There are few filmmakers more suited to tell the story of ENDANGERED SPECIES than writer/director MJ BASSETT. Long before she became “MJ BASSETT, director”, she was MJ BASSETT wildlife photographer and documentarian before segueing into work as a host of nature series and science series, then filmmaker and television series writer and director. After a series of horror films, and her adaptation of the graphic novel Solomon Kane, followed by a successful run as a television director and producer, including Ash vs Evil Dead, MJ found her way to South Africa with Rogue. In 2016, MJ came out as transgender. Now, she returns to her wildlife roots and her conservationist’s heart with ENDANGERED SPECIES.
Directed by MJ BASSETT and co-written by MJ with her daughter Isabel Bassett who also stars in the film, ENDANGERED SPECIES is a meld of action, adventure, and family that takes us into the heart of Kenya with the Halseys – Jack, his wife Lauren, their children Zoe and Noah, and Zoe’s boyfriend Billy. Once in Kenya, rifts within the family become obvious, and never more so once Jack strays from the “road” while on a self-drive safari, leading to an attack by a rhino protecting her calf. Stranded with no water or food, Jack severely injured, and Lauren without her much-needed insulin for her diabetes, it becomes survival of the fittest as the family finds themselves at the mercy of leopards, hyenas, rhinos, and elephants. Risking everything to find their way back to civilization, could help come in the form of poacher Mitch Hanover or will the Halseys become his next prey?
Starring Rebecca Romijn, Philip Winchester, Jerry O’Connell, Isabel Bassett, Michael Johnston, and Chris Fisher, ENDANGERED SPECIES not only delivers exciting adventures and incredible vistas courtesy of filming locations in Amboseli National Park and Shaba National Reserve in Kenya, but powerful commentary through story on conservation and wildlife preservation, the issues surrounding poaching of ivory, as well as the importance of family be it man or beast.
TAKE A LISTEN to this exclusive conversation with MJ BASSETT as we cover the gamut on the making of ENDANGERED SPECIES, from shooting on location in Kenya and doing so during COVID and the global lockdown, to the physical challenges of sun and heat, to working with rangers who protect the cast and crew from the animals, to the very fun anecdote about “too many elephants” and their shot spoiling behavior, to casting and performances, to editing and CGI, to Brendan Barnes impeccable and intimate lensing, and the importance of family – be it a film crew, a human family, or an animal family. Her passion and enthusiasm for her craft, for this film, and for wildlife are undeniable.
by debbie elias, exclusive interview May 14, 2021
ENDANGERED SPECIES is in Select Theaters, on Apple TV and Everywhere You Rent Movies on May 28th! Available on Blu-ray and DVD on June 1st!
