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Station to Station (2021 film)

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This article is about the 2021 psychological drama. For the 2015 experimental film, see Station to Station (2015 film). For other uses, see Station to Station (disambiguation).
Station to Station
Directed byBenjamin Bryant
StarringDavid Eggers II
Jordan Getty
Cate Farrow
Andrew Cawley
with Benedikt Sebastian
CinematographyJake Simpson
Edited byBenjamin Bryant
Music byFrancis McGrath
Production
company
Bryant Zamberlan Group
Distributed byBZ/MP
Release date
Running time
128 minutes
LandVereinigte Staaten
SpracheEnglisch

Station to Station is a 2021 psychological drama written and directed by former broadcaster and Obama administration official Benjamin Bryant. Notably filmed in a production bubble, during the coronavirus pandemic, Station to Station was selected as the opening night feature for the 2021 Las Vegas International Film and Screenwriting Festival, where it received multiple jury nominations (including for Best Film), winning two, and taking home the festival's Audience Award.

Plot

After learning a long-held family secret, Major Tom Ryan (in the film, Tom is named for David Bowie's performance persona Major Tom, a "spaceman" also referenced in Bowie's songs) the son of a Hamptons housekeeper moves to Las Vegas, where he initially finds work as a handyman and a brief romance with his boss's daughter.

After losing his job and girlfriend on the same day, Tom accepts a job offer from Jordan, a stranger he meets out on the town. While Tom is hired to perform maintenance work, he grows increasingly immersed in Jordan's fast-moving Vegas world of youthful excess, easy temptation, and short-term rewards.

Tom soon develops close bonds with the eclectic group of people who work for Jordan; as well as a budding romance with Sarah, the brash young woman living across the street.

While Tom's new world seems ideal for a young man seeking to forget the past and lose himself in the present, emotional remnants of the painful past he left behind in New York start to emerge, and Tom pushes even harder to forget, straining his new relationships and creating both internal and external pressures. In a dramatic series of third-act events, it becomes clear to all involved that Tom's unresolved issues the unresolved issues make his presence more destructive and destabilizing than anyone realized.

Production

Station to Station was conceived, written, cast, and filmed during the 2021 Coronavirus pandemic. Principal photography took place on location in Las Vegas, Nevada, in September and October 2021, with actors living and working in a "bubble," eating together onsite and unable to do any sightseeing or participate in any tourist activities on their days off.[1] Bryant and producer Tommy Zamberlan scheduled the 11-day principal shoot to minimize the amount of time cast and crew were on set, waiting. Multiple coronavirus-related protocols, including provision of KN-95 masks, daily temperature checks, and frequent sanitation (including ultraviolet irradiation of body mics and other small equipment) were followed. Changes to the script and desired scene blocking to minimize unnecessary physical proximity for cast and crew (including changes to on-screen intimacy) were made to maximize cast and crew safety. [2] Additional material and a reshoot of the scenes involving Tom and his first girlfriend Jennifer (played by Cheyenne Alexsys) were reshot in early spring in two locations outside of Bryant and Zamberlan's home base of Washington D.C.[2]

Writer-director Benjamin Bryant is speaking to a journalist on a red carpet at an event
Station to Station writer-director Benjamin Bryant

The coronavirus pandemic affected the film in more practical ways, as well. Plans to shoot at real life bars, restaurants, and other Las Vegas locations fell through or were changed due to local coronavirus mandates and related closures due to increased risk and decreased tourism at the time.[2] A key scene between the characters of Jordan and Tom at a nightclub was shot on a set instead when the planned location canceled two days prior, and an extended series of scenes scripted to begin in a hotel lobby, move to an elevator, and end up in a hotel suite, was changed to take place entirely within the suite due to new COVID restrictions at the location. Writer-director Bryant noted his initial frustration with these restrictions, but felt the ultimately less ambitious scope and scale of the film allowed for a smaller, more intimate experience for viewers, that may have improved the film creatively and created an affinity for the city within the cast and crew beyond typical tourist excitement.[2][1]

The film was shot on a microbudget of less than $25,000, with Bryant stating he is "proud to note" that the shoot was fully insured and all cast and crew on set, save primary producers Bryant and Zamberlan, were paid at the time of the shoot. As producer Zamberlan also served as sound director/recordist, COVID-19 coordinator, set decorator, and assistant editor on the film; and producer, writer, and director Bryant also served as editor, colorist, production and costume designer for the film, substantial savings were achieved by both deferring compensation, something Bryant observes would not have been possible without the extra time to learn and apply new skills afforded by pandemic related slowdowns.[2] Bryant and Zamberlan's existing joint ownership of professional film and sound equipment (as a result of their past multi-media work, primarily for corporate and multi-media clients) allowed the production to avoid camera, sound, and lighting equipment rental fees, which are historically a large part of any film's budget. Bryant noted the process of making Station to Station as a micro-budget film was complicated, involving "a lot of planning ahead of time, and a lot of compromise and trading-off of those plans when it came time to shoot."[2]

