One of the many films to world premiere at this year’s Slamdance in Park City, Utah was writer/directorMichael Gallagher’sFunny Story. Shot in just fifteen days up and down the California coast, the film is about a neglectful, womanizing TV star (Matthew Glave) who accidentally wreaks havoc on the life of his estranged daughter (Jana Winternitz) during a very significant moment in her life. While I don’t want to spoil any of the twists and turns,Emily Bett Rickardsplays a very significant role in the film and her character is an absolute mess – it’s a complete 180 from who she plays onArrow.Funny Storyalso starsNikki Limo,Lily Holleman,Jessica Diggins,Pete Gardner, andReginald VelJohnson.
Shortly after seeing the film I sat down with Emily Bett Rickards for a wide-ranging extended interview. She talked about what the film is about and who she plays, memorable moments from filming, her decision to work on a movie during her shortArrowbreak, how she likes to work on set, and more. In addition, she talked about what it’s been like to play one character that has been on fiveArrow-verse shows, her favoriteArrowdirectors, why the word “crossover” makes her shudder like someone saying “Voldemort” inHarry Potter. She also plays “Get To Know Your Sundance Attendee” which includes her appreciation of tequila, favorite guilty pleasure movies, and dancing withJoss Whedon.
Check out what she had to say in the player above and below is exactly what we talked about followed by the synopsis.
Finally, ahugethank you to everyone atKiaandThe Future Partyfor helping to make these interviews happen at the Kia Supper Suite and offering up transportation in the all new Kia Stinger high performance Sportback for our guests. We’d also like to thank Altec Lansing, Kunde Wines, Blue Moon Brewing, and Topo Chico for their support.
Emily Bett Rickards:
Here’s the synopsis forFunny Storyvia the PR firm:
After cheating on his wife for a woman half of his age, Walter (Matthew Glave) tries to dump his millennial girlfriend until he discovers that she is pregnant with his child. In the midst of a mid-life crisis, Walter decides to reconnect with his daughter, Nic (Jana Winternitz), by inviting himself to stay with her in Big Sur.
Simultaneously, Kim (Emily Bett Rickards) is going through her own quarter-life crisis. After attending her estranged mother’s funeral, her beater car breaks down. And the only way for her to get to Big Sur is by catching a ride with Walter. Along the journey, the unlikely duo bond in unexpected ways that set off a chain of events sure to ruin the lives of everyone in their path.
Funny Storyis a tragicomedy you never saw coming. Filled with memorable characters and top-notch performances,Funny Storyteaches us about the destructive power of narcissism, the healing power of forgiveness, and our willingness to do karaoke after drinking enough tequila.
Funny Storystars Emily Bett Rickards, Matthew Glave, Jana Winternitz, Nikki Limo, Lily Holleman, and Jessica Diggins.
