The honeymoon’s over – and it has been for a while on FX’s newest comedy, Married.
So when Lina (Judy Greer, Arrested Development) tells her husband Russ (Nat Faxon, Ben & Kate) he can “be with someone else” — albeit discreetly — he decides to take her up on it.
Unfortunately, that isn’t the worst of Russ’ problems (according to his friends, it’s not even a real problem) in the show’s premiere, which aired Thursday at 10/9c.
We want to know what you thought of the episode, but first, a recap.
Related Nat Faxon Talks ‘Non-Glossy’ Married Life and...
So when Lina (Judy Greer, Arrested Development) tells her husband Russ (Nat Faxon, Ben & Kate) he can “be with someone else” — albeit discreetly — he decides to take her up on it.
Unfortunately, that isn’t the worst of Russ’ problems (according to his friends, it’s not even a real problem) in the show’s premiere, which aired Thursday at 10/9c.
We want to know what you thought of the episode, but first, a recap.
Related Nat Faxon Talks ‘Non-Glossy’ Married Life and...
- 7/18/2014
- TVLine.com
Fame Academy may only have lasted two series, but boy, did it burn bright. And even though it was over ten years ago that it was on our screens, we're still belting out David Sneddon's utter tune 'Stop Living The Lie' at our DS karaoke sessions.
But the news of series two's Alistair Griffin teaming up with Kimberley Walsh for a Tour de France single got us thinking - what happened to all of our favourite Fame Academy contestants? Well, here's what we could find out about 16 of the students over both series...
Series One
Ashley House
Ashley might have been eliminated in week one of Fame Academy (the shame) but he's not let that little disappointment hold him back. He went on to guest star in an episode of Cbbc's Mi: High... look, we promise, this gets better. He's now a sports presenter who helped launch Arsenal TV,...
But the news of series two's Alistair Griffin teaming up with Kimberley Walsh for a Tour de France single got us thinking - what happened to all of our favourite Fame Academy contestants? Well, here's what we could find out about 16 of the students over both series...
Series One
Ashley House
Ashley might have been eliminated in week one of Fame Academy (the shame) but he's not let that little disappointment hold him back. He went on to guest star in an episode of Cbbc's Mi: High... look, we promise, this gets better. He's now a sports presenter who helped launch Arsenal TV,...
- 7/4/2014
- Digital Spy
Valentines Day! If you are a fan of Nicholas Sparks' godawful movies , chances are you are loving today! You probably think sitting in a champagne shaped glass jacuzzi in the Poconos is romantic (It is anything but). There are people (usually men) who avoid it like the bubonic plague. Anything to get out of buying horrible chocolates last minute or scrambling to make a reservation. The teddy bear with the heart you got her from Rite Aid will let most women know that you truly don't know a thing about her, so the evening will be ruined anyway. And then there are hopeless romantics who live for this hallmark holiday (usually women). You can't wait to have your co-workers ask you what sad sack thing your lover did for you. Being that LatinoBuzz is for lovers we rounded up some of our fave Latino actors to share which characters they are akin to and their most epic wins and fails!
If I could choose any character in any movie that reflects my dating life, as cheesy as this sounds, it would have to be Drew Barrymore from the movie "Going The Distance". Her character and I are a couple of crazy hopeless romantics. I was in a long distance relationship with my boyfriend for a year up until last month, it was sooo hard at times but worth the wait. He finally took the plunge and moved to Los Angeles! A new beginning :). Soooo a few years back I had a huge crush on this one guy, and we went out one night to a karaoke bar with his friends. I wanted to stand out to him so I decided (after a couple of shots of whiskey lol) to jump on stage and sing my heart out! I sang "Girl Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae. I actually sounded pretty damn good! I surprised myself and definitely impressed the guy I liked. I'd say I won that night :) Andrea Sixtos (East Los High)
When I was a little girl I was so shameless and passionate that I didn't care what other people thought of me. I was in love with this guy "Jose" and I used to chase him in kindergarden. I would always tell him that I loved him and that he was supposed to be with me, and even share my lunch with him... I remember that our conversations were always the same... I would say "Jose, who is the prettiest girl in the world?" (hoping that he would say: You!) and he always answered "My sister!" (he had a 6 month new sister). The best part was that I didn't care! I knew that he would realized that it was me. Well... years after I ran in to him as I was going to my ballet classes... he was short, fat and bald.
