Maya Entertainment to produce America Tragic.

Maya Entertainment announced that it will produce America Tragic (working title), a heart-felt drama starring “Ugly Betty” star America Ferrera.
Ryan Piers Williams, who wrote the America Tragic, is slated to direct the film and Heather Rae (“Frozen River”) will serve as producer on the film. Sergio Aguero (“Y Tu Mama Tambien,” “No Reservations”) will executive produce along side Ferrera, whose company, Take Fountain Productions, will receive production credit.
 
“Ryan has written a very compelling film that will surely resonate with both Latino and mainstream audiences,” said Jeff Valdez, who co-chairs Maya Entertainment along with Maya founder Moctesuma Esparza.
 
The film follows a young man, James (newcomer Ryan O’Nan), as he returns home from a tour of duty. Having not found the direction and purpose he sought from the service, James hurls himself back into an old small town life that no longer fits.  Despite the support of his wife (America Ferrera) and his mother Melissa Leo (“Frozen River”, “21 Grams”), he is unable to settle in. James turns to a buddy for help and together they travel the country in search of redemption. Thinking that the war was behind him, James comes to realize that the fight for his life has only begun.
 
Key to the movie’s appeal is its stellar cast, including Ferrera who has received wide praise for her starring role in “Ugly Betty” and award-winning veteran actress Leo whose performance in Frozen River has won her critical acclaim. Also on board is June Diane Raphael, who is the lead in Year One with Jack Black, and joins the cast as James’ sister Susie.
 
“When our production team along with Heather described the film and told me America was on board it took us all of one day to fast track the film into development and pre-production,” remarked Jeff Gonzalez, COO and CFO of Maya Entertainment. “This will be the second film of America’s that Maya distributes as we recently distributed ‘How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer’.”   
 
“This film brings together exceptional talent and a moving story–Ryan Williams has a distinct vision for this powerful drama. I am honored to be a part of it and thrilled to be working with Maya Entertainment,” added Rae.
 
“Ryan has written a memorable story with compelling characters that are attracting great talent,” commented Aguero.
 
Williams is represented by agent Gayla Nethercott at Buchwald and managed by Gina Rugolo at Rugolo Entertainment.  Ferrera is represented by manager Jon Rubinstein at Authentic and agent Elyse Scherz at Endeavor. Jodi Peikoff was instrumental in negotiating the deal with Maya on behalf of Williams and Ferrera.
 
Production on America Tragic will begin in New Mexico in February ’09 with a projected Fall ’09 release.