The Indigo Girls are getting their own “Mamma Mia”-esque music-based film.
The iconic duo, who recently led 2023 documentary “It’s Only Life After All,” provide the soundtrack for fantastical queer romance film “Glitter and Doom.” Billed as a jukebox musical, the film features 25 reimagined Indigo Girls songs, produced and arranged by “The Voice” runner-up contestant Michelle Chamuel. Classics like “Galileo,” “Get Out the Map,” “World Falls,” and “Power of Two” are featured, as well as a new Indigo Girls track “What We Wanna Be.”
The official synopsis for the film reads: “‘Glitter and Doom’ follows the love at first sight journey of a circus dreamer (Alex Diaz) and struggling musician (Alan Cammish). An undeniable spark sets an epic summer romance on its course until the realities of pursuing their dreams threaten to tear them apart.”
Ming Na-Wen, Missi Pyle, Lea DeLaria, Tig Notaro, Kate Pierson, Peppermint, Beth Malone, and the Indigo Girls themselves,...
The iconic duo, who recently led 2023 documentary “It’s Only Life After All,” provide the soundtrack for fantastical queer romance film “Glitter and Doom.” Billed as a jukebox musical, the film features 25 reimagined Indigo Girls songs, produced and arranged by “The Voice” runner-up contestant Michelle Chamuel. Classics like “Galileo,” “Get Out the Map,” “World Falls,” and “Power of Two” are featured, as well as a new Indigo Girls track “What We Wanna Be.”
The official synopsis for the film reads: “‘Glitter and Doom’ follows the love at first sight journey of a circus dreamer (Alex Diaz) and struggling musician (Alan Cammish). An undeniable spark sets an epic summer romance on its course until the realities of pursuing their dreams threaten to tear them apart.”
Ming Na-Wen, Missi Pyle, Lea DeLaria, Tig Notaro, Kate Pierson, Peppermint, Beth Malone, and the Indigo Girls themselves,...
- 2/13/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Matthew Morrison (Glee) and Kara Wang (Top Gun: Maverick) have been set to star in From Embers, a dramatic thriller from writer-director Kate Bohan and Studio 6688.
Co-starring in the indie, which wrapped production under an interim agreement in October, are Kathryn Morris (Cold Case), Christopher Shyer (The Night Agent), Kayla Bohan (Harper), Alexander J. Lee, London Kim (Barry), and Omi Vaidya (3 Idiots).
The film follows the life of single mother Lily (Wang) as she grapples with the sudden loss of her husband Ron (Kim) while caring for their nine-year-old autistic son, Kevin (Lee), and forming a bond with their new alcoholic neighbor, Marty Baker (Morrison), a painter with a passion for music who works hard to create a future for his 13-year-old daughter, Chloe (Bohan).
Pic was developed and produced by Studio 6688 in partnership with Kayla’s Movies, LLC. Kate Bohan produced, with Kathleen I-Ying Lee co-producing,...
Co-starring in the indie, which wrapped production under an interim agreement in October, are Kathryn Morris (Cold Case), Christopher Shyer (The Night Agent), Kayla Bohan (Harper), Alexander J. Lee, London Kim (Barry), and Omi Vaidya (3 Idiots).
The film follows the life of single mother Lily (Wang) as she grapples with the sudden loss of her husband Ron (Kim) while caring for their nine-year-old autistic son, Kevin (Lee), and forming a bond with their new alcoholic neighbor, Marty Baker (Morrison), a painter with a passion for music who works hard to create a future for his 13-year-old daughter, Chloe (Bohan).
Pic was developed and produced by Studio 6688 in partnership with Kayla’s Movies, LLC. Kate Bohan produced, with Kathleen I-Ying Lee co-producing,...
- 11/20/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Three-time Oscar nominee Nick Nolte and fellow Oscar nominee Barbara Hershey (who received her nomination for The Portrait of a Lady) have signed on to star in the psychological thriller Eugene the Marine for director Hank Bedford.
Scripted by Bedford and Cesare Gagliardoni, Eugene the Marine will tell the story of
Gene, a widower and former Marine who finds his highly regimented life deteriorating after his son begins pressuring him to sell his longtime home. When a mysteriously familiar woman appears in his life, Gene starts to loosen up, until his nightmares and reality begin to blur.
