Special to The Star



PHILADELPHIA, MS — Independent filmmaker Tonya S. Holly of Cypress Moon Productions and Cypress Moon Studios (www.cypressmoonproduction.com) has scheduled today for the eagerly-anticipated grand opening of her company’s satellite office in Philadelphia, which is where Holly plans to film portions of her next feature film "The Story of Bonnie and Clyde."

The home base for the company will remain in Sheffield, Ala., where it is housed in Cypress Moon Studios, the historic landmark owned by Holly that was formerly known as Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.

The ribbon cutting will take place at the new office located in the heart of the city at 1120 Main Street, Suite 21, Philadelphia, MS, 39350 at 3 p.m. Holly will be on hand for the special event along with members of her Cypress Moon Studios team as well as prominent city leaders and officials including David Vowell, President of the Community Development Partnership who has worked closely with Holly for more than a year to bring portions of the new production to the area as well as the satellite office.

"I am thrilled to open our first satellite office in Philadelphia, Mississippi," said Holly, who has long been committed to not only raising her family in the South but building a successful career in the film industry as a writer, director and producer. "I have traveled extensively over the last year throughout many of the cities within the Southern states, most which offer significant tax incentives.  While scouting locations for my future film projects such as "The Story of Bonnie and Clyde," I was particularly taken with Philadelphia and its untapped pool of talented people who are motivated to bring filmmaking to their city. I decided to open my first satellite office in Philadelphia and look forward to working closely with key economic development officials to further promote filmmaking in the area. This will economically benefit the community. Many locals will be employed and service industries and businesses utilized."

The expansion news follows on the heels of the theatrical and DVD release of the company's premiere award-winning feature film "When I Find The Ocean," which recently won top honors at the prestigious Kids First! Film Festival for Best Independent Feature Ages 12-18. The film, which has received the official Dove Seal of Approval by the Dove Foundation (www.dove.org) as well as the Kids First! endorsement, was written, produced and directed by Tonya S. Holly. The film stars Lee Majors (The Six Million Dollar Man, The Fall Guy), Meridian native Diane Ladd (Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore), Graham Greene (Dances With Wolves), Richard Tyson (Kindergarten Cop), George Lindsey (The Andy Griffith Show) Bernie Casey (Another 48 Hours), Amy Redford (The Guitar) and Lily Matland Holly.

The company has a current production slate that boasts numerous feature films including "The Story of Bonnie and Clyde" that Holly wrote and will direct and a fantastical action adventure trilogy titled "Sleeping Giant: Union of the Seven" as well as numerous television series. Cypress Moon Studios plans to operate the satellite office year round.

Holly is currently gearing up to begin production on "The Story of Bonnie and Clyde," a new adaptation (not a remake) of the classic love story, which tells the thrilling story of the notorious fugitives. Taking place during the 1930's Depression, the film follows the adventures of Bonnie and Clyde, uncovering many times in their lives that have never before been seen on the big screen. Holly is in talks with name talent to star in the film. The film is set to be shot in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.

Holly, who plans to use talent from Philadelphia and surrounding areas as both extras and featured players, will hold casting sessions in Philadelphia.

Previously Holly wrote, produced and directed the award winning short "The Mirror."

In addition, Holly owns Cypress Moon Studios, formerly known as Muscle Shoals Sound Studio where such music legends as Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, the Allman Brothers, and Paul Simon have recorded, among many others.