EXCLUSIVE: Grant Rosenmeyer (The Royal Tenenbaums, Come As You Are), Sean San José (Sing Sing), Nora Dunn (Three Kings, Pineapple Express), Katherine Cunningham (Yellowstone) and Alexis Allotta (Happily Never After) are starring in the semi-autobiographical drama Behind the Eight-Ball. The pic reps the feature directorial debut of Nathan Israileff.
Loosely inspired by Israileff’s experiences, Behind the Eight-Ball follows Trevor (Rosenmeyer) a high-functioning cocaine addict whose spiraling substance abuse threatens his career and closest relationships – forcing him to confront his demons and fight for redemption as his life unravels around him.
Says the filmmaker, “The film is a ‘love letter’ to functional addicts who are afraid to speak up or admit embarrassment for their ongoing issues, letting them know they are not alone and the depression they feel is felt by many.”
Israileff and Rosenmeyer are producing through their companies Artisanal Interrobang and Florida Hill respectively alongside producer Katelyn Henslin. The film is co-produced by Patrick Ryan Richter & Yajaira Marie Quinto. Cast also features Christopher R. Ellis (Chicago Fire) and Justin Paul (The Punisher). Paskal Rudnicke (FX’s The Bear) handled casting duties out of Chicago. DP David Foy (Slamdance winner Waiting For the Light to Change) is lensing the movie which is in production in Chicago.
Best known for his role as Ari Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums, Rosenmeyer recently starred in the critically acclaimed indie The Secret Art of Human Flight opposite Oscar nominee Paul Raci and Maggie Grace.
San José recently starred alongside Colman Domingo in the 2024 Oscar-nominated Sing Sing, garnering critical accolades for his intimate portrayal of character “Mike Mike”, and starred in Clint Bentley’s Sundance premiere Train Dreams which Netflix scooped up out of the fest.
Prior to her recurring role on Yellowstone, Cunningham appeared on Condor and Good Trouble, and will next be seen in the indie The Short Game opposite Mackenzie Astin.
Saturday Night Live alum Dunn recently starred opposite Topher Grace on ABC’s Home Economics.
Allotta is a regular in the Chicago theatre scene and appears next opposite Natasha Henstridge in the upcoming thriller Tears to a Glass Eye.
San José is represented by Gersh; Dunn by Pakula King & Lighthouse Entertainment; Allotta by Gray Talent Group; Cunningham & Ellis by Stewart Talent; Paul by Daniel Hoff Agency.
