Local indie film “Screw City” is gearing up to start filming in Northwest Illinois. The film is a coming-of-age story, about a rustbelt-city teenager trying to escape his dead-end life through his punk rock band. The movie’s title is based on the nickname of Rockford, IL, “Screw City.” Some have thought this to be a derogatory name. However, it is based on the billions of screws, bolts, and fasteners Rockford’s many factories produced, for manufacturers around the world.
According to “Screw City” Co-Producer Chris Pratola, left, “We’re ready to go. The script is finished, the shoot dates [are] set. We are finalizing funding….When we’re finished, we will jump right into casting and pre-production.”
The film is set in Rockford and Chicago, IL. Pratola describes the film as following Chuck, who is only weeks from graduating high school in Rockford. As all his peers around him are getting ready to leave town and move on with their lives, Chuck’s greatest fear is being stuck in Rockford the rest of his life…alone. His only way out depends on the success of his punk rock band, Stick Figure. That is, if he can convince his best friends/band mates to stick it out with him.
Gary Camarano, Director of the Northwest Illinois Film Office, said, “I think the entire production team is very creative and artistic, but, just as interesting, is the way they are approaching the film’s financing. They are conducting an innovative crowdfunding campaign, that gives investors of all levels the opportunity to participate in a film production. The film’s Producers will host a webinar to discuss equity crowdfunding, “Screw City,” and the ins-and-outs of investing in a movie. Those interested should do their homework and participate in the webinar. It’s a really interesting peek behind the scenes at film making, and an innovative strategy for financing film projects.”
The Crowdfunding Webinar will be held twice on Wednesday, February 27. Pre-registration is required:
- 6:30 p.m. https://screwcity.clickmeeting.com/screw-city-movie-investment/register
- 7:30 p.m. https://screwcity.clickmeeting.com/screw-city-movie-investment2/register.
Gary Camarano, Director of the Northwest Illinois Film Office, said, “I think the entire production team is very creative and artistic, but, just as interesting, is the way they are approaching the film’s financing. They are conducting an innovative crowdfunding campaign, that gives investors of all levels the opportunity to participate in a film production. The film’s Producers will host a webinar to discuss equity crowdfunding, “Screw City,” and the ins-and-outs of investing in a movie. Those interested should do their homework and participate in the webinar. It’s a really interesting peek behind the scenes at film making, and an innovative strategy for financing film projects.”
Pratola added, “We feel “Screw City” is the ideal entry-venture for investors who are interested in film. We want to dispel the notion that filmmaking is an elitist venture….Equity crowdfunding has the potential to do just that, by changing the traditional model of how movies are made.”
The locally based Writer, Director, and Co-Producer is Joselito Seldera, below.
As the film concludes its financing objectives, casting calls for local talent will be held in the Northwest Illinois region. The Northwest Illinois Film Office will work closely with the producers to schedule and promote those casting calls.
Camarano said, “The producers are from the region, and its great seeing local indie films like “Screw City” getting their chance to tell their story. We look at ourselves as a ‘film friendly community’ here, and we stand ready to assist.”
For further information about “Screw City” visit www.startengine.com/screwcitymovie.
For information about the Northwest Illinois Film Office visit www.filmnwillinois.com.