06.06.08
$15 Million Joint Venture Between Little Chicago, LLC and Structured Capital Group Inc.
In a June 1, 2008 press release, Little Chicago, LLC, announced the company has embarked on a $15 million joint venture with Structured Capital Group Inc., an investment advisory and equity participation firm in New York to produce the upcoming feature film entitled “Little Chicago.” Structured Capital Group Inc. (SCGI) will provide funding through a secured credit facility and will assist with obtaining avenues for distribution of the film.
The$15 million budget movie, based on the true story in a chapter of “Invisible Ink” written Carl A. Veno, Little Chicago, LLC’s manager and the film’s executive producer, depicts the fortunes made moving alcohol in small towns in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania during the time of Prohibition. Speak-easies, bootleg whiskey and ambitious young thugs battling for power give the film a blend of history and action that will give it a world wide appeal. Mr. Veno commented:
“The Little Chicago team worked very hard to find the right company to assist with the full funding, and we are very pleased that SCGI has joined us. They are very enthusiastic about this movie and will work hard, as we are, to make it a success. We are now ready for a major movie with financing that will move production into high gear.”
“Structured Capital Group is committed to the production and distribution of the film as well as the financial success of the joint venture with Little Chicago,” stated President of SCGI, Basem Zakariya.
“This film is one of several productions being developed and produced through Structured Capital Group. The quality of this film along with the fine production team provides great financial potential,” added Michael Clarner, Executive Vice President of SCGI.
The feature is being filmed in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Olean, New York, and Niagara Falls, New York. Principle photography continues through August, 2008. The film is directed by Terence M. O’Keefe with Joseph Middleton of Middleton Casting, Inc., serving as casting director. Mr. Middleton has served in this capacity for films such as “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” “Old School,” and “The Bourne Identity.”
The infusion of millions SCGI will bring to the independent film venture allows the Little Chicago crew to pursue big name talent for the feature. Actor Scott Speedman, recently in “The Stranger,” is of high interest for one of the lead roles. In addition, Rapper DMX has expressed interest in the film in both an acting and musical capacity; fellow rapper 50 Cent has also been given consideration. The role of lead character Al Ritchie has yet to be cast. The production crew is looking for the right actor to bring to life Ritchie’s Valentino-like appearance paired with a cunning and ruthless ability to wear a smile on his face but harbor a sinister hate in his heart. The combination of Structured Capital Group’s financing strategies, a completed script, seasoned casting director and the anticipated Screen Actors Guild strike at the end of June will provide Little Chicago with a vast pool of available star talent.
The film project will also utilize Pennsylvania’s film tax credits for $2 million of its funding, as well as the production team pre-selling the movie to the overseas market. Pennsylvania Governor, Edward G. Rendell, created the “Creativity in Focus” program in July, 2007 which enhanced the existing PA Film Tax Credit of 2004 providing tax credits to film and television productions who agree to spend a minimum of 60% of their total production cost in Pennsylvania.
For information regarding Little Chicago, LLC and film production contact Linda Luther-Veno at 610-776-8411 or Carl A. Veno at 484-951-1091.
For information regarding the Motion Picture Funding Program of Structured Capital Group contact Michael Clarner or Basem Zakariya at 212-935-3041 or 230 Park Avenue, Suite 810, New York, NY 10169
