THE KILLER INSIDE ME
The film is based on one of the most highly acclaimed novels in contemporary literature . (link to reviews). The novel was written by Jim Thompson, author of the GETAWAY, THE GRIFTERS and AFTER DARK MY SWEET, all of which became successful film adaptations.
It is anticipated that the film will begin production in the summer of 2008 to be filmed on location in New Mexico. The New Mexico location provides several advantages, foremost being that the production would qualify for New Mexico film tax incentive benefits, one of the most generous programs of its kind in the United States.
Because it is a tightly contained story, set in a small Southwest community, with no grand special effects, sets, large crowd scenes or difficult production challenges, the picture can be produced at a modest budget of under $12 million even with a major star or two attached.
New Mexico offers a 25% tax credit plus an interest free production loan based on the producers providing either a negative pickup or letter of credit guarantee with a five year pay back period. This structure provide significant opportunity to garner revenues from distribution of the film sufficient to repay the production loan as well as reap handsome potential profits to the production entity and its financiers. In this regard, the producers will seek to produce and finance the picture as independently as possible in order to maintain the integrity of the project and the realization of the filmmakers' creative vision.
The screenplay has been written by two time Houston film Fest winner, Robert Weinbach. whose script of THE KILLER INSIDE ME garnered the festival’s Gold Award. Weinbach’s Cyclone Productions, will produce the film in conjunction with Chris Hanley’s Muse Films. Matt Rhodes’ Persistent Pictures has entered into a letter of intent with Cyclone to join the production team, as well.
The picture will be directed by Marc Rocco, the acclaimed director of MURDER IN THE FIRST. (link to directors)
The Los Angeles Times reported that THE KILLER INSIDE ME is the favorite book of a plethora of name actors and directors, among whom are Sean Penn, Madonna, Bruce Willis, Val Kilmer and more.
The following reflects the approach that producer/writer, Weinbach and director, Rocco will seek to employ in the casting and realization of the film.
The filmmakers will cast the pivotal role of Lou Ford with an actor of profound psychological insight and technical virtuosity, capable of generating great compassion and understanding of human character. Lou Ford is a tragic figure of existential anguish suffering from a deep and chronic personality disorder, aware that he carries inside him, his own destruction. He is fatalistic about this reality, yet hopeful of postponing it.