Screening at SModCastle Cinemas in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey on Saturday December 3rd at 12:00 pm (Block 24, Screen 1), Thank You 5 tells the story of a fictional company of floundering thespians as they attempt to stage a production of 'Prelude to a Tradition,' an original work by playwright and director Kurt McAbbott.

The film begins on the first day of rehearsal and follows the cast through tech rehearsal, dress rehearsal and into the play's opening night as the cast and crew argue, bicker, fall in love, fall out of love, and generally clash while attempting to collaborate.

The directors of Thank You 5, Michael Barnard and Reid Estreicher, met while taking classes at Second City in Chicago. The two became fast friends and quickly realized that they shared the same dream of producing films highlighting the surplus of untapped talent within the city of Chicago. Their company Two Ties Productions is focused on filmmaking in Chicago, using Chicago talent, Chicago crews and Chicago locations. Thank You 5 is theifirst narrative feature.

According to the duo, “This project is significant to us because it’s our first feature film after collaborating together many times on stage and producing our own silent short films. We wanted to explore ideas concerning why artists care so much and work so hard to create something that ultimately might go unnoticed; never lasting beyond the moment of its initial, brief existence.” They consider Thank You 5 a tribute to all of the unsung artists who endure so much, specifically each other, to create something memorable for audiences.

Thank You 5 was awarded Best Feature at the Sunny Side Up Film Festival, Best Feature at the Victoria Texas Film Festival, Best Narrative Feature at the Red Dirt Film Festival, the Grand Prize for Best Comedy at the 24th Annual Fade In Awards Comedy Competition as well as two awards for Best Ensemble from Woods Hole Film Festival andSunny Side Up Film Festival. The film has also received multiple additional nominations for Best Comedy, Best Director, and Best Actor.

Details

FILM TYPE: Narrative Fiction, Feature
GENRE: Comedy, Drama
RUNTIME: 1 hour 53 minutes
BUDGET: $10,000 USD
Featuring: Emily Zawisza, Stevie Shale, Phylicia McLeod, Jodie Meis, Meghan Murphy, Michael Barnard, Reid
Estreicher, Richard Kallus, Theo Koppel, Jason Amplo, Timmy Carroll, John T. O’Brien, Alex Solomon
Directed by: Michael Barnard & Reid Estreicher

Original Score: Eli Carter Wilsheim

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