PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
CONTACT: George Jac
tel: (213) 973-8552
“South of 8” filmmakers prove that a feature film can be produced well with no budget and/or crew (Almost)
Feature-length, dystopian crime-thriller which was produced locally on a shoestring budget & minimal resources, has been officially accepted into the Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival
LOS ANGELES, CA. – On September 26th, 2016 at 9:40PM the filmmakers responsible for “South of 8”, a San Diego produced independent feature film, will be holding their WORLD PREMIERE at the
Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival. This official acceptance is the first for “South of 8” during their film festival run. (The current trailer can be seen at
www.SouthOf8Movie.com.) The premiere is being held at The LA Live Regal Cinema (800 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, California).
“South of 8” chronicles an ex-con that is trying to find work in a new depression, however, is lured back to a life of crime, and his gang passes the point of no return once they become fugitives.
Directed (and written) by Tony Olmos, a piece of inspiration came from renowned director, Robert Rodriguez, and his well-known book ‘Rebel Without a Crew.’ The book chronicles Rodriguez’s famous first [Student] film, ‘El Mariachi,’ and depicts the struggles of an aspiring filmmaker, who also faced the same challenges of having no money or resources. “I wanted to replicate the feat of making a film with ‘my bare hands,’ ” said Olmos. “In this day and age, a feature film typically only gains recognition when it boasts an A-List actor, or is financially backed by a major studio. Generally speaking filmmakers’ build up to a feature film, however, I wanted jump right in.” He sprouted his production company, Rosewood Five Studios, and completed the film with the help of recently discharged military veterans, Luke Pensabene, Ryan Binse; and a myriad of talented local actors. The film was shot and edited in just under a year and a half with a budget that topped out at a meager $9,000.
“The entertainment industry is a nearly impossible nut to crack.” said Olmos. “It’s even more so unattainable, without money, resources or a crew. Against all odds, and amid these same challenges, we were able to overcome obstacles and produce an incredibly complete feature film. Hopefully, the “South of 8” story will inspire other amateur filmmakers to chase their own dreams of storytelling through film.”
“South of 8” has already started to gain recognition and garnered its first award for Best Trailer at the 2016 San Diego Film Awards. "South of 8 is a fantastic example of what can be produced in San Diego with the talent and resources we have here. It's my hope that more films like this will happen and that San Diegans overall will help support and fund films like this that generate from our broad talent pool,” said Jodi Cilley, Producer of the 2016 San Diego Film Awards. “South of 8” is currently in the marketing phase and will have a hometown premiere (In San Diego) in the coming months.
