Over the past few years, Filmworkers has been building a network of creative services companies as a way of better serving its advertising clients. Now, the fruits of those efforts are beginning to show up at the local multiplex.
Filmworkers is slated to provide visual effects, color grading and other post production services for “Johnson,” an independent comedy shooting in Chicago this month. Its affiliate, the design and production studio Vitamin will create the film’s titles. “Johnson” will be edited by Peter Tarter, whose newly-launched editorial studio Treehouse is adjacent to Filmworkers‘ facility in Dallas.
"Johnson" is a co-production of 2DS Productions and Roman’s Empire. 2DS is headed by Filmworkers president Reid Brody and Bill Ryan ("Miracle on 34th Street", "Dennis the Menace). Roman’s Empire is topped by Danny Roman, previously with Scott Rudin Productions, Mace Neufeld Productions and Industry Entertainment.
Directed by Huck Botko ("The Virginity Hit") from a screenplay by Jeff Tetreault ("Trigger Happy Hands"), "Johnson" tells the wry story of a charismatic young Lothario who wakes up one morning to find his life grotesquely transformed—his penis has left his body and metamorphosed into his ill-mannered, testosterone-inflamed alter ego. "Twilight" actor Cam Gigandet, comedian Nick Thune ("The Tonight Show with Jay Leno), Chicago actress Katherine Cunningham ("Chicago Fire", "The Playboy Club) and Kevin Miller (Second City). The Salt Company is handling international sales.
Production is expected to take about a month. Editorial and post production will begin immediately thereafter at Filmworkers, Vitamin and Treehouse. Filmworkers‘ previous long-form credits include the Showtime documentary "Phunny Business: A Black Comedy" and the Overture Films release "Nothing Like the Holidays".
Filmworkers is located at 232 E. Ohio St. Penthouse, Chicago, IL 60611. For more information, call (312) 664-9333 or visit www.filmworkers.com.
