October 6 , 2008

"CHERRY" PICKS KALAMAZOO COLLEGE, WMU
AS LOCATION FOR INDEPENDENT FILM PRODUCTION

- Filming begins in late October-
- Filmmakers attracted by tax incentives, facilites, production support -
- College students will assist in film about a college student-

(KALAMAZOO, Mich.) A group of independent filmmakers announced today that principle photography for Cherry, a feature-length movie will be filmed on the campuses of Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. Additional scenes will be filmed at various locations around the city of Kalamazoo.

        Filming will begin in late October and last for approximately 24 days.

        “We were attracted to Michigan because of the new tax incentives offered to filmmakers,” said Cherry screenwriter and director Jeffrey Fine. “Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University provide the perfect combination of picture postcard looks and high-tech facilities that our script requires. Plus, educators and local officials have been very supportive of our production goals.”

        He describes Cherry as the comedic but bittersweet story of Aaron, a bright but sheltered freshman who arrives at an Ivy League college to enroll in an elite engineering program picked out for him by his parents. He sneaks into an art class where he befriends an older student named Linda, who, along with her daughter, helps change his outlook on academics and life.

        “The story unfolds in both funny and touching ways, and is populated by realistic quirky characters,” said Jeffrey Fine. “In tone, it could be compared to recent independent films such as Juno and Little Miss Sunshine.”

        According to Fine, the role of Aaron will be played by actor Kyle Gallner who has appeared in numerous television shows, including CSI: NY, Law & Order: SVU, and Veronica Mars, and films, including the recently released Red, and soon-to-be released Haunting in Connecticut.

        Students from Kalamazoo College and WMU will fill roles in front of and behind the camera during the filming of Cherry.

        “We intend to make this a learning experience for students by letting them help with camera, lighting, wardrobe, producing, and other tasks,” Fine said. “Some students will serve as on-camera extras, and a couple will have small speaking roles.”

        Jeffrey Fine has a long résumé in television. His writing and directing credits include Robocars, The Haunting, and Wired Science. He is joined on the production team by his brother Matthew Fine, by longtime film producer Sam Kitt, who has worked extensively with director Spike Lee, and by television producer Paul Kurta, whose credits include The Riches and Veronica Mars.

        Founded in 1833, Kalamazoo College (www.kzoo.edu) is a nationally recognized liberal arts college and the creator of the “Kalamazoo Plan.” By emphasizing scholarship, career internship, civic engagement, and study abroad, Kalamazoo cultivates “A Fellowship in Learning: At Home in the World.” In 2008, Kalamazoo College celebrates the 175th anniversary of its founding and the 50th anniversary of its pioneering study abroad program.

        Western Michigan University is a public research university with an international reach. It is routinely listed among the nation's top national universities and is home to a variety of programs widely recognized as among the best such programs in the nation.  Home to one of the nation's oldest collegiate honors programs, WMU is focused on student success. Even with a student population of 25,000, the University has maintained its tradition of student/faculty involvement and its “small campus” feel.

        The two institutions share a common border and a long history of collaboration dating back to WMU's founding in 1903.

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Additional Contacts
Cherry - Matthew Fine 757.407.1368
Western Michigan University - Cheryl Roland 269.387.8412