News Summary
Local entrepreneur Roderick McClure is making his mark in the filmmaking industry with the launch of RodFather Productions and their debut film, ‘Both Eyes Open’. Set to premiere on January 17, 2024, this thriller explores deep psychological themes through its narrative of a woman’s struggle against her past. With an exciting cast and a well-crafted script, Birmingham’s cinematic landscape is set for exciting new stories.
New Filmmaking Venture Takes Off in Birmingham
Exciting things are happening in Birmingham as local entrepreneur Roderick McClure is stepping into the world of filmmaking. With the launch of his production company, RodFather Productions, McClure is ready to take audiences on a thrilling ride with its debut film, “Both Eyes Open”, which is set to hit theaters on January 17, 2024.
A New Chapter for McClure
While McClure may be new to the film scene, he’s certainly not a stranger to leadership and organization. With decades of experience in sales and ministry, he has now decided to dive headfirst into filmmaking alongside his son-in-law, Joshua Ferrell. They teamed up to create RodFather Productions in 2024, marking an exciting shift in McClure’s career. While many may consider early retirement, McClure views filmmaking as his “next chapter,” showcasing his enduring zest for creativity and storytelling.
Thrills on the Big Screen
The much-anticipated thriller, “Both Eyes Open”, promises to keep viewers at the edge of their seats. The gripping story follows a woman named Ally, portrayed by actress Gail Bean, known for her memorable role as Wanda in FX’s “Snowfall”. Ally’s journey centers around escaping an abusive relationship while grappling with the haunting hallucinations of her abuser. The film dives deep into the psychological struggles that many face, offering a raw look at trauma and resilience.
Adding to the lineup is esteemed actor Taye Diggs, famous for his roles in “The Best Man” franchise and the hit series “All American”. With such star power, it’s evident that McClure knows how to assemble top-notch talent. And he isn’t alone; the film also features a talented ensemble cast including Joy Brunson, Michael Oloyede, Tristan Mack Wilds, Carla Fisher, and Christie Leverette. This broad array of acting talent is sure to bring the complex characters of the story to life.
The Birth of a Film
The journey of “Both Eyes Open” began during a lunch meeting in November 2023, where the film was cast. Filming kicked off in April 2024, with the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, serving as the backdrop for the movie. The script, crafted by the talented Ariel Julia Hairston, who is also directing and executive producing the film, underscores McClure’s belief that having a credible script is vital in attracting star talent.
Bringing the Film to Life
As the film gears up for its nationwide screening in nearly 50 theaters, including beloved local spots like Regal Trussville, AMC Patton Creek 15, and AMC Classic Lee Branch 15, excitement is steadily building. Fans can easily check out the film’s trailer online and follow updates through the social media handle @botheyesopenmovie on Instagram. For those wanting to keep tabs on McClure’s latest projects and RodFather Productions, they can follow him at @rod.mcclure and @rodfather_productions.
A Promising Start for RodFather Productions
With Roderick McClure at the helm of RodFather Productions, Birmingham has a lot to look forward to in the world of cinema. As a member of the well-known McClure family, he brings a rich background of creativity and community involvement to his new endeavor. His passion for storytelling is bound to shine through in “Both Eyes Open,” making it a film to watch in early 2024!
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Additional Resources
- Birmingham Times: Roderick McClure Creates First Feature Film
- BBC News: Birmingham’s Film Industry Growth
- ABC3340: Casting Call for Feature Film in Birmingham
- Bham Now: Movies Filming in Birmingham
- Chattanooga Pulse: Giant Screen International Conference
- Wikipedia: Film Industry
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