Nolte is playing Gene, while Hershey takes on the role of Frances, that “mysteriously familiar woman”. The synopsis for the film on IMDb takes the story even further into thriller territory, saying that “a series of gruesome murders begin targeting the people around” Gene.
Deadline reports that Eugene the Marine is being produced by Stephen Vincent,...
Scripted by Bedford and Cesare Gagliardoni, Eugene the Marine will tell the story of
Gene, a widower and former Marine who finds his highly regimented life deteriorating after his son begins pressuring him to sell his longtime home. When a mysteriously familiar woman appears in his life, Gene starts to loosen up, until his nightmares and reality begin to blur.
Nolte is playing Gene, while Hershey takes on the role of Frances, that “mysteriously familiar woman”. The synopsis for the film on IMDb takes the story even further into thriller territory, saying that “a series of gruesome murders begin targeting the people around” Gene.
Deadline reports that Eugene the Marine is being produced by Stephen Vincent,...
- 9/13/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Oscar nominee Barbara Hershey (The Portrait Of A Lady) is attached to join Nick Nolte in Hank Bedford’s feature Eugene The Marine.
Nolte will play Gene, a former marine and widower who finds his highly regimented life deteriorating after his son begins pressuring him to sell his longtime home. Hershey, well known for her work in movies including Hannah and Her Sisters, Beaches, The Portrait of a Lady and Black Swan, will play Frances, a mysteriously familiar woman who sparks a new chapter in his life.
Stephen Vincent will produce. Matthew Shreder of Concourse Media is executive-producing and selling during the TIFF market.
Hank Bedford will direct the script he co-wrote with Cesare Gagliardoni. Bedford’s 2015 feature debut, Dixieland, starred Riley Keough and Faith Hill and was released by IFC Films.
Emmy and Golden Globe winner Hershey has recently starred in hit horror franchise Insidious and TV series Paradise Lost,...
Nolte will play Gene, a former marine and widower who finds his highly regimented life deteriorating after his son begins pressuring him to sell his longtime home. Hershey, well known for her work in movies including Hannah and Her Sisters, Beaches, The Portrait of a Lady and Black Swan, will play Frances, a mysteriously familiar woman who sparks a new chapter in his life.
Stephen Vincent will produce. Matthew Shreder of Concourse Media is executive-producing and selling during the TIFF market.
Hank Bedford will direct the script he co-wrote with Cesare Gagliardoni. Bedford’s 2015 feature debut, Dixieland, starred Riley Keough and Faith Hill and was released by IFC Films.
Emmy and Golden Globe winner Hershey has recently starred in hit horror franchise Insidious and TV series Paradise Lost,...
- 9/13/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Filmmaker Vincent Grashaw has signed with Gersh for representation.
Grashaw is a writer, director and producer who most recently directed and produced the horror-thriller What Josiah Saw, which premiered to critical praise at the Fantasia Film Festival and garnered several awards on the festival circuit, before being acquired by Shudder for release on August 4th.
He will next direct the boxing dramedy Bang Bang, with Randomix Productions’ Ran Namerode and Angelia Adzic producing alongside Cole Payne of Traverse Media. The original spec script was written by Grashaw’s fellow Gersh client, Will Janowitz. The project is fully financed and actively being cast by Sig De Midguel & Stephen Vincent, with production to kick off later this fall.
Grashaw’s past work includes the 2017 drama And Then I Go, based on the 2004 novel Project X by Jim Shepard. Premiering at the Los Angeles Film Festival, the film starred Melanie Lynskey, Justin Long and Tony Hale.
Grashaw is a writer, director and producer who most recently directed and produced the horror-thriller What Josiah Saw, which premiered to critical praise at the Fantasia Film Festival and garnered several awards on the festival circuit, before being acquired by Shudder for release on August 4th.
He will next direct the boxing dramedy Bang Bang, with Randomix Productions’ Ran Namerode and Angelia Adzic producing alongside Cole Payne of Traverse Media. The original spec script was written by Grashaw’s fellow Gersh client, Will Janowitz. The project is fully financed and actively being cast by Sig De Midguel & Stephen Vincent, with production to kick off later this fall.
Grashaw’s past work includes the 2017 drama And Then I Go, based on the 2004 novel Project X by Jim Shepard. Premiering at the Los Angeles Film Festival, the film starred Melanie Lynskey, Justin Long and Tony Hale.
