Stiffs_press kit

Roger Marino Presents
Directed by: Frank Ciota
Written by: Joe Ciota
Executive Produced by: Roger Marino
Produced by: Sandy Missakian
Genre: Comedy
CAST:
Danny Aiello …………………Frank Tramontana
Jon Polito ……………John “the Prince” Monaco
Louis Vanaria …………………Nino Degeneroso
Frank Bongiorno…………………….. Sid Buford
Lesley Ann Warren ………………..Joy Tramontana
Heather Tom ……………………………. Lauren
Frank Vincent …………….Jimmy the Limo King
Joe Sicari …………………………. Felix Ragucci
STIFFS QUOTES
“Stiffs is a hoot!” – DVD Release Report
“Goofy goodfellas and wisecracking wiseguys. How could a comedy about a mobowned funeral parlor not be funny!?” - Laurence Lerman, DiscDish.com
“Deadly hilarious. A must-see film for all who savor fine comedy with a twist.”
- Amy R Handler, Moving Pictures Magazine/Film Threat
“Murder, mayhem and lots of laughs… many hilarious moments” - VideoViews
“Stiffs is a fun goombah comedy.” – theseriouscomedysite.com
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FILM SYNOPSIS
Directed by Frank Ciota and written by his brother, Joe Ciota, STIFFS, marks the third feature
length collaboration for the acclaimed sibling filmmaking team.
The black comedy, STIFFS, reveals the hardships and skeletons of three men who work for the
nation’s oldest Italian-American Funeral Home, Ragucci’s. Set against the backdrop of Boston’s
famous Italian enclave “The North End”, Ragucci’s is on the verge of bankruptcy, because the
one time immigrant populated neighborhood now finds itself home to too many young
professions, and not enough of the ripe of age. Off beat comedic performances by DANNY
AIELLO, LESLEY ANN WARREN, JON POLITO, FRANK VINCENT, HEATHER TOM,
LOUIS VANARIA, FRANK BONGIORNO and JOE SICARI unravel the tragic, yet darkly
humorous tale that centers on handsome, Don Juan-esque hearse driver Frank Tramontana
(DANNY AIELLO), a former public relations executive who prides himself on his “impeccable”
reputation and his prowess to still conquer (and satisfy) a younger woman (HEATHER TOM) no
matter what the cost, he leads a pack of his local compadres in a mishap filled plan to save
Ragucci’s.
Run by father figure Felix Ragucci (JOE SICARI), Ragucci’s is not only a historic neighborhood
establishment founded at the turn of the century, but serves a family center for those who work
there. In recent months, business has slowed in the mob controlled neighborhood, and Ragucci’s
is barely able to stay in the black to serve as both final mourning place and neighborhood hang
out for those who frequent and work there.
After learning about the financial woes of their beloved workplace, Frank and his co-workers
John “The Prince” Monaco (JON POLITO), a 60-something offbeat wise guy type, and Nino
Degeneroso (LOUIS VANARIA), a 20-something good looking but dim witted pill popper,
scramble to conceive of ways to keep the business alive.
Further complicating Frank’s struggle to make ends meet and support the lavish tastes of his new
girl friend, he and his ex-wife Joy Tramontana (LESLEY ANN WARREN) negotiate how to
financially support their son’s acceptance to law school. As Joy confronts Frank for financial
support, she unearths his failures as a father and as a husband, and forces Frank to rethink many
of his choices in life.
A series of unfortunate “accidents” plotted by John and Nino in an attempt to boost business lead
to a confrontation with local muckraker and gossip rag purveyor Sid Buford (FRANK
BONGIORNO) and ultimately, life changing revelations for Frank, John and Nino.
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CAST BIOGRAPHIES
DANNY AIELLO (Frank Tramontana)
A lifelong resident of New York City, Danny Aiello began acting in his mid 30's and set
the tone for his career by immediately earning a Theatre World Award for his debut in
"Lamppost Reunion."
With a reputation for no-holds-barred stage and screen
performances which are brimming with honest emotion, Aiello's portrayal of Cher's jilted
fiancé in MOONSTRUCK endeared him to film audiences. As 'Sal' in Spike Lee's DO
THE RIGHT THING, Aiello received unanimous acclaim including Academy Award and
Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actor, and was named Best Supporting
Actor by the Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago Film Critics Associations.
