A married couple and indie band duo, who never reached the success that they had always hoped, decides to stop pursuing their dream when a financial opportunity arises for them to perform on a new children’s program called The Rumperbutts. In spite of all the money and newfound success, the two of them are miserable and have spilt up. However, on one magical evening, a mysterious stranger comes into their lives and gives them a second chance.
Marc Brener, writer/director of “The Rumperbutts”, fills us in on how the unique film came to be.
When did you first pick up a camera, Marc?
For sure as a young kid, however do not recall a specific example from those early days. When I first remember for sure, it was middle school, and we got to dress up however we wanted, and I chose to be a “film director” and carried around a camera all day. So age 12 or 13.
What or who was the motivation there? Was it “Star Wars” or ‘Spielberg’ like many might answer there?
Ha. Have always loved movies. Would probably at the time have leaned more so “Star Wars” as years later created a “Star Wars” themed satirical short called “Say it Ain’t Solo.” Got Christopher Lloyd, Jason Alexander, Malin Akerman and many more to do quick cameos. It was great!
So, who were your influences, filmmaker-wise?
The top influencers over the years were Tarantino, the Coen Brothers, Woody Allen, Wes Anderson, Sofia Coppola, Pedro Almodovar, Steve McQueen, and Oliver Stone. That’s for directors. Also loved Adam Sandler, John Hughes, most movies that have music in it, and the occasional horror movie.
And can we spot any intentional homages to them in “The Rumperbutts”?
Maybe a little Wes Anderson with some of the quirkiness in the writing perhaps? That’s how someone once described it.
So much of the film relies on the right casting- and you nailed it. Was it difficult to cast the leads? Lots of auditions?
Zero auditions. The two leads, Kori and Jason, were on board from the get go. Then gave the script to Josh for Richie and he liked the part. After that, The Gersh Agency helped us find Arian and Vanessa.
The film was initially released a couple of years back but pulled, I believe? What’s the story there?
The movie initially came out in 2015. We had a minor disagreement with a business partner and everyone decided the best thing to do would be to pull the film (after it only being out in the world very briefly). Years later, we connected with GDR in 2020 and now excited to be given a second chance here in 2021!
And whose idea was it to get Global Digital Releasing to spearhead a worldwide re-release? When did that come about?
It was Dena’s idea. We produced the film together. It came about mid-2020 at some point.
Is it already looking better for you, second time around, than first?
It is. Dena worked with the GDR team before and they have been great. Communicative. Friendly. Supportive. A great team!
Any advice for those looking to make a movie, after your “Rumperbutts” experience?
There is no rush. Take your time. Get a great team. And try to put a package together where one can break even or profit, so that you can get another chance. Everyone wants to make a movie. Get a first feature under their belt. It still needs to be a good movie, and one that can be marketed and make a profit. So again, no rush. Take your time.
THE RUMPERBUTTS is available On Digital November 19 from Global Digital Releasing