- 9/12/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Three-time Oscar nominee Nick Nolte is set to star in Eugene the Marine, a psychological thriller due to begin production this fall.
Nolte will play Gene, a widower and former Marine who finds his highly regimented life deteriorating after his son begins pressuring him to sell his longtime home. When a mysteriously familiar woman appears in his life, Gene starts to loosen up, until his nightmares and reality begin to blur.
Hank Bedford will direct the script he co-wrote with Cesare Gagliardoni. Bedford’s 2015 feature debut, Dixieland, starred Riley Keough and Faith Hill and was released by IFC Films.
Eugene the Marine is being produced by Stephen Vincent. Matthew Shreder of Concourse Media is executive producing and handling worldwide sales rights.
Golden Globe winner Nolte, well known for movies including Cape Fear, 48 Hrs. and his Oscar-nominated roles in The Prince of Tides, Affliction and Warrior, recently starred in series...
Nolte will play Gene, a widower and former Marine who finds his highly regimented life deteriorating after his son begins pressuring him to sell his longtime home. When a mysteriously familiar woman appears in his life, Gene starts to loosen up, until his nightmares and reality begin to blur.
Hank Bedford will direct the script he co-wrote with Cesare Gagliardoni. Bedford’s 2015 feature debut, Dixieland, starred Riley Keough and Faith Hill and was released by IFC Films.
Eugene the Marine is being produced by Stephen Vincent. Matthew Shreder of Concourse Media is executive producing and handling worldwide sales rights.
Golden Globe winner Nolte, well known for movies including Cape Fear, 48 Hrs. and his Oscar-nominated roles in The Prince of Tides, Affliction and Warrior, recently starred in series...
- 8/16/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
What if Frankenstein's monster came alive in Brooklyn? That's the intriguing setup for Depraved, a new reimagining of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein from one of the most influential and innovative voices in independent horror: Larry Fessenden.
Glass Eye Pix and Forager today announced that Fessenden will begin filming his new movie Depraved this February. Inspired by Shelley's classic novel, Fessenden's reimagining is slated to star David Call, Joshua Leonard, and Alex Breaux as the iconic monster. Stay tuned to Daily Dead for more updates and read on for the official press release and the first teaser poster:
Press Release: New York City, January 30 — Larry Fessenden, NYC’s independent horror auteur (Habit, Wendigo, The Last Winter), is set to direct Depraved from his own script. The contemporary reimagining of Mary Shelley’s timeless classic Frankenstein centers on Henry, a field surgeon suffering from Ptsd after combat in the Middle East, who...
Glass Eye Pix and Forager today announced that Fessenden will begin filming his new movie Depraved this February. Inspired by Shelley's classic novel, Fessenden's reimagining is slated to star David Call, Joshua Leonard, and Alex Breaux as the iconic monster. Stay tuned to Daily Dead for more updates and read on for the official press release and the first teaser poster:
Press Release: New York City, January 30 — Larry Fessenden, NYC’s independent horror auteur (Habit, Wendigo, The Last Winter), is set to direct Depraved from his own script. The contemporary reimagining of Mary Shelley’s timeless classic Frankenstein centers on Henry, a field surgeon suffering from Ptsd after combat in the Middle East, who...
- 1/30/2018
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
A new international TV sport for Marvel's Doctor Strange has been released which offers a glimpse of Strange's physical training while at Kamar-Taj. There's also a brief warning from Wong (Benedict Wong), who hints at the fall of former Masters of Mystic Arts, Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen). Out in North American theaters on November 4, Marvel President Kevin Feige previously stated that Strange would be the "doorway" into the supernatural side of Marvel Comics. Scott Derrickson also added that the film would introduce the concept of the multiverse to the McU. About Doctor Strange Dr. Stephen Vincent Strange is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Steve Ditko, who first appeared in Strange Tales #110 (1963). A gifted surgeon, Strange suffers irreparable damage to his hands and journeys all over the world seeking a cure. Eventually Strange ends up at the home of the Ancient One and begins a journey into magic and...
