INTERVIEW WITH JEFF STEPHENSON
by Silvia (Cordy) – August 1st, 2010

This interview is an EXCLUSIVE OF EVIL HAND ISSUES. It's STRICTLY forbbidden to use and the reproduction on other sites, blogs, mailing lists, etc...
 

Not Since You is a romantic drama about a tight-knit group of college friends who graduated from NYU the year of 9/11 and reunite years later for a weekend wedding in Georgia. Unresolved conflicts and love affairs spark again.

Waiting for the DVD release, expected on December 21^st 2010 in North America, I interviewed Jeff Stephenson, director and writer together with Brent Laffoon and Jane Kelly Kosek. "You can expect both tears and laughter", says Stephenson, defining it as "a film that is very much about today’s generation in their late twenties… where you recognize the dilemmas of the characters in your own life."

Stephenson is very satisfied of the chemistry between the couples "The chemistry between the couples is terrific" and says that he would love to work again with every member of the cast "They are all very talented actors that bring something special to their performances".

Silvia: How was your cooperation with Brent Laffoon and Jane Kelly Kosek born?
Jeff: Jane and I are partners in a production company called Wonder Entertainment.  We were looking for a project that was an ensemble drama about our generation, something similar to the classic film, The Big Chill. We received scripts from various agencies and companies, and when we read Brent Laffoon’s script about a group of friends reuniting at a wedding, we knew we had found the project. We developed the script further with Brent and eventually Jane and myself became writers on the project as well.

Silvia: Was there a part of the script that you found difficult to write?
Jeff: One of the most difficult scenes in the script to write is when one of the characters, played by Elden Henson, recounts his personal experience of 9/11. Our characters were all college friends at New York University and graduated just prior to 9/11. So their introduction to the “real world” was impacted by this tragedy and many of them went their separate ways. Elden’s character in particular has yet to come to terms with 9/11. As writers, we wanted to handle this element of the storyline with the utmost respect and sensitivity. We did not want it to feel exploitive or manipulative. One of the reasons Elden wanted to portray the role was that a close friend of his had a real life experience very similar to the one we described in the film. When his friend read the script, he remarked to Elden that he was portraying him. So this was very validating to us as writers and filmmakers.

Silvia: Are there any real facts in the storyline?
Jeff: The characters and relationships are all fictional. However, since the film concerns a group of friends who graduated from college in New York during the summer of 2001, the film would not be truthful without acknowledging the impact of 9/11 on their introduction to the “real world”.  Echoes of the tragic event ripple through the lives of the characters. Also, the film is set in Athens, Georgia, deep in the American South. So the film includes real businesses, locations and facts about the area, including a mention of the rock bands R.E.M. and B52s that come from this musically rich city.

Silvia: I read on the web that the movie follows the steps of Sex and the City, but Not Since You is rated as a Romance/Drama. Are we expecting laughter or tears?
Jeff: You can expect both tears and laughter. The film is a romantic drama with comedy in it. As is often the case in real life when friends reunite after years, unresolved conflicts and love affairs spark again. There is almost always laughter too. I think the reference to Sex and the City is likely because our film tracks a group of women as they help each other navigate their emotional dilemmas. However, the film similarly follows a group of men as they deal with various conflicts over the wedding weekend too. It’s really an ensemble film in the truest sense that incorporates perspectives from both women and men. So the film was not intended to be like Sex and the City or follow the formula but fans of Carrie Bradshaw and her best friends may find similar aspects in our film that they will appreciate.

Silvia: Is Not Since You intended for a specific fandom?
Jeff: Not Since You appeals to fans of relationship movies. It has romance, drama and comedy rooted in a naturalistic, realistic tone. It’s also a film that is very much about today’s generation in their late twenties. In the end we set out to make a film that is relatable, where you recognize the dilemmas of the characters in your own life.

Silvia: Did you already know who you wanted the characters to be played by or was the choice random?
Jeff: We didn't write the script with specific actors in mind. When it came time to cast the film, it was done with the help of our casting directors (Mike Fenton and Ann Frederick) as well as talent agencies. We were fortunate to find amazing actors to bring the characters to life.