After decades of starring in films, theatre and on television, Aiello recently completed his
lifelong dream and recorded his first studio album. Entitled “I Just Wanted to Hear the
Words,” the compilation of classic traditional jazz hits debuted on April 28th at #4 on the
Billboard Charts and garnered rave reviews. Aiello then hit the road touring with the CD
and sold out his very first concert at NYC’s legendary Rainbow Room, and he has
performed at the House of Blues Sunset Strip in LA and the House of Blues Anaheim.
The album was released by IN2N Entertainment and was produced by Tommy Van
Dell.
Danny also completed the independent film BROOKLYN LOBSTER for director Kevin
Jordan, where he stars as a blue-collar guy who, along with his daughter, runs a
financially troubled lobster shop. BROOKLYN LOBSTER is currently in select theaters.
In the can for Aiello are the feature films ZEYDA AND THE HITMAN and OFF KEY. In
ZEYDA, Aiello plays a grandfather who hires a contract killer to assassinate his allergyprone son-in-law. In KEY, Aiello plays an Italian opera star opposite Joe Mantegna and
George Hamilton.
Aiello’s most recent theatre venture was in the off-Broadway comedy “Adult
Entertainment.” Written by Elaine May and directed by Stanley Donen, the play
centered on the men and women of the porn industry. Aiello spearheaded a cast that
looked at the lighter side of the industry.
A respected actor whose services are always in demand, Aiello received much praise
for his role in the surprise hit DINNER RUSH, an independent film directed by Bob
Giraldi. The LA Times proclaimed “[Aiello] is fun to watch in this dark comedy…Danny
Aiello always has warmth and a sense of security as an actor. When he has a role as
perfect a fit as Louis Cropa, the proprietor of a TriBeca restaurant in DINNER RUSH, he
is a special joy to behold, revealing one layer of character after another!”
On the small screen, Aiello last starred in and executive produced the CBS television
series "Dellaventura." The show was filmed entirely in New York City and was based
on the true exploits of a former NYPD detective.
He followed up his critically acclaimed role of 'The Don' in CBS' "The Last Don 2."
Based on the Mario Puzo novel, "The Last Don" was the network's highest rated mini4
series since 1994 and brought in over 27 million viewers. Of Aiello's performance,
People Magazine stated, "In the central role of Don Domenico Clericuzio, who rules his
criminal empire from a fortress-like Long Island estate, Danny Aiello achieves maximum
credibility with minimal overt effort, as befits a character accustomed to commanding
compliance with a wave of the hand." Aiello previously distinguished himself on
television for his work in the telefilm, "A Family of Strangers," for which he received an
Emmy Award for Best Actor.
Other film credits include: MAIL ORDER BRIDE; ONCE AROUND, with Richard
Dreyfuss, Gena Rowlands and Holly Hunter; MOJAVE MOON, opposite Anne Archer;
MGM/UA's 2 DAYS IN THE VALLEY, opposite James Spader; Castle Rock
Entertainment's CITY HALL, opposite Al Pacino; TWO MUCH with Antonio Banderas
and Melanie Griffith; THE PROFESSIONAL, directed by French film maker Luc Besson;
Robert Altman's READY TO WEAR; Paul Mazursky’s THE PICKLE; THE CEMETERY
CLUB, opposite Ellen Burstyn, Olympia Dukakis, and Diane Ladd; MISTRESS, with
Robert DeNiro; RUBY, in which Aiello portrayed Lee Harvey Oswald's murderer, 'Jack
Ruby'; and 29TH STREET.
After making his motion picture debut in BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY, Aiello continued
to distinguish himself in such feature films as HIDE IN PLAIN SIGHT, ONCE UPON A
TIME IN AMERICA and THE PURPLE ROSE OF CAIRO, among others.
Hailing from a working class family, Danny and his six siblings were raised almost
single-handedly by their mother. From early childhood, Aiello worked an endless series
of jobs including selling newspapers and shining shoes at Grand Central Station. As a
teenager, he served a three-year stint in the Army, where he was stationed in Germany.
Upon his return to the States, he became so caught up in a decidedly working class
existence that being an actor was the furthest thing from his mind.
When he was laid off from his position as the President of the Greyhound Bus Union in
his mid-30's, Aiello landed a job as a bouncer at New York's comedy club, The
Improvisation, and began to fill-in as an emcee. Despite of the fact that he had never
even seen a play, he thought acting might make for an interesting career.
