(from www.modernfilmfest.net)
Rick Ravenello may have acted in major TV shows, such as “Weeds’” “Smallville” and “CSI:NY” but he has also had a chance to enjoy some down home southern comfort filming right here in Kannapolis, North Carolina, shooting the faith based thriller, “Witness Insecurity.”
The movie was written and produced by China Grove resident Eric Troyer and used many locations in Concord and Kannapolis to shoot, and gave Ravenello a chance to enjoy Cabarrus and Rowan counties.
Local residents who watch, “Witness Insecurity” will probably recognize many of the locations used in the movie, including the Gem Theatre, Whitley’s Funeral Home, BeBop’s Dinner and Gianni’s Restaurant in Concord.
“I would LOVE to come back to North Carolina to film again. Heck….I’d come back just to hang out with all the crew. I’ve had opportunity to film in a lot of places but North Carolina has become one of my favorites,” Ravenello said in a recent interview. “It’s not just the country, it’s the folk. Hospitality and genuine caring everywhere you went.”
And now Ravenello is getting to do just that. He will be in attendance for the WORLD PREMIERE of, “Witness Insecurity” at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the third annual Modern Film Fest at the historic Gem Theatre, Kannapolis, And film lovers will have a chance to meet Ravenello in person at the festival after party, held after the screening of, “Witness Insecurity.”
Tickets just for the movie are $4 each, or for $10 film goers can purchase an after party ticket that lets them see the movie at the Gem Theatre and then join cast and crew from’ “Witness Insecurity,” at the Forty Six restaurant. This is a chance to meet moviemakers and actors from the various movies in this year’s line up.
Tickets to the after party are limited to 50 to the public.
The movie pulled in local talent as well as several other moves that are screening at this year’s festival.
In addition to Rick Ravenello, the after party guests will also include:
1. Joanne Hock, director, “Redneck Roots”
2. Robin Grey, producer, “Redneck Roots”
3. Eric Troyer, producer/writer, “Witness Insecurity”
4. Patrick Keenan, actor, “Witness Insecurity”
5. Charlie Moore, actor, “Witness Insecurity
“6. Kathy Taylor, director, “Three for Dinner”
7. Russ Greene, local filmmaker
8. James Fox, director, “The Darkest Matter”
9. Devin DiMattia, director, “Firewall of Sound”
10. Ken Wyatt, director, “Pray for Eric”
11. Dave Harlequin, editor/writer for “Stiff Magazine”
Many of the guests are from the Charlotte area and with Ravenello making the trip back from Los Angeles, Calif. he knows that North Carolina is going to be a great place to relax while he is in town from the festival. And he’ll have a chance to return to the Gem Theatre.
“I love old heritage type buildings and the Gem Theater seemed to fit that bill. I loved filming there,” he said. “I did almost crash off of the fire escape at one point during a scene but that was my own stupidity….nothing to do with the Gem!!!! Oh yeah, sorry about the dent in the sound proofing material on the back wall……I felt compelled to throw that dang apple……You’ll see in the movie!!! “
Filmed in Cabarrus and Rowan counties, “Witness Insecurity” also lured the talents of Edward Furlong, Ed Asner and Meat Loaf, which gave Ravenello a chance to work with some fine talent.
Of course. he has already established himself as a strong character with 70 credits to his name including appearances on, “24,” “Weeds,” “Smallville,” “Bones,” the Bruce Willis film, “Hart’s War,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” “Cold Case,” “The Closer,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Monk,” “The Outer Limits” and many more.
For, Ravenello, his appearance in, “Witness Insecurity” was a chance to help carry a movie, playing the movie’s antagonist.
“Witness Insecurity” tells the story of Johnny Graham, who was raised by the Torino crime family after the death of his parents. Johnny is repeatedly torn between loyalty to his adoptive family and his conscience.
When Anthony Torino (Rick Ravenello) turns his deadly sights on the DA prosecuting him for the cold-blooded murder of his own cousin, Johnny is finally moved to act. Despite his role as family accountant, Johnny is quite the marksman. He convinces a reluctant Anthony into letting him eliminate DA Elizabeth Jones.
Johnny’s plan to simply warn her instead is thwarted by the arrival of a pair of Torino family goons sent to supervise his first hit. The ensuing shootout leaves Elizabeth wounded, one goon dead, and Johnny arrested. Johnny rolls on Anthony and enters the Witness Security Program.
Shortly after Anthony is arrested. He escapes and contacts his mole to get the locations of Johnny and the others who were going to testify against him. When Vince, Torino family hit-man and Johnny’s lifelong friend, shows at the sheep farm where Johnny has been hidden away, Johnny finds himself once again scrambling to save the lives of those who have crossed Anthony, including his own. Along the way, he realizes that he’s not alone in this mission.