Staten Island: The Press Kit

SUMMARY

Staten Island: The Movie follows three 'normal' teens, Marc: a wannabe guido; Darren: a Deadhead on Staten Island, which is a bizarre sight; and Jayson 'a transplanted hick bastard from Texas' in their dealings with junior gangsters, guidos, preps, rockers, homeboys and other assorted dregs of humanity in scenic Staten Island, New York, the forgotten borough famous for the Ferry, the largest garbage dump in the world, and members of the Mafia of varying rank.

The story follows these three as they lose a large sum of money betting football with a future gangster named Fat Tony Colucci, a six foot six inch, five hundred pound, entry level mobster. Much of the story takes place in Richmond High School, a place where future made men and murderers were class clowns and honed their skills of bookmaking, loan sharking, drug dealing, gambling, etc. on their classmates. This comedy follows the escapades of the 3 lead characters in raising the money they owe or else...

Inspired by true events, this dark comedy accurately portrays high school in Staten Island during the late 80's, when typical days were outrageous acts of comedy followed by acts of brutal violence. The story has been compared to 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High' meets 'Goodfellas' which makes it a potential mainstream hit, as viewers for the first time will observe the juvenile antics and violent tirades of future mobsters as teenagers in and out of school.

SOUNDTRACK

The term hip-hop is used interchangeably with rap music, but hip-hop also reflects a culture and fashion beyond mere music. Hip-hop is now an urban aesthetic; a style and attitude enjoyed by millions and millions worldwide.

Hip-hop was born in the inner cities of NYC more than 20 years ago. It was a culture that depicted a stark truth from ghetto life. The late 80's were a time when great recording artists were producing rap classics, but were being ignored by Mainstream America.

That's where we come in. The soundtrack of 'Staten Island' is hip hop. Hip hop with an 80's feel and a new school delivery. Definitely very original. With breakthrough hits written for the film, a unity was formed between the movie and the music. From acts like Rae Kwon of the Wu Tang Clan helping out a fellow Staten Islander, to new talent discovered off the streets, a new sound was invented. Old school meets new school. Discover for yourself this breakthrough in music as it sets the mood for this hilarious comedy.

So as not to anger the rockers out there, the original score is a unique blend of hip hop beats with an 80's punk metal and sometime funk sound. Hip hop guitar. Also, something very original giving the film an 80's flavor with a new school feel.

PERSONNEL

Mr. Aditya Chandora Director

Aditya served as the visionary for this film. With experience working on smaller award winning films he brought a freshness and an outside perspective into the project. Growing up in the Atlanta area, he was able to take the humor and present it in a universal light, whereby not only New Yorkers will enjoy the dark comedy but perhaps the entire world.

We're sad to say Aditya tragically died in a motorcycle accident during the post production of the film. After some hardships, his vision endured and the final film is something he surely would be proud of.

Mr. Gautama Kavuri, Screenwriter, Producer, Musical Score

Gautama's first job was as an attorney practicing civil litigation and working in entertainment law. He practiced law for two years while working for smaller independent films but had a yearning to tap into his creative side. After deciding enough was enough, he produced and wrote his first feature 'Staten Island' inspired by his youth growing up in this fabled land. This feature comedy shot on 35MM is getting much attention with its sharp wit and hilarious cameos from such notables as the honorable Mayor Edward Koch, Broadway's recent Mario Cantone, and former champion wrestler Mick Foley as well as discovering a group of newcomers, some certain to achieve notability in their careers. Gautama continued Aditya's work after his death, which was a true learning experience for him and a testament to Aditya's genius. In addition Gautama wrote some of the film's original score utilizing his 20+ years as a musician from Staten Island. Most of the songs were written in 1988, the time the movie took place, and perfectly fits into the film, which is based on his experiences growing up on Staten Island at that time.

Dr. D. Ramanaidu, Producer

Referred to as the world's most prolific film producer, Dr. Ramanaidu currently holds the Guinness World Record for the most films produced during his illustrious career in cinema. His films are some of the biggest box office hits in Indian film history, making his studio one of the leading distributors in India. As owner of a state-of-the-art studio facility, Ramanaidu Studios, we had access to post production equipment and services giving the production all the advantages of a big budget feature film.

