Brenda and Billy (and the Pothos Plant)
Two estranged siblings, a botanist and a magician, come back together to raise their mother’s body from the dead.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer/Editor Dave Solomon
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I actually wrote and created the film for my two lead actors Santino Fontana and Sarah Stiles. It was the Omicron phase of the pandemic, work was scarce, and Santino suggested I write something for him and Sarah. I went for a run and I had this vision of them sitting together on a park bench, Sarah holding a dying plant...and Brenda and Billy were born.
My mind then descended rapidly into some bizarre pandemic rabbit hole and the rest of the story and script emerged. And even though it is a slightly stylized, heightened horror-comedy, it really is about familial tensions and healing during a difficult time. The film captures a lot of what we all have been experiencing and feeling through a slightly surreal, darkly comical and somewhat bloody lens...and perhaps offers a bit of a laugh, and an exhale.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
As a cautionary tale as to why one should not over-water a pothos plant. Or if you're just in the mood for a fun, dark comedy with some unexpected twists and turns.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Again, it really was born from the pandemic and all the isolation and tensions that were building between people and family members trapped in apartments and homes together. It allows us to laugh by actualizing the improbable "what if I had..." extreme thoughts we sometimes have. And is ultimately about siblings reuniting and finding each other again.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
The script didn't actually change much from the first draft. Minor tweaks and adjustments were made after a table read and rehearsal, but what was on the page for the shoot is pretty much what is in the film, word-for-word. In the edit some small trims were made, but not many. I think it partially was because I was writing it for two specific (and incredible) actors and really had their voices in my head when I was creating it. But then, of course, they really took it to another level with their performances and chemistry. The entire supporting cast also brought more layers, nuance and comedy to the proceedings.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
It's been really great, to be honest. We had our World Premiere at Tribeca; which was sort of a dream come true for a NY filmmaker with a NYC-based film. And it's been fun seeing how it plays in different festivals and hearing people respond to different lines and moments. I also love how much people compliment Sarah and Santino's performances; they are truly wonderful in it and deserve all the praise. And I always enjoy hearing the involuntary and often very funny live audience reactions to some 'unexpected' moments in the film.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
What surprised me was a small running joke about a certain rather famous magician was the line that always gets one of the biggest laughs and that people quote back to me. I really thought that was a bit of a small, in-joke for myself and a select few.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I am just honored to be included and have our film highlighted. I hope it continues to increase our exposure and reach more people. Short films are usually made out of passion and for no profit...so there is great work being made and it is wonderful that sites like yours amplify that artistry and bring attention to films that you might otherwise never hear or see.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
It would be nice to find a fun way to distribute or release the film to a bigger audience once our festival run has concluded. And we also have some ideas for either a feature film version or a series -- so wouldn't mind someone coming to me with the hope of helping us continue the story (or stories) of Brenda and Billy.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I hope it serves as a little cinematic therapy and allows us to look back at a time we lived through and share a laugh...and perhaps an exhale.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
What does a botanist do?
OR
How often do you have to water a Pothos plant?
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Santino Fontana is starring in a new revival of I Can Get It For Wholesale in New York. Sarah Stiles just finished a run of the Transparent musical at the Mark Taper Forum in LA. Our producer, Harris Doran, is having a great success with his award-winning, Oscar-qualifying documentary, Kokomo City. I just finished directing a workshop of the new musical Pump Up the Volume (starring Andrew Barth Feldman and Hailey Kilgore) and will be directing the world premiere production next season. And I'm also developing a feature horror film and an LGBTQ+ comedy-drama-horror series that also takes place in NYC.
Interview: October 2023
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
Brenda and Billy (and the Pothos Plant)
Two estranged siblings, a botanist and a magician, come back together to raise their mother’s body from the dead.
Length: 14:25
Director: Dave Solomon
Producer: Harris Doran, Karen Johnston, Dave Solomon
Writer: Dave Solomon
About the writer, director and producer:
DAVE SOLOMON is an award-winning writer-director working in both theatre and film. Film credits include Photo Op, Cavan. As assistant to Bill Condon: Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Mr. Holmes. Theatre credits as director include: Pump Up the Volume, Tootsie (1st National Tour), The Dodgers. Associate Director on eight Broadway shows including Side Show, 9 to 5, Curtains, Sunday in the Park with George, The Ritz, Pal Joey. As a writer: Margaret and Craig (NYSAF, starring Mario Cantone).
Key cast: Santino Fontana, Sarah Stiles, Catherine Curtin, Beethovan Oden, Julie Halston
Looking for: distributors
Instagram: @brendaandbillyfilm
Hashtags used: #brendaandbilly
Website: www.dave-solomon.com
Other: IMDb
Made in association with: Karen Johnston
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?
ScreamFest / Los Angeles - October 14th; San Francisco Short Film Festival - October 15th; Fogfest / Newfoundland Canada - Nov 15-20 (and more to come, not yet announced)