- 9/16/2016
- ComicBookMovie.com
Something tells me that this year's San Diego Comic-Con will be a big one for Doctor Strange. Marvel already nailed it earlier this year when they released Captain America: Civil War. Now with one more chapter closed, and many of our familiar characters entering new stages in their lives, now's as good a time as any to take a dive into the mystical with Doctor Strange.
The film won't be hitting theaters until November, but considering we've only really seen a teaser for the film, it's safe to assume that Marvel will use this opportunity to tout it. After all, this is a property that not many fans outside of the comic books even know about, so they'll really have to kick their marketing into overdrive on this one.
Either way, the first Sdcc-relevant post comes from the official Marvel Entertainment Twitter. It's nothing major, but in the tweet, they...
The film won't be hitting theaters until November, but considering we've only really seen a teaser for the film, it's safe to assume that Marvel will use this opportunity to tout it. After all, this is a property that not many fans outside of the comic books even know about, so they'll really have to kick their marketing into overdrive on this one.
Either way, the first Sdcc-relevant post comes from the official Marvel Entertainment Twitter. It's nothing major, but in the tweet, they...
- 7/21/2016
- by Joseph Medina
- LRMonline.com
Exchanging information after an accident on the road is usually the responsible, smart thing to do… except when the car you collided with belongs to a killer. Ahead of Fender Bender’s June 3rd premiere on the Chiller channel, the official trailer for Scream Factory’s new horror film teases the deadliness of the Driver.
Written and Directed by Mark Pavia (Stephen King’s The Night Flier), Fender Bender stars Makenzie Vega (The Good Wife), Dre Davis (Pretty Little Liars, Scavenger Killers), Cassidy Freeman (Smallville, Longmire) and Bill Sage (American Psycho, We Are What We Are). Evocative of the horror-thriller classics of yesteryear, Fender Bender brings you back to a time when the boxes on the shelf at your local video store beckoned you with masked, knife-wielding maniacs and a twisted sense of morals.
In a small New Mexico town, a 17-year-old high school girl who just got her driver...
Written and Directed by Mark Pavia (Stephen King’s The Night Flier), Fender Bender stars Makenzie Vega (The Good Wife), Dre Davis (Pretty Little Liars, Scavenger Killers), Cassidy Freeman (Smallville, Longmire) and Bill Sage (American Psycho, We Are What We Are). Evocative of the horror-thriller classics of yesteryear, Fender Bender brings you back to a time when the boxes on the shelf at your local video store beckoned you with masked, knife-wielding maniacs and a twisted sense of morals.
In a small New Mexico town, a 17-year-old high school girl who just got her driver...
- 5/12/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
*Updated with the official press release.* “It’s just a fender bender, right?” Scream Factory announced a June 3rd premiere date for Fender Bender, their first original horror film that’s written and directed by Mark Pavia (The Night Flier). Ahead of its debut on the Chiller network, a new teaser trailer and poster offers a look at the movie that might make you think twice about exchanging information after a car accident.
Press Release: New York, NY – April 29, 2016 – Chiller and Scream Factory™ announced today that original movie Fender Bender will premiere Friday, June 3 at 9 Pm Et. Written and Directed by Mark Pavia (Stephen King’s The Night Flier), the movie stars Makenzie Vega (The Good Wife), Dre Davis (Pretty Little Liars, Scavenger Killers), Cassidy Freeman (Smallville, Longmire) and Bill Sage (American Psycho, We Are What We Are). Evocative of the horror-thriller classics of yesteryear, Fender Bender brings you back...
Press Release: New York, NY – April 29, 2016 – Chiller and Scream Factory™ announced today that original movie Fender Bender will premiere Friday, June 3 at 9 Pm Et. Written and Directed by Mark Pavia (Stephen King’s The Night Flier), the movie stars Makenzie Vega (The Good Wife), Dre Davis (Pretty Little Liars, Scavenger Killers), Cassidy Freeman (Smallville, Longmire) and Bill Sage (American Psycho, We Are What We Are). Evocative of the horror-thriller classics of yesteryear, Fender Bender brings you back...
- 4/29/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
A new Indiegogo campaign has been launched for the Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark documentary. Also in this round-up: a Judas Ghost DVD giveaway, Like Me production details, the trailer for Everlasting, the short film Hidden, and a look at The Final Project.
