The Sundance Film Festival opened Jan. 28, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, instead of audiences settling in front of large cinematic screens, attendees will have to settle into smaller, homier screens.
Premiering on Jan. 31, native Northern California filmmakers Manuel Crosby and Darren Knapp bring Calaveras County to screens across the country.
"First Date" is about Mike, a shy highschooler who finally asks his neighbor, Kelsey, out on a date, only to realize he needs a car. Through some hijinks, he's conned into buying a beat-up '65 Chrysler that leads to a surreal adventure with Kelsey involving cops, a gang, and a vengeful cat lady.
CapRadio's Ed Fletcher spoke with Crosby and Knapp about their movie. And while Sundance this year is mostly virtual, they'll still be able to enjoy a "packed house" because tickets to the premiere screening are already sold out.
"Manual and I grew up in Valley Springs," said Knapp to Ed Fletcher. "I currently still live here. He's up in Tahoe. But when we were writing the script, we wanted the setting to be here, or we grew up."
It's a tight-knit community up here. There is a lot more goodwill toward each other's productions," Crosby said to Ed Fletcher about filming in Calaveras County.
Here's what you need to know about "First Date":
Movie showtimes
Saturday, Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. PST or Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 7 a.m. PST
Production Team
- Written, Directed and Produced by Manuel Crosby and Darren Knapp
- Produced by Brandon Kraus
- Produced by Lucky McKee and Charles Horak
- Cinematography by Manuel Crosby
Starring
- Tyson Brown: Mike
- Shelby Duclos: Kelsey
From the filmmakers and stars
Knapp on shooting in Calaveras County:
“We know a lot of people in the community and they were very generous.”
Crosby on shoot in Calaveras County:
“It’s a tight knit community up here. There is a lot more good will toward each other's productions.
Duclos on playing Kelsey:
“She’s just kind of fearless. I had a blast just getting to play this person that is super confident.”
Tyson on playing (shy) Mike:
“I took a lot from my early years of high school and from some of my favorite actors.”
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