Happiness for the Indie Sector: Werc Werk Works to back Solondz’ quasi-sequel

You’d think that with the trades calling the demise of the independent film sector that no one in their right minds would throw themselves in a market in such a downturn. A new shingle has indeed been added, and they’re backing a long-gestating Todd Solondz project nonetheless. Variety reports that founder Elizabeth Redleaf and producer Christine Kunewa have founded the company which is “looking to produce three to four films a year”.

Werc Werk Works will back the untitled Todd Solondz picture, a project which at one point had indie vet producer Ted Hope and Fortissimo Films’ serving different producer functions.

Early word was that this was a companion piece to Happiness and Welcome To The Dollhouse with many of the characters resurfacing. Solondz wrote the screenplay, which revolves around a group of struggling individuals, hoping to find a place for themselves in an unpredictable and volatile world. The narrative is told through a series of intersecting love stories. Emma Thompson, Demi Moore and Paul Reubens were once attached to the project.

The film is scheduled to begin principal photography in October in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We should be receiving some casting news shortly. Solondz last directed Palindromes a couple of years back.