When the Buddha Met Bubba Gets Optioned

Mentone, AL, July 09, 2009 --(PR.com)-- In June 2009 Concrete Dream Pictures, a film and video production company specializing in independent films, bought the option to produce a feature film based on the novel, When the Buddha Met Bubba. When the Buddha Met Bubba is John Lee’s first novel under the pen name, Richard “Dixie” Hartwell.

Steve Richerson, Producer/Director/Writer for Concrete Dream Pictures, has a degree in Theater/Radio, Television & Film from the University of North Alabama and has studied comedy writing at SECOND CITY - Los Angeles, and acting at HB Studio - New York. The idea that the camera can see an idea and an image from multiple perspectives, like in a dream, really hit home for Steve and his independent production company Concrete Dream Pictures was instantly born.

Lee explains why he is thrilled that Concrete Dream Pictures has optioned his story. “When the Buddha Met Bubba is set in North Alabama and I’m from the area. When it was time to option my novel I knew I wanted somebody that understood that part of the country. Steve Richerson is from Northwest Alabama and both of us are graduates of the University of North Alabama. I think his background and passion are a great combination for creating movie magic.”

Inspired by the freedom, creativity, and economic accessibility that new digital media was starting to allow in 1992, Steve Richerson began building a video production and editing facility in his remote Frog Pond, Alabama home. He has toured nationally and internationally - Japan, Australia, Canada, USA - as a performer for over 20 years.

When The Buddha Met Bubba is a whimsical fantasy that deals with the integrity and surrender that comes when a likable redneck (Bubba) meets his magical mentor, Pu Tai (one of the many names for The Buddha), as they set off on an unusual journey. It has at its center a love story between a man and a woman and the devotion of a beautiful gay couple. Throw in the struggle to heal a father-son wound, old South prejudice and bigotry, then add a little humor and true Buddhist/Christian compassion and you end up with a quirky novel that is not only different but just plain fun.

For more information on the novel, please go to www.whenthebuddhametbubba.com. You can visit Concrete Dream Pictures at www.concretedream.com.

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