Autumn Tree Productions, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, is scheduled to begin filming a full length feature on Jan. 30 in Seattle. The film tells the story of an abused boy who is driven to a murderous rage by his stepfather.

Autumn Tree Productions has produced two public service announcements on child abuse as well as three documentaries.

One of them, "Understanding The Six Forms Of Emotional Child Abuse," is being distributed internationally by Aquarius Productions. Writer/director Oliver W. Tuthill Jr., has based the film, "Systematic Disregard," on his play "Survivors," which was produced by the Northshore Theatre Guild in Edmonds in 1993. Tuthill has worked on getting the play made into a film for seven years.

"It has been very difficult," Tuthill explained from his North Seattle apartment, where he oversees the operations of Autumn Tree Productions as the founding and executive director. "Hollywood producers wanted nothing to do with this film because it is too realistic. It is dark, brooding and has an upleasant ending. My agent said no one would purchase it unless it was completely re-written.

"But, I decided this film needs to be seen just the way it is." Tuthill plans on entering the film into film festivals around the world. "I have already been approached by a distributor but my board of directors feels there is no need for one. This is not a movie that is being made for money or entertainment. This is a film that hopefully will make people think about what child abuse really is."

Autumn Tree Productions is dedicated to increasing public awareness of emotional child abuse. "Most people don't know what emotional child abuse is, and even if they do, many people think it is necessary to raise a law-abiding citizen," Tuthill explains. He defines emotional child abuse as treating a child without any respect or empathy.

"Kids that are emotionally abused often are shown no compassion or kindness," says Tuthill. "We are hoping this film will explain why so many young people today are trying to solve their problems with a gun, and why there will be more shootings while experts proclaim there is no understanding these tragedies."

The film will be shot on digital video at a cost far lower than 35mm film which is what people see in most movie theaters. "Digital video is what more and more filmmakers are using because it costs so much less than 35mm or 16mm film," Tuthill explains. "My agent in Hollywood has even sent me breakdowns from major Hollywood producers that are casting films to be shot on digital video. In the not so distant future seeing a film that was shot on 35mm or 16mm will be rare." Local actors Tony and Susan Doupe, Aidan Flint, Andrew James Allen, Tasha Lea Smith, Laura E. Lindley, and Scott Robinson all have featured roles in the production. Susan Allen has been retained as the film's fund development coordinator.

You can visit Autumn Tree's web page at www.autumntree.org