From working for an offshoot of Universal to editing the Harvard Lampoon, Steven Jay Bernheim has seemingly done it all. Seems the one thing the producer and filmmaker hadn’t achieved yet was successfully taking the mickey out of the reality TV and social media stars – – that comes in January when the filmmaker’s Reality Queen! hits theaters.
Let’s talk pre-“Reality Queen” – you were a producer across a solid slate of films. What -or who? -inspired you to become a producer?
Steven Jay Bernheim: I’ve had a love of filmmaking since I was a child – I made my first 8mm silent horror film at the age of 7 (it was about what you’d expect from a 7 year old). I made my first stop action animated short film at age 10 (science fiction – again, about what you’d expect from a 10 year old). After being an editor of the nation’s oldest humor magazine – the Harvard Lampoon – I came out to Hollywood to try and make movies
And were or are there any producers whose career you’ve set out to emulate? Whether it be a Kennedy or a Marshall or a Grazer…
SJB: I’ve really wanted to be a filmmaker – a writer/director – more than a producer. So my role models are the great directors. My number one interest has always been comedy, so my role models there are Mel Brooks, especially THE PRODUCERS which I’ve memorized, Rob Reiner, especially THIS IS SPINAL TAP, which I’ve also memorized, and Stanley Kubrick, especially DR. STRANGELOVE, which I’ve also memorized. There are homages to each of those directors/films in REALITY QUEEN!
What was your big break in producing?
SJB: I had some financial success in an unrelated business, and used the money to buy into a production company based at Universal, called Dominion Entertainment.
And how did that go for you?
SJB: Not bad – we made a couple good films, plus some real klunkers too
Is producing a job you learn mostly on the job – – for those keen on producing, what do you recommend they do?
SJB: Producing is primarily about two things: leadership, and problem solving. Develop skills in those two areas and you’ll be a great producer
Does it go without saying that you like to work across every genre? You don’t necessarily gravitate towards any particular type of film?
SJB: I’ve done action, horror, horror-comedy and straight comedy. I love comedy, and I don’t care much for the horror genre, although I understand how to do it.
How do you think you’ve improved over the years?
SJB: I’ve become more relaxed and easy going as I’ve matured, and I think that’s helped – creates a healthier atmosphere on set
And when did you decide it was time to direct your own movie?
SJB: I’ve wanted to direct ever since I came to Hollywood, but I had to learn learn learn. By 2015 – after 20 years of screenwriting, producing, distributing (foreign and domestic) I felt I knew enough to give it a whirl.
What was the inspiration for “Reality Queen” – or should that question be ‘who’?
SJB: As mentioned, I’ve always loved comedy – I was the class clown in school, edited the Harvard Lampoon, wrote comedy spec screenplays, and co-wrote the horror-comedy THE BACKLOT MURDERS (currently out on blu-ray from Dark Force Entertainment). I’ve always felt that THIS IS SPINAL TAP is a comedic masterpiece, and I was inspired to do an homage to it. Hence the mockumentary form, and the central documentarian character through whose bemused eyes the audience experiences all the surrounding lunacy. And as to “London,” she was inspired by Paris-you-know-who. Specifically, I saw an online post by a woman in her early-twenties who was at a music festival attended by Paris. The young woman was struck by how ridiculous it was to see Paris trying so hard to fit in with kids half her age. That inspired me to ask, what if Paris tried to make a comeback?
Is there a fine line between satire and mocking – I guess that’s something you had to really work on during the scripting process?
SJB: I think the main difference is that satire has a point – a purpose, and mocking doesn’t – it’s just mean. We did try to keep that in mind in writing the script. We wanted to make London relatable, so we couldn’t just trash her.
And what kind of direction did you offer your lead on how she should play London?
SJB: I suggested she read and watch everything she could about Paris. I also suggested she work with a particular acting coach, who in turn offered a lot of guidance. I suggested she play the character as someone who lacks education and a high IQ, but nevertheless has very clever instincts.
There’s a risk of going too-over-the-top in that role – but she’s just sublime.
SJB: Yes, in my opinion, Julia Faye West (above) really nailed it. When she did the scene in which London is at the end of her rope and feels truly and finally alone, the crew applauded her at the end of the take. I’ve never experienced that. And our crew was the usual rough-and-tough bunch of cynics who’ve seen it all. I think that says a great deal.
Careerwise, where do you see yourself in ten years?
SJB: Hopefully, directing more comedies.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you would like to mention?
SJB: I’d very much like to make a feature parodying the current presidential administration. We touched on it in one scene in REALITY QUEEN!