But the most Epic fail was years later when I was a teenager (not as shameless as I used to be), I had a boyfriend and wanted to tell him that I love him, so I composed a song... and thought for a week if I should sing it for him. I decided to do it... as he heard it, he blushed, told me - thank you - and we never talked about it again... I guess he didn´t like it... But, despite that we were together for 2 more years, happy ending! Francisca Walker (El Verano De Los Peces Voladores)
Although it was originally a musical, I would say that I am a less narcissistic version of Maureen from Rent. We're similar in the way that we are both open spirits, artists, we're strong, passionate, monogamists (considered by some to be serial-daters)... really when it gets down to it we want to be in love, but we won't sacrifice who we are... in other words "take me baby, or leave me." ;) Noemi Gonzalez (Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones)
In the Notebook. Too many men, which to choose, love or stability lol. Most Epic fail was trying to give an ex Mexican candies to win him back, his niece got to them before he even saw it. Should have left a card... Gina Rodriguez (Sleeping With The Fishes)
Well, the night I kissed my current girlfriend for the first time, I apparently farted. I was holding her hand and walking her back to her car. I had a couple drinks that night and don't remember this, but she swears by it! It must've worked because we've been together for nearly 4 years! I think that should be the test: fart around the person. Depending on how they react, one could decide whether she is a keeper or not. She didn't mind it too much, so I guess she was a keeper, and vice versa! She just also happens to be the most loving and accepting person I've ever met, so... :) Jorge Diaz (33)
I think my dating life is like Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and The City. She casually dates but when she's in a relationship, she's In a relationship. Plus she ends up with Mr.Big! Who wouldn't want to end up with their one true love!?!?! Chelsea Rendon (McFarland)
My Junior year in High School our English Literature teacher had us move desks around every couple of months to mix things up. From the classic row and column formation, to a giant inward facing circle and back again. We would physically get up and push our desks, which blanketed the room in cacophony for about 5 minutes. I had a crush on a boy in class and though I'm not sure where I got the gall, I slammed my hands down on his desk and shoved it up against him so he was pinned in his seat. The look on his face was priceless and in that moment I, too, was a little shocked (and stoked) by my prowess. Though I didn't say a word to him that day, he ended up being my first boyfriend. I have some epic fails too but we can save those for another day. Alexandra Metz (Once Upon A Time)
I would have to say the character that most represents my dating life is Jane from 27 Dresses. I've witnessed so many of my family members and friends tie the knot in just the last few years. If I had a dime for every one I might be able to buy a coffee. Regular of course, nothing fancy. Seriously though, I love the meaning of marriage and weddings. I think everything about them is so beautiful. I'm a sucker for romance and a great love story. As for myself, I don't really date. I'm always helping and taking care of other people that I tend to forget about myself. Similar to Jane, who puts everyone else first and thinks she has no time for herself. Janine Larina (East Los High)
Oh, son. Let me tell ya, I have a very Very epic fail to share. I was at a house party in college, wearing heels, and dressed to impress a certain cutie that lived at the house we were at. It was my first time ever meeting him, and as I sashayed down the stairs my heel got caught in a tear in the carpet and I went flying down the stairs Face First! I landed flat on my face at the bottom of the stairs and the entire party took a collective Gasp. Once I realized that I hadn't actually died from the fall (or the embarrassment), I remarkably got back on my feet with some help from nearby strangers, brushed myself off, and continued to laugh and dance like nothing had happened. When the sobering light of the next day came however, I was so embarrassed that I did everything I could to avoid my crush for the rest of the year until he graduated. Come to find out, Years later when we reconnected, that he was actually pretty impressed with how easily I laughed off the epic fall down the stairs, thought I was a cool chick, but didn't know my name or how to find me. Lesson learned: Best way to recover from an Epic Fail is to laugh it off!! And don't waste your energy being embarrassed by it - because you never know how other people perceived it. An epic fail could always turn into an epic Win when you least expect it. ;-) Marisa Quinn (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2)
