East Greenwich Producer Bringing Hollywood To RI

EAST GREENWICH, RI — A movie producer from East Greenwich will bring Hollywood to Rhode Island with the release of his latest film "Mr. Birthday."

Hyperborea Films, in association with LaSalle Productions and Matthew Luke Tucci Productions, will host the world premiere of "Mr. Birthday," a family comedy shot entirely in Rhode Island. The film stars Oscar nominee Eric Roberts (Runaway Train, The Dark Knight, The Expendables), Jason London (Dazed and Confused), Anna Marie Dobbins (Christmas Together), Charlotte Ciano (Agent Toby Barks) and Fred Sullivan (Vault). All will attend the invite-only premiere on Dec. 3. Then, the film will be released in select theaters and video on-demand services on Dec. 17.

"The cast and crew worked tirelessly to make this film happen," said producer and East Greenwich native Chad Verdi Jr. "Many people don't realize the number of individuals and moving parts needed to put together a movie like this. We wanted to thank our team and give them a night to remember right here on our home turf in Rhode Island."

Produced by Verdi Jr., along with Rhode Island natives Paul Luba, Matthew Luke Tucci and Tom DeNucci, "Mr. Birthday" is a family comedy that tells the story of a hard-working single father named Barry Birtenday. While working his maintenance job at an upscale hotel, Barry encounters the mysterious Mr. Jay. He introduces Barry to the International Birthday Network, an agency that helps children suffering from miserable birthdays. Barry then takes on the mantle of "Mr. Birthday" to bring joy to kids across the globe.

Rhode Island movie buffs may be familiar with the name Verdi. Chad Verni Jr.'s father is a long-time producer, who has worked with director Martin Scorsese on four films, including "Silence" and "The Irishman."

"I'm trying to follow in his footsteps as much as I can," Verdi Jr. said.

Verdi Jr. said "Mr. Birthday" is one of 10 films he plans on bringing to Rhode Island and New England over the next three years through Hyperborea Films.

"I teamed up with my father's film company, Verdi Productions, on the feature film "Johnny and Clyde," starring Megan Fox," Verdi Jr. said. "RI is getting a lot of exposure, and I am just glad to be part of it."