Silvia: What's your favourite character in the movie?
Jeff: I don’t really have a favorite character. There are aspects to each one that I identify with.  I suspect this will be the case for many people who watch the film. The characters are all attractive in their own way. However, because the characters all have such different personalities, it’s not uncommon to find varying opinions on a favorite one. In fact, we’ve found that all the characters have been named someone’s favorite during our screenings. This is very satisfying as the director as it means that each character and performance is very strong, and it’s simply a matter of the audience member’s personal taste or preference.

Silvia: Most of the roles played by Christian Kane are not really the "good guy" parts. And according to what Christian says, he's more of an "action" guy... What do you think of his performance in the movie?
Jeff: Christian is fantastic in the film. He admits that he often gets cast as the “bad guy”. This was one of the reasons Christian wanted to play the character of Ryan, who is ultimately a sweet guy who loves his wife but is put in a very difficult situation. The character presented a new challenge for Christian and he more than rose to the occasion. He brought a sensitivity and strength to Ryan that gave the character so much integrity. Christian found the perfect balance of being a somewhat reserved, quiet husband who is nonetheless not a pushover and fights, in his own way, for what he believes in. Ultimately, Christian’s character has the most selfless act in the film.  It may not be what people are expecting, and it’s a beautiful moment. I think fans of Christian Kane will be thrilled with his performance and to see a new side of him.

Silvia: Are you satisfied with the chemistry between all the couples?
Jeff: The chemistry between the couples is terrific. When you cast an ensemble film with various love triangles it’s almost like cooking. You’re looking for just the right ingredients that complement one another and combine to create a satisfying result. In our case, we were blessed with a super talented, very attractive cast representing a variety of personality types and looks.

Silvia: Is there any of the cast members you would like to work with again?
Jeff: I’d like to work with all of them again. They are all very talented actors that bring something special to their performances.

Silvia: What's the most beautiful memory you have from the set?
Jeff: It was the first day of shooting in downtown Athens for a montage involving characters played by Sara Rue and Elden Henson. So many variables need to come together for a film to happen. So it’s a special feeling when you arrive on set for the first day of shooting because it takes so much effort and so many resources to get to that point. When you see the equipment trucks lined up alongside the streets with a group of talented and dedicated people ready to go, it’s an inspiring, invigorating moment.

Silvia: On the official NSY Facebook page we can listen to some of the songs chosen for the movie. Did you take part in the choice of this beautiful soundtrack?
Jeff: Yes, I was very involved in the selection of music. Before production began I put together a compilation of songs to help the cast and crew feel the tone of the movie. Afterwards, I worked closely with Peter Shurkin, our music supervisor, in selecting just the right songs to complement the scenes. We used two songs from an artist named Griffin House, whom I included on my initial reference CD. Peter sourced other incredible artists and songs that I would “audition” against picture. We eventually chose a soundtrack that I believe contributes greatly to the impact of the film.

Silvia: What was the experience at the Athens Cine Movie like?
Jeff: Not Since You played at the Cine theater in Athens, Georgia for two weeks. Since the film was made in Athens and showcases the city, it was an ideal opportunity for the people who contributed time, money and resources to the film to see it on the big screen. It was a homecoming of sorts.  The film was extremely well attended, breaking box office records at the theater. I did a Question & Answer session after one screening and it was very gratifying to know that the community was so supportive and impressed with the film.

Silvia:The DVD release date is set to December 21st 2010 in North America. Do you think there are good chances for a release outside US?
Jeff: Yes, I’m happy to say that the film will be seen in many different countries. Sales for the film have been finalized or are pending for Australia & New Zealand, Italy, China, U.S.S.R., Czech Republic, Middle East, South Africa, Ex-Yugoslavia, Poland, and Latin America. Our international sales agent is also working to sell the film in other territories, including France, UK, Spain, Germany, Scandinavia and Brazil. For further updates, please visit our official website http://www.notsinceyoumovie.com or our Facebook page.

Silvia: Are you working on another project at the moment?
Jeff: I have a number of exciting projects that I’m developing and casting at the moment.