In Little Compton, the Kinnane Brothers film and TV production company is quickly establishing itself as a force in the film industry, transcending a community not typically associated with Hollywood glamour.
These eight siblings and their brother-in-law began their cinematic journey by reenacting films such as “Indiana Jones” and “Pulp Fiction” using a VHS camcorder, laying the groundwork for what is now several film and TV projects.
Their latest film, “Solo Mio,” premiered on Feb. 6 across 3,000 movie theater screens nationwide and has earned a 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Jeffrey Azize, the brother-in-law, described “Solo Mio” as a narrative about the pitfalls of romance, adding, “It’s never too late to do anything.”
The entire Kinnane family attended the film’s screening at Fall River’s Picture Show Entertainment, a theater that holds memories from their childhood, marking the first film with all eight Kinnane brothers credited in the production.
Directed by brothers Charles Kinnane and Daniel Kinnane and co-written with Kevin James, this romantic comedy follows a man played by James on a solo honeymoon in Rome after being left at the altar.
Azize said the family holds pride in its Rhode Island roots.
“It’s an honor to be in the smallest state in the country and to be able to represent Rhode Island,” he said.
Television projects include an Olympics special for NBC in 2019. And the company made a mark with its documentary, “Water Brother: The Sid Abbruzzi Story,” which chronicles the life of a local surfing icon.
The brothers’ journey began in 2017 in New York, where Charles Kinnane and Azize sought to enter the film industry. They enlisted their brothers, many of whom were involved in the family’s carpentry business, to form a crew for their projects.
Their breakthrough came in 2020 with a series of comedic films for Kevin James’ YouTube channel, amassing more than 50 shorts known as the “Sound Guy” series, which cleverly inserted James into films such as “Rocky” and “The Notebook.”
In 2022, the Kinnanes took a leap by signing with Beverly Hills-based United Talent Agency.
The brothers each contribute to various aspects of production. Ranging in age from 25 to 42, the Kinnanes are Charles Kinnane, director; Daniel Kinnane, director/cinematographer; Patrick Kinnane, writer; Brendan Kinnane, music supervisor/writer; Peter Kinnane, editor; John Kinnane, writer/visual effects; Wil Kinnane, producer; and Jeffrey Azize, producer/writer.
Despite their success, the Kinnane brothers remain in their farmhouse in Little Compton, where their carpentry skills have been put to use. The first-floor workspace retains its charm, while the basement has been transformed into an Irish pub.
John Kinnane said the brothers don’t need to be in larger cities like Los Angels or New York City.
“Nowadays, it’s possible to do it from anywhere,” he said.
While collaboration among such a creative group can lead to disagreements, Azize said, people shouldn’t expect any true Hollywood documentaries about the close-knit clan.
“Family, what else is there?” he said. “[We] have a really well-balanced life here in the state that we love and get to raise our families and not be far from home or away from home for too long, which is a dream. We are living the dream.”
OWNERS: Kinnane brothers
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Film and TV production
LOCATION: 26 Main St., Little Compton
EMPLOYEES: Eight
YEAR FOUNDED: 2017
ANNUAL REVENUE: WND
(Correction: An earlier version of this story had an inaccurate number of brothers in the 2nd paragraph.)
