Posted by Larry Gleeson

Industry veterans Melissa Gilbert and Tim Busfield premiered their first feature film, Guest Artist, starring Jeff Daniels, under the newly formed Grand River Production Company, this weekend at the 2019 Santa Barbara International Film Festival presented by UGG. Daniels also adapted Guest Artist from an acclaimed play he authored with the same title.

I had the privilege to sit down with Busfield and Gilbert in between screenings. Here is an excerpt from our talk.

 

Guest Artist is a drama about a a legendary but troubled playwright (Jeff Daniels) who has come to a small Michigan town to mount his latest play. While there he meets a precocious young man who idolizes Daniel’s character. What unfolds during their meeting is sheer brilliance. Guest Artist is entered into the Independent Competition sponsored by Panavision and is screening tonight at the Metro 2 at 8:20 PM and tomorrow at the Fiesta 4 at 5:40 PM. I got a peak at it and the writing is fantastic and I really liked the concept and theme. After our interview, I came up with a title for a forthcoming play: Patience of a Saint. And, stay tuned for forthcoming SBIFF film reviews.

Until next time, I’ll see you at the movies!