It seems like St. Pete has become quite a destination for film. Magic Mike and Spring Breakers are just a few of the recent movies that have cast their lenses on our beautiful shores. However, none have taken advantage of the local talent like Ortiz has. Growing up in Treasure Island, Ortiz has the inside scoop on local actors and musicians.
“Having grown up in the area I already knew a few of the musicians like Zero Duval and The Luciano Family, but I also reached out through MySpace to find some other bands like Kritikal Resistance. And of course my brother Darrin Ortiz, a very talented artist who's getting ready to release his first EP, contributed to the soundtrack,” says Ortiz.
As for connecting with these local musicians and actor, Ortiz says the process was “quite easy and painless.” With a little help from the St. Pete Film Commission and Benz Talent Agency, Ortiz was soon holding auditions downtown.
“There’s a lot of great talent and people willing to help in the community,” he says.
He was able to shoot the film in several bars in St. Pete beach, including The Undertow Beach Bar and Shadracks Beach Bar. Many of the driving scenes were on Gulf Boulevard, with some on I-275. Some filming was even done at the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Airport, and the film and soundtrack were both mastered at Guta Sound Studios in St. Pete.
Oritz has created a gritty film that shows three young men who bond as they struggle to create lives for themselves. Uncertainty and choas follow these characters as they take part in a dangerous scheme in an effort to regain hope for a lost future. This film won’t be the last for Ortiz, who looks forward to continuing work with St. Pete local talent.
“The level of music talent in St. Petersburg is off the charts and I'm definitely looking forward to working with other artists on future projects!” says Ortiz.
Watch the trailer here:
Exit 727 is available on DVD and on iTunes. The DVD and soundtrack are for sale on the Insubordinate Productions website. Learn more about Insubordinate productions here.- See more at: http://downtownstpete.ilovetheburg.com/article/Exit-727-Latest-Burg-Film-Features-Local-Talent/3917#sthash.Tszvk9Ec.dpuf