With absolutely no formal training, his award-winning debut performance in "Lamppost
Reunion" led to a number of prominent theatre credits including "Knockout," Woody
Allen's "The Floating Light Bulb," and "The House of Blue Leaves." He received an
Obie Award for his starring role in "Gemini" -- a role he later recreated on Broadway. He
also received a Fabergé Award and two Jefferson Nominations for "That Championship
Season." Additionally, he received unanimous critical acclaim and an LADCC Best
Actor Award for his "on-the-edge" portrayal of 'Phil' in the L.A. debut of "Hurlyburly" and
went on to join the national tour of Tom Dulack's hit comedy, "Breaking Legs," in which
he played a "Godfather" who becomes the unlikely investor in a prospective offBroadway show.
Aiello remains firmly rooted in New York and to his close-knit family, which includes wife
Sandy and their four children, Rick, Danny III, Jaime and Stacey, and his grandchildren.
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JON POLITO (John “The Prince” Monaco)
A veteran of over 90 films, Jon Polito is most recognised from his work with the Coen
Brothers, as well as his many television appearances as a series regular and guest star.
Notable Motion Picture performances are in MILLERS CROSSING, BARTON FINK,
THE BIG LABOWSKI, THE MAN WHO WASN'T THERE, THE CROW, THE TAILOR
OF PANAMA, DEATH OF A SALESMAN with Dustin Hoffman, and THE FRESHMAN
with Marlon Brando. On television, he starred as a series regular on “Crime Story,” and
the critically acclaimed “Homicide,” “Life on the Street.” Notable TV Guest starring roles
include “Scrubs,” “Desperate Housewives,” the befuddled landlord Sylvio on “Seinfeld,”
and his only role as a woman, the number one fan, on “The Chris Isaak Show. “ He
starred on Broadway with Faye Dunaway in “Curse of an Aching Heart,” and in the
1985 Tony award winning revival of “Death Of a Salesman,” with Hoffman and John
Malkovich. He is the recipient of the Best Actor OBIE award for his work in five very
different performances during the 1979/1980 season, the 2005 LA Film Festival award,
and the Maverick Spirit Award for outstanding achievement in Film and Television at the
San Jose Film Festival, also in 2005. Polito, born in 1950, hails from Philadelphia PA.
LOUIS VANARIA (Nino DeGeneroso)
Louis Vanaria is a true Bronx tale. Born in the Bronx, New York, Louis has always
aspired to be a singer song writer. After hearing about an open casting call for the
upcoming DeNiro film A BRONX TALE Louis worked his way in and attempted to land a
singing role, only to land the role of Crazy Mario. Louis was immediately cast in the
C.B.S movie of the week YOUNG AT HEART, starring Olympia Dukakis and his
boyhood idol Frank Sinatra. With his singer career put on hold, he relocated to Los
Angeles after landing a series regular in a W.B show “Kirk,” forty three shows later it
was back to the big apple and back to his first love, music. He took gigs singing in New
York City night clubs such as “Nino” and “Jilly’s,” all the while auditioning and booking
guest spots on hits shows such as “NYPD Blue,” “Law & Order” and “Third Watch.” He
then made his way into the independent film world landing lead roles in films such as
SEARCHING FOR BOBBY DENIRO, about four buddies from New York who are willing
to do anything to get Robert DeNiro into there film, and WEST OF BROOKLYN, a slice
of life film starring Joe Montagna. He recently just filmed a series regular role on “Talk
To Me” a new pilot for Lionsgate/TNT productions.
FRANK BONGIORNO (Sid Buford)
Frank Bongiorno has been acting for more than three decades in both film and
television. He began his career with a performance in 1976 with a role in DARK
AUGUST. His other film credits include the 1980 classic FAME, MAMBO CAFÉ,
UNDER HELLGATE BRIDGE and surprise hit DINNER RUSH with Danny Aiello.
Bongiorno has also appeared alongside Aiello in the 2005 independent film
BROOKLYN LOBSTER for director Kevin Jordan, 2003’s feature MAIL ORDER BRIDE
and CBS TV series “The Last Don.” He has also appeared in HBO’s hit show “The
Sopranos,” alongside Robert Blake in TV’s classic detective show “Beretta,” and with
legend Telly Savalas in “Kojak.” Bongiorno has appeared opposite a long list of film
legends including Kathleen Turner, Harvey Keitel, Daryl Hannah, among others.
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LESLEY ANN WARREN (Joy Tremontana)
Lesley Ann Warren is the quintessential actress, consistently giving audiences and
critics reason to agree with Pauline Kael of New Yorker Magazine, who hailed her as
“one of the greatest beauties of the screen and an actress who delivers spectacular
performances.”
