Producing Urban Movies By Sid Kali

By: Sid Kali


Who is Sid Kali? I've written, directed, and produced two full-length urban features, CONSIGNMENT and IN WITH THIEVES, plus have a third feature in production titled STASH SPOT. It's felt good to finally stop talking about making movies and seeing it happen on the truly independent level. It's an amazing rush I can only describe as a wave of fear, anxiety and adrenaline.

I struggle like many filmmakers out there trying to claw their way out of the indie movie scene into bigger success. When I talk about the independent scene I'm not thinking of major film festivals where successful Hollywood players make deals happen or about movies with a low seven figure budget starring A-List talent signed on because they believe in the story. My indie reality is making movies without going broke or losing my sanity. Plus attracting a quality cast and crew that are up to working on an urban feature with unlimited heart, but a limited budget.

I've chosen to direct urban films because I enjoy watching them and it's an exciting time to see the urban genre continue to grow because the storylines are connecting with a larger audience by going beyond what you would expect to see in a urban movie. The urban tag doesn't have to mean you're directing a lesser film because it's not art house fare.

It's been said never make a movie if you want to make a ton of money. Make movies because you have a story you need to tell. Fair enough. But I say nobody went into a fight looking to lose. I want to be as successful as I can in the movie business. The more money the better. Not to say I am not passionate about the scripts I write and the movies I direct. I love the entire film production process from script to finished movie. I do love some parts more than others, but overall I would not want to do anything else but shoot movies.

This having been moving forward, not as quickly as anyone that makes a movie wants, but moving. The domestic and international rights for the urban action drama CONSIGNMENT have been acquired by a respected distributor who really gives that extra attention to independent films. We were more fortunate than most to land a fair deal. Another feature, IN WITH THIEVES, is a smart crime drama filled with betrayal, passion, and greed. It will be out of post-production shortly and ideally picked up for distribution.

I am a staunch realist. CONSIGNMENT and IN WITH THIEVES are gritty, fast-paced crime movies that are brutally raw in their depiction of the subject. They were not entered into film festivals or submitted to a major Hollywood studio. These movies were made for the direct-to-video market. There are many movies that find an audience and success in this market. Regardless the market you feel your movie will best fit it must tell a good story, have quality picture and sound, and have all the proper releases in order. Working through the deliverables after you sign a deal takes patience and a good attitude.


Slice Of Americana Films

In With Thieves

Slice Of Americana Films was formed in 2005 by Sid Kali to produce quality urban movies.