Producer Roxanne Messina Captor joins Slice of SciFi digital journalist Linda Craddock to talk about her new comedy film “A Couple of Chicks at the Hairdresser,” which stars Harry Shearer (“The Simpsons,” “This Is Spinal Tap”), Shelley Long (“Cheers”), Deborah Theaker (“Jesus People”) and James Kyson Lee (“Heroes”).
Linda spoke with James Kyson a few weeks ago about his role in the film and what we could expect from the next season of “Heroes.”
SF genre fans will remember Roxanne’s 1994 produced supernatural film “Dead On Sight,” starring Jennifer Beals as a psychic who has visions of the Clock Killer’s past and future murders. Academy Award nominated actor William H. Macy co-starred with Beals, along with Kurtwood Smith of “That 70’s Show” and “Robot Chicken.”
Roxanne is one of the busiest and most respected producers in the entertainment industry and in this interview she offers some really sound advice for those wishing to enter the hectic and rewarding life of filmmaking.
Linda Craddock (SoSF): What inspired the film “A Couple of White Chicks at the Hairdresser?”
Roxanne Messina Captor (RMC): I have always been interested in the difference between what is on the outside and what is real on the inside. That people are not so different on the inside and what you see is not always what you get. This film is about how two very different women and a gay republican man can support each other through life’s trials and tribulations. The salon environment is one that is very unusual as people relate in a very real way to strangers and divulge some of their most intimate details. I met my best friend in a Beverly Hills hair salon. We have been through many of life’s work together.
SoSF: Take us through the casting process for the film and the reaction you received when the script was first introduced.
RMC: Once started it moved along at a fast clip. Met Shelley in a coffee shop. Not unlike our heroines. She read the script and two hours latter called me to say it was the best material she had read and was doing the part of Barbara. She felt I was a new and unique voice. The same with Harry, Deborah, Judith, Kate and James. Wayne Brady called me within 24 hours to say the same. Unfortunately his schedule did not allow for him to take on the short film.
SoSF: How long had you worked on writing this particular project?
RMC: I always write from personal experience. I had wanted to explore this theme for some time. The idea germinates with me and then it must come out. Usually in one full and long sitting.
SoSF: You have been referred to as a Francis Ford Coppola protégé. Describe Mr. Coppola’s influence on you as a writer/director/producer.
RMC: Write from your own experience. Trust your actors. Hire the best talent and crew…trust them. Show respect and honor for your professional talent and crew…hire the BEST! Have fun!!!
SoSF: Are you still Executive Director of the San Francisco International Film Festival and if so, describe the selection process for film premieres.
RMC: No, I was the executive director for five years–I am now back to my creative work and getting my voice heard. I was responsible for the premieres. For example: “Crash.” I gave Paul Haggis his first awards for screen writing. And screened “Crash.” It had not been released yet. Paul taught a master class in screen writing and used “Crash” as the example. I also had the North American premiere of Woody Allen’s “Hollywood Ending.” We found the films through filmmakers, other festivals and I and my staff would view and invite.
SoSF: You are credited as producer/director of the independent and telefilms: “Her Married Lover”, “Dead on Sight” and Emmy-nominated “Home Sweet Homeless” and “A Clean Kill”. Talk about your approach to each project and how the experience transcends to “White Chicks at the Hairdresser”.
RMC: One must love the material. For me genre does not matter–the story must be compelling and the message strong. I have a strong Broadway and repertory theatre background. From this I believe in a very collaborative process. Hire the best talent and work with them to guide the project to the best conclusion. I have always been on time and budget with my projects. They have made 2 to 3 times in profit. White Chicks was the first piece I wrote, directed and produced. It was a great experience to see my written word come alive with such supportive and viable talent.
SoSF: What other projects have you been involved in between 1999 and “White Chicks at the Hairdresser”?
RMC: “Her Married Lover” premiered in February sweeps in prime time on Lifetime after a theatrical run. That was in 2000. I also created, wrote and developed the first Latin Family drama for ABC, called the “Trujillos.” I was also developing my future feature projects, writing or working with the writers. In 2001 I took over the Festival and the film society that supported the festival and the off season programs and the celebrity fund raiser.
SoSF: What message would you like the audience to take from the film?
RMC: Things are not always what they seem. Enjoy life… its trials and tribulations.
SoSF: What projects are on the horizon for Roxanne Captor?
RMC: I have a strong dance background and was a child performer in musicals and dance. I am writing two musical projects: “Dream Moms,” an interracial musical project about two women who find dreams can come true at 40. “Gypsy Robe” is about the Broadway quilt that goes to the Gypsies in a show. It follows the lives of three teenagers as they try to fulfill their aspirations for dancing and singing on Broadway. “Maddie’s Boy” focuses on a “Manchurian Candidate” mother and her 20-year-old son. Set in Louisiana in the 80’s following Maddie’s political career through her shy art student son, the audience realizes how Katrina could happened latter. Vilmos Zsigmond, Delroy Lindo, Kate Winslet and Doctor John are talking to me about working on the film. “The Big Show – Tallulah On Trial” is about the turbulent life of Tallulah Bankhead when she was embroiled in a legal battle with her maid. “Pearl Buck a Mother In Conflict” will be a co-production with Shanghai studios and follows the life of this famous author who understood the soul of the Chinese peasant. Lastly I am planning on expanding “White Chicks.”
SoSF: What advice would you give to aspiring writers in a very competitive industry such as filmmaking?
RMC: Write with passion from your own experience–go get that experience, be observant, study people and environments, Believe in your work and that you have a message to convey.