Warren most recently appeared in a fantastic recurring role as Terri Hatcher’s young
and sexy mom on the hit series “Desperate Housewives.” For her exceptional
performance, she has received national publicity. She will next be seen in the feature
10th AND WOLF alongside Val Kilmer, Giovanni Ribisi, and Dennis Hopper and has also
wrapped on the feature CONSTELLATION opposite Zoe Saldana, Gabrielle Union and
Billy Dee Williams. She was most recently seen in the Indie hit film SECRETARY, costarring Maggie Gyllenhaal and James Spader. She also recently starred in Robert
Altman’s production of Alan Rudolph’s comedic mystery TRIXIE with Nick Nolte and
Emily Watson as well as Steven Soderbergh’s THE LIMEY with Terrence Stamp and
Peter Fonda. Warren also co-starred in the critically acclaimed independent feature
TWIN FALLS IDAHO for Sony Pictures Classics. She will also be seen starring in the
features WHEN DO WE EAT?, opening night 2005 Palm Beach Film Festival selection,
alongside Jack Klugman and Ben Feldman, DEEPWATER, 2005 Seattle Film Festival
selection, with Lucas Black and Mia Maestro, and the AFI Film Festival selection MY
TINY UNIVERSE with Debi Mazar and John Heard.
After winning the Most Promising Newcomer Award as the ingénue lead in 110 IN THE
SHADE on Broadway, she found stardom on the small screen as “Cinderella” in the
original television version of the Rogers and Hammerstein classic.
Warren’s first film was THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE for Disney. Her performance in
Blake Edwards’ comic masterpiece VICTOR/VICTORIA garnered her both an Academy
Award and Golden Globe nomination, as well as winning the New York Critics Film
Award and a People’s Choice Award. She has also garnered a Golden Globe
nomination for her role in Alan Rudolph’s SONGWRITER, as well as a second People’s
Choice Award to Rudolph’s CHOOSE ME.
Additional film credits include CLUE, BURGLAR with Whoopi Goldberg, PURE
COUNTRY, COP opposite James Woods, LIFE STINKS with Mel Brooks, WORTH
WINNING, THE COLOR OF NIGHT with Bruce Willis and the Sundance favorite
GOING ALL THE WAY co-starring Ben Affleck.
Warren’s television credits include a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in the
miniseries 79 PARK AVENUE as well as a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award
nomination for her performance in the CBS miniseries FAMILY OF SPIES. She
received Cable Ace nominations for her work in the A & E production for Tennessee
Williams’ 27 WAGONS FULL OF COTTON and HBO Pictures BAJA OKLAHOMA which
also earned her yet another Golden Globe nomination.
Further television credits include the NBC telefilm “Evergreen” and the Emmy Award
winning TNT miniseries “Joseph” opposite Ben Kingsley. She currently has been seen
in a recurring role opposite Sydney Pollack on NBC’s hit comedy “Will & Grace.” She
most recently starred in a two part episode of “The Practice,” and in a recurring role on
“Crossing Jordan.”
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HEATHER TOM (Lauren)
Two-time Emmy Award winning actress Heather Tom (Kelly Kramer on “One Life To
Live” formerly Victoria on “The Young and The Restless”) is one of the most talented
and promising young actresses working today. She possesses beauty, brains, talent
and a passion for acting that is second to none. Heather made her Broadway debut in
the new Mark Medoff play, “Prymate.” Heather played the role of Allison, the attractive
interpreter with a secret.
While only 15 years old, Heather booked the coveted role of Victoria Newman on “The
Young and The Restless.” Heather was only 16 when she won an Emmy Award (Best
Younger Leading Actress, 1993) for her portrayal of the tempestuous, troubled and oftmarried Victoria. In 1999, Heather repeated the honor, winning her second Emmy
Award. When the nominations were announced in the spring of 2000, Heather and her
brother, David, became the first brother and sister to ever be nominated in the same
year at the Daytime Emmys. Since that time, Heather has gone on to become the most
nominated actress under the age of 30 in the Television Academy's history, receiving 9
consecutive Emmy nominations. In 1997, Heather won Best Younger Leading Actress
at the Soap Opera Digest Awards.
After 13 years as Victoria, Heather decided to try out New York City and opted to take
on the role of Kelly Kramer, on ABC's “One Life To Live.” The neurotic, insecure, and
emotionally unstable Kelly offers Heather new challenges.