This one qualifies as the best fail - win ever so I have to tell. It was my birthday and he set up the most amazing night. Dressed up, special pick up, flowers, gifts, private room at the restaurant the whole deal! After the most amazing meal I still have ever had in my life, he has cupcakes with candles come out and he sings happy birthday. It was the one most romantic night I've ever had. I blow off the candles and he insists I have a bite. I dragged my finger through the icing and tried to put it on his nose being all cute and romantic like I see in those romantic wedding movies. But I was a little tipsy from the bottle of Moet we had just had and stuck the icing straight into his eye. It was so much of it he couldn't even open it! My God did that go wrong. I was so worried iI blinded him and not sure what reaction to expect. But he just laughed so hard that it made me laugh. Soon we were both on the floor out of breath trying to un-stick his eye. It was the best moment of the night. Even as we remember the story now we still giggle like little children. I never looked at a cupcake the same way again. Luciana Faulhaber (The Night Crew)
About two years ago when I first moved to Los Angeles I starter to dance with fire. So one night, after spending a beautiful day with this very special person, I invited my super talented fire dancers friends to come to my house and we performed for him. It was the best performance I've ever done and he was pleasantly surprised. Paola Baldion (Sin OtoÑO Sin Primavera)
I had a crush on a sports trainer in college and thinking I was pretty athletic myself, I thought I could impress him with my prowess. So I decided to join his 5:30 Am bootcamp. Basically, everything was going according to plan, Until one day I had the bright idea to go one morning when I was clearly still feeling a bit funny from the night/earlier that morning... and he made a work out circuit, called the "gut check," let's just say, I checked it...and threw up, A Lot... and never went back. Lindsey Morgan (The Hundred)
I was on a date with a girl when I was 13 during Halloween and went to a maze, I'm petrified of scary clowns and sure enough the end of the maze it was clowns, luckily she was scared also so we ran out with eachother. She dropped her phone while running and asked if I could go get it and she asked if I was scared, trying to be cool I said no. So walking back in, one of the clowns was holding the phone and I was holding my breath, and as soon as I grabbed it the clown screams on the top of his lungs and I peed myself. She wouldn't stop laughing at me. Andrew Jacobs (Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones)
Vicky Cristina Barcelona. 'Cause we all been in there and it's weird at times when they just broke up with their exes. There is that tension and if its too recent its worse. Fernanda Romero (Ghost Team One)...
If I could choose any character in any movie that reflects my dating life, as cheesy as this sounds, it would have to be Drew Barrymore from the movie "Going The Distance". Her character and I are a couple of crazy hopeless romantics. I was in a long distance relationship with my boyfriend for a year up until last month, it was sooo hard at times but worth the wait. He finally took the plunge and moved to Los Angeles! A new beginning :). Soooo a few years back I had a huge crush on this one guy, and we went out one night to a karaoke bar with his friends. I wanted to stand out to him so I decided (after a couple of shots of whiskey lol) to jump on stage and sing my heart out! I sang "Girl Put Your Records On" by Corinne Bailey Rae. I actually sounded pretty damn good! I surprised myself and definitely impressed the guy I liked. I'd say I won that night :) Andrea Sixtos (East Los High)
When I was a little girl I was so shameless and passionate that I didn't care what other people thought of me. I was in love with this guy "Jose" and I used to chase him in kindergarden. I would always tell him that I loved him and that he was supposed to be with me, and even share my lunch with him... I remember that our conversations were always the same... I would say "Jose, who is the prettiest girl in the world?" (hoping that he would say: You!) and he always answered "My sister!" (he had a 6 month new sister). The best part was that I didn't care! I knew that he would realized that it was me. Well... years after I ran in to him as I was going to my ballet classes... he was short, fat and bald.
