The Mob: Filmmaking Chicago Style
J. Kenneth Ezra

Movie Producer and native Chicagoan J. Kenneth Ezra explains,
Chicago still has the typical mobster types, you know like Johnny
Garlic, Snake Man, and Bobby the Hitmen types.  But the Chicago
mob is different than other cities.  First off, the mob in
Chicago took on characteristics like the city itself.  They
worked hard.  I mean, they wake up early and leave work very
late.  And seldom do they show off like their granddad Al Capone.
Those days are long gone.

J. Kenneth Ezra is producing a package of 10 movies.  In the
remake of the independent "The Right thing" (see trailer at
www.razorfilms.com ), his partnership with director and writer
Vito Brancato gives us an authentic viewpoint in the Chicago mob
scene.  Tony Russo a low level street guy gets caught up in the
power struggle between the Chicago Police Department, which is
notorious for getting in the way of the mob, and a powerful mob
boss, who if you didn't know any better you'd think was a retired
electrician living in the posh Chicago suburban sprawl.  We have
many stars interested in the roll of Tony Russo who plays the low
level mob guy, who takes desperate measures when he's thrown in a
desperate situation.  "Russo really embodies Chicago mob
characteristics in 70's and 80's."  Ezra explains.  "This guy is
bitter about his roll in the stingy Chicago mob hierarchy, who
moves like a big old money corporation, very slow to try new
things.  He hates that the tops guys.  They don't get out sync
and let some of the little guys in on bigger deals.  Just like
any Chicago entity, the Chicago mob has a notorious lack of
funding for research and development.  They'd rather live on the
power and royalties of the old proven products. Successful
corporations keep solid growth and market share"  In this truth
life story you see when things get out of hand the Chicago mob
handles the situation like IBM, they isolate the problem, come up
with a solution and follow-through so the product and efficiency
is not disrupted.  In the end, they get up early, work hard, bear
the freezing Windy City and keep collecting.

"I try to develop talent that is passionate and highly
knowledgeable about their subject. A love for putting it on film
is a must.  Vito turns out to be just that.  I was impressed by
his original script "Blackstone" which aired on PBS.  He took a
well known Chicago street rumor. Kennedy was to be assassinated
during his trip to Chicago before he moved on to Dallas."  I
loved that Vito took that rumor and filled in the blanks.
Especially, when he did the hard work of actually interviewing
people "supposedly close to the story".  I don't think you find
that kind of authenticity in filmmakers today.  I want to produce
and development people with that kind of talent, passion and
knowledge about what they're filming.  The rest will translate on
the big screen and the funding and great audience reaction will
follow.

A prominent Hollywood agent reports, "It's a pleasure to see
someone for the last 7 years stay the course and rise up."  Ken
is so committed to authentic films he volunteered to work the
craft-service table on the set of After Freedom, director Vahe
Babian, a film about Armenians adjusting to life here in Los
Angeles.  "If it's true, real and authentic.  I want to part of
it.  Even if I have to literally serve everyone on the set.
Being part of his film continues my journey of authenticity. I
think our film "The Right Thing" is the right thing for
authenticity.

http://www.razorfilms.com/