Original songs and score

Bryant co-wrote three original songs for the film with Austin-based musician and composer Francis McGrath, who wrote Station to Station's original score.[2] The nu-disco "Sexy Nightmare" and dance duet "Closer to You" are featured within the film in the nightclub scene when Tom and Jordan first meet, and the rock ballad "Changing Stations" plays over the final moments of the film and the closing credits, serving as the theme for the film. The melodies of all three songs are woven into McGrath's original score, serving as character and relationship themes within the film.[2][3]

All three songs are credited as "performed by Francis McGrath featuring" singers Kim Pollini ("Sexy Nightmare"), Benjamin Bryant and Taryn Hacker ("Closer to You"), and Jon Hacker ("Changing Stations"),[2] best known for his work as Joe Pesci in Jersey Boys on Broadway and as Frankie Valli in the 2020 and 2021 national tours of the show.

The film's music garnered multiple honors during the festival run, including "Best Musical Score" at the 2021 Las Vegas International Film and Screenplay Festival.[4]

Release

On October 31, 2021, the Las Vegas International Film and Screenwriting Festival revealed Station to Station to be an Official Selection for the 2021 program, and a finalist for the festival's "Best Drama Feature" honor. On November 5, the festival announced the film would debut as LVIFSF's opening night feature, making its world premiere on November 9, 2021, screening in competition.[5][6] The film went on to receive a total of eight jury and festival nominations (including for Best Film), win two, and be selected by festival attendees to receive the festival's "Audience Award."[7]

Due to Coronavirus concerns, plans for a limited theatrical release beginning Thanksgiving weekend of that year were scrapped in favor of a January 3, 2022 "virtual theatrical" wide release in the United States, with streaming and TVOD availability in the United States starting mid-to-late Q1 2022.[2] In December 2021, director Benjamin Bryant announced international release plans were still in flux due to changing coronavirus (specifically rising instances of the omicron variant in late 2021) concerns and scheduling considerations around global film festival dates, but that the film would likely roll out in Europe in February 2022.[2]

Reception

Reviews of the film were favorable, with critics mostly praising the Bryant's bold approach to the subject matter and the acting performances in the film. Markos Papadatos of Digital Journal, found the film "compelling," "intense," and "provocative," praising the writing, direction, and acting, particularly David Eggers II in his role as Tom. Complimenting writer-director Bryant, Papadatos likened his "bold" film debut to that of Paul Thomas Anderson.[8] K.P. Smith of We Are Entertainment News called the movie a "roller coaster ride" nothing the story's twists and turns and a "deeply satisfying film," full of strong acting performances.[9]

Matt Cassidy of IndieEye declared the film "a well-spun and twisty tale about relationships, trust and acceptance...and worthy of awards,"[10][11] praising Bryant's ability to bring an ambitious and sprawling story with a large cast to the big screen in his first film and the consistently "brilliant" acting performances,[11] but Cassidy stated he would have preferred some characters to be more active in the longer two-person scenes and felt the film would have benefitted from fewer scenes utilizing handheld camera techniques. However, he observed these to be "common indie film challenges," Bryant could easily "rise above...given a proper crew and suitable budget."[10][11]

Wins and nominations

Station to Station competed post-production in May 2021 and competed in the second half of the 2021 film festival season, where it was recognized in both performance and technical categories, including acting, writing, music, and costume design. The film received additional recognition for the inclusion and centering of Asian-American and LGBT characters and stories; as well as a mix of nominations and wins in Best Drama, Best Narrative Feature, and Best Film categories throughout its festival run.

