Already up and filming in Orlando, this project is one that has been quietly assembled and started moving.
The Orlando Sentinel reports that Kat Dennings, Chad Michael Murray and Rupert Friend are hard at work on “The Renee Project.” The indie drama is based on the true story of Renee Yohe, whose battle with drugs, depression, addiction and cutting led to the creation of the charity group To Write Love On Her Arms.
Dennings will play Renee, with Murray taking the role of Jamie Tworkowski, the founder of TWLOHA. No word yet on what Friend’s role is but he will be joined by Corbin Bleu (“High School Musical“), who rounds out the cast.
Producer Kim Dawson described the project as a cross between “Trainspotting” and “Across the Universe,” and while it sounds promising, our excitement for the project is somewhat dimmed as it will be helmed by Nathan Frankowski who directed the Ben Stein Creationism documentary “Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.” Hrm. That said, sounds like it could be some potentially powerful material and the ambitions of the filmmakers are certainly high so here’s hoping they can pull it together into a compelling film.
N.E.R.D. were mentioned early on as contributors to the soundtrack and while their name hasn’t cropped up in the recent reports, Travie McCoy (Gym Class Heroes) and Rachael Yamagata will perform in the film.
Production is under way and will wrap on March 29th; no word yet on distributors or a release date.