But the most Epic fail was years later when I was a teenager (not as shameless as I used to be), I had a boyfriend and wanted to tell him that I love him, so I composed a song... and thought for a week if I should sing it for him. I decided to do it... as he heard it, he blushed, told me - thank you - and we never talked about it again... I guess he didn´t like it... But, despite that we were together for 2 more years, happy ending! Francisca Walker (El Verano De Los Peces Voladores)
Although it was originally a musical, I would say that I am a less narcissistic version of Maureen from Rent. We're similar in the way that we are both open spirits, artists, we're strong, passionate, monogamists (considered by some to be serial-daters)... really when it gets down to it we want to be in love, but we won't sacrifice who we are... in other words "take me baby, or leave me." ;) Noemi Gonzalez (Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones)
In the Notebook. Too many men, which to choose, love or stability lol. Most Epic fail was trying to give an ex Mexican candies to win him back, his niece got to them before he even saw it. Should have left a card... Gina Rodriguez (Sleeping With The Fishes)
Well, the night I kissed my current girlfriend for the first time, I apparently farted. I was holding her hand and walking her back to her car. I had a couple drinks that night and don't remember this, but she swears by it! It must've worked because we've been together for nearly 4 years! I think that should be the test: fart around the person. Depending on how they react, one could decide whether she is a keeper or not. She didn't mind it too much, so I guess she was a keeper, and vice versa! She just also happens to be the most loving and accepting person I've ever met, so... :) Jorge Diaz (33)
I think my dating life is like Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and The City. She casually dates but when she's in a relationship, she's In a relationship. Plus she ends up with Mr.Big! Who wouldn't want to end up with their one true love!?!?! Chelsea Rendon (McFarland)
My Junior year in High School our English Literature teacher had us move desks around every couple of months to mix things up. From the classic row and column formation, to a giant inward facing circle and back again. We would physically get up and push our desks, which blanketed the room in cacophony for about 5 minutes. I had a crush on a boy in class and though I'm not sure where I got the gall, I slammed my hands down on his desk and shoved it up against him so he was pinned in his seat. The look on his face was priceless and in that moment I, too, was a little shocked (and stoked) by my prowess. Though I didn't say a word to him that day, he ended up being my first boyfriend. I have some epic fails too but we can save those for another day. Alexandra Metz (Once Upon A Time)
I would have to say the character that most represents my dating life is Jane from 27 Dresses. I've witnessed so many of my family members and friends tie the knot in just the last few years. If I had a dime for every one I might be able to buy a coffee. Regular of course, nothing fancy. Seriously though, I love the meaning of marriage and weddings. I think everything about them is so beautiful. I'm a sucker for romance and a great love story. As for myself, I don't really date. I'm always helping and taking care of other people that I tend to forget about myself. Similar to Jane, who puts everyone else first and thinks she has no time for herself. Janine Larina (East Los High)
Oh, son. Let me tell ya, I have a very Very epic fail to share. I was at a house party in college, wearing heels, and dressed to impress a certain cutie that lived at the house we were at. It was my first time ever meeting him, and as I sashayed down the stairs my heel got caught in a tear in the carpet and I went flying down the stairs Face First! I landed flat on my face at the bottom of the stairs and the entire party took a collective Gasp. Once I realized that I hadn't actually died from the fall (or the embarrassment), I remarkably got back on my feet with some help from nearby strangers, brushed myself off, and continued to laugh and dance like nothing had happened. When the sobering light of the next day came however, I was so embarrassed that I did everything I could to avoid my crush for the rest of the year until he graduated. Come to find out, Years later when we reconnected, that he was actually pretty impressed with how easily I laughed off the epic fall down the stairs, thought I was a cool chick, but didn't know my name or how to find me. Lesson learned: Best way to recover from an Epic Fail is to laugh it off!! And don't waste your energy being embarrassed by it - because you never know how other people perceived it. An epic fail could always turn into an epic Win when you least expect it. ;-) Marisa Quinn (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2)
