NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Samuel Goldwyn Films) - Samuel Goldwyn Films announced today that John Ondrasik has written and recorded the original song, "Brothers in Arms" for BROTHERS AT WAR. Ondrasik, who records under the moniker Five For Fighting, is a Grammy nominated multi-platinum singer-songwriter known for such songs as "100 Years," "
Superman" and "Freedom Never Cries."
BROTHERS AT WAR provides a rare look at the bonds and service of our soldiers on the frontlines and the profound effects their service has on the loved ones they leave behind. Early screenings of the film across the country have drawn standing ovations from war fighters, veterans and military families. Ondrasik, who saw the film in one of these early screenings, was so inspired by it that he wrote "Brothers in Arms" that night. When BROTHERS AT WAR opens March 13th, it marks the first time the song will be heard.
"BROTHERS AT WAR is an honest glimpse into the reality of our troops and their families. I wrote the song two hours after seeing the film," Ondrasik said. "The final production you hear is the demo I recorded that night in my living room, accompanied by a string section Lee Holdrige composed and directed a year later. Whatever one's politics, BROTHERS AT WAR is an example of films that need to be made, and I'm proud to be associated with Jake's and his brothers' story."
Introduced by Executive Producer Gary Sinise (CSI: NEW YORK, FORREST GUMP, 2008 Presidential Citizen's Medal), he put Ondrasik in touch with director Jake Rademacher. According to Rademacher, "The song beautifully encapsulates the essence of the film."
Ondrasik, who was further impressed by the original score of BROTHERS AT WAR, suggested that Holdridge, a six-time Emmy Winner, compose a string section to support his vocals and piano. "Brothers in Arms" carries the powerful ending of BROTHERS AT WAR through to the last credit. The lyrics bring up images from the film for the audience. "It is the perfect way to end this film," said Norman S. Powell, three time Emmy nominee and producer of BROTHERS AT WAR. David Scantling, the 2008 Secretary of Defense Medal for Outstanding Public Service recipient is also an executive producer.
Ondrasik has been a dedicated supporter of the U.S. troops for some time. In March 2007, he performed at Guantanamo Bay for service members on his first USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour. He has since been a part of USO tours that traveled to Hawaii, Guam and Japan.
BROTHERS AT WAR is an intimate portrait of an American family during a turbulent time. Jake Rademacher sets out to understand the experience, sacrifice, and motivation of his two brothers serving in Iraq. The film follows Jake's exploits as he risks everything-including his life-to tell his brothers' story.
ABOUT SAMUEL GOLDWYN FILMS
Samuel Goldwyn Films is a major, independently owned and operated motion-picture company that develops produces and distributes innovative feature films and documentaries. The company is dedicated to working with world renowned and emerging writers/filmmakers and committed to filmed entertainment that offers original voices in uniquely told stories. This steadfastness is best exemplified by the Academy Award nominated THE SQUID AND THE WHALE, the Academy Award nominated SUPER SIZE ME, the number one grossing independent film of 2008 FIREPROOF and Julie Delpy's hit comedy 2 DAYS IN PARIS.
