Production Wraps On WPT Feature Film "Deal"

World Poker Tour champions Antonio "The Magician" Esfandiari, Phil "The Unabomber" Laak and Isabel "No Mercy" Mercier float through the film as themselves, laying down cards against the legendary actor, Academy Award Nominee and Golden Globe Winner Burt Reynolds, portraying a former poker champion, and television star Bret Harrison, playing the brash internet player-turned tournament pro.

Esfandiari and Laak brought their vibrant personalities to the big screen, while entertaining the cast when the cameras stopped rolling. Esfandiari performed magic tricks and then both pros made the cast members' cash disappear with some fun and frivolous wagers.

Said Harrison, who had played little poker before taking the role, "They really taught me about the life of these gamblers. They were constantly betting on something. It gave me a lot of insight into my role." Harrison used his new found skill to play against cast-mates, only to lose his daily per diem to his personal assistant. "He got a nice bonus for working on this film," he laughed.

Reynolds prepared for his role by watching hours of WPT DVDs. "I was fascinated by how these guys study their opponents, figuring out their tells, and using psychology to outsmart them," he said. "I realized how to improve my own game. I was very flattered when some of these young stars said they couldn't tell if I was bluffing. I don't think that was true before I started this movie."

Using the real WPT set, the scene -- which was a faithful recreation of the WPT World Championship at Bellagio -- was eerily realistic. Sexton and Van Patten introduced the players, ad-libbing as they went, just as they do on the show…except four of the six players were fictional. Two were poker pros who any WPT fan might expect to see at a final table. Courtney Friel conducted exit interviews and faux Bellagio showgirls brought in the mountains of cash. In the conclusion, the three hosts toasted the winner and runner up with Budweiser, just as they do on the weekly TV show that airs each Wednesday night on the Travel Channel. And Sexton wrapped up with his signature "May All Your Cards Be Live and Your Pots Be Monsters."

The feature, produced by Michael Arata and directed by Gil Cates Jr., chronicles the story of a veteran poker champion, long out of the game, who comes back to coach a talented newcomer. Both learn valuable lessons along the way, and end up meeting each other face-to-face at the WPT World Championship Final Table.

"It is the perfect role for Burt Reynolds, because Tommy Vincent's career follows a similar arc. Burt was the number one box office attraction for many years and has now once again become a sensation as a seasoned actor. I think people will be very impressed with his performance in this film. The scenes between him and Bret Harrison really are truly dynamic."

Several other poker playing actors add character to the film. Shannon Elizabeth, two-time Academy Award Nominee and Golden Globe Winner Charles Durning and Jennifer Tilly all take star turns. Elizabeth and Tilly are regulars at the WPT Invitational each year in February at the Commerce Casino, the WPT's star-studded celebrity pro-am.

Scott Lazar, who finished sixth in the 2005 WSOP, served as co-executive producer and "poker technical advisor" to make sure that all card play and betting were authentic. Lazar, who started out with a cameo, actually ended up with a featured role.

"An amazing transformation has occurred during the shooting of 'Deal,'" said director Cates. "The actors have all jumped into their roles with relish and have taken up the game with a passion just like millions around the country. It's led to some truly spirited poker games after hours and in between scenes."

The production was the first independent film to be shot in post-Katrina New Orleans. It employed many local crew and was warmly embraced by the community.

"I think poker fans will be stunned when they see "Deal," said Arata. "The film captures the excitement of the TV show, while telling a compelling story about competition and trust. The audience will really feel like they have been transported to a real WPT event."

The WORLD POKER TOUR is the global leader in poker. The WPT introduced poker to a worldwide audience through its innovative and riveting brand of televised poker, now seen in more than 147 countries and territories. Capturing all the excitement and sizzling action at its 17 Tour stops around the globe, the shows sets the gold standard in poker programming. The WPT inspired a global poker phenomenon that has attracted millions of men and women to the game and legions of devoted followers to the poker lifestyle.

About WPTE

WPT Enterprises, Inc. (Nasdaq: WPTE) is a company engaged in the creation of internationally branded entertainment and consumer products driven by the development, production, and marketing of televised programming based on gaming themes.