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: Press Release: "Chicago, Il - January 20, 2016 - Hot off the heels of news that Guillermo Del Toro is producing a film based on the nostalgic children's books Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, a documentary about the books is in the works. It has been in production for two years, is armed with an official trailer, and is now trying to finish in 2016.
The upcoming documentary is backed by the family of the late author, the trailer featuring both his wife and grandson. The doc will explore subjects such as the banning of children’s books in America,...
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark: Press Release: "Chicago, Il - January 20, 2016 - Hot off the heels of news that Guillermo Del Toro is producing a film based on the nostalgic children's books Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, a documentary about the books is in the works. It has been in production for two years, is armed with an official trailer, and is now trying to finish in 2016.
The upcoming documentary is backed by the family of the late author, the trailer featuring both his wife and grandson. The doc will explore subjects such as the banning of children’s books in America,...
- 1/22/2016
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Mads Mikkelsen may be about to say goodbye to Hannibal, but he's already eyeing his next villainous role.
The Casino Royale star is in early talks to join Benedict Cumberbatch in Marvel's Doctor Strange.
Seriously, you might as well prime your browsers to book tickets for the premiere date now, because the words "high demand" are an understatement - especially when the Hannibal and Sherlock fandoms are involved.
An offer is due to be made to Mikkelsen soon, according to Variety - although Marvel has declined to comment.
He's expected to play an antagonist to Stephen Vincent Strange (Hamlet and Sherlock star Cumberbatch), with Tilda Swinton and Chiwetel Ejiofor among the cast.
Mikkelsen also joined the cast of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story recently - and for once, he's not playing a nefarious ne'er-do-well.
"No, my character is actually not a bad guy, and I can't say any more,...
The Casino Royale star is in early talks to join Benedict Cumberbatch in Marvel's Doctor Strange.
Seriously, you might as well prime your browsers to book tickets for the premiere date now, because the words "high demand" are an understatement - especially when the Hannibal and Sherlock fandoms are involved.
An offer is due to be made to Mikkelsen soon, according to Variety - although Marvel has declined to comment.
He's expected to play an antagonist to Stephen Vincent Strange (Hamlet and Sherlock star Cumberbatch), with Tilda Swinton and Chiwetel Ejiofor among the cast.
Mikkelsen also joined the cast of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story recently - and for once, he's not playing a nefarious ne'er-do-well.
"No, my character is actually not a bad guy, and I can't say any more,...
- 8/28/2015
- Digital Spy
"Hannibal" star Mads Mikkelsen is in early talks to play one of the villains in the upcoming Scott Derrickson-directed "Doctor Strange" film at Marvel Studios.
Benedict Cumberbatch will play Stephen Vincent Strange, a former neurosurgeon who becomes the next Sorcerer Supreme and primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats.
Tilda Swinton will play Strange's mentor the Ancient One while Chiwetel Ejiofor is set to star as Baron Mordo who becomes Strange's nemesis.
Mikkelsen's role is unknown but sources say he will be another antagonist to Strange. The most other notable villain from the comics is the powerful mystical being Dormammu who has been rumored for the film before.
Jon Spaihts penned the script and Kevin Feige will produce the film which begins production towards year's end ahead of a November 4th 2016 release. If he joins, it will be Mikkelsen's second big film of the period as he's...
Benedict Cumberbatch will play Stephen Vincent Strange, a former neurosurgeon who becomes the next Sorcerer Supreme and primary protector of Earth against magical and mystical threats.
Tilda Swinton will play Strange's mentor the Ancient One while Chiwetel Ejiofor is set to star as Baron Mordo who becomes Strange's nemesis.
Mikkelsen's role is unknown but sources say he will be another antagonist to Strange. The most other notable villain from the comics is the powerful mystical being Dormammu who has been rumored for the film before.
Jon Spaihts penned the script and Kevin Feige will produce the film which begins production towards year's end ahead of a November 4th 2016 release. If he joins, it will be Mikkelsen's second big film of the period as he's...
- 8/28/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
"The crazy 'acid trip' way of traveling through dimensions and traveling through realms, is something that we think is very, very cool..." said Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige, about the developing "Doctor Strange" 3D multi-million dollar budgeted motion picture, paving the way for the next phase of the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe'.
"(Strange) is a classic Marvel origin story, because he’s got one of the best origins ever, and it’s our opportunity to take that left turn into the supernatural.
