GROUP, 2 hours, USA
Directed by William R.A. Rush
At a group meeting for recovering drug addicts, not everyone is revealing the full truth.

http://www.ogcinpro.com/
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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

It started with seeing a friend’s Facebook post one morning and then running into that friend hours later. The friend, in person, (demeanor, attitude, outlook, disposition, etc.) bore no resemblance to the Facebook persona. I thought “is any of this real?” That experience came around the time when one of the myriad tragedies we see in the United States had happened. Two commonly-stated refrains in the wake of these tragedies are that “no one saw this coming” and “everyone should have seen this coming.”

I wondered how far people would go to maintain a false persona. I thought of a group therapy session where people had to be honest in order to get help. Would these people, even if under the protection of anonymity, be honest? Or would these people present a glossy version of themselves, even if that glossy presentation prevented them from getting better? Of course, when people are focused on a false persona they may miss the obvious signs of danger around them. ‘Group’ was what was borne of that idea. No one sees it coming, but maybe they should have.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

Including post-production, the total time from when I first began writing to the final cut was just under ten months. I know how crazy that sounds, but in my career as an attorney, meticulous planning and time management for preparation of a trial is the norm. Years that come down to the performance of your case over a very brief period. I use the planning, coordination, collaboration and delegation aspects of the legal profession to filmmaking to the greatest extent possible.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Viscerally realistic.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Well, with the impending strikes and the uncertainty of things, I would have to say the principal photography schedule. Even with the meticulous planning and establishing contingency plans, it was still a frightening thought that we would only have the actors on set for three days. That was it. I basically approached it like half-trial and half-play.

The best thing I did was getting the best cast and crew on Earth. That was 90% of the job.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

My wife, Xxena (producer Xxena N. Rush) was with me. My literal reaction was "They all got it!" Everyone completely understood what I was going for and trying to convey. My goal is to make films that do not compromise my vision at all. I am a performance-focused director, and I believe in collaboration with cast and crew. I tell everyone involved in making the film that we are to respect the potential audience, to trust their intelligence and not try and hold any viewer's hands. To see everyone speaking my goals and accurately describing the themes and meaning of the film meant so much to me. I am still in a great deal of shock.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I always dreamed of it. I love and am obsessed with film. It is my favorite artistic form, primarily because it encompasses dozens of incredible art disciplines. I didn't begin filming anything until Mid-December of 2022. My first project was a short Stephen King adaptation called "One for the Road". We only had seven shooting days for it, but we completed the project on time and I enjoyed it immensely. I knew I could improve.

I have always loved film, always been passionate about it. It is my favorite visual artform. I decided if I was ever going to attempt to be a filmmaker, that was the time. The pandemic forced a re-evaluation of life and goals and the idea that time isn't endless.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

I am all but certain I've seen "Jaws" more than any other film. "Goodfellas" can't be far behind, however.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

That's a great question. For me, it's all about communication. Whether good or bad, the more communication the better. I think your festival should be a model for great communication. Some festivals offer no communication at all. But that little thing means so much to filmmakers. So I must thank you for your communication and openness.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

I think it's very user-friendly and a wonderful way to learn of incredible festivals and get your work out there.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Sushi. All sushi. Any sushi. Unless there's cucumber involved. I don't like cucumber with my sushi.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

The film “Immersion” (which we shot directly after “Group”) is being scored and colored at this moment and should be ready for the festival circuit by the end of May. My next feature “Fetish” is in preproduction and scheduled to shoot this September. In addition, I recently finished a feature script, “Encore”, which I plan to shoot in the Spring of 2025. My sex thriller (producer’s phrasing), “Sweetener” has won numerous screenplay awards on the festival circuit and is being shopped around to various producers currently.