CHOICE SKINNER AND TONY GERMINARIO
“When Choice and I set out to make a film, we actually had an entirely different script and film in mind.”
People like to work with people they know. Why is that? For Director Choice Skinner and Writer/Producer Tony Germinario, the team behind the new Lionsgate/Grindstone comedy release WINGMAN, INC., it’s all about integrity and loyalty. Evidently, it’s working because they’re currently in post-production on their second film together, KEEP THE FAITH, due out later this summer. As busy as they are right now, Choice and Tony recently took a break long enough for an interview:
For audiences who haven’t seen it yet, set the scene for WINGMAN INC.
CHOICE: “Wingman Inc.” is a crazy, lighthearted and witty comedy that deals with the random and bizarre situations of club life. Our lead characters are two awkward but genuine and lovable people who experience previous bad breakups but eventually find each other through their odd moonlighting skills.
Were either of you ever a ‘wingman’ or where did the idea come from?
TONY: Yes. Actually the whole screenplay started from my experiences as a Wingman. Finding the right person is not easy, so this whole script focused around what people are willing to do to help their friends find love. I was constantly using my wingman skills to help my friends. Almost all of the wingmaning scenes in the film are based on things I either did or helped my friends do.
What was the hardest part about creating something funny on the page and then delivering that to the screen?
CHOICE: As director, with any script the job is to deliver the visual story that was created and written by the writer. Interpretation is key. The director must find what the story if fully about and then find a way to make it relate-able to the audience. I would say the hardest part is finding a way for cast and crew to agree honestly and then work towards completing the main objective.
TONY: I was fortunate enough to have a good relationship with Choice where we were on the same page. He knew what I was hoping for within the script and he was able to coach the actors so they could deliver.
Did you both have a hand in the casting?
CHOICE: Yes we did. Actually there were 5 people involved in casting. All of the producers, Tony and I, Brandon Heitkamp, Anton Troy and casting director Iris Hampton who is known for her casting work on Power Rangers. She’s a casting director with over 20 years of experience. We knew she could handle the auditioning for the amount talent that we were going to see. She brought in a lot of the great talent that’s in the film like Ansley Rubinstein the ‘Rhoda’ character, Johanna Watts the ‘Miss Nancy’ character and Kevin Interdonato who plays the character ‘Eugene’.
Casting is always a very important component for the success of a film. “Wingman Inc.” has a very large ensemble cast and Tony wrote many characters that were integral to the story and the delivery of specific jokes. I saw our lead actor while watching an episode of the television show “The Complex” and thought he would be perfect as the character ‘Bobby’. Turns out he sent in an auditioned reading on video from Canada to Iris’s office during the readings. We all agreed instantly that he was our ‘Bobby’. Erin Cahill and I were fellow acting mates back when we were studying under famed acting coach Bobbie Chance and I tracked her down once I knew the script was completed because I knew she was perfect for the role. I introduced her to Brandon and Tony and they agreed that she was our ‘Kristy’. Some of the talent was cast right out of my acting class that I coach when Tony visited. It was tough for Tony because he was in New Jersey during casting and had final say, so we would have to discuss over the phone and update him through video on some of the picks. But in the end, we got a stellar cast!
How did you get Lionsgate/Grindstone on board?
TONY: It was a long process, but we were able to hook up with the people at Grindstone, and they understood what we were trying to do with the film and what we were trying to accomplish. They’ve been a great partner in helping us deliver on that vision.
This was the first feature film for both of you. Was the experience everything you thought it would be?
CHOICE: I don’t think you can ever have expectations on what it’s going to be like. What you can do is handle whatever issues present themselves at the moment. Tony and I had different responsibilities during shooting, but I would say personally for me, I run a very laid back atmosphere on the set. You allow the A.D. and production team to handle what they are hired to do. As director, you make sure you accomplish completing your shots for the day and the duration of the shoot. I always say, “It’s gonna be what it’s gonna be.” If your intentions are pure and unselfish, it will work out for the best. And, it did.
TONY: This was my film school. When Choice and I set out to make a film, we actually had an entirely different script and film in mind. I had written a film that was a similar concept to the Vince Vaughn film, “The Delivery Man.” (I still love you Vince and hope to work with you some day!!!) When we couldn’t move forward with that film, we decided that “Wingman Inc.” was the movie we were going to make. When I originally wrote the script, I never thought I would be the guy to fund and make it, so there are way more characters and locations then I should have put in the script. But, Choice was able to pull the whole thing off with the help of a fantastic cast and crew.
Anything about the project that you wish you could get a ‘do-over’ on?
CHOICE: I would have said “no” on a last second wardrobe decision, but I gotta live with that one. As a perfectionist there are always things I would like to have the chance to do-over, but that doesn’t mean we would have done them any better. Working on a low budget film like this, I think we got the absolute best out of everyone who was a part of it, and I couldn’t be happier.
You’ve also teamed up again for the drama KEEP THE FAITH. What can you tell us about it?
CHOICE: “Keep The Faith” is a Christian drama about gang violence, Christianity and the rapture. It stars Mychal Thompson, Nicholas Alexander, Farley Jackson from “Wingman Inc.,” Sheldon Smith star of this summer’s “Straight Out Of Compton” and Daffany McGaray Clark from the hit TV show “The Fosters.”
Tony came on board during lensing as an Executive Producer and helped us get over the finish line. We could not have gotten it done without him. We are currently in post-production and will be releasing it this summer. Another project to add to the Darkan-Vincenzo connection. It’s going to make a powerful statement and touch A LOT of lives.
What brought you two together and why do you think it’s worked so well?
CHOICE: I believe it’s worked so well because integrity is our common trait, as well as, a sense of loyalty. We have depended on each other for growth and we have a mutual love and respect for each other and the projects that we work on together and apart. Tony is a genuine and selfless person. I tend to work well and get along better with people who possess those qualities.
TONY: Choice is an east coast guy, as am I. From the first moment we met (a funny Skype moment!), I knew he and I would be connected moving forward. We are both dedicated and loyal people who are very concerned not only about the success of a project, but about the success of the people we work with. Making movies is not easy, so finding a group of people you can trust and rely on is a rare thing. Anyone who commits their time and resources to me becomes a partner for life. I not only want them to succeed in this project, but I want them to succeed overall in life and in all of their endeavors.
