When we last checked in with writing/producing team Kirk Johnson and Michael Cameron of Steel City Productions at the Toronto International Film Festival, their feature film Stand Up Guys had the Canadian cast attached (including Bridgid Gall and Mike Bullard), a TMN-The Movie Network presale, Citytv development funding, and pitch meetings with Fox Searchlight and Artisan Entertainment for u.s. distribution.

Their project, budgeted at $1.8 million, is a smart comedy about five stand-ups who attempt to rob a bank.

At press time, an anonymous private investor has acquired a minority stake in Steel City for $25,000, with an option to purchase up to $50,000 in preferred shares within 90 days. The share price was undisclosed.

According to Johnson, ‘It started as a private investment in Stand Up Guys, but after reading Mike’s other scripts he decided he wanted a piece of the company as well.’

The funds will be used as operating capital. An announcement of a seven-member advisory board is also expected shortly.

The duo is celebrating with a private party at Club Lucky and a screening of their first short film, Sour Cream, Dec. 9.

Next step for Steel City is to lock down the rest of the Canadian broadcast licences for Stand Up Guys in preparation for festival follow-up meetings in New York and l.a. in the new year.