South of 8


South of 8 is a 2016 American crime film written by first time director Tony Olmos and Rosewood Five Productions, based on a string of bank robberies set in the near future. It officially premiered September 26, 2016 at the Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival in Los Angeles, California, where it won the jury award for Best Dramatic Screenplay. Prior to its premiere, the film won 'Best Trailer' at the San Diego Film Awards and was a finalist for Audience Choice #TrailerChallenge at DTLAFF via Indi.com. The film screened again on February 11, 2017 at San Diego Film Week and took home the award for "Best Horror/SciFi/Thriller Feature."

Premise

In the near future, a former con looking for work becomes infamous with a gang of bank robbers during America's next Great Depression.

Cast

The story was written by the director Tony Olmos in July 2013. In September, it was pitched to executive producer Luke Pensabene. Brian Patrick Butler was cast as the film's lead actor by October and in January 2014, the screenplay was complete. Its third producer Jeanette Di Pinza had joined forming the production name "Rosewood Five."
Planning and casting continued with lead actor George Jac, supporting actor Shane P. Allen, and three of four "Lolas." Filming began in March 2014 starting with a car chase and shootout scene in National City which featured a 1971 Plymouth Barracuda. Jennifer Paredes and Kate Schott were the next two actresses who were confirmed shortly after that as filming continued through August 2014. Referred actress Raye Richards was then auditioned and cast in a supporting role for a filming schedule in Alpine, CA.
In September 2014 production slowed as producers constructed a private studio in downtown San Diego to film four very crucial scenes needed for completion. Construction began in January 2015, and all shoots were wrapped by April 2015. Filming of the filler scenes continued until July 2015, when principal photography wrapped on an aggregated micro budget with an entirely San Diego based cast and crew.

Awards and festivals

Festival / Event AwardRecipientResultRef.
San Diego Film Awards Best Narrative Feature FilmTony Olmos
San Diego Film Week Best Sci-Fi FeatureTony Olmos
San Diego Film Week A-List ActorBrian Patrick Butler, George Jac, Luke Pensabene, Raye Richards, Shane P. Allen, Mark Anthony Cox
Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival Best Dramatic ScreenplayTony Olmos
Downtown Los Angeles Film Festival Indi.com Trailer Challenge – Audience FavoriteBrian Patrick Butler
San Diego Film Awards Best TrailerTony Olmos

Reviews

Emilie Black of Cinema Crazed said the film had a good story, music, direction and performances which keeps audiences entertained throughout. These key necessities make viewers look forward to the team's future projects.