I have always been fascinated by the human spirit and how powerful it is. Overcoming odds is very spiritual and Diamond Ruff shows this.
When I wrote the book I was interested in looking at relationships, the human spirit and human nature. Diamond's nature is not to use violence. It was violence that made him an orphan. Using his keen observation of human nature, he manipulates the weaknesses of others to his advantage.
He thinks he is in control of everything and everyone, but that delusion catches up with him. His greed and arrogance are his downfall.
That could have been the end of the story with Diamond in prison, but I believe in second chances. Yes, Diamond has made serious mistakes and even created a situation that has taken lives, but is there something in Diamond worth redeeming? When a person falls, even when he harms others, is that person a complete loss?
That's a question many wrestle with. It's a question that has Rev. Trek Woods reaching out to Diamond for Diamond to answer.
_ Joe Young Jr., executive producer
Press Releases
- Oct. 27, 2011: Photos - Diamond’s trial. - On the set during Diamond Ruff's murder trial at Windham Town Hall in Willimantic, Conn.
- Oct. 27, 2011: Connecticut Plays Major Role in Diamond Ruff - Executive producer, director talk about crew, location and other resources the state has to offer filmmakers.
- Sept. 8, 2011: Diamond Ruff Movie Looking For Extras - Public invited to be a part of Diamond Ruff.
- Sept. 8, 2011: Overview - Joe Young Jr. talks about the message behind the Diamond Ruff book and movie..
- Profile: Joe Young Jr. - Joe talks about his guiding philosophy, his business, art, and the road to Diamond Ruff.
DR in the media
- November 2011: Imagine magazine - Diamond Ruff is featured on pages 30-29.
- Oct. 27, 2011: N.E. Video - Comedian Michael Colyar talks to N.E. Video's Big Chewy about the movie and his character Everette Wilson, Diamond's defense lawyer, on the set in Hartford, Conn.
- Oct. 5, 2011: Inquiring News - On the set at Webster Correctional Institution with Fredro Starr, Producer Kyle Young and Director Alec Asten.
- Sept. 22, 2011: WWLP-TV NBC Springfield, Mass. - Ashley Kohl is a production assistant for Production Designer Jeanette Drake in this edition of Mass Appeal's "Working For You."
- Sept. 22, 2011: The Chronicle (Willimantic) - - Diamond Ruff crew visits Windham Town Hall in Willimantic to film Diamond's murder trial. David Hinchey talks with Fredro Starr, Joe Young Jr., and town officials.
- Sept. 16, 2011: WVIT-TV NBC Connecticut - Downtown chase scene closes Main Street for a few hours. Interviews with Joe Young Jr., Fredro Starr and Felicia "Snoop" Pearson.
- Sept. 15, 2011: Hot 93.7 FM (video) - Big Regg interviews Fredro Starr and Felicia "Snoop" Pearson on the set at the Bank of America building.
- Sept. 1, 2011: The Stan Simpson Show, Fox61 - Stan Simpson interviews producers Joe Young and Kyle Young, and director Alec Asten about the movie Diamond Ruff.
- Aug. 17, 2011: CTNOW.com (video) - Joe Young Jr. talks about Diamond Ruff movie project.
- Aug. 15, 2011: The Hartford Courant / CTNOW.com (article) - Joe Young talks about putting together the Diamond Ruff project as his team gears up to begin production.