This one qualifies as the best fail - win ever so I have to tell. It was my birthday and he set up the most amazing night. Dressed up, special pick up, flowers, gifts, private room at the restaurant the whole deal! After the most amazing meal I still have ever had in my life, he has cupcakes with candles come out and he sings happy birthday. It was the one most romantic night I've ever had. I blow off the candles and he insists I have a bite. I dragged my finger through the icing and tried to put it on his nose being all cute and romantic like I see in those romantic wedding movies. But I was a little tipsy from the bottle of Moet we had just had and stuck the icing straight into his eye. It was so much of it he couldn't even open it! My God did that go wrong. I was so worried iI blinded him and not sure what reaction to expect. But he just laughed so hard that it made me laugh. Soon we were both on the floor out of breath trying to un-stick his eye. It was the best moment of the night. Even as we remember the story now we still giggle like little children. I never looked at a cupcake the same way again. Luciana Faulhaber (The Night Crew)
About two years ago when I first moved to Los Angeles I starter to dance with fire. So one night, after spending a beautiful day with this very special person, I invited my super talented fire dancers friends to come to my house and we performed for him. It was the best performance I've ever done and he was pleasantly surprised. Paola Baldion (Sin OtoÑO Sin Primavera)
I had a crush on a sports trainer in college and thinking I was pretty athletic myself, I thought I could impress him with my prowess. So I decided to join his 5:30 Am bootcamp. Basically, everything was going according to plan, Until one day I had the bright idea to go one morning when I was clearly still feeling a bit funny from the night/earlier that morning... and he made a work out circuit, called the "gut check," let's just say, I checked it...and threw up, A Lot... and never went back. Lindsey Morgan (The Hundred)
I was on a date with a girl when I was 13 during Halloween and went to a maze, I'm petrified of scary clowns and sure enough the end of the maze it was clowns, luckily she was scared also so we ran out with eachother. She dropped her phone while running and asked if I could go get it and she asked if I was scared, trying to be cool I said no. So walking back in, one of the clowns was holding the phone and I was holding my breath, and as soon as I grabbed it the clown screams on the top of his lungs and I peed myself. She wouldn't stop laughing at me. Andrew Jacobs (Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones)
Vicky Cristina Barcelona. 'Cause we all been in there and it's weird at times when they just broke up with their exes. There is that tension and if its too recent its worse. Fernanda Romero (Ghost Team One)...
- 2/14/2014
- by Juan Caceres
- Sydney's Buzz
Review by Dana Jung
Alexis Fish (a revelatory Gina Rodriguez) is a twenty-something widow who is slowly eroding away in Los Angeles; her husband left her in debt, she’s working menial jobs like dressing up as a giant panda for a restaurant, and she is taking medication to help her with feelings of depression, anxiety, anger, you name it. She misses her family in New York, especially her sister Kayla (the wonderful Ana Ortiz) and her father (Tibor Feldman). However, even the distance from East coast to West doesn’t seem to be enough to nullify the contentious relationship she has with her mother (Priscilla Lopez). The mother/daughter conflict is one of the main themes that propels the funny and moving new film Sleeping With The Fishes.
When a family funeral brings Alexis back to New York, things at first seem to go from bad to worse. As her freespirited sister explains,...
Alexis Fish (a revelatory Gina Rodriguez) is a twenty-something widow who is slowly eroding away in Los Angeles; her husband left her in debt, she’s working menial jobs like dressing up as a giant panda for a restaurant, and she is taking medication to help her with feelings of depression, anxiety, anger, you name it. She misses her family in New York, especially her sister Kayla (the wonderful Ana Ortiz) and her father (Tibor Feldman). However, even the distance from East coast to West doesn’t seem to be enough to nullify the contentious relationship she has with her mother (Priscilla Lopez). The mother/daughter conflict is one of the main themes that propels the funny and moving new film Sleeping With The Fishes.
When a family funeral brings Alexis back to New York, things at first seem to go from bad to worse. As her freespirited sister explains,...
- 11/23/2013
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The first feature from writerdirector Nicole Gomez Fisher, 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.
- 6/1/2013
- by Movies News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
The first feature from writerdirector Nicole Gomez Fisher, 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.
- 5/30/2013
- by Movies News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
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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