With her best friend Chad Allen ("Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman"), Heather moved into the
role of theatrical producer, successfully producing a revival of Neil Simon's “Biloxi Blues”
in Los Angeles. Heather also appeared in the play as "Daisy". The revival was so well
received that it won 5 Dramalogue Awards. Quite an accomplishment for a fledgling
producer! Heather also produced and starred in Gila, a play by Mark Medoff ("Children
of a Lesser God"). For this role, Heather had to be fluent in sign language. Her talent
overwhelmed audiences once again, earning Heather a Robbie Theatre L.A. Award
nomination for the Best Actress.
In addition to her work on television, Heather spends hours reading plays, scripts and
classical literature. She is an avid art collector who has amassed an impressive
collection of sculpture, painting and prints. Heather loves to shop at flea markets for
antiques which she features in her Los Angeles home.
FRANK VINCENT (Jimmy The Limo King)
Born in North Adams, Massachusetts of first generation Italian-Americans, Frank
Vincent was raised in the Greenville section of Jersey City, New Jersey. Vincent’s
father, an amateur actor introduced him to show business at an early age.
In 1975, Vincent made his feature film acting debut in Ralph DeVito's DEATH
COLLECTOR. Martin Scorsese saw his work and cast him in the 1980 Academy Award
nominated film of the decade, RAGING BULL. From that point until the present day, he
has appeared in numerous television shows, music videos and over fifty films.
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He has demonstrated the ultimate degree as a character actor from arrogant "Salvi" in
RAGING BULL to soaking wet "Charlie” in DO THE RIGHT THING to racist "Mike Tucci"
in JUNGLE FEVER and suave "Frankie Marino" in CASINO. He has carved a niche
that is his alone and has joined the great character actors in defining himself as a
popular actor of talent and versatility.
Vincent has worked with some of the greatest directors of our time, notably Martin
Scorsese, Brian DePalma, Spike Lee, John Sayles, Andrew Bergman and Sydney
Lumet. He has acted with such greats as Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci, Bruce Willis, Demi
Moore, Richard Dreyfuss, Anthony Quinn, Sharon Stone, Adrien Brody and Sylvester
Stallone among others.
His voice is featured in the multi-million dollar PlayStation game Grand Theft Auto 3 as
"Don Salvatore Leone" and in the soon to be released DreamWorks animated film
SHARK TALE. In addition, his career has taken him from recording with great musical
legends to working on music videos with such names as Bruce Hornsby, Hype Williams,
Nas, DMX, Method Man and T-Boz. At the Hoboken Film Festival in the summer of
2002, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Back East
Picture Show. That same year he received the Italian American Entertainer of the Year
Award presented by the Italian Tribune.
In 2003, Vincent’s passion turned once again toward young and independent
filmmakers. He worked on THIS THING OF OURS, SPY, LAST REQUEST and
REMEDY.
Frank Vincent along with Vincent Pastore (“The Sopranos”) and Louis Vanaria (A
BRONX TALE) starred in the soon to be released rap video called "Mobstory" produced
by Jack Douglas of Beatles fame.
His recent romantic comedy A TALE OF TWO PIZZAS is soon to be released and he
will be on HBO's hit series “The Sopranos.” Vincent resides in New Jersey with his wife
Kathy. They have three children and two grandchildren.
JOSEPH R. SICARI (Felix Ragucci)
Boston native Joe Sicari was born on the border of West End and North End of Boston
fat 19 Pitts St, attended St. Joseph's School and served as altar boy at St. Joseph's
Church, serving mass from time to time at Charles St. Jail. Sicari landed his first role in
"Kathleen of the Laughing Eyes" at Elizabeth Peabody Playhouse on Charles St. and
was immediately hooked on acting.
After a stint in the Army, Sicari went to New York to start a career there. An expert
typist (120 wpm on the electric typewriter) typed scripts for his support while seeing
acting work. He then did over 75 plays and musicals in Summer Stock, The New York
Shakespeare Festival, and other theatrical festivals.
He co-starred in the New York hit musical "Dames at Sea" with Bernadette Peters, and
in several productions at NY Shakespeare Festival, LA Shakespeare Festival and
Regional Theatres all over the country. On-stage he performed leading roles with
Anthony Hopkins in "The Tempest," Leslie Uggams in "Can Can," and alongside other
luminaries including Doris Roberts, Charles Durning, Dom De Luise, Ruth Buzzi, Joyce
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Van Patten, Viveca Lindfors, Charlotte Rae, Lee Meriweather. He also toured the
country for two years co-starring with Jerry Lewis in the national company of "Damn
Yankees.”
