17000 BLOCK is another hood story, but it’s about more than drugs and murder. it’s about deception and betrayal in Detroit’s underworld. Here, the codes of loyalty, honor, and respect fall to the way
May 17, 2005 (Press Release) --
Filmed entirely in Detroit, Michigan Director Curtis Franklin’s debut feature film 17000 BLOCK sheds new light on Detroit’s underworld. Franklin, an accomplished rap artist turned movie director, infuses the story with edge and realism, providing a fresh look at the urban genre.
Life experience is what sparked Franklin to pen the screenplay for 17000 BLOCK. “Unequivocally, this is an important story that needs to be told. It introduces America, especially people who have never been to the ghetto, to what’s going on in the “hood” and hopefully it gives them some insight as to why,” comments Franklin.
The story begins with the main character being coerced, by his unscrupulous Uncle Eddie into robbing his Godfather. When the robbery goes wrong, it triggers a chain of events that has Buck on the grind and looking over his shoulders.
With any production the film is only as good as its cast & crew and 17000 BLOCK is no exception. The collaborative team responsible for achieving Franklin’s vision includes executive producers Ray “Baby Ray” Bartell (Cosa Nostra Entertainment, LLC) and Wali Ahmed (Cosa Nostra Entertainment, LLC), award-winning producer Nicole Sylvester (Layla’s Girl, Minor Blues), director of photography Will Eichler (MVP) and editor Paul Frieling (The Quiet) with color correction, sound design and effects completed at Ion Post in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
17000 BLOCK boasts an unbelievable cast made of Detroit’s most accomplished actors mixed with everyday people. “We made sure that the cast, whether seasoned actors or not, were right for the role,” said Franklin. “They had to understand the story and believe in the project,” adds Sylvester. Franklin, who also plays the lead Buck, spent two months casting the film and another three weeks of rehearsals. Rounding out the cast is Alex Safi (Berto), Darius Thomas (Eddie), Johnny Livernois (Ese), Lisa Weldon (Daisy) Theo Williamson (Red), and Rebecca Dawn (Lisa). Shooting on Detroit’s streets allowed the actors to draw inspiration from their surroundings, thus enhancing the truthfulness of their performances.
Shot for the DVD market, the quality and production value of 17000 BLOCK rivals that of a feature film with three times the budget. It’s truly a testament to independent filmmaking at its best.
17000 BLOCK is currently on the film festival circuit seeking distribution. For more information, contact producer Nicole Sylvester at 313-361-6408, or check out the web site at www.17000blockthemovie.com
Life experience is what sparked Franklin to pen the screenplay for 17000 BLOCK. “Unequivocally, this is an important story that needs to be told. It introduces America, especially people who have never been to the ghetto, to what’s going on in the “hood” and hopefully it gives them some insight as to why,” comments Franklin.
The story begins with the main character being coerced, by his unscrupulous Uncle Eddie into robbing his Godfather. When the robbery goes wrong, it triggers a chain of events that has Buck on the grind and looking over his shoulders.
With any production the film is only as good as its cast & crew and 17000 BLOCK is no exception. The collaborative team responsible for achieving Franklin’s vision includes executive producers Ray “Baby Ray” Bartell (Cosa Nostra Entertainment, LLC) and Wali Ahmed (Cosa Nostra Entertainment, LLC), award-winning producer Nicole Sylvester (Layla’s Girl, Minor Blues), director of photography Will Eichler (MVP) and editor Paul Frieling (The Quiet) with color correction, sound design and effects completed at Ion Post in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
17000 BLOCK boasts an unbelievable cast made of Detroit’s most accomplished actors mixed with everyday people. “We made sure that the cast, whether seasoned actors or not, were right for the role,” said Franklin. “They had to understand the story and believe in the project,” adds Sylvester. Franklin, who also plays the lead Buck, spent two months casting the film and another three weeks of rehearsals. Rounding out the cast is Alex Safi (Berto), Darius Thomas (Eddie), Johnny Livernois (Ese), Lisa Weldon (Daisy) Theo Williamson (Red), and Rebecca Dawn (Lisa). Shooting on Detroit’s streets allowed the actors to draw inspiration from their surroundings, thus enhancing the truthfulness of their performances.
Shot for the DVD market, the quality and production value of 17000 BLOCK rivals that of a feature film with three times the budget. It’s truly a testament to independent filmmaking at its best.
17000 BLOCK is currently on the film festival circuit seeking distribution. For more information, contact producer Nicole Sylvester at 313-361-6408, or check out the web site at www.17000blockthemovie.com
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