Renfro, Collins pack up 'Picnic'

May 16, 2001 - By Zorianna Kit

Brad Renfro and Clifton Collins Jr. ("Traffic") are in negotiations to join Jena Malone in the indie feature "Lifers' Picnic" for director Jordan Brady and HSI-Tomorrow Films. Shooting is slated to begin next month.

The title refers to a picnic for inmates imprisoned for life. The story, written by Scott Sandoe, follows a girl (Malone) and her family who visit their lifer father on the day of the picnic. Renfro would play Malone's brother, while Collins would play an inmate who meets the family at the picnic only to have eyes for one of the family members.

HSI-Tomorrow, which specializes in music videos, is producing and financing the project, budgeted at less than $10 million.

Tomorrow Films will handle worldwide distribution.

Renfro, repped by Writers and Artists, next stars in MGM's "Deuces Wild" and "Ghost World" and the indie feature "Bully."

Collins, repped by ICM and CMC's Steven Fenton, is shooting DreamWorks' "The Castle." His credits include "Tigerland" and "Price of Glory."