5Q's w/Adam Cushman and David Philips "The Maestro" Director and Producer
#1: Can you describe your movie and why somebody should see it?
After WWII, budding film composer Jerry Herst moves to LA to study with Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco - composer on over 200 films & mentor to greats like John Williams.
#2: What do you want the Borrego Springs Film Festival audience to know about your film that isn’t obvious from its title?
Its an interesting yet fun biopic about a huge composer that lived in Hollywood and taught almost all of the great composers of our day: John Williams, Andre Previn, Jerry Goldsmith, Henry Mancini, and even Randy Newman. The cast is filled with very familiar faces from television, and sadly marks the final film of beloved Jon Polito (Millers Crossing, The Big Lebowski).
#3: What is your movie making background? Tell us about yourself.
ADAM CUSHMAN: (the director) I got my start as a writer, and then began directing with three short films including the award-winning THE WHIPPING CLUB. My first feature film "Restraint" stars Dana Ashbrook (Twin Peaks) and Caitlyn Folley (The FP). I also host a podcast called "Role Call", interviewing actors with Raul S. Julia.
DAVID J PHILLIPS (the producer): Two years ago my film "Badsville" was at Borrego Springs and I am happy to return. Starting out as an actor and gameshow host in Canada, I moved to LA and fell into producing, and now have thirteen feature films under my producing belt which have all garnered distribution - seven with theatrical releases, four that were featured on Netflix, and one that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. I'm currently finishing post-production on "Eat Wheaties!" starring Tony Hale and Elisha Cuthbert as well as "Mighty Oak", a kid's movie with Janel Parrish + Rayven Simone. Other career highlights include being an Executive Producer on "Entertainment" which premiered at Sundance starring John C. Reilly & Tye Sheridan and "L!fe Happens" starring Kate Bosworth, Rachel Bilson and Kristen Ritter.
#4: What was the biggest lesson learned in getting your film made?
A great script and story will attract great actors.
#5: What does the future hold for your film and you?
After a successful festival run ending in Borrego Springs, the film has thankfully secured distribution with Freestyle Releasing and is available soon on iTunes and Amazon, etc. Moving forward, we have a slate of a few more films that are seeking financing, including a feature length version of our short mafia film "Five Families".
Social Media:
Twitter:
@maestro_movie
@phillmprods - Phillm Productions
@dj_phlips - David J Phillips
@cushmanovich - Adam Cushman
@phillmprods - David / Phillm