Mr. George Sava, Co-Producer, Business Affairs

George is an attorney working with the entertainment law firm, the Gaulin Group and handles all the business affairs for the film. George has a great knowledge of film production and marketing and has worked with the financing and sales of many indie films. With connections throughout New York and Hollywood, George will handle all legal issues dealing with the sale and distribution of the film. In addition to his connections in the entertainment industry, George has years of experience working in the sports industry and is familiar with many sales and marketing strategies which will prove useful for the eventual sale/release of Staten Island.

Mr. Charlie Balducci, Music Supervisor

First off, Charlie owns every hip hop album ever made from the its humble beginnings in the 1970's to its current worldwide prominence, making him an expert on the subject. His knowledge of hip hop and lifelong status as a Staten Islander was essential in making the soundtrack possible and relevant to the film. As the CEO of the NYC Arts Cypher, an artistic organization made to develop new talent throughout New York City, Charlie gained access to some of the most talented up and coming rappers on Staten Island and Brooklyn, in addition to established acts such as Rae Kwon from the Wu Tang Clan. His knowledge of hip hop and rap unleashed a new style he single handedly developed: old school musical beats with a new school lyrical delivery. A sound which compliments the film perfectly, and making a film which takes place in 1988 relevant to the music industry of 2006.

CAMEOS

EDWARD I. KOCH
Former Mayor of New York City

Edward Irving Koch was born in the Bronx on December 12, 1924. He served as the 105th Mayor of New York City for three terms from 1978 to 1989.

Prior to being Mayor, Mr. Koch served for nine years as a Congressman and two years as a member of the New York City Council.

Mr. Koch is credited with many major achievements as Mayor. First and foremost, he restored fiscal stability to the City of New York, and was responsible for placing the City on a GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practices) balanced budget basis with ten such balanced budgets during his administration.

In addition to writing political columns, Mr. Koch is a commentator for Bloomberg Television and writes film, book and restaurant reviews. His movie reviews are published weekly in several papers located throughout the New York City metropolitan area, and he also writes a weekly column for Newsday appearing every Friday.

MICK FOLEY
World Champion Wrestler

Foley, who became a professional wrestler in 1983, was noted for his hardcore matches, which frequently left him injured. These injuries included eight concussions, part of his ear being ripped off, and over 300 stitches. While he is self-admittedly not one of the most physically-gifted wrestlers of all-time, Foley gained notoriety for his thoughtful and intense promos, in-ring tenacity, and willingness to put his body on the line for many dangerous spots. He also held the coveted World Wrestling Federation Championship Belt during his storied career.

In 1998 Mick Foley was a contender for the TIME Magazine Man of the Year title, which was to be decided by an online vote. A huge turnout of wrestling fans gave Foley over 50% of the vote. However, before the final count Time removed him from the competition. "I was told that Time magazine did not feel that I had done anything to make me worthy of being man of the year."

He eventually tired of the day-to-day travel and left his full-time duties to write and spend time with his family. Throughout his career, and under all of his aliases, Foley has proved extremely popular to his fans, even when he wrestled as a villain. Foley has always been accessible to his fans and will spend long periods of time with them signing autographs and posing for pictures. His hard work is often credited with helping to re-establish pro wrestling's popularity after the steroid and sex scandals of the late 1980s and early 1990s.

The Best-Selling Author

Having experienced much during his long career, Foley developed a desire to tell his story both to wrestling fans and non-fans alike as he became more popular in the late-1990s. Throughout most of 1998, Foley wrote out his autobiography, by himself, in over 800 pages of longhand (claiming his manual typewriter broke), as opposed to the easier ghostwriter method employed by most celebrities. The published book, Have a Nice Day!, became a huge success, topping the New York Times' nonfiction bestseller list for several months. Many book reviewers refused to review his book because it was written by a professional wrestler. Foley followed the book with another best-selling autobiography, Foley Is Good (2001), three children's books, Mick Foley's Halloween Hijinx, Mick Foley's Christmas Chaos, and more recently Tales from Wrestle Lane (2004). Foley has also written Tietam Brown (2003), a coming-of-age type story aimed at young adults all of which have received favorable reviews. Despite his autobiographies going to number 1 on the American bestseller lists, many reviewers still refused to review his novel. Foley's next novel, Scooter, was released in August of 2005. Foley's seemingly unlikely emergence as a gifted author has allowed him to start a new career, both as author, and motivational speaker.

