'Knuckleheads' Awaiting Theatrical Release

Online, September 22, 2011 (Newswire.com) - New York, NY - Filmed entirely in New York, "Knuckleheads" is an inspiring and moving drama with elements of quirky reality-driven comedy starring Steven Bauer who made movie history playing the role of Manolo in "Scarface" opposite Al Pacino. The sophomore effort and first feature length movie from Baseline Films, owner and operator Martin Hampford worked with Bauer on the award-winning short sexy arthouse thriller "Crumble" in 2010 alongside producer David Karges who was elected to direct "Knuckleheads". With regard to the script, Karges states "As a writer myself, I saw the potential for something great."

"Knuckleheads" is the story of Manny (Steven Bauer) and JP, two men who feel internal loss and disconnected from the world around them. As the lives of the two men converge, they slowly develop a kinship that parallels father and son. Helping one another reconcile the past, they work towards improving the present and avoid making the mistakes that would ultimately jeopardize their future.

The brainchild and writer behind this masterful narrative, Jaime Zevallos, stars alongside Bauer in the role of JP in this powerful drama. Zevallos is no stranger to the world of television and film as he has acted in over a dozen titles. He states "The film is essentially a story about underdogs overcoming obstacles and getting second, third and even fourth chances and that life is not so black and white but many shades of gray." Zevallos adds "Mr. Karges was able to paint those many shades of gray with a beautiful canvas. I'm proud to have performed amongst a stellar cast and crew." Heading up the producing team is visionary filmmaker Sridhar Ranganath whose successful bout with the indie filmmaking world made him a major asset. Having been a driving force behind several award-winning films including many of his own, Ranganath's passion for film helped create the foundation upon which "Knuckleheads" was built. He states "It was an incredible opportunity to work in the Hamptons where I met some of the friendliest and kindest people."

"Knuckleheads" also stars Seregon O'Dassey, Yerania Del Orbe and veteran actor Vinny Vella. Vella is most noted for his appearances in Martin Scorsese's "Casino" and his recurring role in the five time Golden Globe-winning HBO series "The Sopranos". In addition, actor/producer Shahrooz Nateghi who has a featured role in the film came on board as an Executive Producer with his production company Zoor Films after his positive experience working on the set. He states "It was a pleasure getting involved with this great project, so much so that Zoor Films is now in discussion to produce two of its next films with members from the 'Knuckleheads' team."

But the actors are not the only luminaries that were drawn from the talent pool. "Knuckleheads" boasts a bevy. The challenging shoot posed no threat for seasoned Director of Photography Vitaly Bokser of Indie Film Gear who came on board as an Executive Producer after falling in love with the heartfelt script. States Bokser "Working on such a fast-paced schedule was an exciting challenge, but shooting in the beauty of the Hamptons and having great support from all the people involved is what made this shoot even possible." Bokser has shot 10 features, over 40 short films and several music videos. Sound Designer/Engineer and Music Composer Shaun Drew has worked for Warner Brothers with an Oscar-nominated production team and an Emmy Award-winning director. Drew's solo ambient recording project, "The Great Dissolve" was selected as a category finalist at the Independent Music Awards.

Heading up the procurement of distribution is Dina Almeida, CEO of Tristan Leostar Films. Tristan Leostar is a vertically integrated motion picture production company that specializes in the acquisition and licensing of independent films to domestic and global markets. Almeida is already in negotiations with several distributors who are interested in the project. For sales inquiries please contact Tristan Leostar Films [email protected].

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