BTL Radio Show – 06/21/2021 with special guests D.W. THOMAS and JESSICA DEVANEY

A female-centric fun BEHIND THE LENS with this episode thanks to producer JESSICA DEVANEY and director D.W. THOMAS.

First up, we’re welcoming JESSICA DEVANEY, producer and founder/president of Multitude Films who joins us live off fresh off the world premiere at Tribeca of her latest film, PRAY AWAY.  Just in time for Pride Month, Jessica talks about the genesis of Multitude Films and its mission. An LGBTQ-led independent production company, Multitude is dedicated to telling non-fiction stories by and about underrepresented communities. Listen as Jessica talks about founding Multitude, finding and developing stories, working hands-on/boots on the ground as a producer with specific films, film financing and hybridization, and more.  Plus, just prior to airtime, the development deal between Steven Spielberg and Netflix was announced and we get Jessica’s first impressions about streaming versus theatrical releasing, particularly in light of the Spielberg deal.

Then get ready because co-writer/director and editor D.W. THOMAS is with us live talking about her new film and feature directorial debut with TOO LATE. A fun and funny dark comedic gem, not only does TOO LATE boast some first-rate production values, but a terrific cast.  D.W. and I dig deep into the “making of” TOO LATE, a story set in the Los Angeles indie comedy scene focusing on Violet Fields, assistant to Bob Devore, famed comedian and host of the live variety show “Too Late”.  And while it’s clear Bob is a monster of a boss, he may also be another kind of monster, one hungry for young comics and particularly, comedian Jimmy Rhodes, to whom Violet has taken more than a shine.  Take a listen as we talk about this first-rate cast which includes Alyssa Limperis as Violet, Ron Lynch as Bob, plus Will Weldon, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Fred Armisen, Jenny Zigrino, Jack De Sena, and Brooks Wheelan, and then dive into the idea for this story and co-writing with Tom Becker, rich cinematography courtesy of Scott Toler Collins, the editing process and how her work as the film’s editor impacted her directing and visuals, Sam Slosburg’s production design, Mikel Hurwitz’ score, finding comedy beats and pace, and more.