Unlikely Temptations
After thirty nine days and nights wandering the desert, Jesus suffers the ungodly challenge of the Devil's most bizarre and tantalizing temptations.
Interview with Director Cory Reeder
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I wanted a calling card to introduce myself as a director. I've been producing films, music videos, and commercial content for years, but all the day to day work had pulled me from my passion: directing. I thought this script had a touch of all my creative and personality traits, humor, an epic cinematic scope, and a slight nudge into people's religious beliefs and boundaries.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
It's a slice of the familiar, but presented outside the box. The locations are beautiful, as are the performance by the two lead actors. Beyond that it's a chance to examine the logic of religion through the prism of humor.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
When Jesus and the Devil are your two main characters, you don't need much setup to get the story going. Everything that comes with those two characters has a universal familiarity from the minute you see them on screen. From there, Unlikely Temptations begins to play with time and comedic tropes to test the character resolve and push the audience in ways they may have never considered.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
Currently Unlikely Temptations is presented in three short acts, the script originally featured many more. Because of production constraints we had to choose the most feasible to film. Ultimately we filmed four acts, but chose to cut one to keep a strong pace and arc to the film.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Some festival programmers have expressed trepidation about subjects the film insinuates. However once it is screened for an audience, the humor shines through and it is generally enjoyed. Audiences and programmers alike have complimented me on the originality of the script, the quality of the acting and overall production value.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
Indeed it has. Working months with a writer to develop a great script, and then investing in its production and shepherding it through post is always a daunting task. Everyone involved throughout the production process was excited about the film's prospects. But to then be blindsided by the question of the film's moral center and fear from programmers left me never wanting to create another film that even hints at any religious aspect beyond the norm.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
More awareness of my work. I'd love to find a distribution outlet and possible representation.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Sales agents, buyers, festival directors (I'm always up for having play in front of a live audience).
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
In its simplest form I'd like Unlikely Temptations to bring the audience a few laughs. On a deeper level, I might hope that people might consider the responsibility of choice and temptation. That even when things seem they can't get any worse, the gods or universe will provide if you simply surrender.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Independent features, and especially short films, often work hard to broadcast a message studio films do not; simply because they are not beholden to having to recoup the large budgets spent on studio pictures. Therefore, what could possibly be wrong with an independent short, broad comedy, that stars an actor with disabilities and questions whether or not Jesus could possibly be homosexual?
Would you like to add anything else?
In this time that film markets are becoming aware of what gender or race the artists are who are making the films, I'm delighted with the performance of Nic Novicki as Bob (the devil). I regularly volunteer with organizations who work with disabled actors, and have set out to try and cast them or give opportunities behind the scenes when possible. Though this may seem like a small point to make, trust me it's hard for disabled actors to break through the noise of gender and race issues. And it's for that reason I will always be casting or working behind the scenes giving opportunities to talented people with disabilities.
What are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Cory Reeder: (dir/ EP) Is currently writing his first feature film script and plans on shopping it the spring of 2017. This fall he will be going into production on another short film entitled Placebo which looks into the consequences of newlyweds who get a glimpse of their future and must make a difficult choice that could end their relationship.
Nic Novicki: (Bob/ Talent) is starring in a TV western Tiny Saddles. He is also producing the feature film Mower Boy.
Steve Alderfer: (Jesus/ Talent) Has just completed the pilot for the show Angelino Heights, and will soon appear in the short film Painless.
Interview: October 2016
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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Unlikely Temptations
After thirty nine days and nights wandering the desert, Jesus suffers the ungodly challenge of the Devil's most bizarre and tantalizing temptations.
Length: 00.09.15
Director: Cory Reeder
Producer: Cory Reeder & Nic Novicki
Writer: Mark Moore
Key cast: Nic Novicki, Steve Alderfer
Looking for: sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists
Release date: June 19, 2016 (Festival release)