FreeWill
Films
Your Entertainment. Your Choice.
Projects
Walking on Palmettos
The true story of Myles Richards, a privileged but restless surfer, who managed to build a marijuana-smuggling empire in the 70’s and 80's that made him a millionaire, but also estranged him from his disapproving father and drew the attention of a DEA agent who would stop at nothing to bring him down.
American Saviors
Dean's List
Two clueless, self-entitled brothers swipe four million dollars from a local crime boss, leading to a cross-country pursuit that tests their bravery and compassion, and ultimately leads to their redemption.
On the eve of a national political convention, a rookie Chicago reporter tracks an elusive serial killer who may have ties to the leading candidate for president of the United States.
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SPACEjunk!
When a pebble-size remnant from a once gigantic meteor falls into a quiet suburban neighborhood, nine-year-old Zane and petty street thief Jasper each suddenly discover they have strong kinetic powers that mysteriously come and go every few hours, leading to an eventual struggle for supremacy between the two.
About
FreeWill Films is dedicated to the creation of high-quality, cast-driven theatrical entertainment across a variety of genres and budget levels. The Los Angeles-based company was founded in 2016 by writer-producer Jim Christell as a vehicle for its flagship film, Walking on Palmettos. However, operations quickly expanded thanks to an ever-growing development slate and sturdy relationships with outside production resources. Soon after, Mr. Christell brought in veteran freelance producer Mark Heidelberger as chief consultant to help advance the company’s film slate. As such, they have focused on creating content that features topical themes, thought-provoking plotlines and engaging characters – many based on real-life individuals. FreeWill Films aims to be a pioneer in the content creation space, shaping audience perspec-tives and affecting change while it entertains.
Team
Jim Christell
President, Producer, Writer
Jim was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from college majoring in art and business, he opened his own agency, Jim Christell and Associates, managing the careers of independent commercial photographers and illustrators. His firm quickly evolved and expanded to represent national and international commercial live-action film directors, special effects and animation directors, post production studios, and music composers. Among the many national and international award-winning talent Jim Christell and Associates represented were film directors Ridley Scott (Gladiator), Tony Scott (Top Gun), Jake Scott (Welcome to the Rileys), Marco Brambilla (Demolition Man), Denis Piel, Lol Crème and cinematographer Caleb Deschanel (National Treasure); animation directors Tim Johnson, Rocky Yamanaka and Fred Wolf (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles); and music composers Cliff Colnot and Scott Elias. After his long career representing the creative careers of such dynamic commercial artists and production studios, Jim re-located to Los Angeles to pursue writing for feature films and television.
Mark Heidelberger
Consulting Producer
Mark Heidelberger began his career working for such companies as Outlaw Productions, Film Roman and Ken Sherman & Associates. He co-founded Beverly Hills-based Treasure Entertainment in 2000, serving as a film executive, content creator and literary manager until 2011 before leaving to become a freelance producer. He has produced music videos for artists Janelle Monae, Snoop Dogg, Cam’ron and John Michael Montgomery as well as commercials for Lamborghini, Con Air and Cox Media, to name a few. His feature film credits include Harsh Times, Comfort, Ninja Apocalypse, The Basement, It’s Not You It’s Me and Pray for Rain among many others. He also developed and packaged the thriller Don McKay, produced two web series (Chopper and The Offer), and executive produced Hallmark Channel’s hit television movie You’ve Got a Friend. He is a member of the Producers Guild of America. He holds a BA in Film Studies from UCSB and an MFA in Producing from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television.
Press
Contact
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