Sicari worked with Tennessee Williams editing the original version of his play "The Milk
Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore.” He also performed with Agnes DeMille in 25th
Anniversary Production of "Oklahoma" as Ali Hakim, where he was being directed by
the great Harold Clurman.
Sicari has guest starred in over 150 television productions, including "Seinfeld," "The
Sopranos", "NYPD Blue" "Law & Order", and appeared regularly in "One Day at a
Time." His film credits include PARTNERS with Ryan O'Neil and John Hurt, WHO IS
HARRY KELLERMAN with Dustin Hoffman, the recent KICKING AND SCREAMING
with Will Ferrell.
He just completed the up-coming Adam Sandler film
BENCHWARMERS, and THE LAST NEW YORKER with Dominick Chianese. Among
other legends he has shared the screen with are Telly Savalas, William Shatner, Liza
Minnelli, Lynn Redgrave, Timothy Dalton, Anne Baxter, Christopher Plummer, Nannette
Fabray and Pat Harrington.
Sicari has just finished a run as Alfred P. Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" in Los Angeles for
which he was nominated for the Ovation Award. His other recent musical theater
performances include "Carnival," "Funny Thing Happened on Way to the Forum" and
"South Pacific.”
As a director Sicari has directed Leslie Uggams in THE PRICE with Pat Harrington,
Barbara Bain, Larry Pressman and CREATION OF THE WORLD with Ed Asner.
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FILMMAKER BIOGRAPHIES
FRANK CIOTA (Director)
Since hitting the film scene in 1998 with his first feature film THE NORTH END, Frank
Ciota has had several successes directing award winning shorts as well as two critically
acclaimed independent feature films. In collaboration with his screenwriter brother
Joseph, the Ciota brother filmmaking team has produced a number of films under their
production shingle Mavex Productions.
Most recently, Ciota is directing STIFFS a script penned by his brother, his third feature
film. The black comedy, starring Danny Aiello, follows the plight of a proud ItalianAmerican hearse driver and a group of rag tag locals who find themselves involved in a
mishap ridden plot to keep a dying neighborhood funeral home in the black.
In 2002, Ciota teamed with producer Roger Marino in the making of CIAO AMERICA,
the first feature length collaboration with his screenwriter brother Joseph. Shot entirely
in Italy, the film featured an international cast including Paul Sorvino, Giancarlo
Giannini, newcomer Eddie Malavarca and rising Italian star Violante Placido. With an
original score written by Andrea Morricone, the film was released theatrically in 2002 to
critical acclaim.
THE NORTH END, released in 1998, premiered at the Montreal Film Festival and went
on to a record-setting theatrical run with theatrical chain National Amusements,
prompting Vice President Shari Redstone to call the film “the most successful
independent film we have supported.”
Frank Ciota studied filmmaking at NYU after graduating from Harvard University. Ciota
currently lives in Winthrop, MA.
JOSEPH A. CIOTA (Screenwriter)
Joseph A. Ciota has been writing for film since the early nineties when he penned a short
story which became the basis for a short film which was directed by his brother Frank and
which debuted in the Boston Film Festival. FIVE O’CLOCK SHADOW marked the
beginning of the collaboration between the brothers that continues to this day.
Joe’s writing career started in Italy after a stint coaching an American Football Team in
Ferrara during the mid eighties. The experience allowed the 1981 Colby College Graduate
and former standout athlete the opportunity to unite his passion for sports and his love for
his heritage. It also allowed him to make use of his college major – English Literature –
when a freelance submission on this rare sporting phenomenon was published in
Attenzione Magazine, a leading Italian American Lifestyle magazine at the time. A series
of freelance articles on American Sports in Italy, Sportscar legends Ferruccio Lamborghini,
Ferrari Motors as well as Fashion Designer Giorgio Armani soon followed.
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Shortly following his return to the US, Joe’s brother Frank was just finishing up a film
program at NYU and the two brothers collaborated on the 20 minute corporate opera FIVE
O’CLOCK SHADOW. A short while later, Joe began working on the script that would
become the brother’s first full-length feature, THE NORTH END which was shot on a
shoestring budget and released theatrically through National Amusements. The success
and acclaim of the film eventually caught the attention of former EMC founder and film
producer Roger Marino and the three soon teamed up to put Joe’s experiences coaching
American Football in Italy on the big screen in the 3 million dollar international indie CIAO
AMERICA. CIAO AMERICA which was shot entirely in Italy, features an international cast
including Giancarlo Giannini, Paul Sorvino and Maurizio Nichetti, as well as with the music
of Andrea Morricone. The film enjoyed a very successful limited release across the US
and received outstanding critical acclaim.
