Colin Farrell on the set of Dead Many Down in Philadelphia.
The premise for the film “Dead Man Down” is practically ripped from the diaries of history’s most notable mob bosses. According to movie sources, the film which stars Colin Farrell, Noomi Rapace (notably from The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) and Terrance Howard, follows a professional killer (Farrell) and right-hand man (Howard) to an underground crime lord in New York City. When he’s seduced and blackmailed by a crime victim seeking retribution (Rapace), their intense relationship leads them to plot violent and cathartic plan for revenge.
And, it seems the execs behind the movie aren’t much different from the mob bosses they are bringing to the big screen, either.
A letter was sent to “several hundred” vendors, some of which are located in Philadelphia, home to the movie’s set. This letter claims that, “the production has experienced a severe shortfall in the funds necessary to complete the production or to pay all outstanding invoices related thereto.”
Their solution? Offer any one who wants to settle up now while there is at least enough money to do so at a whopping $0.40 on the dollar.
“That said, my mission is to attempt to settle with all willing vendors in as equitable a manner as possible by offering a portion of what is owed while funds still exist,” Lance Thompson of Film Brokers wrote, citing that, “In accordance with the formula that I must adhere to, I can offer your organization an amount equal to 40% of the outstanding invoices.”
It’s been reported that Philadelphia, who offered many tax breaks to studios to entice them to film on our streets, is one of the vendors who is owed, but city officials are being mum about the exact amount.
“I think altogether all these vendors are a powerful voice,” Greater Philadelphia Film Office chief Sharon Pinkenson said Wednesday. “The financial health of my vendors is very important, and I will not tolerate anybody being shortchanged when they are owed money for film work and I am seeking advice.” She added that the city was among the creditors but declined to disclose how much it’s owed.
I bet Vinny down at the backroom of that seedy bar knows what’s up. Slip him some cash and see what he’ll say.
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