By Jimmy Steinfeldt
Jimmy Steinfeldt (JS) this is more than a “coming of age” film it’s a “coming of all ages film”.
Rachel Israel (RI) I found this to be true in life.
JS: How did the script come to be?
RI: I didn’t write the script. My agents brought me the material and introduced me to the producers. I was right away attracted to the subject. I’ve never been to a Jewish summer camp but it was a world that felt universal. I liked how the different generations of people, the campers and the counselors intertwine. It felt like a Jewish community to me.
JS: The counselors taught the campers and the campers taught the counselors.
RI: Yes. When it came to casting, being that it is a large ensemble, we had a lot of fun picking our cast. The actors really brought it to life. We spent a lot of time casting every role. It was also important to me to have an authentic Jewish cast. Non-Jews can play these roles but there is a tendency to cast Jewish roles with non-Jewish actors. We wanted to see what it would look and feel like going the other way. I think this brought something very special to the production. The cast were from all different backgrounds and ethnicities and they came together. We see a great deal of diversity within this Jewish community.
JS: I thought Judah Lewis’ performance as Jonah was excellent.
RI: He’s such a good actor. It was a pleasure each time I got to work with him in a scene. He’s a very intelligent and sensitive actor. He’s very subtle and great to communicate with.
JS: Also a very strong performance by Sarah Podemski as camp owner Mara.
RI: Yes, I love Sarah. She brought so much heart to the role. She could have taken that character in a harsher direction. She is the anchor of that community. She has to go up against Jackie Tohn’s character Nomi. As the camp owner, Sarah’s character could have been more traditional and rigid. Sarah has a warmth and a glow and made her role a fun character.
JS: Tell me about your directing on this film.
RI: When I direct, the casting choices determine a lot about what the film will be. I can never impose on an actor something that they didn’t have in them already. We made really good choices for these roles. I just had fun. The one thing I ask myself is am I having fun. I want the production to be a fun space for everyone. I think that shows in the film.
All of our actors really “brought it”. They all work in a slightly different way. Some like to talk about character in advance and some don’t. I love the adaptability that being a director requires. We didn’t do rehearsals in advance. I talked quite a bit to the actors about their character. Major story points and what various moments mean. They would think on it and bring something exciting to the set.
JS: How did you meet Jackie Tohn?
RI: Through the casting process. Our producers the Korman’s knew her and she was a perfect choice of the role of Nomi.
JS: I heard some of Jackie’s songs in the film.
RI: She’s such a funny songwriter.
JS: The film had a great score.
RI: Thank you. Music is so important to that world and culture. Hopefully the music has a youthful energy to it.
JS: I was impressed with the cinematography especially the lighting of night scenes. That is a challenging type of lighting.
RI: Our wonderful cinematographer Danny Vecchione said “It seems like a simple summer camp movie but the film has a bit of everything in it”. It required lighting in the woods at night and where is the viewer to believe the light is coming from? That required subtle lighting. Also there were fight scenes and many different kinds of scenes.
JS: Have you worked with this crew before?
RI: It was the first time I worked with the cinematographer and our production designer Jordan Janota. I worked with them also on the next project I did. I hope to work with them in the future. They are great collaborators.
JS: What film festivals are coming up for The Floaters?
RI: Woodstock Film Festival this week. We are screening on Friday October 17 at 2:15 PM. Then to Newport Beach, California October 18, 3:00 PM. Also the Twin Cities Film Festival October 21 6:30PM
JS: Hooray, my hometown. What’s next for Rachel Israel?
RI: I’ve written and will direct a musical.
For more on The Floaters:
https://www.instagram.com/floatersmovie/?hl=en
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt31145438/fullcredits/?ref_=tt_cst_sm
