A local production company has signed on to a 10-picture movie deal with Universal that will deliver the films to millions.
Chard A. Verdi of Woodhaven Production Company — a small but increasingly successful East Greenwich-based production company — announced the deal late last week.
Woodhaven Production Company has teamed up with Screen Media Films and in the deal, each of the 10 films will be released worldwide on demand through Universal and Verdi estimates that they'll reach more than 100 million homes.
The first film, Almost Mercy, is a thriller filmed on location throughout Rhode Island and already, Verdi has sold six feature films and now, with the new deal, the Verdis are on the brink of attempting what might be the most ambitious production schedule ever — four feature films in twelve months.
Verdi runs his company with his wife, Michelle.
"Michelle and I are both elated about this news," stated Chad Verdi. "We just Executive-Produced a film called Bad Hurt in New York and now we are in pre-production with Almost Mercy, which will start filming on April 28th in Rhode Island. After Almost Mercy, we go right into pre-production on Bleed For This, with filming to start primarily in Providence and Cranston in September 2014. We then kick off 2015 with a bang, starting pre-production on a new untitled project in January and principal photography commences in March."
The deal earned praise from state leaders who jointly announced the deal through the state's Film and TV Office."I am excited to see the positive growth occurring within our local film industry by homegrown producers who are focused on exporting a new and sustainable creative product," said Governor Lincoln D. Chafee. "With our unique locations in close proximity and an organized talent pool of local artists and technicians, Rhode Island is the perfect place to make successful movies. I am also pleased that many small businesses are benefiting from the film industry's interest in our State. That kind of positive energy will keep our economy moving forward in the right direction."
Steven Feinberg, executive director of the Rhode Island Film & TV Office, said he's pleased to see the Verdi's getting Hollywood support and recognition.
"Not only have they produced movies here, but they have thoughtfully built a wonderful film foundation by utilizing our state's supply of multi-talented artists, hard-working, professional crew members and enthusiastic graduates," Feinberg said. "They have proven to be an economic catalyst by providing direct jobs on set, while also indirectly invigorating our area small businesses. This is wonderful news for our community on so many levels."
Much of their success began in 2010 when Screen Media Films acquired Inkubus — their first film which starred Robert Englund, of Freddy Krueger fame.
The deal doesn't include Bleed for This — the highly anticipated film that will portray the life of former boxing champion Vinny Pazienza after a near-fatal car accident that left him with a broken neck. Paz then stunned the world by winning three boxing titles.
For more information about Woodhaven Production Company, please go to: www.woodhavenfilms.com
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Department or Agency: Department of Administration's Film & TV Office
Online: www.film.ri.gov
Find out what's happening in East Greenwichwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The Rhode Island Film & TV Office is a government agency under the umbrella of the State of Rhode Island Department of Administration.
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