Sundance to serve up 'Dinner'

Film to premiere on channel early next year

By LILY OEI

Odenkirk

Bob Odenkirk's directorial debut, "Melvin Goes to Dinner," has found a place at the table with the Sundance Channel.

Cabler acquired domestic TV and DVD-homevideo rights for the pic, which unspooled at the South by Southwest, Avignon/New York, Phoenix and Boston film fests, picking up prizes at each.

Based on play "Phyro-Giants" by scribe-star Michael Blieden, story follows lonely Melvin, who ends up at a diner having enlightening discussions with three strangers. Cast also includes Stephanie Courtney, Annabelle Gurwitch and Matt Price. Maura Tierney and David Cross make cameos.

Odenkirk's credits include TV series "Mr. Show" and film "Run Ronnie Run," which screened at Sundance in 2002.

Produced by Naomi Odenkirk, D.J. Paul and Jeff Sussman, pic will be self-distributed this fall in select cities.

Deal was brokered by Sundance's Christian Vesper with producers Paul and Sussman.

Sundance Channel Home Entertainment will release the DVD and VHS editions of "Melvin" on Dec. 16. Disc will feature director's commentary, interviews and excerpts from "Phyro-Giants." Showtime Entertainment distributes Sundance Channel Home Entertainment product.

Film will premiere on Sundance early next year.