"Now what is the definition of ‘supernatural’? It varies...based in physics and based in quantum mechanics...an explanation of how sorcerers do what they do..."
"Doctor Strange" director Scott Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister".
"I wanted it really bad," said Derrickson. "More than any other project that I've gone after, I felt compelled to do everything...
"(Strange) is a classic Marvel origin story, because he’s got one of the best origins ever, and it’s our opportunity to take that left turn into the supernatural.
"Now what is the definition of ‘supernatural’? It varies...based in physics and based in quantum mechanics...an explanation of how sorcerers do what they do..."
"Doctor Strange" director Scott Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister".
"I wanted it really bad," said Derrickson. "More than any other project that I've gone after, I felt compelled to do everything...
- 8/5/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
"This is the Marvel movie we're all ready to see now..." said director Scott Derrickson about his developing Marvel Studios' "Doctor Strange" 3D multi-million dollar budgeted motion picture, paving the way for the next phase of the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe'.
Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister".
"I wanted it really bad," Derrickson said. "More than any other project that I've gone after, I felt compelled to do everything in my power to get on that project. Genuinely felt like I was the right guy to do it."
"I think people who know the comic world and the Marvel universe, they all feel the same way I do...the outpouring of excitement that people have shown is the thing I've been most pleasantly surprised."
Casting suggestions to play 'Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange', include Johnny Depp, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Jon Hamm,...
Derrickson is no stranger to the 'occult', having previously directed "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Sinister".
"I wanted it really bad," Derrickson said. "More than any other project that I've gone after, I felt compelled to do everything in my power to get on that project. Genuinely felt like I was the right guy to do it."
"I think people who know the comic world and the Marvel universe, they all feel the same way I do...the outpouring of excitement that people have shown is the thing I've been most pleasantly surprised."
Casting suggestions to play 'Doctor Stephen Vincent Strange', include Johnny Depp, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Jon Hamm,...
- 6/20/2014
- by Michael Stevens
- SneakPeek
Unveiling at the Brooklyn Film Festival this weekend is the world premiere of Sleeping with the Fishes, the directorial debut of former stand up comic and actor, Nicole Gomez Fisher. Gina Rodriguez plays the hilariously real and spirited star of the movie, Alexis Fish, a role she booked right as Filly Brown started making waves at film festivals last year. A great cast of women join her including Tony Award winning stage and film actor, Priscilla Lopez who plays her mother, and Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty) who is enjoyably pert, as Gina's sister. Sleeping with the Fishes is also the first feature produced independently by Courtney Andrialis, a rising producer with many more exciting projects in development (she started her career as assistant to Bingham Ray in 2003). I gotta say, I just love the female power of this film! Check out the just- released trailer of the film, and read the interview I did where I check in with Nicole, a week before she releases her first baby (film) into the world.
Logline: Sleeping with the Fishes is a comedy which captures one girl’s journey of self-discovery and the dynamics of her zany family. With its fair share of “ay dios mio” and “oy vey” moments, the film comes to life with colorful characters and one-liners that can only be found in a Latino Jewish home in Brooklyn.
How did your Latino/Jewish background and childhood inform your creative expression as you started conceiving of your first feature?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn…a true Brooklynite at heart. My mother is Puerto Rican and my father is of Jewish descent, an interesting mix that has clearly influenced my life and my writing. I don’t necessarily identify with one over the other…both sides make up who I am. I knew when starting Sleeping With The Fishes that my background and my point of view wasn’t a filmmaker’s voice heard too often. I wanted to express myself and tell a story about a young woman trying to find herself in a world that she felt excluded from…not only from the outside world, but from her immediate as well.
What’s your connection with Gina? How was it to work with her in comedy? She’s got great timing and tons of energy.
I did not know Gina Rodriguez before making Sleeping with the Fishes. We met through our casting directors Sig DeMiguel and Steve Vincent. Her agent read the script and loved it, passed it on to her and Boom! A meeting was set. We actually met in the bathroom of Rosa Mexicana and it was love at first sight! Gina was incredibly energetic, bright, enthusiastic and funny! I was excited to work with someone “fresh”. I knew before we even ordered that we would work well together. She was just coming off the Sundance premiere for Filly Brown. It was an exciting time for her and it showed. She’s a natural when it comes to comedy, so she made directing incredibly easy. Gina’s choices were spot on and she just understood the timing of comedy. It takes a real pro to know when to “go there” and when to pull back and she did. I would say try this and within seconds she would make a slight adjustment and go. If she thought something didn’t work or wanted to try another shot, we went with it. Collaborating with her was such fun. She made directing my first feature a pleasure.
