Press Notes Blood Orange Pictures, in association with Rooster Films Presents: Mildred and The Dying Parlor Synopsis MILDRED AND THE DYING PARLOR is a quirky and dark modern fairy tale, in which TUTTI and her husband RICK run a dying parlor out of their home with the help of their reluctant daughter MILDRED. We come upon this odd family when an unusual client shows up, and the evening takes an unexpected turn. Press Contact: Michael Goldberg, Hiltzik Strategies [email protected] // 516.369.3167
Transcript
Press Notes
Blood Orange Pictures , in association with Rooster Films
Presents:
Mildred and The Dying Parlor
Synopsis MILDRED AND THE DYING PARLOR is a quirky and dark modern fairy tale, in which
TUTTI and her husband RICK run a dying parlor out of their home with the help of
their reluctant daughter MILDRED. We come upon this odd family when an unusual
client shows up, and the evening takes an unexpected turn.
Press Contact:
Michael Goldberg, Hiltzik Strategies [email protected] // 516.369.3167
Screenings PUBLIC SCREENING SCHEDULE DATE TIME VENUE 1st Screening Friday, 15 April 9:45 pm Regal 11
2nd Screening Wednesday, 20 April 8:45 pm Regal 10
3rd Screening Friday, 22 April 9:00 pm
Regal 05
4th Screening Saturday, 23 April 6:30 pm BTC 06
PRESS & INDUSTRY SCREENING DATE TIME VENUE Press Screening Saturday, 16 April 12:45pm Regal 11
Director’s Statement
What initially attracted me to this project were the
ways in which Andrea Joyce Heimer’s short story RED
stands out; from the cleverly subtle take on a classic
fairy tale to the bizarrely delightful setting of a Dying
Parlor, Andrea created an ingenious world I had
never seen before. But what struck me most was the
unique voice of our title character and narrator, Red.
It was this tone and style that first drew me to the
internet-published short story, and is one of the key
elements I tried to capture in bringing the story to
life on the screen.
With a quirky and sinister script brought to life by a
dream cast (Zosia Mamet, Jane Krakowski, Steve
Buscemi, and Evan Jonigkeit), MILDRED AND THE DYING PARLOR is the creative
collaboration between myself, and the production team behind the film.
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Creative Team Bios:
Alex Gayner (Director/Producer) is a freelance producer and
director who comes from a production background as First Assistant
Director. He has collaborated with many top-tier filmmakers, including
Taylor Hackford, Paul Haggis, Peter Jackson, Kathryn Bigelow,
Guillermo Del Torro, Gareth Edwards and Mary Parent. Having shot
over 70 films, he has become a go to collaborator for directors, producers and studios
alike.
In recent years, Alex has begun producing and directing, with credits including 2nd Unit
Directing on the feature films EXTREME DAYS, MONSTER TRUCKS and TEENAGE MUTANT
NINJA TURTLES 2. He most recently directed the short film GRACE NOTE (Tracy
Mulholland, Yael Grobglas & Jake Stormoen). Alex is currently in development on
numerous projects to produce and direct. He is represented by the United Talent Agency,
and resides in Los Angeles with his family. Mildred and the Dying Parlor is his directorial
debut.
Ilan Ulmer (Writer/Producer) is a New York-based creative producer
and sometimes-screenwriter, with an MFA in film from MIU. Originally
from Toronto, Canada, he now resides in the suburbs of Long Island with
his family. His unique skill set for finding obscure and overlooked literary
properties that fall squarely in the “not obvious, yet brimming with
potential” column when it comes to adaptation, has positioned Ilan as somewhat of a
creative development expert.
