Stage 32 Comedy Contest Top 10 Script In Post-Production With Miantri Films
Stage 32 Comedy Contest Top 10 Script In Post-Production With Miantri Films
“Why don’t we just make it ourselves?” This was the question posed to me in January 2021 by producer Michael Alfieri of Miantri Films regarding my script, The Throwback. The start of every new year gives us a newfound boldness and optimism. “I will lose fifty pounds.” “I will read 20 books per month.” “I will learn Tuvan throat singing.” That’s me. So when Mike posed that question, my response was an enthusiastic “YES!” Why not? Never mind that my annual new year’s optimism routinely vanishes by President’s Day, along with my new gym card. I actually remember thinking it will never happen, but let’s give it a shot. Obviously, I never finished that positive thinking book either.
I had written the script for The Throwback over the previous year and had gone through several drafts. Placing in the top 10 in Stage 32’s Comedy Screenwriting Contest certainly validated it for me, as well as the enthusiastic feedback it received from anyone that would read it.
But the decision to make it myself really came down to wanting to have some control over its destiny. It’s super difficult to get a movie made the “traditional” way. I didn’t want to lose control of this story that I loved and surrender it to a fate where it may never come to life. I had done that already with another script years ago. I saw an opportunity.
The industry has evolved. There are more platforms for storytelling, with a greater demand for content... Great communities, like Stage 32, offer an abundance of resources and contacts for all facets of production. And so, taking everything I had learned and the feedback I had received, I decided to make the film I wanted.
Fast forward 18 months, with a full-length feature film I wrote and directed in post-production, it’s still hard for me to grasp that it really happened. I’m reminded of the accomplishment often by others, but after pushing so hard for the last 18 months, it’s hard to stop and appreciate it all, especially when it feels there’s more to do. For me and this film, the story’s not over yet. So the complete story will have to wait for another blog. Humbly, what I’d like to offer instead are the biggest lessons I’ve learned so far on this journey, some practical, some spiritual, and some you probably don’t want to hear.
Lesson 1: Nothing is impossible
Okay, I'm starting with a hokey one first. It's a cliche, I know. But if at any point in this process, or even in this career, I didn't believe that nothing was impossible, I wouldn't have finished this film, let alone even complete its script. Many years ago, I was in an audience watching a panel of established screenwriters. One by one, they talked about how difficult it is to break into this business as a writer. The recurring word I heard that day was "IMPOSSIBLE." I often wonder how many aspiring writers went home that day convinced that selling a script, let alone getting one made into a film, would be impossible. I even went home feeling that way. But that's a limiting belief. Difficult, yes. Frustrating, for sure. But anything is possible. The proof is everywhere. I didn't set out to raise a few thousand dollars to make this movie. I set out to raise several million dollars. No doubt there were times when it felt impossible, but I'd remind myself that nothing is impossible… a lot.
Lesson 2: Don't raise money, sell your passion
Raising the money for this film was one of the most daunting things I've ever done. I hate asking people for money. There were many no's, many unreturned emails and calls and even some yes's that ended up ghosting me when it was time to collect. Let's face it, from a business standpoint, unless an investor really wants to be in the movie business. A film doesn't look like a good investment. I found more success when I was real with investors and shared my passion for this project from my heart instead of my PowerPoint presentation. Every investor in my film invested more in me than in my business plan. These investors are my friends and family, the people who know me best and believe in me. I love that so many of them get to share in this with me. It's incredibly humbling, and to be honest, the pressure of my responsibility to them keeps me up most nights. This wasn't transactional for me. As passionate as I am about this film, I'm equally as passionate about ensuring they get a return on their investment.
Lesson 3: Spend early money on a casting agent
Whether you are shooting for A-list stars or local talent, a good cast can make or break even a great story. The biggest star in the world can't save a bad script. We definitely had some name actors in mind for The Throwback. Obviously, the bigger the name, the more attractive the package is to investors and distributors. Even before we had collected any funds, we started reaching out to talent ourselves through their managers or agents.
Much has changed in the industry since I started. I once got a rejection letter from Rob Reiner's company. As difficult as the rejection was, there was something final and satisfying about knowing it was a no… and on that cool Castle Rock stationary.
Now, rejection comes in the form of never hearing back. That was what we were experiencing…. until we started working with a casting agent. We were fortunate to get a really good one, and that helped open many more doors. It was one of the first checks I wrote for the film, and it was the best investment. Having actors attached propelled the project. By the way, you have to sell the actors on your passion as well. I wrote a personal letter to each one we went out to.
Lesson 4: There are no fun production days
I know, but we're living our dream and making a movie. True, and in the scheme of things, it's an awesome experience. But as a director, there are so many details and decisions that have to be made in a day that it's easy to lose sight of the big picture. For me, It was often about the immediate tasks in front of me, and there were always plenty. Before we started shooting, my DP once told me that if we have a day that goes perfectly, I'll remember it for the rest of my life. I now understand what she meant.
We didn't have one perfect day. But that's okay. When you're basically captaining the ship with a crew of 50 people, there are undoubtedly things that go wrong, people that get frustrated, and tons of second-guessing. I went through two rolls of Rolaids per day. More than anything, this experience has given me such an appreciation for the roles directors play, as well as all the crew that contributes to making a movie. Despite the drama, frustration, and conflicts, it really is a beautiful collaboration of many parts, from the PA's to the crafty, to the gaffers and grips, wardrobe, make-up, sound, etc. These are the people that make it easier and occasionally fun.
Lesson 5: Trust your gut
Another cliche, but let's back it up with science. There is something called the gut-brain axis that explains an actual real connection between our intestines and the brain. That certain gut feeling you get, whether it's sudden anxiousness, a flash of clarity, or a recurring thought, is real, and it means something.
I had plenty of gut feelings during this process, and I rarely trusted it. Whether it was about a certain person, a production detail, or even a line of dialogue, I found myself getting these gut feelings more than usual. It's as if the universe was trying to co-direct with me, which probably explains why I didn't listen. The point is, I should have. I think the intense experience and the pressure of it all heightened my senses, and my body gave me these valuable clues that I often ignored. I've been trusting my gut more lately.
I think it's important to note, while I offer these "lessons" I've learned, that I can't say whether these are right or wrong. These are just important observations I took from the experience so far that I hope to take with me to my next endeavors. This was my first time directing, and I dove into the deep end. I never even attended film school. Eighteen months ago, I was just a guy with a bunch of finished scripts, anxious to find a way in this industry after way too many years of trying.
When I would tell people I was a screenwriter, I'd undoubtedly get the question, "anything of yours been made?" And, of course, my answer was always no. That answer was so ingrained in my mind that I was asked that just recently, and I had to correct myself when I said no again.
Something I wrote has indeed been made. I made it with the help of many others who shared my passion and contributed their talents. My film, The Throwback, is a comedy starring Will Sasso, Justina Machado, Bobby Lee, Gregg Sulkin, and Michelle Randolph, along with a wonderfully talented supporting cast. It's in post-production now, and we hope to have it complete by mid-Fall.
I have no idea how the story of this film will end. I hope you get to watch it one day. Ultimately, the biggest lesson that I need to remind myself of is that regardless of how this turns out, finishing a script is success enough for writers, and so is completing a film. Both are to be celebrated as a fulfillment of our passions. I'll celebrate this eventually… right after my Tuvan throat singing lesson.
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About the Author
Mario’s filmmaking journey started as an assistant for a Golden Globe-winning producer where he helped develop made-for-television movies before launching his own career as a successful screenwriter. Mario's short script UNREAD was produced and featured in Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films....