TORONTO, CANADA (6.3.02) - Madstone Films marks a milestone in its growth today as it commences production on its first feature title: the fantastical coming-of-age story "Rhinoceros Eyes" starring Michael Pitt ("Murder By Numbers"), Paige Turco (CBS's "The Agency") and Gale Harold (Showtime's "Queer as Folk").

"We are proud to be bringing such a wonderful and unique tale to the screen," said "Rhinoceros Eyes" producer and Madstone CEO Tom Gruenberg, "The Madstone directors program is an oasis for emerging filmmakers and it's fitting that our first production is such a marvelously collaborative and groundbreaking endeavor like 'Rhinoceros Eyes.'"

As part of its mission to empower new storytellers and audiences, Madstone has spent the past two years developing the work of some of the world's most talented emerging directors. "Rhinoceros Eyes' auteur Aaron Woodley becomes the first Madstone director to begin production on a film. Other Madstone helmers developing features include: Joan Stein, Lisa Siwe and the company's latest addition, Scotsman Ewan Morrison.

"Rhinoceros Eyes" is a darkly humorous coming-of-age tale about Chep (Michael Pitt) a reclusive young man, who gets comfort from the movies and his vivid imagination. When Fran, (Paige Turco) walks into the prop house where he lives looking for unusual objects, Chep immediately develops a crush. Obsessed with her job designing movie sets, Fran insists that each prop be the real thing ­ even if it happens to be a pair of rhinoceros eyes or a human finger. Chep's growing love for Fran makes him willing to prowl the dark streets at night in search of items for her. As Fran's requests become more peculiar, Chep is thrown into increasingly bizarre situations. His life quickly spirals out of control.

As the strange thefts escalate, Detective Phil Barbara (Gale Harold) is assigned to the case and is soon on Chep and Fran's trail. When the film reaches its dramatic climax, a varied cast of characters must all figure out a way to bridge the chasm between their dreams and reality.

"Rhinoceros Eyes" begins principal production on June 3rd in Toronto and also features Matt Servitto, Jim Allodi, Jackie Burroughs and Nadia Litz.

The film is written and directed by Aaron Woodley, who makes his feature film debut. Tom Gruenberg and Eva Kolodner produce. Chip Seelig serves as executive producer. Daniel Hill and Jessica Levin co-produce. Cinematographer David Greene, production designer Karen Wilson, editor Robert Crossman, animation designer Veronica Verkley and costume designer Denise Cronenberg complete the creative team.

Madstone Films is a groundbreaking production company with a novel approach to the filmmaking process. The company taps the most talented first time feature filmmakers from around the world and brings them to its uniquely collaborative New York workspace. Then, with generous contracts and vital resources at their disposal, Madstone directors are empowered to make their films by combining artistic invention with the tools of the digital age.

Founded in 1999 by film veteran Tom Gruenberg and financier Chip Seelig, the Madstone family of companies shares a mission to be leaders in expanding opportunity, access and expression for diverse audiences and new storytellers. The companies include: Madstone Films LLC, Madstone Theaters LLC, Madstone DDN LLC and New Yorker Films.