Can you handle the truth?

A little over 3 years ago I was listening to SiriusXM Mad Dog Radio Ch. 86 to the end of the show of Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, who had moved to SiriusXM from WFAN in New York City. That afternoon, Russo was complaining about this guy Dino (who follows Russo every night) was not breaking down some LA Lakers playoff game and added Dino is not for everyone.

Immediately my ears perked up.  Could there be someone on the radio who is truly different?  Someone who actually cares enough and respects his audience enough to not follow the usual cookie cutter radio show?  I had to listen to this "Dino."

I was hooked almost immediately.  Right from the opening of the show, you knew Dino Costa was a breath of fresh air. He, and his producer, work tirelessly to make the best show possible, EVERY DAY/NIGHT.  That is so rare on the radio.  They are not interested in recycling old ideas and format.  Each and every episode is different, and organic.  It develops from the mind of the host, who is smart enough to realize sometimes it is best to continue a conversation, rather than force a topic down the throat of his audience.

He respects his audience.  He loves his audience.  He connect with his audience like very few host can.  He is passionate about his fans, and often responds to most of the e-mails and twitts he receives, personally.

Over the years I learned few things about Dino's life that made me want to dig deeper. He has lost a son a few years.  A devastating moment that could have sunk him, but he perservered.  He was sleeping in a car at one point.  He perservered.  He was so sure he was going to get a job at SiriusXM, he moved his entire family back in to the city he grew up, New York, and waited 9 months before a job opened up.

The more I listened, the more I kept thinking "we have to make a movie about this guy."

Then one day he says "Men's Journal" is doing a profile on him.  I was thrilled and crushed at the same time, as I was sure I would never get the chance to catch up to him and tell his story.  When the "Men's Journal" article came out I was almost relieved, although I was frustrated as well, about how little did the piece delved into Dino's life.

Finally I decided this is it.  This is the moment.  I had to seize it.  Just before this past Superbowl (Ravens-49ers) I decided to contact him.  One Friday afternoon I looked up Dino's e-mail and off it went. I was sure I would never hear back from him, but at least I knew I tried.  Incredibly, within a few hours, Dino returns my e-mail...and the rest is history as they say.

A few weeks I had the pleasure of meeting Dino in person, and I realized how big his heart is. No wonder people cannot have enough. Dino truly puts all of himself on the radio. And people know it and they come back for more, every night.

So far we have raised some money. but we need another $25,000 to be able to complete the film.  We are offering some perks you can see beside here on the right.  We are offering early DVDs releases, special bonus features, Dino's personalized video messages, even tickets to the premiere and an associate producer credit.

Money will be going to:

- Finish to take care of everyone in the crew

- Title credit sequence

- Marketing/Promotions (posters, Team Dino/Movie hats, submission and attendance to Festivals, film Markets such as Cannes, American Film Market and Berlin, etc...)

- Complete DVD/Blu-Ray for the film (build of the cover, menus, etc...)

- Post Production (color correction)

I want to thank you all in advance for your help and really appreciate all your support!

We are thrilled to be able to bring Dino's story to world, and I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

Looking forward to stay in touch with all of you!

Website: http://chesfilms.com/dinocosta.htm

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DinoCostaTheMovie

Twitter: @joelfranco