Filmmaker Chris Robert Riegel chatted about writing and directing his new movie “Expectations.”
How was your experience writing and directing “Expectations”?
I’m a big believer in the idea that all of our individual artistry, in whatever it is that we choose to do, begins with many of the elements that we wish to see out there in the world. “Expectations” is no different for me.
I had a saying before we began filming that one of the goals for this film was to make a version that was, “not our grandparents’ Great Expectations.” By being one of the very first to make this adaptation as a companion piece, not a straight adaptation, this was key.
Our audience doesn’t need to know the source material at all to go on this ride and have a good time, because first and foremost, this is a new story set in our present timeline.
It’s a passion for me because, creatively, I was enraptured by the notion of where these characters would fit in our modern society, and how they would grow as 20-somethings, and all of the comedic moments that such a juxtaposition would cause.
There are so many motifs and questions that remain fashionable between the Victorian era when these characters were created, and our society today. Questions like inheritance and succession, gender and identity roles, and a notion of “found family.”
All of these have a place in our modern day world. So for me, it’s been such a blast to get to shine a lens, with some hopefully hilarious moments, and bring a new twist on a familiar tale. I encourage everyone to find a bit of themselves in these characters and of course, have a good time.
What was it like to work with Precious V. Mayes in this film?
Precious, for my part, is an inspiration! She’s a true renaissance woman, who does so many things, even outside Hollywood. The work that she does advocating healthcare for all, not just in the state of California, but across this country, is groundbreaking. It is also a very poignant reminder of our dual duties to be not just artists, but advocates.
I will say, getting the opportunity to direct such a dynamic individual with a powerful entrepreneurial and administrative background was a total joy, because Precious understands both the flow of information and also the global view of a scene. She has to balance all of those initiatives in her many respective fields on a daily basis.
Understanding that always gives us common ground to build something tangible, it allows us to speak the same language, so to speak. I always believe in having those foundations when collaborating, and it was no different with Precious.
I’m really looking forward to our next collaboration in the future, as she brings a unique and refreshing take on the work we do together!
What was your favorite part of that filmmaking process/experience?
There are so many components to the experience that I love. With “Expectations,” I was also the writer, so in this case, it was an honor to usher this one from script to what will be the screen, when the film is released in 2024.
If I had to narrow it down, I would have to say collaborating in the different phases of the process has always been incredibly appealing to me on every project.
We had terrific producers, in Andrew Panay, Jared Iacino, David Hansen, and Clay Pecorin, who were a joy to work with in the early phase, as I got to talk about the screenwriting process and approach for this film.
They truly helped elevate my work, giving me fantastic perspectives and insights. Shooting is always a blast. As is getting to work with other really talented artists, bringing the location of the legendary Satis House from Dickens’ literature to life, and adding some new elements.
Chief among them are the original and brand new characters of Sasha (played by Nadia Alexander), Bernard (played by Samuel Arnold), and Avery (played by Annie Q. Riegel), who all brought fun and exciting elements to the film and helped shake things up.
By allowing these new characters to meet the classic ones from the literature for the first time, it will provide a window for our audience to meet the characters anew, even if they are unfamiliar with the literature.
In post-production, getting to work with the very talented Martin Zaharinov in editorial, as well as the amazing Sherri Chung on music composition has been a complete revelation.
If you’re a fan of the sound of Bridgerton, where classic meets modern, then I’m pleased to say, we have quite the surprise in store with our score for you.
Filmmaking is a team sport and it’s always been important to me to enjoy every phase. This one has been no different.
What do your plans for the future include?
I’m really honored to have a few projects to follow Expectations, including one that I’m producing with my company, Rainmaker Films, and one that I’m reuniting with one of our producers from Expectations to direct.
I also have a biopic that I was writing about one of the greatest women in the history of sports, who has not only made a difference in many people’s lives, but my own as well.
Needless to say, all of that is on hold as the Screen Actors Guild and the Writers Guild of America continue their quest on behalf of all artists to acquire a fair and proper deal to help the creative industries in the present and future. But like I mentioned with Precious, it’s also important for me to balance my artistic endeavors with the other interests in my life.
During the strike, it’s been my pleasure to join the board of directors for Jovē water and wellness, a Florida based alkaline water brand that promotes cellular hydration and clean drinking water for all.
As a person who has grown up internationally, I’m fully aware of the importance of these initiatives and grateful to have an opportunity to make a difference in this aspect, as well.
How does it feel to be a filmmaker in the digital age? (now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
I think this is one of the most exciting times to be a filmmaker! With so much new and advancing technology, it’s been a gift to be able to reach our audiences in new, and exciting ways!
Getting to work with the streamers, in particular Netflix, on my company’s film Stowaway starring Anna Kendrick, was an absolute blast. Not only has it given us an ability to connect with our audiences in their own homes, but advancements by films such as Barbie and Oppenheimer this summer prove that there is a place for films in the cinematic space too.
I think this results in the business finding a new balance, after these fair deals will be reached between the parties as a result of the strikes.
I’ve found that what always follows a new balance is a time of innovation. So that means the best is yet to come!
What is your advice for young and aspiring actors and filmmakers?
I’ve had the privilege of learning so much from the talented and amazing artists I collaborated with, long before I directed my first film.
One of the aspects that I always come back to, and try to remember even now, is to take the time to know yourself before you begin pursuing your art.
There’s always been this therapeutic notion in creating something, whether that be a painting, a performance, or a film, and how that creation can help us find a part of ourselves in the journey.
I don’t dispute that, however, I do know that working in film is a team sport. And when working with others in communicating a joint vision, it is so important to take the time to know why you’re there and what it is you’re doing.
Why do you want to tell stories in the first place? For my part, it was because I just really enjoyed sharing information and working with others.
This advice has helped me grow tremendously, and continues to help me grow still. I’m endeavoring to get better every time I go out on a project. Knowing what it is that I’m looking for and why I want to tell my story is my key to doing just that.
What does the word success mean to you?
Success to me is trying my absolute best and knowing I left it all out there on the field and have done everything in my power to make a difference, reach the goal I’ve targeted, and help as many people as I possibly can along the way.
Sometimes by doing this, we might not always meet other people’s standards of success out there in the world. However, if we do our very best, in a way, we’ve won, no matter what the results on the scoreboard might say.
What would you like to tell our readers about “Expectations”? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
I hope you’ve got your popcorn ready, because whether you’ve been a fan of Charles Dickens or not, this film will take you on a hilarious ride with a group of pseudo-siblings who are vying for the exact same gigantic fortune to not only change their lives, but also pursue all of their business dreams.
Imagine a holiday weekend where your family happens to be out to criticize, compare, and critique your every whim and gesture.
Only, instead of going through the horror of this happening to you, you get to observe the hilarity played out by a very international group of disparate characters who have all sorts of incomparable values and experiences.
Throw in a possible murder, and I dare to say, perhaps I’ve set the stage for your, “Expectations.”
To learn more about Chris Robert Riegel, follow him on Instagram.
