Portland based Revolution Film Group, LLC, a division of Hydra Entertainment has just signed finance and distribution deals with Chasing Butterflies Pictures and Origin Releasing for the production of six features in 2016. The multi-picture deal, brokered at the American Film Market in Santa Monica, California, this past November, represents a nearly $4 million investment in original Oregon productions. Some of the films will be co-produced by Oregon based Justice Pictures for the faith market.
“We’re excited to be producing movies written, directed, and produced by Oregonians.” Sean Skelding, President, Revolution Film Group.
This agreement comes after the successful 2014 production and distribution of THE RECONCILER, a feature film written and directed by Shawn Justice, co-produced by Justice Pictures and Revolution Film Group, and starring the late, great “Rowdy” Roddy Piper (THEY LIVE, WWE Super Star). The same production team just wrapped principal photography of the feature film OUT OF THE DARKNESS starring Graham Greene (DANCES WITH WOLVES, THE GREEN MILE and MAVERICK) and John Lewis (CHECK POINT, HAWAII FIVE-O, UFC Champion), which will be released by Origin Releasing in July, 2016. OUT OF THE DARKNESS is scheduled for screening at AFM and other international buyer markets in 2016-17.
“We’re happy to partner with Revolution Film Group in the production of this slate of movies in Oregon.” Tony Perez, President, Origin Releasing.
Revolution Film Group’s first two titles in 2016 will be JUSTICE, a western which will begin filming in March, followed by Z-FORCE, a superhero action movie scheduled for May. These will be followed by three faith dramas, and another action movie to round out the schedule for 2016. All productions will be written, produced, crewed by locals, and most of the cast will be locals, with a few Hollywood stars.
JUSTICE is a traditional western — a US Marshal arrives at a small town in an old frontier fort in the 1860s to find his brother, the town pastor, dead under suspicious circumstances. His investigation uncovers a web of corruption and deceit. Screenplay by Jeffrey Seats, DC Rahe, Shawn Justice, and John Lewis.
Z FORCE is the story of four high school senior girls with super powers, guided by retired superheroes who pass on the responsibility for protecting humanity as they do battle against evil from another world. Screenplay by DC Rahe.
Some of the feature films will be released alongside accompanying graphic novels, produced under a collaboration with Grind House Comics, LLC, another Oregon company.
“We’ve always felt graphic novels are a perfect companion to feature film releases, and we’re really looking forward to developing some great products with Revolution Film Group right here in Portland.” Greg Beber, CEO, Grind House Comics.
This multiple feature production agreement highlights the State of Oregon’s support for local filmmakers. Revolution Film Group plans to apply for the Oregon Indigenous Production Fund that provides rebates to qualified local filmmakers for hiring locals and using local vendors.
It’s a very good day for indie filmmaking in Oregon. Congratulations DC, Sean and Revolution Film Group!