The tale of a 30something whose life has not gone as expected and must deal with the pressure of returning to a childhood like dynamic at home with the parents, is so relatable and universal, but it can also be quite personal and individual, how personal is this screen variation to you? What did you want to convey that you had not typically seen in this popular canon? (For me I think the female character’s resilience of staying true to herself, her exhaustive efforts of having to tolerate her mother’s views, and sheer tenacity...
It’s personal. The story itself is loosely based on my family, but there are many aspects to it that are a mix of truth and fiction. For my lead, Alexis Rodriguez Fish (played by Gina Rodriguez), her coming back home after years of living a lie all in the name of “saving face” is paralyzing for her. As you mentioned, her resilience to stay true to herself has been an exhausting journey. Having to deal with the loss of a loved one while trying to pick up the pieces of your life only makes it that much harder to overcome. I wanted to take a classic story and make it new. Yes, she is returning home to the pressures of family, but in Alexis’ case, returning home to her mother is what is so daunting. You have two strong women who don’t see eye-to-eye: one whose pride identifies her, the other whose pride is crushed as she struggles to find her identity.
I love that you chose to do your first film a comedy. There doesn't seem to be as many first films as comedies tackled in the indie world, and even less from a female written and directed perspective. What are your influences in this vein? Also, what is it about our passionate Latino culture in particular you think that makes family dysfunction so melodramatic, ripe for comedy and so affectionate and warm at the same time?
I was a stand up comic for years and I love writing comedy. I’m a huge fan of films that blend comedy and drama. It’s what life is made of—the ying and the yang. Some of the funniest moments in life are also the saddest. When you can stop and laugh at a time when hope seems dim, that is life changing. Laughter has pulled me through some really hard times. ...Where there is passion, there is drama. From my experience, Latinos are very strong-minded, very passionate and very vocal about what we believe. The combination makes for some terrific melodrama. It’s who we are—they go hand in hand.
Who were some key collaborators and mentors for you during the launching of your first feature? Tells us about Courtney as producer - she’s from HD net films, how did you two bond about the making of this film?
Some of the key collaborators were my husband Joe, my friend and fellow screenwriter A.J. Meyers, my casting directors, my father and of course, my producer Courtney Andrialis. Courtney and I have built a solid relationship around Sleeping with the Fishes. I met her via our casting directors. She’s young, eager and has a ton of knowledge. She was an integral part of the making the film. She brought on an amazing team that held me up throughout the entire process, which for a first time director is so integral. There were a lot of learning curves for me. Courtney did a great job of keeping me together and supporting me throughout the entire process.
As you navigate the wild west of distribution, how are you feeling and where are your expectations with getting the film out there? Are you going to be exploring the newly paved roads of direct distribution models or pursuing the traditional theatrical and window route?
It’s great that now filmmakers have so many ways to reach their audience. We are excited for our world premiere at the Brooklyn Film Festival on June 1st. After that, we’ll keep our fingers crossed and see!
Best of luck with the film and have a blast at your premiere, Nik!
For tickets & screening info (June 1 is sold out, but June 8 still available for all y'all NYers)
Film Contact: swtf13[a]gmail.com.
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Logline: Sleeping with the Fishes is a comedy which captures one girl’s journey of self-discovery and the dynamics of her zany family. With its fair share of “ay dios mio” and “oy vey” moments, the film comes to life with colorful characters and one-liners that can only be found in a Latino Jewish home in Brooklyn.
How did your Latino/Jewish background and childhood inform your creative expression as you started conceiving of your first feature?
I was born and raised in Brooklyn…a true Brooklynite at heart. My mother is Puerto Rican and my father is of Jewish descent, an interesting mix that has clearly influenced my life and my writing. I don’t necessarily identify with one over the other…both sides make up who I am. I knew when starting Sleeping With The Fishes that my background and my point of view wasn’t a filmmaker’s voice heard too often. I wanted to express myself and tell a story about a young woman trying to find herself in a world that she felt excluded from…not only from the outside world, but from her immediate as well.
