Independent production company Shake The Tree Productions, led by producer, actress, and CEO Toni D’Antonio (Alto, Sparrow Street, The Three Killer Pigs), returns to AFM 2025 for its third consecutive year — and it’s arriving with serious momentum.
Armed with a diverse and dynamic slate of film and television projects, the company has four titles completed, multiple in pre-production for 2026, and several others actively packaging with major talent. From prestige dramas to sharp dark comedies and high-concept TV, Shake The Tree continues to carve out its place as a rising force in independent production.
“We’re building a slate that’s diverse, human, and unafraid,” shares Toni D’Antonio. “Every project has a strong creative voice and something to say. Shake The Tree has always been about collaboration, authenticity, and craft — and AFM gives us the chance to connect with partners who share those values.”
Shake The Tree Productions will be exhibiting at The Fairmont Century Plaza, Suite 416, and is currently meeting with finan, co-producers, pre-sales, and distributors.
Compensation
In an expansion into premium television, Archstone Entertainment (Chili Finger, Exit Protocol) has joined as a strategic partner on the upcoming dramatic series Compensation.
Created by two veteran workers’ comp professionals and produced by Toni D’Antonio, the series features a pilot written by Roderick Taylor (The Brave One) and Lenny Mesi, and will be directed by Ralph Hemecker (Blue Bloods, Once Upon a Time).
Executive producers include John Radulovich (Ray Donovan), Michael Slifkin, Jack Sheehan, Scott Martin, Heather Brawley, and Roderick Taylor, with co-executive producer Lenny Mesi (Natty Knocks).
Set against the neon lights of Las Vegas, Compensation follows a newly divorced woman searching for healing who takes a job at a workers’ compensation office — only to find herself navigating fraud, outrageous claims, and a quirky team of misfit colleagues.
#SKANK
Golden Globe winner Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy, Hellboy, Don’t Look Up) headlines the darkly comedic, suspense-driven feature #Skank, inspired by real events.
The film also stars Jennifer Jiles (Emmy-winning former NYC Rockette), Brenna Coates (Maya & Samar), and hip-hop icon Petey Pablo (Drumline).
Directed by Shaun Piccinino (A California Christmas, American Fighter), the film is produced by Toni D’Antonio, Jennifer Jiles, Chris Niespodzianski, Ted E. Haynes, Samantha Bowen, and Brenna Coates.
A genre-bending blend of social satire and noir, #Skank explores internet infamy, gender politics, and one woman’s descent into scandal and survival after her husband’s lover turns up dead.
Adult.ish…
Created by and starring Toni Vitale (Sarah Q, Flowers, The Undesirables), the sharp and character-driven comedy Adult.ish… features an all-star ensemble including NFL legend Vernon Davis (The Ritual Killer), Audrey Landers (Dallas, A Chorus Line), Daytime Emmy winner Sean Kanan (Cobra Kai, The Bold and the Beautiful), and Lou Martini Jr. (The Sopranos).
Set to shoot in New York City, the pilot is produced by Toni D’Antonio, Toni Vitale, and Samantha Bowen, with executive producers Chris Guttadaro, Richard Bernstein, Rob Sciglimpaglia, Ron Intriago, Bones Rodriguez, Kimberlee Fadner, Robert Miller, and Charlotte Fung Miller.
The series explores reinvention, identity, and midlife chaos with biting wit and emotional authenticity — proving that coming of age doesn’t end in your twenties.
I Won’t Dance
Rounding out the slate, Shake The Tree is co-producing I Won’t Dance, the feature directorial debut of Christine Lakin (Hollywood Darlings, The Goldbergs), alongside Spanish production company Hulahoop Media (& Sons, TIFF premiere).
Set in the Canary Islands, the film stars Mirror Ball Champion Sharna Burgess as choreographer and follows a working-class teen and her ballroom-dancing rival who must team up for a shot at the national title.
Described as Dirty Dancing meets The Cutting Edge, I Won’t Dance is produced by Alexandra Olivia Engelson (Magic & Moxie), Toni D’Antonio, Samantha Bowen, Allison Johnson, and Mia Cusumano, with Hulahoop Media leading international co-production.
With its eclectic lineup and powerhouse creative partnerships, Shake The Tree Productions continues to prove that independent storytelling — when done with vision and heart — can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the majors.
“This slate represents the next phase for us,” notes D’Antonio. “Each story has something to say — about power, resilience, and humanity. That’s what drives us. That’s what keeps the tree shaking.”
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