“7 Brothers, One In-Law, and a Shared Cinematic Dream”
In late 2017, Chuck Kinnane received a life-changing call from comedian Kevin James. The conversation would mark the beginning of a thriving cinematic collaboration among Chuck and his six brothers, along with one brother-in-law. Hailing from Little Compton, Rhode Island, they established a production company that has since gained notable traction in the film industry.
7 Brothers, One In-Law, and a Shared Cinematic Dream
The Kinnane brothers—Chuck, Wil, Dan, Pat, Brendan, Pete, and John—along with their brother-in-law, Jeff Azize, have turned their passion for filmmaking into a growing body of work. While originally pursuing careers in carpentry, their childhood fascination with film led them to create short movies using vintage VHS camcorders. The siblings grew up in a rural town that shaped their collective vision.
A Unique Production Team
As a unique assembly of eight, the Kinnane brothers combine their talents in diverse roles. The ages of the brothers range from 25 to 42, with experiences spanning directing, writing, production, and editing:
- Chuck Kinnane, 42 – Director
- Wil Kinnane, 40 – Producer
- Dan Kinnane, 33 – Director
- Pat Kinnane, 31 – Writer
- Brendan Kinnane, 29 – Writer and Music Supervisor
- Pete Kinnane, 27 – Editor
- John Kinnane, 25 – Writer
- Jeff Azize, 39 – Producer and Writer (Brother-in-law)
Each brother contributes to the collective dream of making films, showcasing a rare mix of family collaboration in an industry often dominated by pairs.
Pandemic Pivot to Creativity
When the COVID-19 pandemic halted most film and television production, Chuck Kinnane and Kevin James pivoted to create content safely. Quarantining at James’ Long Island home, they transformed a garage into a creative studio, producing dozens of comedic short films for James’ YouTube channel. This venture resulted in millions of views and greatly expanded their audience.
Successful Film Collaborations
Building on their YouTube success, the brothers directed the Netflix film “Home Team,” which features Kevin James as former NFL coach Sean Payton. The film reached No. 1 on Netflix in 2022 and solidified their place in the film industry.
Their latest project, “Solo Mio,” is a romantic comedy starring James as a man who embarks on a solo honeymoon in Italy. Filmed over 20 days in scenic locations like Rome and Tuscany, the film generated its own set of challenges, including a language barrier with the lead actress.
Future Endeavors
Despite the challenges they encounter, the Kinnane brothers maintain a close relationship and a positive working environment. Their next feature is already in the works, with the goal of continuing to create entertaining films. Their dedication to their craft remains unwavering, as reflected in their collaborative spirit and camaraderie.
In a landscape where sibling filmmaking teams are rare, the Kinnane brothers exemplify the magic that can happen when family and creativity intertwine. Their journey reflects a shared dream that has transformed from childhood aspirations into a promising career in cinema.
