Vanessa Marano to Star In and Produce Horror Comedy ‘Ring Leader’
The 'Switched at Birth' star will produce the 'Bridesmaids' meets horror film through her company and present it to buyers at the Fantasia festival.
“Our goal is to come out of the market with a partner who can help us complete our gap financing goals,”
- Starring
- Vanessa Marano
- Genre
- Horror Comedy
Vanessa Marano is set to star in and produce the horror comedy "Ring Leader," according to an exclusive report from Variety.
The actor, best known for her leading role in the series "Switched at Birth," will produce the feature through her U.S. production company, Calabrian Rhode. She and director Jason Lapeyre will present the project to genre buyers at the Fantasia Film Festival’s Frontières Co-Production Market, which runs from July 22 to 25 in Montreal.
What is 'Ring Leader' about?
The film is described as a bridal-party horror comedy. Marano told Variety the script, written by Elana Dunkelman and Becky Shrimpton, captures "all the complicated feelings that go into being a bridesmaid—the absolute wild fun and the bone-chilling psychological torment." She pitched the tone as "'Bridesmaids' meets 'Send Help.'"
What are the production plans?
Marano's stated goal for the market is to find a partner to help complete gap financing. "We will be filming in British Columbia, and the tax incentives coming out of Canada allow for us to make a commercially viable film at a realistic scale without sacrificing passion or vision," she said. Lapeyre is co-producing via his label Osaka Sunset Pictures.
What is Marano's production background?
Marano founded Calabrian Rhode in 2018 with her mother and sister. The company previously produced the 2022 Netflix Original romantic comedy "The Royal Treatment," which reached the streamer’s No. 1 spot worldwide upon its release.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will 'Ring Leader' begin filming?
A specific start date has not been announced. The production team plans to film in British Columbia, leveraging local tax incentives, but is first seeking a financing partner at the Fantasia market.
Who else is involved in the project?
Director Jason Lapeyre is co-producing. The script was written by Elana Dunkelman and her writing partner, Becky Shrimpton. Marano and Lapeyre have been friends since working together on a project in 2013.
What is the Frontières Co-Production Market?
It is a marquee pitch event held as part of the Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal, where genre filmmakers present projects to potential buyers and industry partners to secure financing and distribution deals.
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