Charlotte, NC (3/5/11)

Emulsion Arts is nearing completion on their first feature film, Redneck Roots, written and directed by Emulsion partner Joanne Hock. The film, a “comedy with heart” tells the story of Crystalyn (Heather Gilliland), a small-town girl who moves to the big city to hide her southern roots. When a family event calls her home, she covers up the truth, lies and leaves behind the city and her boyfriend Ben (comedian, Dean Napolitano) in a fib. Ben trails her in hot pursuit through the DEEP SOUTH. Nothing could prepare him for the oddball, off-kilter loveable kin and townspeople he encounters below the Mason Dixon line.

Focus groups have been giving the film rave reviews: “It’s full of heart, fun, romance and charm.” “I can sum up Redneck Roots with one word – heart. In these times of fast food, fast life and frantic friendships, holding on to our families, laughter and love will get us through. It is heart and you nailed it.”

The Emulsion team filmed for 24 days over the summer of 2010, braving temperatures well above 90 degrees. Locations included the Metropolitan in Charlotte, downtown Stanley, the old WBT emergency broadcast station and Rabb’s Florist in Mt. Holly. John Disher edited collaborating with Tony Elwood and Heidi Dove. Sound design was sketched byTony Elwood and composer Fred Story of Concentrix Music and Sound Design is working on the score with further sound design by Anthony Fedele. Kingdom Post is working on color correction and compositing. The Redneck Roots theme song was written by Emulsion partner Heidi Dove with cohorts Gina Stewart and Brenda Lee.

A rough cut of the film will be shown on April 9th at CPCC’s SENSORIA festival.

Emulsion Arts partners have been planning their expansion into the feature film world for the past two years. It is clear to Emulsion CEO and Redneck Roots’ Producer, Robin Grey that Hock has what it takes to be a feature Director. Hock has been writing feature scripts for many years including her Nichol’s Fellowship winning script “Wednesdays at the Gem”. Regionally she is known for her directing and cinematography work in commercials, corporate and not-for-profit films. Now she is eager to show her storytelling capabilities on long form projects.

Emulsion financed the film with help from an Emulsion friend and a few companies that supported the filmmakers with collaborative assistance: Perry’s Jewelry, Bojangles, Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte and Steinmart.

Ms. Grey is confident Emulsion has a winner. “This is a film that appeals to a wide audience” she says. “It is a delightful blend of sweet romance and lovingly dished out humor using stereotypes in a charming manner that has made our test audiences laugh out loud.” Redneck Roots is truly a romantic comedy gone south; full of heart, charm, wisecracks and fun!

All inquires should be directed to Robin Grey at Emulsion Arts. 704-343-0220.