Along with producing partner Samuel Goldberg, the duo have amassed a rather
impressive and diverse slate of projects in various stages of development, by placing a
premium on talent relationships, and an uncompromising approach in their pursuit of
high quality, narrative storytelling. Some upcoming projects include a limited series
based on Gary Krist’s NYTimes best-seller CITY OF SCOUNDRELS, an anthology series
inspired by MILDRED AND THE DYING PARLOR, the hit-list script FROM THE RUINS, and
feature films based on the novel THE EXECUTION OF NOA P. SINGLETON, and the
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memoir MY YEAR WITH ELEANOR. Mildred and the Dying Parlor is his first produced
screenplay.
Samuel Goldberg (Producer) is a New York-based film, tv and
theatre producer, specializing in the development of literary
adaptations and original content. Alongside his producing partner
Ilan Ulmer, Sam is currently co-developing a film with ImageMovers
based on the best-selling novel THE EXECUTION OF NOA P.
SINGLETON along with other exciting literary adaptations including
MY YEAR WITH ELEANOR, by Noelle Hancock and CITY OF SCOUNDRELS, by Gary Krist.
Sam began his career in entertainment as a child actor. Growing up and auditioning in
New York City, he was featured in multiple commercials and radio voice-overs, before
landing a role in Edward Norton's directorial debut film, KEEPING THE FAITH. While
attending the University of Pennsylvania Sam continued following his passion for
storytelling, but now behind the scenes. He spent his summers working for entrepreneur
Russell Simmons, legendary film and tv producer Jerry Weintraub, and in ICM’s talent
department.
After graduating college Sam worked at Righteous Pictures, where he co-produced 2
award-winning documentaries, THE LAST SURVIVOR and WEB, while simultaneously
producing music videos, documentaries and commercial work-for-hire. More recently
Sam has been involved in other prestigious independent film endeavors like THE HEART
MACHINE admitted to the 2014 SXSW Film Festival and currently out on VOD, AMATEUR
NIGHT starring Jason Biggs and slated for a summer 2016 release and 3RD STREET
BLACKOUT, starring Negin Farsad, Janeane Garofalo and Ed Weeks, which will be released
by Paladin in theaters nationally on April 29th.
Avi Stern (Producer) grew up in New York City, and attended Boston
University. After his studies, he began his career at Sony Pictures
Entertainment, where he spent 3 years working on Hollywood
blockbusters such as THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN 2 and AFTER EARTH.
He continues to produce his own films independently, including THE
EYES OF MY MOTHER, which premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival.
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Cast Bios:
Zosia Mamet (Red/Executive Producer) is quickly establishing
herself as one of film and television's most exciting new talents. She
has starred in the Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award-winning
GIRLS, created by and starring Lena Dunham. Mamet recently
completed production on Sophie Brooks’ THE BOY DOWNSTAIRS and
appears in Todd Solondz’s WIENER-DOG, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film
Festival. Up next, Mamet will begin filming MAPPLETHORPE, a biopic from writer-director
Ondi Timoner. She will star opposite Matt Smith as the legendary singer-songwriter Patti
Smith.
Mamet’s other film credits include recently released BLEEDING HEART and Academy
Award-nominated THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT. Mamet made her stage debut, in Paul Downs
Colaizzo’s critically acclaimed Off-Broadway play REALLY REALLY. Mamet is the daughter
of David Mamet and Lindsay Crouse and currently resides in New York City.
Jane Krakowski (Tutti) is most commonly known for her role as
Jenna Maroney on NBC’s Emmy Award-winning 30 ROCK. Krakowski
was honored with four Emmy nominations for her work on the show,
as well as a collective 2009 Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding
Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, along with
additional nominations in that category in 2013 and 2014. She was
first introduced to the TV mainstream with her Golden Globe-nominated portrayal of
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Elaine Vassal on the Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award-winning ALLY MCBEAL. Most
recently, Jane re-teamed with her 30 Rock collaborators Tina Fey and Robert Carlock for
the Emmy nominated THE UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT for Netflix. Her role as
Jacqueline Vorhees earned her an Emmy nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a
Comedy Series. Season 2 of the show will premiere in April 2016 and production on
Season 3 will commence this summer. Her other television guest starring appearances
have included iconic shows like MODERN FAMILY, THE SIMPSONS, AMERICAN DAD,
YOUNGER and even SESAME STREET.
