James Simmons Film Funding Scam carmel IN
James Simmons onetime CEO of Bearfruit Films has a hearing date for Securities Fraud on 02/07/2022 in the state of Arizona
https://edocket.azcc.gov/search/docket-search/item-detail/25237
https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-simmons-4882054
Simmons appears to have made a number of films where investors were either never paid back or seen any profits.
It seems that Simmons and/or his accomplices would pick small towns with wealthy populations and find local investors for a film situated in that town.
They would frequently seek free services to support the filming from the good graces of the community.
They appeal to the public and investors as Christain filmmakers and it was rumored that actors worked on speculation with no upfront payment.
Examples of places they have filmed Grand Rapids Michigan, Culver Indiana, Phoenix Arizona, Apache Junction Arizona, Wabash Indiana, and Mesa Arizona.
It appears the concept of this alleged scam came from Phil Glasser, a retired Hollywood actor living in Tennessee.
https://variety.com/2017/biz/news/david-glasser-roy-ageloff-mafia-connection-1202586485/