What’s your connection with Gina? How was it to work with her in comedy? She’s got great timing and tons of energy.
I did not know Gina Rodriguez before making Sleeping with the Fishes. We met through our casting directors Sig DeMiguel and Steve Vincent. Her agent read the script and loved it, passed it on to her and Boom! A meeting was set. We actually met in the bathroom of Rosa Mexicana and it was love at first sight! Gina was incredibly energetic, bright, enthusiastic and funny! I was excited to work with someone “fresh”. I knew before we even ordered that we would work well together. She was just coming off the Sundance premiere for Filly Brown. It was an exciting time for her and it showed. She’s a natural when it comes to comedy, so she made directing incredibly easy. Gina’s choices were spot on and she just understood the timing of comedy. It takes a real pro to know when to “go there” and when to pull back and she did. I would say try this and within seconds she would make a slight adjustment and go. If she thought something didn’t work or wanted to try another shot, we went with it. Collaborating with her was such fun. She made directing my first feature a pleasure.
The tale of a 30something whose life has not gone as expected and must deal with the pressure of returning to a childhood like dynamic at home with the parents, is so relatable and universal, but it can also be quite personal and individual, how personal is this screen variation to you? What did you want to convey that you had not typically seen in this popular canon? (For me I think the female character’s resilience of staying true to herself, her exhaustive efforts of having to tolerate her mother’s views, and sheer tenacity...
It’s personal. The story itself is loosely based on my family, but there are many aspects to it that are a mix of truth and fiction. For my lead, Alexis Rodriguez Fish (played by Gina Rodriguez), her coming back home after years of living a lie all in the name of “saving face” is paralyzing for her. As you mentioned, her resilience to stay true to herself has been an exhausting journey. Having to deal with the loss of a loved one while trying to pick up the pieces of your life only makes it that much harder to overcome. I wanted to take a classic story and make it new. Yes, she is returning home to the pressures of family, but in Alexis’ case, returning home to her mother is what is so daunting. You have two strong women who don’t see eye-to-eye: one whose pride identifies her, the other whose pride is crushed as she struggles to find her identity.
I love that you chose to do your first film a comedy. There doesn't seem to be as many first films as comedies tackled in the indie world, and even less from a female written and directed perspective. What are your influences in this vein? Also, what is it about our passionate Latino culture in particular you think that makes family dysfunction so melodramatic, ripe for comedy and so affectionate and warm at the same time?
I was a stand up comic for years and I love writing comedy. I’m a huge fan of films that blend comedy and drama. It’s what life is made of—the ying and the yang. Some of the funniest moments in life are also the saddest. When you can stop and laugh at a time when hope seems dim, that is life changing. Laughter has pulled me through some really hard times. ...Where there is passion, there is drama. From my experience, Latinos are very strong-minded, very passionate and very vocal about what we believe. The combination makes for some terrific melodrama. It’s who we are—they go hand in hand.
Who were some key collaborators and mentors for you during the launching of your first feature? Tells us about Courtney as producer - she’s from HD net films, how did you two bond about the making of this film?
Some of the key collaborators were my husband Joe, my friend and fellow screenwriter A.J. Meyers, my casting directors, my father and of course, my producer Courtney Andrialis. Courtney and I have built a solid relationship around Sleeping with the Fishes. I met her via our casting directors. She’s young, eager and has a ton of knowledge. She was an integral part of the making the film. She brought on an amazing team that held me up throughout the entire process, which for a first time director is so integral. There were a lot of learning curves for me. Courtney did a great job of keeping me together and supporting me throughout the entire process.
As you navigate the wild west of distribution, how are you feeling and where are your expectations with getting the film out there? Are you going to be exploring the newly paved roads of direct distribution models or pursuing the traditional theatrical and window route?
It’s great that now filmmakers have so many ways to reach their audience. We are excited for our world premiere at the Brooklyn Film Festival on June 1st. After that, we’ll keep our fingers crossed and see!
Best of luck with the film and have a blast at your premiere, Nik!
For tickets & screening info (June 1 is sold out, but June 8 still available for all y'all NYers)
Film Contact: swtf13[a]gmail.com.
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- 5/29/2013
- by Christine Davila
- Sydney's Buzz
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