Largo, FL, (PRWEB) April 26, 2005
A thought-provoking thriller, about a courtroom reality show set in Tampa, Citizen Verdict, starring Jerry Springer, Armand Assante and Roy Scheider directed by Philippe Martinez, will premiere Monday night, April 25, at 7pm at the Tampa Theatre.
The film, which represents the first major film acting role for Springer, was produced by Largo,FL based Bauer Martinez Studios and shot on location here in Tampa Bay at multiple locations, including Bayshore Boulevard, Tampa, Clearwater Beach, St. Petersburg, and Largo employing mostly local crews, actors and non-actors: actual residents of Tampa Bay. Most principal photography was shot in studios in South Africa, with Cape Town doubling for Tampa Bay in some scenes.
Citizen Verdict also features local actor and advertising agency CEO Paul Wilson, son of WTVT-FOX 13 anchorman John Wilson and brother to FOX 13s reporter and weekend anchorman Mark Wilson. Wilson plays Chet Salway in the film and served as the films local production manager. His company, Wilson Media & Advertising, also serves as Bauer Martinez communications firm.
Citizen Verdict stars Springer as Marty Rockman, the notorious producer of the hit reality-TV show So Sue Me. Now, he has a brand new concept: Citizen Verdict. Each week a real criminal case will be tried before a television audience, but this time theyre also the jury. If the defendant is voted guilty in a death penalty case, Rockman will televise the execution. When an escalation in violent crime and terrorism hits the state of Florida, Governor Tyler, desperate to be seen as a tough-on crime Republican leader in the upcoming Presidential race, decides to give Rockman his chance and “Citizen Verdict” goes into production in Tampa, Florida, with Tampa Bay TV viewers becoming the first jury. Selected by phone-in vote, the show’s first contestant is Ricky Carr–a man accused of the rape and murder of popular celebrity-chef Dolly Hamilton. The case is a surefire ratings winner. But when an investigation begins, it becomes apparent that Ricky may be innocent of murder.
Citizen Verdict was an official selection of the Paris Film Festival. The film was featured at the Sarasota Film Festival, this past January. But this is the first time the film will be seen on the silver screen in Tampa.
Bauer Martinez Distribution, the US Theatrical distribution arm of the film company Bauer Martinez Studios will release the film. Bauer Martinez plans to produce films in Tampa Bay, making them Tampa Bays first in-residence major motion picture company.
Philippe Martinez founded Bauer Martinez Studios and has produced over 20 films including the action-packed Wake of Death starring Jean-Claude Van Damme which he also directed, Land of The Blind starring Raph Fiennes and Donald Sutherland Modigliani starring Andy Garcia and Elsa Zylberstein. The film, directed by Mick Davis, was an official Gala Selection at the Toronto Film Festival, and opened the Miami International Film Festival. Irish Jam (Starring Eddie Griffin) The Piano Player (Christopher Lambert, Dennis Hopper), Out of Season (Dennis Hopper, Gina Gershon), The Defender (Dolph Lundgren, Jerry Springer,) Dot Kill (Armand Assante, Directed by John Irvin) and House of 9 (Dennis Hopper, Kelly Brook).
Red carpet arrivals are scheduled to start at 7pm. The VIP screening is not open to the public. Jerry Springer will attend. The film opens in 14 Tampa Bay theatres Friday, May 6.
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