Los Angeles Film Fest 2013: ‘Pollywogs’ goes off the cuff
A bad breakup can leave a person feeling pretty empty. And occasionally, as in the dramatic comedy “Pollywogs,” premiering Friday at the Los Angeles Film Festival, it can leave a person’s apartment equally barren.
In one of the film’s opening scenes, the recently dumped Dylan, played by writer and co-director Karl Jacob, finds himself coping with a broken heart and a cleaned-out residence, both courtesy of an ex-girlfriend.
Fortunately, a family reunion back home in Minnesota provides an opportunity to take his mind off the breakup, and while visiting the Land of 10,000 Lakes he reconnects with a childhood sweetheart, played by Kate Lyn Sheil.
CHEAT SHEET: Los Angeles Film Festival 2013 | PHOTOS: Hollywood backlot moments
“Pollywogs” was inspired by Jacob’s own relationship woes, and he first conceived it on a motorcycle trip from Austin to New York.
Aiming to give the film a lived-in feel, Jacob (with co-director T. Arthur Cottam) cast it with actor friends and rehearsed for six months before dropping in to shoot at his actual family reunion in northern Minnesota. The film’s dialogue was improvised according to predetermined story beats.
Check out an exclusive video clip from the film below.
“Pollywogs” screens Friday, June 14, at 9:50 p.m. and Monday, June 17, at 7:20 p.m. at the Regal Cinemas at L.A. Live.
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