Filmmaker Donny Armstrong Makes Mark in Hollywood with 'Five.K.One'

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- As the writer, producer and director of "Five.K.One", www.fivekone.com, Armstrong is capturing the attention of many of Hollywood's key players.

Working under major time constraints, solid determination and meticulous persistence, 2008 marked the beginning of a new era for Armstrong with the completion of the film.

Armstrong (for his film/production company Mind Vision Productions) skillfully proved his capacity for cinematic versatility. As he shares, "'Five.K.One' portrays the lives of two friends who operate as drug dealers who have had their run of the streets. Throughout the film they face many trials and tribulations, serious adversity and life altering decisions they may not be able to live with. "I wrote this film to bring awareness to what the street has to offer which is prison, death and chaos," says Armstrong. He added, "I took the title straight from the federal sentencing guidelines in section 5.k.1.2, which states that if an individual gives information to convict someone else, their sentence will be expunged or reduced for cooperating. I think that's the most messed up part about the system."

Shot entirely in Detroit, "Five.K.One" stars Clifton Powell (Street Kings, Next Friday, Ray), Melvin Jackson, Jr. (The Wire, Everybody Hates Chris), A.J. Johnson (Friday, Menace II Society, Def Comedy Jam) and national recording artist, Yukmouth.

Armstrong also opened the door for many of Detroit's "Who's Who" in Hip Hop, TV, Radio and Film including: Forty Da Great, Quest Mcody, Big Herk, Marvwon, Ms. Nia and Sunni DeAnda (Channel 955), among others. The film is also co-executive produced by Michigan State University basketball great and former Pro NBA player, Mateen Cleeves.

Having garnered serious interest from several major film and distribution companies, including The Weinstein Company, Code Black and Loose Cannon, Armstrong elected to bypass the deals being presented to him. "I didn't feel comfortable doing a deal with a company while the industry is at risk and experiencing difficulties. I feel that I would be more effective staying independent. Though I do have great actors who are often seen in major films coming out of Hollywood, I don't have 'A-List' actors. I didn't want to get shelved and pushed to the side," says Armstrong. Instead, Armstrong opted to do a distribution deal with Select-o-Hits. In the spirit of independence, he will also engage unique lifestyle outlets, such as barber shops and clothing stores, to become retail partners providing a legitimate and profitable means for these outlets to be directly involved in the film business.

A soundtrack featuring a solid roster of Hip Hop artists will accompany the DVD. Indie artists featured include: Quest Mcody, Big Herk and Forty Da Great (performing the lead singles "Livin' On Tha Edge" & "Boss Up", both produced by Shawty Redd), among others.

The album also features production by famed Hip Hop producer Shawty Redd (Young Jeezy, Gucci Mane) and hometown beatmaker Bunz Beatz. A book featuring the "Five.K.One" screenplay, behind the scenes photos and other extras will also be released in conjunction with the film and soundtrack. The book is also being targeted to those incarcerated to provide a sense of inspiration for them to write their own screenplays.

"Five.K.One" will be released to the public on January 19th, 2010 and will be available at major and independent retailers across the country including Best Buy and FYE and other select lifestyle outlets.

See Five.K.One Trailer and Photos: www.fivekone.com. Mind Vision Films: www.MindVisionFilms.com. IMDB www.imdb.com/name/nm2802474/.

"'Five. K. One' is an excellent film! It's too real!"

– Martha's Vineyard Film Festival

Mind Vision Films

Known for being one of the "rawest" filmmakers to come out of the "mitten", Armstrong began to sculpt his vision for filmmaking in 1997 with the production and release of his ground-breaking DVD series and brand, "Rap Files". Aimed at entertaining and educating indie labels and entrepreneurs in a "no holds barred" fashion, "Rap Files" exposed and discussed the ins and outs of operating in the music business. In 2002, he released his legendary documentary "Street Life"-a compelling film that demonstrates first- hand accounts of war on the streets from those who survived it. Showcasing uncompromising portrayals of prostitution, drug culture and what most call "The Game", "Street Life" received rave reviews and sold over 30,000 units domestically and internationally.

SOURCE Mind Vision Films