Festival or Awards Program Kategorie Nominee/Finalist(s) Outcome Notes
IndieEye Film Awards (July 2021) Best Narrative Feature Benjamin Bryant Won [12]
IndieEye Film Awards (July 2021) Best Actor David Eggers II Won [12]
IndieEye Film Awards (July 2021) Best Ensemble Cast Cast of Station to Station Won [12]
IndieFEST Awards (August 2021) Award of Merit w/ Special Mention David Eggers II Won [13]
IndieFEST Awards (August 2021) Award of Merit - Writing / Script Benjamin Bryant (writer)

Matthew Weaver

(additional literary material)

Won [13]
IndieFEST Awards (August 2021) Award of Merit -

Supporting Actor

Andrew Cawley Won [13]
IndieFEST Awards (August 2021) Award of Merit -

Supporting Actor

Jordan Getty Won [13]
IndieFEST Awards (August 2021) Award of Merit -

Film Score

Francis McGrath Won [13]
IndieFEST Awards (August 2021) Award of Merit -

Asiansee notes

Benjamin Bryant Won Awarded for film achievement in inclusion and representation of people of Asian descent on and/or behind the camera. [13]
IndieFEST Awards (August 2021) Award of Recognition -

Best Supporting Actress

Cate Farrow Won [14]
New York Film & Television Festival (September 2021) Original Song "Changing Stations"

Written by Francis McGrath and Benjamin Bryant

Semi-Finalist [3]
FILMHAUS Berlin (October 2021) Best Feature Benjamin Bryant Nominated [15]
FILMHAUS Berlin (October 2021) Best Original Concept Benjamin Bryant Nominated [15]
FILMHAUS Berlin (October 2021) Best Feature Film Debut Benjamin Bryant Nominated [15]
FILMHAUS Berlin (October 2021) Best Newcomer Director Benjamin Bryant Nominated [15]
FILMHAUS Berlin (October 2021) Best Ensemble Cast Cast of Station to Station Nominated [15]
FILMHAUS Berlin (October 2021) Best Film Score Francis McGrath Nominated [15]
FILMHAUS Berlin (October 2021) Best Costume Design Benjamin Bryant Nominated [15]
Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival (November 2021) Audience Award Benjamin Bryant; Station to Station producers Won Selected by popular vote of audience attendees of LVIFSF 2021 [4]
Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival (November 2021) Best Film Benjamin Bryant; Station to Station producers Nominated [16]
Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival (November 2021) Best Supporting Actress Cate Farrow Nominated [16]
Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival (November 2021) Best Supporting Actor Jordan Getty Nominated [16]
Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival (November 2021) Best Costume Design Benjamin Bryant Nominated [16]
Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival (November 2021) Best LGBT Feature Benjamin Bryant; Station to Station producers Won Awarded for the inclusion and representation of LGBT characters and stories in film. [16]
Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival (November 2021) Best Musical Score Francis McGrath Won McGrath was also nominated for "Best Film Score" in the festival's technical and performance categories. [16]
Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival (November 2021) Best Drama Feature Benjamin Bryant Nominated [16]

References

  1. ^ a b NewsDesk, 6Park (2021-11-05). "Psychological Drama 'Station to Station' Prepared for Opening Night, Las Vegas International Script and Film Festival". 6PARK.NEWS/NEVADA. Retrieved 2021-12-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Station to Station Film Background and Electronic Press Kit (PDF). Bryant Zamberlan Group, LLC. 2021.
  3. ^ a b Film Freeway. "Station to Station - Film Information". Film Freeway. Retrieved December 30, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ a b Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival (November 22, 2021). "LVIFSF 2021 Audience Award Winner". Las Vegas International Film & Screenwriting Festival - Official Facebook. Retrieved December 29, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ Papadatos, Markos (2021-11-07). "'Station to Station' to have its world premiere at the Las Vegas International Film and Screenwriting Festival". Digital Journal. Retrieved 2021-12-20.
  6. ^ "'Station to Station' to premiere at Las Vegas International Film and Screenwriting Festival". Monte Carlo Film Festival. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  7. ^ "2021 LVIFSF Audience Award Winner: Station to Station". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2021-12-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ Papadatos, Markos (2021-05-17). "Station to Station is a compelling new film by Ben Bryant". Digital Journal. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  9. ^ Smith, K.P. (2021-06-01). "Benjamin Bryant's Station to Station Is One Fun, Twisty Roller Coaster Ride!". We Are Entertainment News. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  10. ^ a b Cassidy, Matthew. "Station to Station". IndieEye Film Awards. Retrieved 2021-12-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ a b c podcast, IndieEye Film Awards. "IndieEye Film Awards podcast - IndieEye Film Awards podcast - July 2021 indie film submissions and winners review". Google Podcasts. Retrieved 2021-12-30.
  12. ^ a b c "IndieEye Film Award Winners". IndieEye Film Awards. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  13. ^ a b c d e f "Award of Merit August 2021". theindiefest.com. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  14. ^ "Award of Recognition August 2021". theindiefest.com. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g "FEATURE FILM + TV". FILMHAUS Berlin. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g "2021 Filmmaker Results". LVIFSF. Retrieved 2021-12-29.
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