(CBS DETROIT) – Local filmmakers call Hollywood to Detroit and find success with independent productions.
The film Chedda Boys is the latest project directed by Kwende Ried.
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It is the story of a young man who struggles with challenges in the inner city as he fights to make better decisions.
One of the many stories Ried says needs more amplified voices.
“Now I’m in a position to tell a story to try and stop some young people from doing things negatively,” Ried said.
“I want them to look more at their choices and decisions.”
The independent filmmaker takes his production business to the next level by bringing a large audience together through streaming platforms.
Johny Thomas, general manager of Belair Luxury Cinema, says the rise of indie projects in Detroit is giving homegrown talent the chance to make it onto the big screen.
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“We make a lot of great movies and as far as I know they end up on Amazon Prime or Tubi, so if you don’t see them at the premiere, you can support these local Detroit filmmakers online and watch them from home. ‘ said Thomas.
Ried’s film One More Flip, which came out last year, has over a million streams.
“I like the independent route. I’m in control of my own destiny and collecting my own data and where I can know my target market, who I can sell to and grow,” Ried said.
Ried says the Michigan Film Industry Association’s drive to return movie taxes to the state will help independent creatives produce quality content.
“Hopefully they’ll come back where they can help us a little bit, where we can make better movies, because the bigger the budget, the more quality work you can do,” Ried said.
Chedda Boys will premiere Friday at Belair Luxury Cinema.
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