23
February
2015
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17:00 PM
America/Chicago

American Family continues to #DreamFearlessly with venture into Disney's "McFarland, USA"

(Madison, Wis.) (February 24, 2015) —American Family Insurance has announced that their brand will be part of a major Hollywood film debuting this week, Disney's "McFarland, USA," in theaters nationwide on Friday, Feb. 20.

Inspired by a true story, "McFarland, USA" tells the remarkable story of novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy and a positive impact on the community as well.

"We're a proud leader supporting high school sports, and being a part of this film is a fabulous opportunity that mirrors our commitment to help national and local athletes around the country," says Telisa Yancy, marketing vice president. "One of the key messages is that the kids are afforded the opportunity to dream fearlessly and be successful."

"In a cluttered media marketplace, putting our brand in major motion pictures is a fresh, new way to create awareness about American Family with people who may not otherwise know how we can help them," continues Yancy. "The brand logo appears in two scenes of the film."

From the millions of viewers who see "McFarland, USA" on the big screen to its debuts on DVD, streaming and cable, satellite and network programming, the film will appeal to a diverse audience, amplifying American Family’s brand for years to come. "It was easy to embrace this idea. We are always exploring new avenues to reach new audiences, and this film is a great example of how we are able to do that," says Yancy.

About American Family Insurance
Madison, Wis.– based American Family Insurance is the nation's third-largest mutual property/casualty insurance company and ranks 373rd on the Fortune 500 list. The company sells American Family-brand products, including auto, homeowners, life, business and farm/ranch insurance, through its exclusive agents in 19 states. American Family affiliates (The General, Homesite and AssureStart) also provide options for consumers who want to manage their insurance matters directly over the Internet or by phone. Web: www.amfam.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/amfam; Twitter: www.twitter.com/amfam. Google+ plus.google.com/+amfam/

McFARLAND, USA

Based on the 1987 true story, "McFarland, USA" follows novice runners from McFarland, an economically challenged town in California's farm-rich Central Valley, as they give their all to build a cross-country team under the direction of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner), a newcomer to their predominantly Latino high school. Coach White and the McFarland students have a lot to learn about each other but when White starts to realize the boys' exceptional running ability, things begin to change. Soon something beyond their physical gifts becomes apparent—the power of family relationships, their unwavering commitment to one another and their incredible work ethic. With grit and determination, the unlikely band of runners eventually overcomes the odds to forge not only a championship cross-country team but an enduring legacy as well. Along the way, Coach White realizes that his family finally found a place to call home and both he and his team achieve their own kind of American dream.

Disney's "McFarland, USA" stars Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Morgan Saylor, Martha Higareda, Michael Aguero, Sergio Avelar, Hector Duran, Rafael Martinez, Johnny Ortiz, Carlos Pratts, Ramiro Rodriguez, Danny Mora, Valente Rodriguez, Vanessa Martinez, Chris Ellis and Diana Maria Riva, and is directed by Niki Caro with screenplay by Christopher Cleveland & Bettina Gilois and Grant Thompson, and story by Cleveland & Gilois. Gordon Gray and Mark Ciardi are producing, with Mario Iscovich and Mary Martin serving as executive producers. "McFarland, USA" releases February 20, 2015.

News media contact:
Sandra Spann
Media Relations
(608) 242-4100, ext. 32881
Twitter: @AmfamNews