Rhode Island filmmakers honored as Hollywood comes to the Ocean State

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Hollywood has come to Rhode Island, and not just for one night.

The glitz and glam of the film biz is happening year-round in the Ocean State, thanks to a handful of big thinkers in the smallest state in America.

“I was always interested in the film industry,” said Chad Verdi. “But, basically, I was told by everyone you would have to move to LA, New York, anything along those lines.”

Thankfully, that has not been the case for Rhode Island filmmakers Verdi and Paul Luba.

“To have the state of Rhode Island support in independent film and independent arts is absolutely amazing,” Luba said.

Over the last five years, together under Verdi Productions, they have produced more than two dozen movies in Rhode Island.

“So being able to have a successful career in this field, here, is huge,” Verdi said. “Not only for us, but also all of the other people, the cast and the crew, who are on our sets as well.”

At the red carpet experience Sunday, Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival will honor the two producers with the 2024 Producers Circle Award.