Salvatore Klezmer Riggio

HEROES, JUST FOR ONE DAY (BREAKING THICK ICE) Budget: $5M - $10M | Drama Recent LA reviews: “An ambitious and entertaining socially relevant drama and character study, with a good cinematic eye, strong LGBTQ+ themes and positive portrayals, a beating heart and layered emotionality at its core, HEROES boasts a promising, diverse, and inclusive cast and has the potential to find an equally diverse audience. Material radiates a solid indie vibe; Writer has a knack for layered ensemble storytelling, authentic gay life, ice hockey action, and rich interpersonal dynamics.”“Honestly, the Reader sees this as a sellable story. It is original, well-written, and never tries too hard to be different. The tragedy of 9/11 is relatable, and the concept of what to do with the 2000 unidentified victims is horrifying. The universal themes of acceptance, diversity, and coming together after tragedy is investable. The script should be able to find a contemporary audience on a streamer. The theme is the area of the script that shines. The Writer takes the issue of people choosing not to identify many of the bodies of 9/11 victims, so they are left indefinitely in the morgue, creating a relatable problem. The idea that a gay hockey player and a firefighter with PTSD can find relief in creating a memorial and raising money from a hockey game between the two groups is original and compelling. It is a universal theme and relevant to today’s society.”  

BAN THE BULLET Budget: $1M - $5M | Drama Recent LA review: "The premise of this story explores several powerful themes, including the impact of trauma, interracial relationships, gun violence, toxic masculinity, and LGBTQ+ identity. The central message is one of resilience in the face of adversity, emphasizing the need for societal change and acceptance. These themes are delivered with a mix of subtlety and directness, allowing viewers to engage with the narrative on both emotional and intellectual levels. The characters' experiences and challenges serve as vehicles for conveying these themes, making them relatable and thought-provoking."A 2024 “Romeo and Juliet”."Comparable films that come to mind include "Elephant," "We Need to Talk About Kevin," and "The Hate U Give." These movies share a common exploration of the impact of gun violence on young people and their communities, delving into themes of trauma, identity, and social justice. I think they captivate audiences with their raw, unflinching portrayals of the complexities of adolescence and the harsh realities of contemporary society, sparking important conversations about systemic issues and the need for change. Based on the scope and themes of the film, I think the estimated budget range would likely fall between $5 million to $15 million. It's a socially relevant drama with multiple characters and impactful visual sequences, which could require moderate production and post-production costs. I believe this type of movie is best suited for a hybrid release, combining limited theatrical release with strong emphasis on streaming platforms. Companies like A24, Focus Features, and Amazon Studios are known to invest in thought-provoking, socially conscious films and could be interested in distributing a movie of this type."