New full-service Bird’s-Eye Media set to produce TV series, two features

Less than a year after founding his full-service production company Bird’s-Eye Media Inc., Mark A. Besozzi has a TV series and two features lined up for summer and fall. He will produce and direct the fitness series “Chicago Cardio” for Tinley Park broadcaster WJYS Ch. 62.

Shooting is slated to begin in October and the show could air as early as November. Account executive is Al Beard.

“We want to spin the series off into syndication and retail how-to videos and funnel the profits into Bird’s- Eye,” Besozzi said. “Our other services are geared to raise financing for our own independent feature films.”

In late August Besozzi makes his feature directing debut with the low-budget urban drama “For Steppers Only,” shooting on the South Side. The film is a co- production between Bird’s-Eye and writer Anthony Batie Sr.’s Batie Enterprise. Besozzi is producing with DP Kris Dawson and casting director Paris Gant.

Then at the end of October Besozzi is set to direct his second feature, “Blood of the Claw,” from his own script, which he describes as “‘Pet Sematary’ meets ‘Cujo.'” He’s raising the $100,000 budget from a combination of private investment and profits from Bird’s-Eye’s production services, and aims for a straight-to-video release.

Crew includes editor Jennifer Fah, production manager Cary Michael Paller and coordinator Shari Tudor.

Established in November, the Schaumburg-based Bird’s-Eye offers a full range of production, post- production and sound services for film, video, television and radio.

Besozzi spent ten years as on-air talent and in programming at radio stations across the country. “I’ll always have my hand in the radio industry ? it’s my first love,” he said.

Then he spent 15 years in Chicago as a film/video freelance crewmember, eventually working his way up to shoot, direct and produce corporate and promotional videos and infomercials.

Reach Besozzi at 847/466-2697, email birdseyemediainc@aol.com or see www.birds-eyemediainc.com.

– by Ed M. Koziarski, edk@homesickblues.com