Jane is currently starring on Broadway in the Roundabout Theater Company’s production
of SHE LOVES ME . Jane received the 2003 Tony Award for her portrayal of Carla in the
Broadway musical NINE opposite Antonio Banderas. Her performance in Nine also
earned her a Drama Desk Award and an Outer Critics Circle Award. She earned her first
Tony nomination for her work in the original Broadway production of GRAND HOTEL.
Other Broadway credits include COMPANY, ONCE UPON A MATTRESS, TARTUFFE, and
STARLIGHT EXPRESS. Krakowski won an Olivier Award while starring in GUYS AND DOLLS
with Ewan McGregor in London's West End. She also starred in the Encores! revival of
DAMN YANKEES opposite Sean Hayes. In 2012 Krakowski released her solo debut album,
“The Laziest Gal in Town,” a CD recording captured during her cabaret nightclub debut at
the Park Avenue hotspot, Feinstein’s at Loews Regency. Also in 2012, she performed a
one woman cabaret act to a sold out crowd at NYC’s legendary Town Hall Theater.
Making her film debut as Cousin Vickie in NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION, Krakowski
has also starred in the films ALFIE, THE FLINTSTONES IN VIVA ROCK VEGAS, PRETTY
PERSUASION, KIT KITTREDGE: AN AMERICAN GIRL, CIRQUE DU FREAK: THE VAMPIRE’S
ASSISTANT, ADULT BEGINNERS, BIG STONE GAP, and PIXELS.
Steve Buscemi (Rick) is an American actor, writer, director and
producer. He starred in the HBO drama BOARDWALK EMPIRE, which
garnered him a Golden Globe Award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards,
and two Emmy nominations. His directing work includes the feature
films TREES LOUNGE and INTERVIEW, and numerous television credits
including HBO’s THE SOPRANOS, for which he was nominated for an
Emmy and DGA Award.
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He has directed episodes of the Emmy Award winning shows 30 ROCK and NURSE JACKIE,
as well as recent episodes of PORTLANDIA, UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT, and Judd
Apatow's Netflix series LOVE.
In 2008 Buscemi started Olive Productions with Stanley Tucci and Wren Arthur, a NY
based company which produces his Emmy-nominated AOL series PARK BENCH, and
various other projects including the documentary A GOOD JOB: STORIES OF THE FDNY,
for HBO.
He is currently appearing in Louis C.K.'s critically acclaimed web series HORACE AND
PETE.
Evan Jonigkeit (Mr. Wendt/Executive Producer) is an a ctor,
producer, and director based in New York. He will next be seen in the
independent comedic drama, TALLULAH, opposite Ellen Page, which
premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. He recently appeared
opposite Tina Fey in the Paramount comedy, WHISKEY TANGO
FOXTROT and wrapped production on the ensemble indie, BRAVE NEW JERSEY,
co-starring Anna Camp and Tony Hale.
On the television side, Jonigkeit will be seen as one of the stars of Netflix's FRONTIER, and
as a guest star on Comedy Central's BROAD CITY, and Netflix's UNBREAKABLE KIMMY
SCHMIDT . He is currently in production on Joe Swanberg's straight-to-series anthology
comedy EASY. On Broadway, Jonigkeit starred opposite Mary-Louise Parker in the play
THE SNOW GEESE and won an Outer Critics Award for his role in HIGH opposite Kathleen
Turner. Additional credits include films BONE TOMAHAWK, X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE
PAST as well television series THE GOOD WIFE and GIRLS.
Jonigkeit and his partner, Zosia Mamet, started Rooster Films in 2014. They have
produced two films under this canopy to date, and are in various stages of development
for a number of other film and television projects.
Autumn Kristy Anderson (Young Red) is a New York City based actor.
