The recently launched production company, Queensbury Pictures, today announced the production wrap of GIRL ON THE THIRD FLOOR, the writing and directing debut of producer Travis Stevens and starring pop culture staple and former WWE superstar, Phil Brooks (aka CM Punk). Shooting has wrapped in the Chicago suburb of Frankfort, Illinois – in a house that has long been considered by local residents to be haunted.
A name consistently in the news and synonymous with pop culture, mixed martial artist and comic book writer Phil Brooks is best known for his record setting career in the WWE under the name CM Punk. Brooks has a recurring role in Marc Maron’s IFC comedy series Maron and will appear in the remake of David Cronenberg’s RABID.
GIRL ON THE THIRD FLOOR marks his first leading role.
“I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to take on the lead role in GIRL ON THE THIRD FLOOR,” said Phil Brooks. “I’m a longtime personal fan of genre films and this project was an absolute natural fit for me.“
Producer Greg Newman said, “Phil Brooks has proven his abilities as an actor outside of the ring and is a natural fit for the lead. His range and performance will surely delight and surprise those who know him best from his athletic career. We’re thrilled and honored to have him on the project.“
Writer/Director of GIRL ON THE THIRD FLOOR, Travis Stevens, has produced such acclaimed, wide-ranging films as WE ARE STILL HERE and STARRY EYES,and BUSTER’S MAL HEART. Stevens will now be stepping behind the camera for the first time as a director.
Stevens said, “After many years nurturing the creative vision of other talented storytellers, I’m both grateful and humbled to receive the support of Queensbury Pictures, MPI Media and all the cast and crew who have crossed the threshold of this very strange, incredibly beautiful and unflinchingly terrifying house.“
The cast includes Trieste Dunn of Applesauce, United 93, Banshee and many other films and TV series, Elissa Dowling, a genre veteran best known for WE ARE STILL HERE and newcomer Sarah Brooks in a breakout role. Award-winning Special FX Technician Dan Martin (High Rise, Free Fire, Lord of Chaos) is creating the film’s jaw-dropping special make-up and creature effects. Producers on the film include Greg Newman, Giles Edwards, Nicola Goelzhaeuser and Travis Stevens.
Film Synopsis:
At the heart of the film is Don Koch (CM Punk), a man who is failing as a husband. For years he has skated by on charm and charisma, until it nearly landed him in jail. He now views fixing up an old house as a chance to make up for past mistakes. Meanwhile, his wife, Liz Koch, is concerned about the renovation timeline as they have a baby on the way. With all this pressure it’s no wonder Don responds to the flirtations of an attractive stranger. As Don tears the house apart, it begins to tear him apart as well, revealing the rot behind the drywall.
Queensbury Pictures was launched this past spring by film industry vets Greg Newman, Travis Stevens and Giles Edwards to produce films in-house as well as nurture the next wave of great filmmaking talent. The company will shepherd a wide range of projects from conception to production, distribution and exhibition. GIRL ON THE THIRD FLOOR marks its initial step in this direction.