A Message from the Producer

Here's a message from Toni D'Antonio one of the producers of Alto:

“So, I wrote this script I want you to read”. All film makers have heard that at one point or another from all their friends and/or family. BUT it’s rare that you read one that you actually LOVE and WANT to produce. That’s how I felt when I read Mikki del Monico’s “Alto”. First I couldn’t put it down and then I couldn’t wait to start developing it. Funny. Smart. Timely. Familiar. However, even with all those fantastic qualities, I knew it would be an up hill battle all the way… The Mob mixed with Lesbians and Lasagna? Three 60+ heavy supporting characters? Low budget, all filmed in Queens and Brooklyn? Music heavy with all original songs? No, what could be difficult about that? When my producing partner signed off on it, we began the journey without looking back. Two readings and countless development dollars later, we have assembled a STELLAR CAST and CREW and have even managed to create a bit of a following using new media on facebook and twitter. And we haven’t even shot scene one …YET!!! It’s been an educational and exciting adventure and we are so ready to make this film. But obviously financing has been a major obstacle since the economy took it’s nose dive a couple of years ago. So, we just keep plugging along. Fighting the good fight. Raising small amounts of money at a time. Believing in this amazing piece of material. And assuring our enormously talented writer that WE WILL PREVAIL! We will not lose faith in this wonderful project. All the support from cast and crew to remain attached and be at the ready to shoot, proves that the script has merit and the film has potential for monetary success. It’s not only attainable but the film is poised to make a real IMPACT. I am proud to have this film on Shake The Tree’s roster and am doubly proud of how far we have come on this shoestring of a development budget. I only wish I could make it happen faster. Oh and did I mention that we offer development, production consulting and packaging services?? So, now, a little break in the action…I am off to raise awareness for breast cancer now. Shake The Tree is a corporate sponsor for Greater NYC Komen for the Cure. Come join some of the cast and crew of “Alto” for the Race for the Cure on September 12^th. See, not only do we make films that matter but we give back to the community that helps make them a success. Hope you’ll keep following us.