This is a semi-fictional account of a West Boca News interview with Tina Czarnota.
There’s been some buzz about an awakening in South Florida’s sleepy film industry. We learned that part of that rejuvenation was occurring right here in West Boca, a feature PG-13 movie. Deadwaiter is a mystery/comedy adapted from the novel of same title, authored by West Boca resident, Tina Czarnota.
Just off editing a scene filmed at Falco’s Beauty, a salon in Sandalfoot Plaza, I caught up with Ms. Czarnota and grilled her about this mystery/comedy movie caper.
West Boca News (WBN) – So tell me, Tina, what, where, why and how did you embark on this fascinating game you’ve set afoot?
Tina Czarnota (T) – I’ll cut to the chase, gumshoe Warren, and lay out just the facts, teased Czarnota. “Like most junior sleuths, I adored Nancy Drew, graduated to Agatha Christie and eventually couldn’t stop the tugging at my creativity hem to pen a mystery of my own.
Combining several life’s loves: bed & breakfast, inns, whodunits and family-friends, I had the basis for my mystery series. In the process, I couldn’t help dreaming of the day I’d see my mysteries up on the big…and small screen. So, I screenplay adapted my two books and film scripted the third in my series.
Then the work began. Copying manuscripts and film scripts, mailing, phoning, agents, production companies…it went on and on until I said, ‘Enough! I’ll make my own movie!’ ”
WBN – It seems a daunting task. How did you even know where to start the process?
T – I’m not a total newbie to the entertainment industry as many years ago, I graduated acting classes, went on auditions and attended industry parties and such so I knew the work I had to do. The cattle calls, go-sees…I even joined West Boca Toastmasters so that I could learn projection, public speaking.
So I knew where to go for talent. Then there are the local film festivals where anyone interested in film can attend and make connections. We are blessed with so many talent agencies, film schools, opportunities in South Florida. I found much of my talent here in Boca. But buyer beware. Research any professionals you may think of working or signing with.
WBN – Are all your roles filled? If so, would we know any of the talent starring in Deadwaiter?
T – Several big names were interested in roles which was flattering. But as Deadwaiter is a low budget production, I was not able to afford the A-listers from across country and abroad but I can hire more local A-listers which is great!
WBN – Can you share a few of them with us?
T – Let’s see…there’s Molly J. who plays cynical but lovable 20-something Kim, Gordon T. who is our crotchety, chauvinistic, Tim Versay, Pearce B. is Mr. Danton, historical museum curator, Richard Sosa, lead detective on the case, Bob Benjamin as cynical Officer Casey who loves to give suspects jazz, Glenda G. is Shirl and Beba F. is Betti.
There are many more in our cast and crew. Too many to note here but if an audience wants to follow our progress, they can find us on Facebook or Twitter under Deadwaiter or Deadwaiter movie. There’s also https://rally.org/f/gGsTppU89yS?new=1 where we post updates, auditions for extras or roles that haven’t been filled, progress reports. We could use cheering on from the community.
W – Exciting film project you’ve got going here, Tina. Any last thoughts you’d like to share with our readers before we wrap our interview?
T – Glad you asked…Yes! Big movie productions have big backers. As this is an independent movie funded by me and via fundraisers, we needed to turn to crowdfunding in order to finance the rest of the movie. But it’s worth every penny as Deadwaiter will be a fun, legitimate mystery that young and old will be able to enjoy. A movie that will leave an audience with that feel-good-feeling that one enjoys knowing they’ve just experienced a movie that had a great hook, a middle that didn’t sag and a satisfying reveal and wrap. And we are trying to do as much of the filming as possible in or near West Boca.
Please visit us at https://rally.org/f/gGsTppU89yS?new=1. A little bit of help will go a long way.
W – Thank you, Tina. It’s been a pleasure. We’ll look for your progress as we endeavor to ‘see you at the movies.’ Best wishes to you and cast and crew of Deadwaiter!”
