Inmates Got Talent Producer/Comedian Johnny Collins and Former Inmate Aaron Reason Offer Prisoners Message of Hope

INDIANAPOLIS and LOS ANGELES, July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Doin' Time Entertainment LLC, in conjunction with the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC), announced today that former inmate Aaron Reason returned to Putnamville Correctional on Tuesday, June 29, 2010, but this time he was "just visiting" and doing it to bring a message of hope and inspiration to many of the same men with whom he served prison time with less than a year ago.

A clip of the footage from the visit can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VHWd5z0Mac.

Aaron was joined on the prison visit by Inmates Got Talent Producer/Director/Host/Comedian Johnny Collins who also spoke with the inmates, encouraging them to get properly prepared to re-enter society to lead productive lives.

Aaron Reason, an inmate who participated in the newly completed documentary, The Redemption Project: Inmates Got Talent; was recently released from Putnamville Correctional and is now gainfully employed in Indiana for a well-known, national restaurant chain.  Moreover, he is a stand-out as one of the personalities and comedians in documentary.

Commissioner Edwin G. Buss of the Indiana Department of Correction commented, "It is inspiring to see the positive impact that The Redemption Project has had on the offenders involved in the project and those who have had the opportunity to see it. We were impressed with the ability of Johnny and his team to get the offenders to open up about their lives, admit to past sins and in the process find hope to stay on the right path in life."  

Aaron Reason remarked, "It was strange going back to prison.  But it was good to talk to the guys about making the right choices in life."

Aaron's mother, Carol Reason, who also attended the event, commented, "It broke my heart when my son went off to prison.  But now he's back in my life and at the perfect time.  I was recently diagnosed with cancer and Aaron was by my side as I went through chemotherapy treatments.  Now my cancer is in remission."

The visit to Putnamville Correctional also included a private screening of the Collins produced and directed documentary, The Redemption Project: Inmates Got Talent, which was produced at Putnamville Correctional Facility and recently completed.

Inmate Jason Green said, "The movie is really great.  I am surprised that this story has never been told before.  I'm scheduled to be released from prison in less than a month.  I'm excited more than ever because Inmates Got Talent has given me a boost of confidence and the motivation to stay out of trouble."

Johnny Collins commented, "This was a great opportunity to share a message of hope and inspiration to a group of guys that will eventually be back in our neighborhoods.  And I am pleased that the guys really enjoyed the documentary.  Our joint efforts with the Indiana Department of Correction demonstrate that this is more than a documentary but a creative and strategic mission to reduce recidivism in our country."

To view trailers and download b-roll footage and photos from The Redemption Project: Inmates Got Talent, which can be used by media and journalists in developing their news stories visit www.inmatesgottalent.com/media.

Visit our website at www.inmatesgottalent.com.

SOURCE Indiana Department of Correction; Doin' Time Entertainment LLC