Filmed in Stamford, Westport, Norwalk and Fairfield, the movie “Batsh*t Bride” will make its home-town premier at the Avon Theatre on Monday, August, 26.
“Batsh*t Bride” is a comedy about a bride, Heather, who, on April Fool’s Day pranks her fiancé, Bryce, by telling him she thinks they’ve lost the spark and should call off their upcoming wedding. But the joke turns not so funny when he feels the same way (for real). From there, things just kind of fall apart!
The movie was filmed at local locations including, The Inn at Longshore, Pearl Restaurant & Bar, the Stamford Old Town Hall, Southport Galleries, Caffe Social, Christ & Holy Trinity Church, and Greenfield Hill Congregational Church.
This is the third feature film from writer/director, Jonathan Smith. We had a chance to talk to him and the two lead actors about the film. See what they had to say, below!
Why did you choose Stamford to shoot this movie?
(Jonathan Smith, Director/Writer/Producer) Two reasons. First, I live here! I work at Blue Sky Studios (20th Century Fox/The Walt Disney Company), which is nearby, and Stamford is a nice, happening place to reside. Second, and perhaps most importantly, once I secured The Inn at Longshore as the film’s wedding venue, which was the most pivotal location in the story, I found nearby locations for the rest of the film. I must note, too, that all the location owners were absolutely wonderful and accommodated me way more than I ever deserved.
What drew you to the Pearl Restaurant & Bar and the Stamford Old Town Hall for a few of your scenes?
(JS) The Pearl Restaurant & Bar was an easy choice since it’s connected to The Inn at Longshore and it’s a beautiful restaurant with terrific lighting. I’m so glad that we filmed the pivotal scene that kickstarts the story there. The Stamford Old Town Hall is a funny story. I emailed our general alias at Blue Sky Studios with a shot-in-the-dark question asking if anyone knew of any jail locations since one scene in my film is in jail. Someone replied that the Stamford Old Town hall had a disused jail in the basement. When I checked it out, the bars were great but the holding area was filled with storage, so I decided to shoot in the opposite direction and pretend that the hallway was the holding area. Incidentally, as a bonus, the Stamford Old Town Hall had a courthouse, which I needed for a different scene, so I shot in the courthouse, too!
This looks like a fun movie! What was the best part of shooting it?
Did you have any favorite spots in Stamford while shooting?
(MF) I grew up in Connecticut but hadn’t spent much time in Stamford – which was a huge mistake! Stamford is such a great area – it has it all! Lush woods, water views, and great small businesses! My very favorite spot was Barcelona, the wine bar and restaurant, which was where Josh, Jonny, and I ate nearly every meal!
(MF) I did my own stunts…with a lot of post-production help! But seriously, the movie is a a feel-good story about love – and how it should make us all be the best person we can be. Which is a story that is always in season in my opinion!
You’re Invited!
Hometown-Premiere of “Batsh*t Bride”
Monday, August 26 at 7:30 p.m.
The Avon Theatre
Tickets are $10 per person
To purchase tickets, email [email protected]
Chez Vous Bistro is offering a $25 prix fixe two-course dinner before the screening (indicate when you email to RSVP, whether you will attend dinner).
Flinder’s Lane Kitchen & Bar will offer happy hour drink prices & complimentary appetizers after the screening to those with ticket stubs!
Photos c/o Vile Henchmen Productions