She has appeared in several television shows including THE BLACKLIST,
PERSON OF INTEREST, GOTHAM, THE GOOD WIFE, SNL, upcoming LAW
AND ORDER, SVU and RED OAKS. You've also seen her in several
commercials including top brands such as Lincoln and Verizon. She
started out as a model who enjoyed engaging with the camera, moving her onto
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Nickelodeon and Sprout Network shows. She continues to dance at Alvin Ailey, while
maintaining very good grades at The School At Columbia University.
A Note From the Producers
An Earnest Start
When Ilan Ulmer found Andrea Joyce Heimer’s short story RED in an obscure online
literary journal, he was struck by the original concept of a dying parlor. That this unique
setting was coupled with a young protagonist who narrated her tale with such a
delightfully smug expression of teen angst, solidified the narrative as something he knew
to be fit for the screen.
Ilan shared the story with his business partner, Samuel Goldberg, as the pair were in the
process of searching for source material to adapt into a short film for aspiring director,
Alex Gayner. Alex saw the potential in the story right away, and fired off a handful of
ideas on how to tell the story cinematically. Sam contacted the author and secured the
rights, while Ilan got cracking on the adaptation. Notes were given on early drafts, and a
polished screenplay quickly took form. This was all over the course of a few short weeks
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toward the end 2013. The idea of making a short film excited the trio, but life and work
inevitably got in the way...
An Alignment of Stars
A little over a year later, in early 2015, Ilan was introduced to Evan Jonigkeit and Zosia
Mamet, who had become close friends with Ilan’s brother-in-law. After a Jets game and
some 2nd Avenue Deli corned beef hash were enjoyed by Ilan and Evan, a creative
exchange landed the long-neglected short script for Red in the hands of the talented,
young couple. Around the same time, Sam had shared the script with his friend, Avi
Stern, who quickly took to the project, joined the producing team, and suggested the
perfect location; a secluded property in Westhampton, Long Island.
Red was suddenly no longer dormant. Evan expressed interest in the project, and
explained that he and Zosia had an upcoming gap in their schedules. It just so happened
that Alex was on a plane from LA to New York at that very moment, where he would be
moving for the next 6 months for work. The whole team met for sushi in Midtown, and
Zosia and Evan came aboard as both EPs and performers.
Zosia reached out to Steve Buscemi who had plans to be on Long Island during the
shooting weekend and he agreed to take a day to participate. Evan had a connection to
Jane Krakowski, and with an assist from our casting director Emer O’Callaghan, Jane came
aboard to complete our all-star core of performers. Emer also helped us find Autumn
Kristy Anderson (Young Red), as well as our three “Jerries” to round out the rest of the
cast.
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With only weeks to prep for production, Sam, Jenna Reedy (co-producer) and Javier
Gonzalez (line producer) worked tirelessly to round up a talented crew, while Perri Kaye
(EP) got busy securing a key piece of financing. Before we knew it, late April of 2015 was
upon us, and with a dream cast signed up, it was time for us to get down to business.
Production, Summer Camp Style
With the production dates looming, we headed out to the Hamptons to prep the house a
few days early. We had arranged for the entire cast and crew to spend the weekends on
the property, setting up beds in any room we could. What started as a cost-saving
measure turned out to be one of the production's greatest strengths; the close quarters
and sleepaway camp-like atmosphere, gave us after-hours time to discuss the details of
the following day’s early morning shoots, and some well deserved down time to bond as
a unit after long days of production.
Our DP, Michael Svitak, an old friend of Alex’s, added his incredible talents and unending
positivity to set. Over the course of three days spanning two consecutive weekend, we
got the movie in the can.
There is truly something magical about premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, as we shot
the film over the course of last year’s festival, and much of the production team grew up,
or live, in and around Manhattan. Coming home to NYC’s premier film festival will help
propel this film to the sort of heights we’d always dreamt it would reach, and it’s a true
