Logan Lerman, Cooper Raiff, Kali Reis and More Talk Navigating Studio Systems at Sundance and How ‘Risks Sometimes Create the Best Outcome’

Discussing methods for daring innovation within the challenging financial landscape of film production companies was a significant topic during this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

As a person of mixed Indigenous heritage, Kali Reis, who stars in the drama “Rebuilding” alongside Josh O’Connor, usually contemplates her personal values before accepting a role or embarking on a new venture.

Reis shared that he resembles many overlooked and undervalued communities, and it holds greater significance for him when he speaks out truthfully, rather than being chosen for a prominent role.

Havana Rose Liu, Logan Lerman, Cooper Raiff, and Sophie Nélisse took part in a discussion with Reis, which was moderated by Matt Donnelly – Senior Entertainment and Media Writer for EbMaster. The panel, titled “Risk Takers”, was hosted by EbMaster and Acura Cocktails and Conversations during this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

Actress Nélisse, best known for her role in “Yellowjackets,” shared that throughout the entirety of the series’ three seasons, she experienced a seamless collaboration with Showtime and the show creators without encountering any concerns or issues.

As a cinephile diving into a massive film project, I carefully select my creative collaborators to ensure our visions for the characters are in sync and our creative energies are harmonious. This show is unlike anything I’ve encountered before, and taking on something new was risky. But as it turns out, sometimes taking risks leads to the most extraordinary outcomes.

This year, Raiff is once again at Sundance, returning from the success of “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” which was sold to Apple for a significant $15 million in 2022. While he acknowledges that collaborating with Apple played a crucial role in his transition to his latest endeavor, this time around, he brings an independently produced television series titled “Hal and Harper” to Sundance.

Raiff humorously pointed out that those in positions of authority might not always be fully aware of their actions. What these individuals truly crave, he suggested, is peace of mind. If you’re striving to create exceptional art, it may seem as though others around you share this goal. However, when it appears they don’t, perhaps what’s really happening is they seek more stability in their lives.

Lerman, known for his work in both major productions such as “Percy Jackson” and more intimate dramas like “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “Indignation,” generally focuses less on the commercial side of the entertainment industry.

Lerman stated that when considering a script, he focuses on selecting the most suitable role or project, along with the right filmmakers. For him, it’s not about the size of the production, the number of theaters it will play in, or its scope.

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2025-01-28 18:17