Flat Rock Motion Pictures, L.L.C. is dedicated to developing and producing films for both the domestic and international markets. Using the best available talent before and behind the cameras, the company intends to produce films that combine skillful story-telling and universal themes, resulting in high-quality entertainment with global appeal, and to do so in a time-efficient, cost-effective manner.
Founded by entertainment veterans Jack Thompson and Terry Porter to create family-friendly films for both the domestic and international markets, Flat Rock Motion Pictures’ focus is on telling great stories – historical and contemporary – with compelling characters that will appeal to broad audiences, with the goal of creating films that will garner ratings of G, PG or PG-13. From the 1960s through 2002, Jack Thompson wrote, directed and/or produced more than 200 programs and movies of the week for the CBS, ABC and NBC television networks, as well as 21 feature films for various motion picture companies.
After Jack lost his fight against cancer in late 2008, Terry Porter assumed the position of CEO of Flat Rock Motion Pictures. Since 1990 Terry has been a WGA signatory agent, representing screenwriters. In that capacity he developed relationships with studio executives, producers, directors and other film industry professionals while pitching and selling his clients’ film and television projects. Those relationships now provide him with access to the array of talent and expertise that Flat Rock will need as it develops and produces its films. Terry also owns and operates Flat Rock Records, a recording company representing blues, folk and gospel performers, some of whose music will be used in its sister company’s films.
In the wake of Jack’s death, Terry appointed S. L. (Skip) Berry, who had handled communications for Flat Rock Motion Pictures, as its president. A former newspaper reporter and the author of several books, Skip is a screenwriter with expertise in media relations, promotions and small business management.
Both Terry Porter and Skip Berry will serve as producers or executive producers on Flat Rock projects, bringing in other experienced professionals to assist with individual productions.
Working with consultant/executive producer Arthur Strout, former keyboardist for ELO and Hall & Oates, Flat Rock is going to produce a series of documentary films that profile significant songwriters and performers. With an emphasis on high-quality production, the films– which will focus on their subjects’ professional accomplishments and contributions to music history– will be as engaging as the best feature films.
From repackaging and reselling existing music variety shows and lifestyle series to producing and co-producing new reality and scripted series, Flat Rock is working with broadcasters and distributors to provide viewers worldwide with quality programs.
Flat Rock Motion Picture has three films on its initial slate:
Telling the true story of the daring rescue of 281 people from the American embassy compound in Mogadishu during the fall of the Somalian government in January 1991, this project in development is based on the book Night Mission to Mogadishu by Trent LaLand, one of the Marines who took part in the rescue.
Screenwriter: TBD
When an American artist debuts the world’s first “motion picture” in 1846, he becomes an international sensation—and the country’s first millionaire artist. But he squanders fame and fortune in a battle with P.T. Barnum to be America’s top showman.
Writer: S.L. Berry
An illicit love affair unfolds against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War. Destined to be together, yet torn apart by honor and betrayals, two lovers’ lives intertwine amid the turmoil of war and personal feuds. Goya’s paintings become a reflection of their passions.
Screenwriter: Sally Sutherland Tirado
The company also is developing other films, including a pair of animated features, as well as television projects.
As projects go into production, Flat Rock Motion Pictures will launch a fully developed website featuring clips from works in progress as well as links to sites for individual films.