Considering its vast celebrity cachet, it was only a matter of time before Steppenwolf Theatre Company expanded its reach beyond the stage to the screen. Steppenwolf Films, a new division of the theatre, has been created to develop and produce independent feature films (in the $5 million or less range) and specialized television projects generated by ensemble members and their fellow artists.

Now in its nascent phase as a development company, the cinematic offshoot is headed by Steppenwolf co-founders Gary Sinise, Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry and the theatre’s producer Timothy Evans. A team of professional advisors and consultants with financial, legal and film industry experience complements this core group.

"Steppenwolf Films seems a natural next step for the company," says Evans.

He reports that the theatre has been talking about adding a film sector for the past 12 years–and even tried it out in less successful forms, namely via Hollywood agents.

"This is the first time we’re attempting to do this internally," notes Evans. "It’s much more organic this way. Our goal is to maintain artistic control of these projects in the development stages. And these projects relate to Steppenwolf’s identity."

By Steppenwolf’s identity, Evans is referring to the company’s intense ensemble-acting style and strong storytelling base. Criteria for subject matter vary, since ideas are coming through the ensemble and reflect those artists’ tastes. But three works, currently in development, give a sense of where the Steppenwolf Films aesthetic is headed.

Gary Sinise has proposed a screen adaptation of John Steinbeck’s most contemporary novel, "The Winter of Our Discontent"–a project in development for almost two years now, with financing anticipated to be set up within the next year. Steppenwolf Theatre has a long history with the Steinbeck family; it was The Grapes of Wrath that won the troupe a Tony Award. Terry Kinney plans to direct an adaptation of Sherwood Kiroly’s book, "Diminished Capacity." And Steppenwolf’s 2001 stage production of Michael Healey’s The Drawer Boy, starring John Mahoney and Frank Galati, will be turned into a movie with the same actors in the leads.

Within the next three years, says Evans, Steppenwolf Films hopes to have between eight and 10 projects in development.

Since the Chicago-based Steppenwolf is an institution with world-wide recognition, can the film division draw more attention to the theatre’s birthplace by shooting on location here?

"We want to do work out of the glare of Hollywood," replies Evans. "Films like Diminished Capacity or Drawer Boy can be shot in Illinois. The more we can involve Chicago talent, crew and financing, the more it’s gonna feel like a Steppenwolf project to us."

The division also aims to create new revenue streams for Steppenwolf Films, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and its ensemble, as well as establish strong relationships in the entertainment and film industries. While Steppenwolf Films currently does not have the resources to produce feature films, that is a long-term goal.