Universal to Release Each Film to over 100 Million Homes
Suspenseful Almost Mercy is first in the distribution pipeline
Providence, RI – The Rhode Island Film & TV Office announced today that East Greenwich filmmaker Chad A. Verdi's Woodhaven Production Company and Screen Media Films have joined forces to make ten motion pictures, beginning with the thriller Almost Mercy. Each feature film will have a Worldwide video on demand release through Universal that will reach over 100 million homes.
Verdi and his wife Michelle have had great success over the last four years with their production companies Woodhaven Production Company and Verdi Productions. Almost Mercy is currently in pre-production, with locations planned throughout the Ocean State. Having produced, filmed, and sold six feature films, the Verdis are now embarking on arguably one of the most aggressive, independent production schedules ever attempted – four feature films in twelve months.
"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," stated 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."
"Our state has provided a beautiful backdrop for many major motion pictures recently like the Academy Award-nominated Moonrise Kingdom," added Director of Administration Richard Licht. "Having a Rhode Island based company continually showcasing our state to a worldwide audience will resonate positively for many years to come."
Due to the leadership of the Governor and General Assembly, a fertile environment has been established for our state's creative economy," stated Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Film & TV Office. "We are very pleased to see Chad and Michelle Verdi's dedicated efforts to promote filmmaking as a thriving industry in Rhode Island now gaining well-deserved 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. 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."
"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."
Verdi added, "This all started with Screen Media Films in 2010 when they acquired our first film Inkubus. Screen Media has now acquired five feature films from us including Almost Mercy. It's a very special relationship that I value greatly. SM has a great team that is led by CEO Suzanne Blech. We have been working together for the past four years, achieving much success. Suzanne is one of the best in the business and a joy to work with. Having a ten picture distribution deal is a filmmaker's dream and I believe this is one of the first of its kind."
The ten picture deal excludes Verdi's passion project Bleed For This, which tells the true life story of five-time world champion Rhode Island boxer Vinny Pazienza as he recovers from a near fatal car accident that left him with a broken neck. Paz then goes on to win three additional world boxing titles, one of the most incredible and dramatic comebacks in sports history.
For more information about Woodhaven Production Company, please go to: www.woodhavenfilms.com
Department or Agency: Department of Administration's Film & TV Office
Online: www.film.ri.gov
The Rhode Island Film & TV Office is a government agency under the umbrella of the State of Rhode Island Department of Administration.