Founded in 1992 by Charles Ashira, BackHome Pictures has primarily been involved in the production of television commercials working mainly with advertising agencies such as TBWA/Chiat-Day, Wieden/Kennedy, Fallon/McElligott, DDB/Needham, Carmichael/Lynch, Goodby Silverstein, McCann Erickson, Campbell Ewald and J. Walter Thompson.

By the year 2000, BackHome Pictures had evolved from servicing exclusively ad agencies to developing into a creative boutique offering full advertising services to clients, while still maintaining relationships with a select number of ad agencies. BackHome Pictures collected numerous prestigious awards, and most particularly, contributed greatly to the well-being of our society with remarkably successful PSA’s.

By the year 2010, BackHome Pictures had morphed into a feature film production company. It has acquired four A-list properties and is currently involved in developing them into full-length feature films (see In Development page).

 

"George"

A screenplay by Charles Ashira and Stephen Gottlieb.

"George" is an epic story about a nineteenth century highly popular American hero. Starting from a life of abject poverty, Henry George rose to the highest level of notoriety with the publication of his magnum opus and authoritative book "Progress and Poverty" which sold over five million copies after its publication in 1879. Drafted by popular demand to run for the office of Mayor in New York City, the story focuses mostly on Henry George's mayoral bid. However, "George" is really two exciting movies in one: it is about the true saga of one of history's transcendent social philosophers and activists (think a feisty Jude Law), intertwined with the fictional present-day story of a dynamic young political leader (think an enthusiastic, but pragmatic Ewan McGregor) whose wisdom, integrity and courage bring Henry George and his teachings to life in the 21st Century.

Why do we believe that this story must be made into a movie?

As a true American hero and one of history's most inspirational characters, Henry George’s personal life story alone would suffice to justify a feature-length film. But there is a great deal more that makes this story so compelling.

Simply put, George’s genius is more relevant today than ever before. We firmly believe that his strategy for achieving a thriving economy is an idea whose time has come, a plan that demands to be reckoned with – now.

As a passionate young journalist, Henry George delivered a lecture to the faculty, administration, and the entire student body of the University of California at Berkeley – and posed this question:

“…Why is it that since the publication of Adam Smith’s “Wealth of Nations” there has been virtually no progress in the study of Political Economy? Is it such a difficult, complex science? Or are economists so thickheaded? Why have economists never come up with a remedy for the wretchedness and the suffering of that ever-increasing portion of the population we call the poor -- even as technology advances, and the rich grow richer day by day? Is the best we can come up with some crazed and dangerous theory like socialism, communism or collectivism?”

"George", the movie, will dramatize both this burning question and the answer he gave, years later, in his breakthrough book "Progress and Poverty". This motion picture will capture people’s imagination around the globe and become a formidable unifying force toward the implementation of George's brilliant, just, and eminently sensible economic policy.

We further submit that this movie offers the most effective available means of galvanizing today’s confused and fragmented world. Already, numerous leaders from otherwise polarized and opposing camps have voiced their agreement with George’s philosophy – including, amazingly, both the Tea Party and Occupy movements, political Independents, and a growing disenchanted constituency from among all the major parties. This idea has proven itself incontrovertible, only to be crushed time and time again by greedy vested interests who have placed their own gratification above the public good. The world is ready to drop the resistance and embrace the remedy.

The genius of George's plan lies in the fact that while it is firmly rooted in Divine law – and therefore resonates with people of faith – it also makes perfect sense to the secularist's inclination toward natural law. While entertaining, this movie will stir the soul, satisfy the mind, and kindle a flame in the public heart.

 

 

"El Cordobes"

Screenplay by Simon Abehsera and Charles Ashira.

This is a classic tale of a true hero – an underdog who triumphs over all his adversaries – most notably himself.

Once optioned by Ridley Scott and Universal Pictures, Back Home Pictures is currently packaging the project and is in negotiations with A-list talent.

 

 

"Dance at My Weddings"

Screenplay by Peter Goldman and Charles Ashira.

Through a comedy of errors and a mistaken identity, Moshe Pshedetsky, a young rabbinical student, finds himself in an impossible predicament:
Against his own will, he winds up attending two of his own weddings, to two different women, on the same day.

The story that leads up to the weddings, the events that take place at both ceremonies, the aftermath and the final resolution, make up for a hilarious, heart-warming and highly original comedy. With wide audience and universal appeal, "Dance at My Weddings" is a romantic comedy for the ages.

"Dance at My Weddings" is an original and inspired comedy set as an independent production and has attracted the attention of A-list talent and key Hollywood crew members.

 

 

"Ruhama"

Screenplay by Yoram Dahan.

A true story about the abduction of a two-and-a-half year old girl that spans over three decades and two continents. Screenplay is currently in development.