SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO RHODE ISLAND!

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO RHODE ISLAND!

The Rhode Island Film & TV Office is pleased to announce that local film director and New England Tech graduate, Tom DeNucci (“Almost Mercy”), and his company, Woodhaven Media, will be shooting the upcoming family film, “THE SANTA FILES” in the Ocean State this April.  The holiday themed movie stars multiple Golden Globe winner, Ed Asner (“Lou Grant”, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”, “Roots”), as the iconic and elusive character.

David Gere produces from a screenplay by Kevin Decristifano and Mr. DeNucci.  Brown University graduate Sam Eilertsen is the cinematographer.

The joyful story revolves around a young boy, played by actor, Jack Brunalt, and his band of friends who, despite ridicule from their peers, vow to prove that Santa is real and subsequently, bring the holiday spirit back to their cynical town.  

Patrick Muldoon (“Starship Troopers”, “Melrose Place”) and Brooke Langton (“Swingers”, “The Replacements”) co-star along with pro-wrestling greats Tommy Dreamer, Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis.  Lindsey Blanchard, Max Harris and Jalon Christian play the kids determined to find St. Nick.

“Rhode Island’s vibrant filmmaking community is an important contributor to our state’s economy, and New England Tech graduate Tom DeNucci is another example of the top moviemaking talent our state produces,” Governor Gina M. Raimondo said.  ”I congratulate Tom and his entire team behind The Santa Files and thank them for choosing Rhode Island.”

Steven Feinberg, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Film & TV Office, stated, “This is exactly the result we’ve all been working towards for the past few years.  A new generation of Rhode Island filmmakers has sprouted as the result of the seeds we planted together as a state.  We love seeing our local moviemakers thrive and prosper. We congratulate Woodhaven director/producer Tom DeNucci for providing many jobs for our hard-working, local crew behind-the-scenes while also giving our gifted Rhode Island actors a chance to shine in front of the camera on this family film.”

House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello stated, “The House of Representatives has always been very supportive of the filmmaking industry because we truly recognize the benefits to our state’s economy.  Our tax credit program is extremely competitive with neighboring states, and we have great workers, scenic and historic settings, and some of the nation’s finest colleges and cultural attractions, which all contribute to our thriving film industry.”     

Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio said, “Filmmakers have taken notice that our beautiful state is an exceptional place to live and work. Rhode Island is both diverse and compact, which lends itself wonderfully to the demands of the film industry. With a talented workforce in the industry, a thriving arts scene, and exceptional quality of life, Rhode Island is the perfect place to make movies.” 

Director Tom DeNucci stated, “I’ve always been fascinated by Christmas movies.  We watch them year after year and they never get old.  They’re deeply connected to our memories and that fun holiday feeling we get each December.  Making “The Santa Files” here in Rhode Island provides a great opportunity to share a story in a family genre I’ve always wanted to explore while continuing a special filmmaking tradition.” 

For those with questions regarding casting opportunities, please contact Anne Mulhall at LDI Casting.  office@ldipro.com