmon Kaslow , on behalf of Atlas Distribution Company.

About Lucca Films
Lucca Films was founded in 2006 to produce independent and entertaining films in the Philadelphia area.  Recent releases include The Finders and Dark State, both written and directed by Tracy Lucca.  The Finders  was an Official Selection at the Chelsea Film Festival, NYC and Winner of the Gold Remi Award at The Houston International Film Festival.  Dark State, starring Constantine Maroulis, is set for a theatrical release March 2021.

About Realize Studios
Realize Studios was formed in 2016 to produce quality, thought-provoking, cause-driven entertainment properties such as film, television, music and podcasts. The sister company Realize Records was started in 2000 in Los Angeles as an alternative for independent musicians. Since its inception, Realize Studios’ films have won awards in both music and film categories at festivals. The principals are made up of industry professionals including writers, director and producers who have over 30 years of experience and hold the rights to multiple entertainment properties.

About Atlas Distribution Company
Atlas Distribution Company was formed by entrepreneurs John Aglialoro, Joan Carter, Harmon Kaslow, and Scott DeSapio to distribute remarkable and inspiring movies in the US market. Atlas Distribution has developed a number of proprietary patent-pending technologies that deliver critical insight to filmmakers and distributors ensuring maximum profit potential while delivering a fully transparent theatrical release experience to all stakeholders. Atlas’ flagship application, CinemaCloudWorks, is a cloud-based theatrical distribution application suite offering easy-to-use deep-dive analytics alongside a full set of booking, invoicing, and CRM tools. For more information, visit the Atlas Film Distribution website.