Redefine success through the eyes of comedy's everyman, Rick Crom.

Interview with Director/Producer Dustin Sussman

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I took Rick's comedy class some years back and would show up early to chat with him before the rest of the students would arrive. After getting to know him on a more personal level, I felt compelled to tell his story. He was so humble, yet accomplished so much.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

There is a Rick Crom in every club, in every town around the world. Compared to stories about mega-stars & celebrities, this is one very relatable to most creatives or any professionals trying to achieve the dream of doing what you love for the rest of your life and not letting the industry define your personal success. That's something most of us can very much relate to, especially through someone as warm and engaging as Rick.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

Rick’s story is universal based purely on his resolve to always push forward no matter what professional or personal obstacles life throws at you. When we first started making the film Rick was not in a good place. He was drinking far too much and stopped putting in his availabilities up at the Comedy Cellar. It's crazy to think that he just came up on being 4 years sober and also started getting booked again as a regular at the Comedy Cellar and Village Underground. The positive momentum of the film and Rick seemed to become one in the same very early on which gave it a life none of us expected.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

This project started as a very small piece about Rick, but after our interview with Colin Quinn we instantly realized how much bigger Rick’s story really was. Things grew and grew somewhat beyond our control. It all began to make sense and came together. The film gradually evolved with the 25th Reunion Show at the Comedy Cellar being the climax.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

We won the Audience Award at DOC NYC!

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

We hope to release the film digitally and share Rick's story with the world. That is our ultimate goal and dream. Having amazing outlets like www.wearemovingstories.com to help us spread the word to eventually achieve this goal is invaluable, especially as independent filmmakers in an ever-evolving industry. We thank you!

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

All buyers and distributors are welcome. The film is still in the Film Festival circuit, but are ready for a digital release and open to any options to get “Oh, Rick!” officially out into the world. Look forward to speaking!

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

Expectations were honestly low when we premiered the film at DOC NYC on November, 12 2017, so when the film won the Audience Award we were all shocked. All the credit goes to Rick in the end, since he’s the reason it all works and why audiences embrace the film. The dream is to share Rick’s story with the world.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

We hope to change the perception of what it is to be a gay stand-up comedian, especially in the harsh climate of the 70s, 80s & 90s. This might be the strongest section of the film and we were fortunate to have someone as unique as Rick to tell the story through.

Would you like to add anything else?

We can’t thank everyone enough for the continued support. This is truly an independent film at every level and there is no way we would be here if it wasn’t for the support of a lot of very dedicated and generous people. Rick Crom most importantly!

Interview: August 2018

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. 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

Oh, Rick!

Redefine success through the eyes of comedy's everyman, Rick Crom.

Length: 118mins

Director: Dustin Sussman & Aaron Rosenbloom

Producer: Dustin Sussman

About the writer, director and producer:

DUSTIN SUSSMAN (producer and director) is an award-winning director, producer, & stand-up comedian based out of New York City & Los Angeles. His production credits include Comedy Central, MTV, and the Peabody Awards among others. After getting to know Rick Crom and his story, Dustin quit his job 4 years ago to dedicate all of his time to Rick's story. “OH, RICK!” is his first feature film.

AARON ROSENBLOOM (director and co-producer) is an award-winning director and producer in New York. Since graduating from the University of Colorado in 2003, he has written, produced, and directed commercials, music videos, documentaries and films that have played at film festivals and on televisions all over the world. “OH, RICK!” is his first feature film.

KIMMIE KIM (executive producer), a producer and writer, has extensive experience producing live shows, special events, and films. Most recently Kimmie produced the film Songwriter, a documentary that provides an intimate look into the songwriting process of Ed Sheeran. Kimmie is actively developing multiple projects across various genres, and she plans to continue her creative journey by telling stories that make the world laugh, think and be inspired.

Key cast: Rick Crom, Ray Romano, Sarah Silverman, Bill Burr, Colin Quinn & Jeff Ross

Looking for: buyers and distributors! The ultimate dream would be to have the film streaming somewhere online.

Facebook: Oh Rick

Instagram: @cromdoc

Official Website: http://www.ohrick.com/

Funders: Dustin Sussman, Aaron Rosenbloom & Kimmie Kim

Made in association with: Collagist Films

Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? More upcoming film festivals!