New York-based independent production and finance company, GreeneStreet Films (GSF) has announced that it has struck an overall deal with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes (IATSE). The agreement will cover all of its upcoming slate of films to be shot on both 35mm and all digital mediums. The agreement, which covers the traditional trades and crafts represented by the Union, will solidify the existing relationship between GreeneStreet and IATSE on all of GreeneStreet’s projects shot in any part of the U.S. The deal is unique in that it paves the way for GreeneStreet to work with IATSE in developing stronger ties on more modestly budgeted projects and in the newly emerging digital formats.

The deal includes GreeneStreet becoming a signatory to several IATSE national and regional agreements, which give greater flexibility in working with a contract that fits the immediate needs of a project, while still providing employees with the security that union contracts normally allow them.

“This is a major step forward not only for GreeneStreet, but for independent filmmaking as a whole,” says GreeneStreet President John Penotti. “We see these agreements as the basis of a unique and strong framework under which GreeneStreet can continue to produce high-ty films at all budget levels with the involvement of the most proficient crews in the nation.”

“We are extremely pleased to have formalized our relationship with GreeneStreet under term agreements which offer broad flexibility for a wide variety of productions, while ensuring essential benefits and protections for those we represent,” says IATSE International President Thomas Short.

The first project to be covered under the agreement will be STILL A KISS (working title), an exciting blend of live action and rotoscoped digital effects. The project, which stars Ron Eldard, Kyra Sedgewick, Marley Shelton, and Marisa Tomei, is to be directed by GreeneStreet partner Fisher Stevens. Principal photography began in New York on April 19.

Other current GSF projects include the recently completed FAMOUS, directed by Griffin Dunne, which will bow as an official Selection of Un Certain Regard, Cannes Film Festival 2000, and THE INHERITED CHATEAU, directed by Jesse Peretz and starring Paul Rudd, which is in postproduction. GreeneStreet also produced last year’s Artisan release, ILLUMINATA, directed by John Turturro and the soon to be released COMPANY MAN, starring Sigorney Weaver, John Turturro and Woody Allen.