MARIO CANTONE
Comedian/Actor

As Charlotte's wedding planner with attitude, New York stage actor and standup comedian Mario Cantone gained national recognition in Sex and the City as Charlotte's friend and confidant.

An accomplished stage and film actor, Peter Marks of The New York Times wrote, "In the realm of outrageously, joyful stand-up, there is the shrieking, wind-up toy sensibility of Mario Cantone, a comedian of extravagant tantrums and extravagant gifts...he is a proponent of the comedy of outrage."

Cantone had a limited engagement on Broadway at New York's American Airlines Theater in his one man show, An Evening with Mario Cantone directed by Joe Mantello.

On Comedy Central, Cantone's performances are featured on The USO Comedy Tour, Chappelle's Show, Premium Blend, as well as his own special Comedy Central Presents Mario Cantone. Over the years his routines have included musical parodies of Judy Garland, Jim Morrison, Peggy Lee and Liza Minnelli.

Cantone got his start hosting the local New York children's show, Steampipe Alley, where the comic slipped in sly pop culture innuendo that adults could also enjoy. His other television credits include appearances on Late Night with David Letterman, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, and NBC's Ed. The actor was also featured in the films Quiz Show and Mousetrap.

Most recently, Cantone was the star of a one man play featured on Broadway called Laugh Whore. It received critical acclaim and was aired repeatedly on Showtime as a comedy special.

KATIE FINNERAN
Tony Award Winning Actress

Katie was raised in Miami, Florida. After a brief stint in conservatory training, Katie left college to begin to make her mark in the entertainment industry. She quickly began racking up credits in theater, film, and television. She has appeared in the films You've Got Mail (1998), Liberty Heights (1999), and Night of the Living Dead (1990). Her television work includes appearances on Frasier (1993), Oz (1997), and Sex and the City (1998). Her greatest achievements have been on stage. Katie's regional theater work includes Hedda Gabler with Kate Burton (Bay Street and Williamstown Theater Festival) and The Smell of the Kill (Berkshire Theater Festival). Her Off-Broadway credits include parts in Arms and the Man, Edith Stein, Bosoms and Neglect, You Never Can Tell, A Fair Country, and Encore's Lil' Abner. She has also appeared on Broadway with Kevin Spacey in The Iceman Cometh, Neil Simon's Proposals, The Heiress, In the Summer House, My Favorite Year, Two Shakespearean Actors, On Borrowed Time and as Sally Bowles in the Tony-winning revival of Cabaret.

Katie shot to stardom with her winning, witty turn as Brooke Ashton in the Michael Frayn's farce Noises Off!, for which she received critical acclaim and a 2002 Drama Desk and Tony Award for her portrayal. She was recently seen in the recent hits Bewitched (2005) and Miss Congeliality 2 (2005).

CRIS JUDD
Choreographer

Cris Judd did not make his rise to stardom overnight. His dance career began after college when he went to work at Disneyworld Orlando in the Character Department. His talent didn't go unnoticed, and soon thereafter he landed a dance contract working for Disney's Pleasure Island.

Cris's hard work paid off when he booked the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards with Michael Jackson, based solely on a word-of-mouth recommendation. He toured with Michael on his Dangerous and HIStory World Tours. Cris then worked on concert tours, music videos, award shows and films, working with such celebrities as Cher, Celine Dion, *NSYNC, and Brian McKnight.

Cris broke into choreography when asked to choreograph several numbers for Jordan Knight in 2000 with Eddie Garcia. This choreography team choreographed Jennifer Lopez's videos Ain't It Funny and I'm Real. They also worked with Perry Farrell on the Jane's Addiction 2001 Coachella Festival date and with the Magic Johnson Music/MCA Universal recording artist Yasmeen. They later worked with Jennifer Lopez and Ja Rule on the MTV Video Music Awards and completed a network TV concert special for Ms. Lopez.

Cris was also a featured dancer in Michael Jackson's HIStory and Dangerous tours. He has performed on the Billboard Awards with Celine Dion, the MTV Video Music Awards with *NSYNC, the American Music Awards with Enrique Iglesias and Brian McKnight, the 69th Annual Academy Awards, and on the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. His music video credits include Usher's "My Way," the Brian Setzer Orchestra's "Jump, Jive, & Wail," Michael Jackson's "Too Bad," and Julio Iglesias' "Tango."

Why I had to make this movie

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