Indie film debuts in downtown Fort Myers

SPECIAL TO FLORIDA WEEKLY Amy Whicker and Eric Raddatz star in the film "Barely a Chance" opening June 6 at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center.

"Barely a Chance," an independent movie filmed and produced in Southwest Florida by filmmaker Eric Raddatz will premiere at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Friday, June 6. Guests will enjoy a concert by the Heather Brooks Band, Modulation and the fresh chunky sounds of DJ Michael Briscoe during a pre-premiere concert and mixer starting at 6:30. The movie's stars; Keegan Shayne, Scott Thompson, Doug MacGregor, Amy Whicker, Jessica Di- Tomaso, director and executive producer Raddatz will be at the social.

The romantic comedy about the journey of a man miserably lost in the '90s who becomes single and learns to embrace the five stages of grief while struggling to accept his dysfunctional asexual and somewhat dork-like identity was filmed in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Captiva Island, Bonita Springs and Naples. The movie contains original music by Dan Miller, Danny Sinoff, Darrell Nutt, Heather Brooks, Mike Rogers, DJ Michael Briscoe and Kelsey Merritt.

p2_xlg.jpg',487,1024)"> p2_xlg.jpg',532,249)"> COURTESY PHOTO The cast of "Barely a Chance," an independent movie filmed in Southwest Florida.

"Barlely a Chance" is Raddatz' brainchild and his second independent film. His first was "A Day to Love and Die" which was picked up for international distribution after screening at the New York International Film and Video festival in 2005. Raddatz wrote, directed, produced and started in both films.

Raddatz' film resume includes working with some other greats including Matt Damon, Eva Mendes, the Farrelly brothers, Paris Hilton, Carmen Electra, Tara Reid, Kevin Bacon, Katie Erbe and Greg Kinnear. "Barely a Chance" includes cameos by Barbara B. Mann and local internationally acclaimed artist Marcus Jansen.

Raddatz is currently working on a project with the Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking to create greater understanding of human trafficking and the needs for assistance.

The event is sponsored by the Sidney and Berne Davis Center for the Arts, Fort Myers Downtown Redevelopment Agency, Erad Productions L.L.C., Southwest Florida Modeling and Talent, Three Kings Productions, Capomaestro Studios, Envie Lounge.

p3_xlg.jpg',400,427)"> PHOTO BY MICHELLE TRICCA Eric Raddatz wrote, directed and produced "Barely a Chance" a story about relationships, love and asexuality, premiering at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Friday, June 6.

if you go

>>What:"Barely a Chance"

>>When: Friday, June 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for the social mixer with concert by Heather Brooks Band, Modulation and DJ. Michael Briscoe. Movie premiere starts promptly at 8 p.m.

>>Where: The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center 2301 First Street, Fort Myers

>>Tickets: $3 at the door. Students are admitted free. For information call 822-6804