It was an evening dubbed by attendees as, “a night from the playbook of Palm Springs’ past,” as Hollywood’s elite stepped out of stretch limos to walk the red carpet last Thursday evening for the premiere of the romantic and action packed comedy “Hit and Run,” produced by Palm Springs residents Kim Waltrip and Jim Casey of Kim & Jim Productions.

Reminiscent of the days when Hollywood’s big hitters used to escape to the Desert hide-a-way for lavish parties and premieres, Hit & Run’s invite-only screening hosted more than 300 attendants at Regal Cinema Theatre in Palm Springs to watch the film’s stars Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell in their best comedy yet. Casey and Waltrip were joined on the red carpet by the film’s co-director David Palmer and Producer Nate Tuck. Following the premiere, party-goers joined the cast and crew for an exclusive after-party at the Stadium Club in Rancho Mirage.

Palm Springs welcomed and celebrated the producers by naming Aug. 23 “Kim & Jim Day,” in their honor, and handing a proclamation to both during the evening’s red carpet.

“Hit & Run” is the story of a former getaway driver who risks his life and his witness protection program identity to help his girlfriend get to Los Angeles. On their way, Charlie Bronson, played by Shepard, finds himself chased by the feds and members of his former gang.

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“If you like action- great! If you like romantic comedy- great! If you like car chases-great! Then you will like this movie,” said Casey from the red carpet.

The film is not the first A-list event for the producers. “We’ve produced seven projects in three years,” said Waltrip. Adds Casey, “And we don’t even bicker.”

Asked how they got involved with “Hit and Run,” Waltrip explained, “It was a friend of a friend of a friend who told us about it. Then we went back to the first friend and told them we wanted it.” Casey goes on to say, “We liked it so much that we sealed the deal within 48 hours. We wanted it and knew we had to move fast on it. And we go after what we want.”

Casey said that they want to continue to produce solid movies and that’s exactly what their future holds.

Kim & Jim Productions is in post-production for the movie “Old Days.” Written and Directed by Hit & Run actor Michael Rosenbaum who stars with Danielle Bisutti, who joined the producers on the “Hit & Run” red carpet.

“We are currently filming “‘Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby His & Hers” starring James McAvoy, Viola Davis, William Hurt and Jessica Chastain,” said Waltrip. “It wraps on August 31 in New York. Then we hope to start work on the movie “Dream Country” in February, which is based on the novel by Luanne Rice.”

Waltrip and Casey both look forward to more Palm Springs premieres.
“Hit and Run” is currently playing at theatres throughout the Coachella Valley.

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