July 9, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

William H. Macy On Independent Film Making:

Pulitzer Prize winner and Atlantic Theater Company founding member David Mamet showed up at the Aero Theatre to support his good friend, and co-founder William H. Macy who made a film 14 years ago called “Colin Fitz Lives!”

Directed by Robert Bella, also an Atlantic Theatre Company member, the film which played the independent film circuit, including Sundance, has finally been released on VOD (Video On Demand.) The delay was because Bella was in hock up to his eyeballs and had to pass on distribution until the debts incurred in making the film were satisfied.

Made for $150,000, “Colin Fitz Lives!” was shot primarily in the Bronx’s Woodlawn Cemetery and is a whacky story about two mismatched security guards, delightfully played by Matt McGrath and Andy Fowle. Their grumpy boss, played exquisitely by William H. Macy, assigns them literally to the graveyard shift to guard the grave of rock idol Colin Fitz on the anniversary of his death. It seems that people show up every year to perform bizarre acts such as individual or group suicide. In one comical romp after another, the idol-worshipping fans gradually appear during the course of the evening. Macy has some hilarious deadpan moments when he chastises one of the guards for taking a cupcake without asking and visits them in the middle of the night with jelly sandwiches, sans peanut butter, which makes for very funny verbal exchanges.

The following interview has been edited for print purposes.

In your opinion, what is the state of independent films?

Macy: The whole paradigm under which we made independent films has fallen apart. At one point Sundance was getting around 5,000 submissions, but I don’t think they get anything near that number at present. I think someone’s going to solve this problem because there are still people who want to make independent films and people who want to see them and there’s financing available.

The problem is getting them together because there are fewer theatres and you can rent a film now for seventy-five cents and that’s not going to pay for an independent film. I think there is a solution and it could go something like this:

“Honey let’s watch a film tonight.” Then you’ll turn on your TV, which will be online, a home page will come up, you’ll click on independent films, and make a choice. The problem is you’re going to have to pay for it and young folks don’t want to pay for things on the internet because for so many years they could just steal what they wanted.

Do you have an idea for a script?

Macy: Yes. I’m going to write a script about teenage vampire girls who explode. That I can sell! (laughter)

What’s the best way to get financing?

Macy: You have to be honest and tell potential investors that there’s a good chance they’ll lose their money, but there’s that slim chance they’ll make a bleeding fortune. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s enough to keep them in the game. Also, people love show biz and hanging out on the set. At the end of the day, unlike a lot of other investments, they’ll have something to show for it.

Have you produced a film?

Macy: I have and the producers will, in fact, get back forty cents on the dollar, which I told them would be the case. From the very beginning, there were no secrets. This business has been so sullied by slime-ball producers who lie and finagle the truth. It’s tough because you’re following in their footsteps.

Did you get one break that was the turning point in your career?

Macy: One time in one of our classes, Dave Mamet who’s sitting back there, said that the myth is that you get a big break and have to capitalize on it, but that’s not true because you could get lots of breaks and you have capitalize on each of them. It’s a tough business and a tough way to make a living. Of course, if you get nominated for an Oscar that helps a lot. Thanks Dave. I’ll pay you back some day.

(Laughter and audience applause)

in News
<>Related Posts

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

(Video) Hundreds of Drones Light up the Sky for Palisades to Celebrate July 4th

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Event Marked One of the First Large Gatherings Among Palisadians Since the January Wildfires. The Event Marked One of...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

Santa Monica Home Defies Convention: Architect Eric Owen Moss Debuts Shape-Shifting Design

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Pistachio-Colored Marvel Boasts Curving Walls, Sharp Angles, and Challenging Design A striking residence in Santa Monica is turning heads with...