Currently, Joe is working along side his brother on the production of their third
collaboration of his script, STIFFS produced through their Mavex Production banner and
Executive Produced by Roger Marino. The black comedy follows the plight of a proud
Italian-American hearse driver, and a group of rag tag locals, who find themselves
involved in a mishap ridden plot to keep a dying neighborhood funeral home in the
black. He also has a series of Italian – themed projects in the works, including a
romantic comedy set in fascist Italy and an epic set in the US during the sixties and the
summer of love.
ROGER MARINO (Executive Producer)
Roger Marino, former President and Co-Founder of the world’s leading information
storage systems company EMC Corporation, has been busy building a successful
movie producing career, among his other work, since retiring from EMC in 1992.
Currently, Marino is Executive Producing STIFFS, written and directed by fellow ItalianAmerican Bostonites Joe and Frank Ciota, respectively. The film, starring a highly
acclaimed cast including Danny Aiello, is in production in Boston’s North End and is
Marino’s second collaboration with the Ciota brothers. In 2002, Marino executive
produced CIAO AMERICA, which told the story of a third generation Italian-American
whose search for his place in the world leads him back to the land of his ancestors.
Marino’s other recent producing credits include the 2004 independent film hit THE
DOOR IN THE FLOOR, starring Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger, I’LL SLEEP WHEN I’M
DEAD, starring Clive Owen and Michael Corrente’s A SHOT AT GLORY, starring
Robert Duvall and Michael Keaton. He also acted as Chairman of Revere Pictures.
Since retirement from EMC, Marino has continued to support the technology sector in
the Boston area by joining the Board of Directors of major international companies
including the TechTarget.com and Centrepath. He was the owner of the Pittsburgh
Penguins NHL team from 1997 through 2000. Marino’s philanthropic endeavors include
acting as a trustee at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and donating the Marino
Recreation Center at Northeastern University. He is also an active member of the Board
of Trustees for Northeastern University, where he earned his degree in Electrical
Engineering in 1961 and an honorary PHD in 1996.
Marino currently resides in Boston, Massachusetts with his wife Michelle and their five
children.
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SANDRA MISSAKIAN (Producer)
Sandy Missakian has been working in the entertainment industry for over twelve years
as a producer, executive and entertainment lawyer. STIFFS, marks Sandy’s first
collaboration with first collaboration with the Ciota brothers and the film’s Executive
Producer, Roger Marino.
Through her production company FortressDVD, Sandy’s prior producing credits come
out of the world of full length DVDs profiling platinum artists in the music industry. A
combination of documentary and multi-camera live concert programming, Sandy’s full
length DVD credits include BUSTA RHYMES “Everything Remains Raw” (2004);
STRONG ARM STEADY (2004); DJ QUIK “Visualism” (2003); WC “Bandana Swangin”
(2003); P.O.D. “Still Paying Dues” (2002); KURUPT ‘G-TV”; OUTLAWZ “Worldwide”
(2002); ALKAHOLIKS “X.O. The Movie Experience.” Sandy also produced a number of
Value Added DVD content pieces that accompanied CD releases for various music
labels and platinum artists, including XZIBIT “Weapons of Mass Destruction” (2004);
PAPA ROACH (2004); ANASTAICA “Anastacia” (2004); and P.O.D. “Satellite” (2003).
In addition to Sandy’s producing efforts, she draws much of her experience from
working as a senior executive and entertainment lawyer for various producer, film
financiers, emerging entertainment and venture capital companies. In additional to her
film production work, Sandy has worked extensively in the music industry developing
innovative marketing initiatives for artists such as Aerosmith, Christina Aguilera, Justin
Timberlake, Rihanna, Anastacia and Destiny’s Child, to name a few. She received her
B.A. at Dartmouth College and her J.D. from Boston College Law Schools.
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PRODUCTION STILLS
Click on the link below for high resolution downloads
and photo credit document
or right click on image to save to desktop
http://www.montereymedia.com/downloads/Title-and-GraphicsInformation/Stiffs/production_stills/
Click on the link below for high resolution captioned downloads
http://www.montereymedia.com/downloads/Title-and-GraphicsInformation/Stiffs/production_stills/Captioned/
For photos, posters, videos and more please visit our Flickr:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/montereymedia/sets/72157626093767615/
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15
ABOUT THE COMPANY
monterey media inc., incorporated in 1979, is a privately owned entertainment industry company specializing
in the acquisition, distribution and sale of motion pictures and other programming. monterey media is actively
engaged in all areas of domestic media, including theatrical distribution, film festivals, and other distinctive
venues, television, and home entertainment markets.
