Broadcast and home video distributor Screen Media Pictures has signed to release two Chicago independent features, Bruce Terris’ “Dirty Work” and Marisol Torres’ “Chicago Boricua,” both first features for the directors.
Producer Jennifer Vincent announced the “Dirty Work” deal before its first public screening at the Midwest Filmmakers Summit Nov. 4.
Screen Media hasn’t announced a release date for “Dirty Work,” but “Chicago Boricua” will be out on DVD Dec. 27. Screen Media (“Things behind the Sun”) has an output deal with Universal Pictures.
International sales for “Dirty Work” will be handled by Curb Entertainment (“Almost Salinas”).
Terris re-wrote the script, previously titled “Southside,” by Vincent and associate producer Rick Rose. It’s an ensemble drama about the intertwining lives of a corrupt politician, a dirty cop, a crime lord and a hotel maid.
“Dirty Work” stars Lance Reddick (“The Wire”), Mike McGlone (“The Brothers McMullen”), Nutsa Kukhianidze (“The Good Thief”), and Austin Pendleton (“A Beautiful Mind”).
Featured local actors are Karin Anglin (“Kwik Stop”), Rich Komenich (“The Amityville Horror”), Tim Decker (“Joshua”) and Keith Kupferer (“The Road to Perdition”).
Christina Varotsis produced “Dirty Work” with Vincent. DP was David Blood, who shot it in DV and was later blown up to 35mm by I-Cubed. He also shot Terris’ Cannes-selected, IFP/Chicago Production Fund-winning short “Flying.”
Sharon Zurek of Black Cat Productions edited. Music by Mark Messing of Maestro-Matic. Sound design by Adam Frick, now of Chicago Film Sound. Production designer, Merje Veski.
