Film Invasion LA - Friends Effing Friends Effing Friends
A post-modern romantic comedy about sex amongst friends, missed opportunities, unrequited love and how the grass always appears to be greener on the other side.
Interview with Writer/Director Quincy Rose
Watch Friends Effing Friends Effing Friends on Prime Video, Vudu and Kanopy
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Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
Thanks! We are very excited to be a part of Film Invasion L.A.’s inaugural festival! As to why I made this film, first and foremost, as a writer I am always exploring ideas that come to me. One day I was thinking about what would happen within a group of friends if they were all cheating on each other, and justifying their behaviors based on some inside information they were privy to - illicit knowledge of their friend’s wrongdoings; and before too long, I had the first draft of what would inevitably become Friends Effing Friends Effing Friends.
As a filmmaker I am always looking to challenge myself, and I felt the challenge with FEFEF would be to make a film about a group of people who are behaving in fairly despicable ways towards one another, but who are not outright despicable people. I wanted to show the duality that lies within us all, and how easily we can justify the poor decisions we make based on any number of reasons: guilt; inside knowledge of deceit; anger; frustration; revenge. And I wanted to tell it with levity and humor, so I decided to tell it as a comedy with dramatic elements, as opposed to a flat out drama. Hopefully I have accomplished that.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
This is a very tricky question. I can’t answer why anyone “should” watch anything. But if you like films, and you like to laugh and cringe, and if you like to explore relationships, then this film is for you. This film is uncomfortable at times, as it is very honest, albeit heightened and concentrated. If you have ever cheated on anyone or been cheated on, it will definitely strike a nerve; and, hopefully it will allow some cathartic healing laughter to break through.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
I like to write personal stories, exploring themes that I relate to. I feel that, paradoxically, the more personal and thorough a theme is explored, the more universal it becomes. People watch movies to connect and escape. What I find interesting is that, the more I connect, the more I escape.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?
When I wrote Friends Effing Friends Effing Friends, it was a bigger film, meaning that it had more locations and characters, etc… So the first thing I had to do was pare it down to fit the budget that I inevitably had to work with. That required losing some locations and characters, reshaping scenes in accordance to that, so on and so forth. It also had a different title, and for the couple years I was actively trying to get it made, I would periodically change its location from one state to another, to one city to another, eventually settling it back down in Los Angeles, the city it was originally written to take place in. Of course, when you shoot things change as well. Time can cause you to get some things or not get others; or worse, to get things but not feel you got them right. Which is why the final edit is what changes any film the most.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
I have received all types of feedback. If you are asking how audiences are reacting thus far, they seem to be enjoying it. It is getting laughs where it is supposed to and also getting gasps in other places. That was my intention. What is interesting to see is when the film upsets someone; and, not because they are offended by what’s on screen, but because it hit a little too close to home. To me, that is the highest form of a compliment I can get, as attaining a certain level of verisimilitude is my ultimate goal in every film I make.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
No. Everyone has an opinion and feedback is just another word for that. However, it does make a difference whom is giving the feedback. As an artist, it is not important to me what your reaction is, just that you have one. The worst thing would be to have an audience full of indifference. But how an audience member reacts, and what they do with it, is their business. As for feedback from the people I worked with, that’s not surprising or challenging, per se, but it definitely is food for thought when those you are finalizing the project with have strong opposing opinions on one thing or another. In the end it is my decision to make, but it definitely helps me think things through from all available angles.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
The main purpose is to gain exposure for the film itself, and for me as a filmmaker.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
At this stage, we are preparing for our soon release, and so journalists and media outlets are the most important, in order to get the word out there. And the couple festivals we have left to participate are key for helping grow the grassroots audience base.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I want the film to have legs, to be seen. It would obviously be nice if people liked it, or at least liked something about it, but most important is that they know it exists and they see it. My goal as a filmmaker is to keep working and keep growing, so I hope this film sparks some conversations about my work.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
At what point do you consider someone to have cheated? In other words, what line has to be crossed? And, is cheating ever justifiable?
Would you like to add anything else?
Just that I appreciate you guys helping spread word of Friends Effing Friends Effing Friends. We would love for people to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. And if you want to know about key updates, like our soon to be announced release dates, please go to our official site: www.FriendsEffingFriendsEffingFriendsMovie.com or you can go to my website www.QuincyRoseFilms.com
What are you developing or working on now?
I am in pre-production on my next feature, The Narcissists, which I begin shooting in New York City in October. My film, Miles to Go, which has been available on VOD/DVD for over a year now has just released in the U.K. on Flix Premiere.
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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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Friends Effing Friends Effing Friends
A post-modern romantic comedy about sex amongst friends, missed opportunities, unrequited love and how the grass always appears to be greener on the other side.
Length: 77 mins
Director: Quincy Rose
Producer: Quincy Rose, Victor Warren
Writer: Quincy Rose
About the writer, director and producer:
Quincy Rose is a New York-based, American filmmaker and actor, born and raised in Los Angeles, and the son of the late, venerated, comedy writer, Mickey Rose (Bananas, Take the Money and Run).
Key cast: Tyler Dawson, Christina Gooding, Jillian Leigh, Graham Skipper, Vanessa Dubasso
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Primarily journalists, foreign territory buyers.
Funders: Cut and Paste Movie (Main Production Company)
Made in association with: Glydascope
Where can I watch it in the next month?
It is playing in Los Angeles as part of Film Invasion L.A. on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 7:15P.M.
It is also going to be screening in November as part of the 2016 Chicago Comedy Film Festival. And we will be available on VOD on October 11, 2016. Our Pre-Order links for iTunes U.S. & Canada are available now for those who want to purchase it now and receive it immediately on October 11th: Here are those links:
iTunes US: http://apple.co/2c4G3Gc
iTunes Canada: http://apple.co/2ciK3U8