The Backseat (2014) Online
High school social outcasts Roy Offerman and Larry DiMarco struggle to find a drummer for their new punk rock band, Witness My Jehovah. As Roy will learn, sometimes finding the answer to one problem only brings about a host of others. Immediately after finding a drummer, Roy is plagued by a raging case of hemorrhoids. This causes his parents to be confused about his sexuality, and starts up all sorts of new rumors at school. In the most unexpected place, Roy meets his dream girl Samantha. As Roy and Sam's relationship develops, Witness My Jehovah lands their first big gig at a local music venue. When things don't go as planned, Roy is faced with some of the biggest decisions he'll ever have to make.
Credited cast: | |||
André De Shields | - | Mr. Davies | |
Chris Bellant | - | Roy Offerman | |
Jenna Michno | - | Kelly | |
Costa Nicholas | - | Mike Peterson | |
Craig McDonald-Kelly | - | Larry DiMarco (as Craig Kelly) | |
Pamela Martin | - | Receptionist | |
Allyson Reilly | - | Samantha | |
Lori Hamilton | - | Debra Offerman | |
John Thomas Cramer | - | David Offerman (as John Cramer) | |
Vanessa Cuccia | - | Dr. Rosenberg | |
Richie Banks | - | Himself | |
Nicholas Cariello | - | Allen | |
Janice Messitte | - | Jerry | |
Rebekah Nelson | - | Gym Class Bully | |
John Ballantyne | - | Parking Lot Jerk |
Prior to the film, actors Chris Bellant, Craig Kelly, and Costa Nicholas each had varying degrees of musical experience. Bellant barely knew how to play the guitar, while Kelly, a former drummer for many Scottish pop-punk bands, had to learn bass, and Nicholas with many years of experience as a guitarist, had to learn how to play the drums.
Shot in 23 days.
Titled after the Gaslight Anthem song of the same name.
The film is a mostly autobiographical take on writer/director Ryan O'Leary's first romantic experiences and experiences being in a punk rock band in high school.
Early versions of the characters in The Backseat were featured in O'Leary's short film from 2009, A Bloody Mess. Actors Lori Hamilton and Vanessa Cuccia reprised their roles from the short for The Backseat.
Most of Roy's wardrobe is the actual clothes writer/director Ryan O'Leary wore in high school and continues to wear to this day.
None of the main actors knew each other until they were cast in the film.
The Backseat was featured on the cover of the January 2014 edition of NewFilmmakers NY's weekly newspaper, which also included an interview with star, Chris Bellant.
A small portion of the films budget was raised through Kickstarter.
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