Francisco's new project: "Packs"
Daniel Ragussis to Direct Berner’s Marijuana Crime Thriller ‘Packs’
By Dave Mcnary - February 9th, 2017
Rapper/marijuana mogul Berner has hired Daniel Ragussis, writer/director of “Imperium,” to direct the upcoming crime thriller “Packs” about the rise of “designer” marijuana, Variety has learned exclusively.
Francisco Ordoñez will write the screenplay based on a story by Berner, also known as Gilbert Milam, Jr. Berner will be financing the development and production of the film through his company, Bigger Business Entertainment.
The film tells the story of the rise of powerful designer marijuana across state lines in a multi-million dollar illegal drug trade that transformed the marijuana experience in America during the past decade. Berner become a marijuana industry entrepreneur with his own medical marijuana dispensaries such as Cookies SF, Collective Efforts, and H2C Cookies 707.
“We made whole markets go from buying Mexican weed for $40/ounce to buying Cali shit for $400/ounce,” Berner said. “It was like the coke wave of the ’70s and ’80s, and Northern California was a major part of it. With prohibition coming to an end, it’s only right to let the world know how it all really went down.”
California’s Proposition 215, or the Compassionate Use Act, was approved in 1996, allowing the use of medical cannabis. California’s Proposition 64, allowing use of recreational marijuana, was approved by voters in November.
Ragussis made his feature directing debut with “Imperium,” inspired by the undercover work of FBI agent Michael German. The film starred Daniel Radcliffe and Toni Collette and was released by Lionsgate Premiere in August.
Ragussis said, “Berner has the ability to provide an exclusive and authentic view of the designer marijuana smuggling trade, a gritty, cinematic world we’ve never seen on screen before.”
Ordoñez was a co-producer and story consultant on “Imperium.” He is currently developing his first feature film, “Asher.”
Ragussis is represented by UTA and Steve Crawford and Sara Bottfeld at Industry Entertainment. Both Ragussis and Ordoñez are represented by Mitch Smelkinson at Stone, Genow, Smelkinson, Binder & Christopher.
Francisco Ordoñez will write the screenplay based on a story by Berner, also known as Gilbert Milam, Jr. Berner will be financing the development and production of the film through his company, Bigger Business Entertainment.
The film tells the story of the rise of powerful designer marijuana across state lines in a multi-million dollar illegal drug trade that transformed the marijuana experience in America during the past decade. Berner become a marijuana industry entrepreneur with his own medical marijuana dispensaries such as Cookies SF, Collective Efforts, and H2C Cookies 707.
“We made whole markets go from buying Mexican weed for $40/ounce to buying Cali shit for $400/ounce,” Berner said. “It was like the coke wave of the ’70s and ’80s, and Northern California was a major part of it. With prohibition coming to an end, it’s only right to let the world know how it all really went down.”
California’s Proposition 215, or the Compassionate Use Act, was approved in 1996, allowing the use of medical cannabis. California’s Proposition 64, allowing use of recreational marijuana, was approved by voters in November.
Ragussis made his feature directing debut with “Imperium,” inspired by the undercover work of FBI agent Michael German. The film starred Daniel Radcliffe and Toni Collette and was released by Lionsgate Premiere in August.
Ragussis said, “Berner has the ability to provide an exclusive and authentic view of the designer marijuana smuggling trade, a gritty, cinematic world we’ve never seen on screen before.”
Ordoñez was a co-producer and story consultant on “Imperium.” He is currently developing his first feature film, “Asher.”
Ragussis is represented by UTA and Steve Crawford and Sara Bottfeld at Industry Entertainment. Both Ragussis and Ordoñez are represented by Mitch Smelkinson at Stone, Genow, Smelkinson, Binder & Christopher.
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October 23, 2017
Thriller/Noir starring Sofia Yepes & Rene Rosado
Written and to be directed by Francisco Ordonez
Status: Pre-Production
"The Low End Theoryl" Website
"The Low End Theoryl" on Facebook
Written and to be directed by Francisco Ordonez
Status: Pre-Production
"The Low End Theoryl" Website
"The Low End Theoryl" on Facebook
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November 7, 2013
Danny Glover, Mekhi Phifer, Rene Rosado and Gina Rodriguez have all signed up to star in director Francisco Ordonez's directorial debut, titled Asher.
The psychological thriller, which is being shopped at the American Film Market this week, is being billed as "Da Vinci Code meets Donnie Brasco," with a story that will see a New York college student (Rosado) infiltrate theBlack Israelites, as part of research for a thesis paper. ARTICLE |
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November 7, 2013
Hollywood Reporter - AFM: Double Dutch Boards Danny Glover Thriller 'Asher'
Mekhi Phifer, Rene Rosado and Gina Rodriguez also star in Francisco Ordonez's directorial debut. READ ARTICLE HERE |
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September 7, 2013
Francisco drops new website for
short film "Half the Man"
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July 28, 2013
"Sons of Charity" Reality Show Teaser
"Sons of Charity" - is a teaser for reality pilot directed by Francisco Ordonez and produced by Erika Olmos.
