These days, if a small film wants to get Oscar buzz, it’s a good idea to start in the summer, before all the major studios weigh in come autumn. Empire is using that exact tactic, by announcing the Nov. 7 release of the drama, Local Color, starring Armin Mueller-Stahl, Ray Liotta, Trevor Morgan and Ron Perlman, and stressing that Mueller-Stahl gives an“Oscar-caliber performance.”

Local Color tells the story of a troubled teenager, played by Morgan, who seeks artistic advice from a cantankerous but world-renowned oil painter, played by Mueller-Stahl. Through the course of their time together, the young man learns how to see the world through an artist's eyes, and the master learns to view life innocently again. The film is based on real characters and incidents in the life of writer/director George Gallo.

"We're honored to be releasing this film in North America," said Eric Parkinson, CEO of Distribution for Empire Film Group. "While our campaign is designed to draw attention to the performance of Armin Mueller-Stahl, we could have justifiably highlighted other stellar performances and production achievements for this film. It's a truly remarkable film and an outstanding release for Empire."

Director Gallo has written screenplays for films such as Midnight Run, Bad Boys and The Whole Ten Yards. In addition to screenwriting and film directing, Gallo has achieved notable praise as a painter of fine art, with numerous gallery and museum exhibitions showcasing his art.

The film will initially be released in theatrical markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis-St. Paul, San Diego, San Antonio, Washington, D.C., Kansas City and N.W. Arkansas. Empire plans to expand the release to additional markets throughout November and December.