The Company is known for creating unique and distinctive release strategies tailored to each project. By way of
example, in 2005, the Company established a joint venture for the creation of a special theatrical event in
conjunction with AMC Theatres to launch the motion picture Indigo: A one day, 603 North America venue
showing grossed over $1,190,000 box office. Among the theatrical division’s early releases were the
enchanting The Blue Butterfly starring Academy Award® Winner William Hurt; the poignant and compelling
Steel Toes starring Academy Award® nominated David Strathairn; and the critically acclaimed 10 Questions for
the Dalai Lama premiering with Landmark Theatres and going on to play in over 75 cities nationwide.
Within just this past year, monterey media films have been nominated for a Golden Globe Award, Independent
Spirit Award, and NAACP Image Award. Many of our films have premiered at The Sundance, Toronto and
Tribeca Film Festivals. The acclaimed Trucker starring Michelle Monaghan, Nathan Fillion and Benjamin Bratt
(chosen by Roger Ebert as one of the ten best independent films of 2009) recently completed a 50 city release
including New York, LA, Chicago and Dallas. For Endgame, starring Academy Award® winner William Hurt,
monterey media’s theatrical release spanned 30 cities (even after a PBS airing) garnering a Best Actor Golden
Globe nomination for co-star Chiwetel Ejifor. The action/romance The Red Baron starring Joseph Fiennes and
Lena Headey preimered March in multiple LA area theatres anchored by Mann’s Chinese in Hollywood as well as
Phoenix, Detroit, San Diego, Portland, Toronto, Jacksonville and over 40 other cities, followed by Hey Hey It’s
Esther Bluegurger from the Berlin International Film Festival and starring Academy Award® nominees Toni
Collette and Keisha Castle-Hughes.
Earlier releases include the beautifully crafted award-winning the Secrets which began with 4 held over weeks
in 4 theaters in New York City and widening to over 40 cities; Home starring Academy Award® Winner Marcia
Gay Harden premiering in multiple theaters in New York; 35 cities for Academy Award® Winner Forest Whitaker
in Ripple Effect; and Local Color starring Academy Award® nominated Armand Mueller-Stahl and Golden Globe
nominated Ray Liotta in a multiple theater New York City opening, followed by LA, Dallas, Houston, Portland,
San Diego and others.
The philosophy of doing good while doing well is practically a mantra at monterey media, and in addition to its
ritual support of charitable organizations the company has developed a program entitled A Weekend of Unity &
Peace. Last year’s feature film was Turk Pipkin’s One Peace at a Time, with music by Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan
and Jack Johnson. <www.unityandpeace.org>
monterey is known for its creatively coordinated marketing strategies incorporating promotional alliances with
such strategic partners as Wal-Mart, Fisher Price, Pepsi Cola, American Express, Amnesty International USA,
Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Patagonia, Body Glove, KIDS FIRST!,
Days Inns, Habitat for Humanity, Greenpeace, the International Motorcycle Shows and Healthy World Healthy
Child and Air Pacific.
monterey video & Emerging Technologies
The monterey video division is the 2nd oldest independent video manufacturer and distributor in the United
States now encompassing all digital markets including iTunes and Netflix. monterey is well known for its broad
marketing and its direct relationships with key retail, mail-order and internet sites, schools and libraries, and
specialty markets; all major Pay-Per-View and Video-on-Demand providers; and monterey media films can
currently be seen on, Showtime, Starz, Lifetime, PBS, Super Channel and a variety of others.
The versatile monterey video library encompasses unique feature films and documentaries with the
Company having been awarded numerous Multi-Platinum RIAA and ITA sales Awards; prestigious
Independent films starring such distinguished actors as Susan Sarandon, John Ritter, Tommy Lee Jones,
William Hurt, Forest Whitaker, David Strathairn, Brian Dennehy, Robin Williams, Danny Glover, among
many others; celebrated sports programming including Bruce Brown Films On Any Sunday and The
Endless Summer; the most prestigious educational yet entertaining library of films adapted from
literature’s renowned authors combined with acclaimed performances from many of Hollywood’s greatest
actors; and note-worthy children’s programming. In addition, monterey has the honor of being the first
video market licensee of the American Film Institute. 1210