"Sons of Charity" chronicles the lives and work of Latino bikers who do great philanthropic work through the organization *Rolling deep 4 Charities*
The stars of "Sons of Charity" are the amazing: Martin Resendez, Paul Renteria, Rafael Gallegos, Rick Delgado, and all the many brothers who stand with them.
The stars of "Sons of Charity" are the amazing: Martin Resendez, Paul Renteria, Rafael Gallegos, Rick Delgado, and all the many brothers who stand with them.
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March 11, 2013
Francisco partners with writer-director, Dennis Lee to form BOXOUT Productions.
About BOXOUT
The basics of any creative endeavor are the elements, the tools, and the people. This is where BoxOut comes in. We are Dennis Lee and Francisco Ordonez. During our 14 collective years of directing everything from no-budget to high-budget productions, we have been successful in fostering true collaboration – letting ideas flow from all areas – because we know that only this type of unfettered collaboration enables a team to make the most of the tools and elements at hand.
Francisco is a New York City native. Dennis, the son of Korean immigrants, was raised in Chicago. Now based in Los Angeles, we bring a thoroughly unique perspective to our collaborations, combining our experiences as the children of first generation immigrants, with our knowledge and love for American popular culture.
Combined, we have worked with ad agencies such as Cline, Davis and Mann, Euro RSCG, Brand Addict, along with television/film production companies — ABC Television, Mundos NBC Universal Television, Reliance Entertainment, Senator Entertainment, and Red Om Films.
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Dennis Lee was born and raised in Chicago. After graduating from the University of Chicago, he moved to New York City to attend Columbia University’s M.F.A. Film Program. While at Columbia, his thesis short film, JESUS HENRY CHRIST, received numerous awards, including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Student Academy Award, Silver.
After graduation, Dennis moved to Los Angeles when he was selected as an ABC/Disney Television Directing Fellow, shadowing on such TV shows as ALIAS, BROTHERS & SISTERS, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, and GREY’S ANATOMY.
Dennis made his feature film debut with FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN, a semi-autobiographical drama, which he wrote and directed. Financed by Senator Entertainment, the film stars Ryan Reynolds, Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson, Carrie Ann Moss, Hayden Panettiere and Julia Roberts. FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN made its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, 2008.
Dennis made his second feature film with JESUS HENRY CHRIST. Based on his award winning short film, the quirky family comedy stars Michael Sheen and Toni Collette, and executive produced by Julia Roberts. The film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, 2011.
While writing several feature scripts, Dennis is currently in pre-production for BIRDS IN FALL, a script he adapted from the award winning novel by Brad Kessler. BIRDS IN FALL is slated to begin shooting in the Fall of 2013.
The basics of any creative endeavor are the elements, the tools, and the people. This is where BoxOut comes in. We are Dennis Lee and Francisco Ordonez. During our 14 collective years of directing everything from no-budget to high-budget productions, we have been successful in fostering true collaboration – letting ideas flow from all areas – because we know that only this type of unfettered collaboration enables a team to make the most of the tools and elements at hand.
Francisco is a New York City native. Dennis, the son of Korean immigrants, was raised in Chicago. Now based in Los Angeles, we bring a thoroughly unique perspective to our collaborations, combining our experiences as the children of first generation immigrants, with our knowledge and love for American popular culture.
Combined, we have worked with ad agencies such as Cline, Davis and Mann, Euro RSCG, Brand Addict, along with television/film production companies — ABC Television, Mundos NBC Universal Television, Reliance Entertainment, Senator Entertainment, and Red Om Films.
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Dennis Lee was born and raised in Chicago. After graduating from the University of Chicago, he moved to New York City to attend Columbia University’s M.F.A. Film Program. While at Columbia, his thesis short film, JESUS HENRY CHRIST, received numerous awards, including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Student Academy Award, Silver.
After graduation, Dennis moved to Los Angeles when he was selected as an ABC/Disney Television Directing Fellow, shadowing on such TV shows as ALIAS, BROTHERS & SISTERS, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, and GREY’S ANATOMY.
Dennis made his feature film debut with FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN, a semi-autobiographical drama, which he wrote and directed. Financed by Senator Entertainment, the film stars Ryan Reynolds, Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson, Carrie Ann Moss, Hayden Panettiere and Julia Roberts. FIREFLIES IN THE GARDEN made its world premiere at the Berlin Film Festival, 2008.
Dennis made his second feature film with JESUS HENRY CHRIST. Based on his award winning short film, the quirky family comedy stars Michael Sheen and Toni Collette, and executive produced by Julia Roberts. The film had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, 2011.
While writing several feature scripts, Dennis is currently in pre-production for BIRDS IN FALL, a script he adapted from the award winning novel by Brad Kessler. BIRDS IN FALL is slated to begin shooting in the Fall of 2013.
November 28, 2012
New music video for
Long Beach artist, Roc$tedy
Francisco performs cinematography, directing and editing duties for song titled, "Active."
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