“I grew up loving coming-of-age films.
So to me, I felt comfortable in this space.”
Proceeds from the premiere will benefit select non-profits, including the PLUS1 COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Credit: BOLD Entertainment
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Why did you want to tell this story for your feature directorial debut?
And the theme of expectation versus reality, really, was something that I learned personally from relationships.
They’re not always the same thing.
From left: Bug Hall, Jake Short, Alyssa Jirrels, Lorenzo Henrie, and Vanessa Marano.Dan Anderson/BOLD Entertainment
Which classic ’80s films inspired you the most?
There was a lot of ’80s influence on this film.
In the movie, you play two characters.
One is a fictional ’80s movie star named Patrick J. Michaels.
Was that an homage to Michael J. Patrick Swayze and Michael J.
Fox in one person.
We just wanted a name that screamed ’80s, like just screamed it.
And so that was one that we settled on.
Lovelytheband features prominently in the film.
Why were they the right fit?
And it just so happens coincidentally that the guitarist’s father createdWizards of Waverly Place.
At what point did Selena Gomez get involved in the project?
And she’s now best friends with my wife and Auntie Selena to my daughter.
So business is never a part of our conversations ever.
She kept giving me advice along the way.
I love that, and I want to support that."
The girls in the film definitely take charge but are supportive of one another, too.
It’s really nice to see.
Yeah, and I attribute that to my partner on the film, writer Sienna Aquilini.
It’s not about a guy fixing them at all.
They help one another realize what’s important for both of them.
Tell me about the digital premiere.
How did that all come about?
We, prior to COVID, had a 1,000-screen release plan.
We’re going to pivot.
Necessity is the mother of all invention.
Let’s create; let’s innovate.
Let’s make a live premiere.
Fans will love it.
Everyone’s sitting at home right now and what do they want to do?
They want to feel good.
What do we have?
It’s hopefully a win-win evening for everyone.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
