EG's Verdi Productions Announces Oct. Release For "Infected"

Verdi Productions will release its third film — "Infected," a zombie thriller — in October 2012, just in time for Halloween. This follows the release earlier this month of "Loosies," a romantic comedy written by and starring Peter Facinelli (of
"Twilight" fame).

The young company is moving fast in a business where movies can take years to get made and most never get made at all. Owner Chad Verdi got into the movie business for one reason, he said: to make "Paz," a movie about the life of local boxer Vinny Pazienza.

"I have to make that movie. That’s my goal. That’s why I’ve made these three movies," said Verdi, referring to "," his first film, "Loosies," and "Infected."

"'Paz' really really excites me," Verdi said.

He's gratified that "Loosies" gained release deals in 28 foreign territories. Still, Verdi said it remains to be seen whether or not any of these three movies will make money.

"It’s a long process and it takes 36 to 48 months to figure out if you’re going to make money," said Verdi. "That being said, being able to make the movies with the actors we’ve had, being able to sell the movies to the people we’ve sold them to, we’re in the best position we can be in."

That position, for Verdi, is on the cusp of making "Paz."

His company announced earlier this month that Ben Younger has signed on as writer/director of the movie. Shooting, which will take place entirely in Rhode Island, is to begin in September.

"Loosies," 90 percent of which was filmed in Rhode Island, employed 112 people in the state, Verdi said. "Paz" could employ as many as 150.

For more on Vinny and the upcoming movie, check out this story by local writer Danielle Buffardi on RetroRI.com.