As a member of our close-knit indie production crew based in New York City, I’m proud to be part of The Space Program. Our unique approach involves us working together as a collective on every project. While one of us typically takes the lead, we all switch roles depending on the specific film we’re working on, ensuring that each of us contributes effectively to the final product.
Gus Deardoff, co-runner of the company with Lizzie Shapiro and Lexi Tannenholtz, stated that they’ve established a support system for each other, films, and filmmakers. Essentially, this means we’re always on call, which is beneficial because filmmakers require immediate contact with their producers. With us, there’s backup, so even when things get hectic, we can cover multiple bases.
The firm focuses on nurturing new talent, having collaborated with first-time directors Boots Riley (“Sorry to Bother You”) and Emma Seligman (“Shiva Baby”).
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The company supports upcoming filmmakers, having been involved in the initial projects of Boots Riley (“Sorry to Bother You”) and Emma Seligman (“Shiva Baby”).
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This organization champions fresh talent, as evidenced by its work on the debut films of Boots Riley (“Sorry to Bother You”) and Emma Seligman (“Shiva Baby”).
I take great pleasure in collaborating with individuals I see as my long-term partners in growth. When selecting our directors, we intentionally choose those who have a proven track record of creating multiple films throughout their careers.
One filmmaker among them is Charlie Polinger, whose debut movie, “The Plague,” will be unveiled in Un Certain Regard at Cannes this year. This film portrays the narrative of a band of pre-adolescent lads who engage in harassing and mistreating each other at a water polo training camp.
Shapiro stated, “This sport is quite aggressive.” He explained further that while above water, players must abide by the rules, beneath the surface it’s a free-for-all where you can claw, kick, and tug at each other. Charlie found this to be an apt analogy for how boys often act.
The unusual movie, comparable to the style of Todd Field’s work, was challenging to locate both the fitting backdrop and suitable motivations, necessitating an extensive worldwide search by the Space Program team.
Shapiro mentioned, ‘I planned for the production of the movie in cities like New York, New Jersey, Vancouver, Toronto, Dublin (Ireland), Budapest, Sofia (Bulgaria), and Bucharest. We were seeking a vast selection of locations.’
Upon reaching Romania, I’ve been captivated by the early hype surrounding the film, with whispers of its strength resonating throughout the industry. Notably, Polinger has already secured a fresh endeavor, titled “The Masque of the Red Death,” slated for production under A24. Sydney Sweeney has been chosen to grace the leading role in this project. As for the Space Program, their schedule is brimming with engagements. Their next venture is “Pure,” a film by writer and director Catherine Schetina, who brought us “The Bear.” This intriguing piece will star Zoey Deutch, revolving around a young woman who slowly rots from within as her life spirals out of control during her sister’s wedding. It’s exactly the sort of offbeat, distinctive, and unconventional narrative that the Space Program was established to foster.
Deardoff mentioned, ‘Perhaps we aren’t the ones who create your ‘Star Wars’ series, but when it comes to making a more intimate film once your ‘Star Wars’ are done, we are the team you’d truly prefer to work alongside.’
A significant aspect implies that the Space Program continuously reinvest earnings from various ventures into future projects, striving persistently to ensure continuous progress within an industry where films often collapse just before completion.
As a cinephile, I firmly believe that no two films are alike, and each requires its unique touch. Success for every film varies significantly, so our strategies must be tailored to suit the individual needs of each production. When it comes to independent movies, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
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2025-05-17 07:48