Filmmaker Robert Michael chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about his new project “Fiddle Faddle Fortune,” which is available to stream on Prime Video.
The synopsis is: In the aftermath of cursing someone to murder her husband, a local fortune teller summons a comical spirit to haunt a couple working through marital problems to teach them a lesson in working together.
How did “Fiddle Faddle Fortune” come about?
Believe it or not, it was an extremely short turn around from idea to completion. We came up with the idea last November and already began filming in February! I was divided on whether to do another drama or comedy and with all the chaos in the world I believed a show where people can laugh and enjoy ridiculous situational comedy was the best option.
I assembled a stellar cast and we created something both rambunctious and campy and I couldn’t be more pleased!
What inspired the screenplay?
I love Tim Burton movies and the fun, campy ways he makes traditional spooky characters become quirky and memorable. I also love all the classic halloween specials we all enjoy every fall season. I said in the early days of pre-production that this film was a blend of Beetlejuice, Hocus Pocus, and Addams Family. If the throuple had a love child, it would be our film!
How did it feel to be streaming on Amazon Prime?
It feels amazing to be on Prime because it’s a high benchmark now. It used to be that you could upload your films onto Prime through their portal but they have since discontinued that so they only approve through aggregators. To be chosen means we fit the quality standards alongside bigger films with much higher budgets and it makes me proud to have created a film that plays on the same field.
What did the screenplay teach you about yourself?
This screenplay taught me that it’s okay to trust my quirky campy thoughts in lieu of my dramatic acting roots. It’s ok to just be stupid fun. Not everything we do as creatives has to be deep and thought provoking and emotional. Sometimes we just like to be silly and fun, and this screenplay taught me that it’s okay to trust that and write with that energy because that’s what people need right now.
What was it like working with the cast and crew?
I couldn’t have asked for a better cast and crew. Our HMU Edith was terrific and really brought our fantasy women to life with their looks. Jasmine Haver, who plays Evangeline, was the only person I envisioned playing her part because she really gives her all with every performance.
It makes me feel honored and proud to have created a film that resonated so well with my entire cast and crew! Jasmine Haver said she had such a blast being a part of this film.
Jasmine Haver remarked, “The actors that 8eighty8 pictures brings together always create a sort of masterclass in acting that I love being around creatively and working opposite. The wardrobe was SPECTACULAR and as an actor there is nothing better than being fully immersed in a different world.”
Erik Peters, who plays the lovable kooky ghost Winston, stated, “It was one of those sets where you looked forward to coming to work every day. We laughed constantly behind the scenes and I think that genuine connection between all of us is something audiences will feel when they watch the film.”
Asked about what inspired them to take on their roles, Jasmine Haver said, “When I read the script it was the kind of story that I would love to watch. Evangeline is sort of a puppeteer that moves all of the pieces around and she has a different relationship with every character – I got to play with different styles and motivations. She always had something going on behind the scenes.”
Erik Peters added, “Winston reminded me of part of myself I had forgotten. Playing someone who lives unapologetically and authentically felt like reconnecting with who I really am. Getting to fully embrace that part of myself was incredibly freeing.”
What would you like to say to our readers about “Fiddle Faddle Fortune”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself and take risks. Sometimes the ridiculous option in life can be the most rewarding. Have fun and don’t take life too seriously! I hope this film reminds you of that. Oh! And make sure you watch it on Prime
“Fiddle Faddle Fortune” is available on Amazon Prime Video by clicking here.
