Michael J. Reistetter on LinkedIn: ‘Christmas Eve In Miller’s Point’ Director & Cast On Their Indie Take On… (2024)

1

Wow. Humbled beyond words, but I will string together a few more:Thank you to the New York Press Association Awards for the honor and recognition, to the readers who spread this piece far beyond what I could have ever envisioned, and to all the mentors over the course of my career/life who’ve helped put me in this position.By all accounts, I’ve been more of an entertainment journalist, historically. That said, I can’t even really consider this one overly political. Rather, it’s mostly about the intersection of human behavior/pathology and pop culture; an inside breakdown of how those tasked to hold the ball can end up dropping it so spectacularly. Much thanks as well to Brian Monahan for the tireless research, proofreading, and creative collaboration. We didn’t work together that long in hindsight, but it feels like we grew up together nonetheless. Especially when cutting journalism like this. Thank you to my high school newspaper advisor and teacher Dawn Lynch for setting me off on this journey years ago. And my college newspaper advisor and professor Regina Pappalardo for teaching me everything I know about long-form, narratively-scoped, ethically sound journalism. Most of all, a sincere thanks to Mario Nicoletto for your bravery/candour. None of what I wrote in this story, and how I approached it could have been made possible without your participation. Shoutout local reporters still trucking along in an industry rife with hurdles and red tape. The written word isn’t dead, far from it!

15

8 Comments

‼️

8

1 Comment

LATEST: had the great pleasure of interviewing David Zucker, one of my favorite filmmakers. In my profile on his career, we discuss the lasting legacy of the films he’s directed. These include classic comedies your dad and uncle showed you (“Airplane,” “The Naked Gun” trilogy). And classics I know I most definitely traded them, like “BASEKetball” and “Scary Movie 3,” the poster for which I’ve proudly hung on every bedroom wall I’ve ever had—this probably says more about me than it does about him, but I digress.What a legend. What a time. Thank you!

3

I am very proud to announce that our film, “Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point,” was selected as part of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival’s Directors’ Fortnight programming. A big thank you to Calogero 'Cole' Carucci for seeing the filmmaker / narrative creator in me when we first met in a journalistic capacity. Cole introduced me to director Tyler Taormina, who hired me as a producer on he and his Omnes Films team’s largest-scaled independent outing to date: the story of four generations of a classic New York Italian family coming together in what may be the last holiday celebration they’ll have at Grandma’s house.All the while, the prospect of linking up with fellow rebellious teens to claim the town for their own may be just enough to lure the youngest Balsano’s of the bunch from said home for one epic night to forever remember. The result: a beautiful vision come to life, and shot expressly within the same Long Island suburban neighborhoods that raised us, no less. Starring the likes of recognizable names such as Michael Cera, Ben Shenkman, Maria Dizzia, Elsie Fisher, Gregg Turkington, Francesa Scoresese and Sawyer Spielberg, this film also launched the acting career of my own grandmother, Mary Reistetter, as Grandma Antonia. Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point is one of two American films tabbed for this section. The other? Our director of photography Carson Lund’s directorial debut, the men’s league baseball-set “Eephus,” also for Omnes Films.After meeting me on Christmas Eve, Tyler and Carson invited me up to New England to be a production assistant on Eephus’ reshoots—hands down one of the best weekends of my life. Honored to know and be inspired by these guys. Can’t wait until these films premiere for all of our friends and families in the states. We are eternally grateful to those in the local communities who helped us out. Congratulations to both crews on all the hard work that’s grandly paid off! Quinzaine des Cinéastes / Directors' Fortnight #quinzaine2024

15

10 Comments

First article is up ⚾️😎

5

1 Comment

Stumbled upon this 20-year-old relic recently.As you enjoy its sheer, unrelenting wildness, I'd like to convey some overdue appreciation: thank you to everyone in my ever-growing network for all the support and encouragement over the years. The creative journey is a tiresome one, but rewarding nonetheless. Sometimes it's a grind, but sometimes it isn't.There would be no writers without readers; and if you fall into the latter group, there is nothing stopping you from opening your Notes App right now to join the other party in town.You could free-verse recount the events/takeaways of your day, make an extensive "To-Do" list like it's nobody's business, start a dream journal, write song lyrics to word-less music, perhaps even controversially so -- who amongst us hasn't occasionally treated "Jessica" as interactive art? -- or even outline your disdain for my public call for you to take action. Believe me, I get it. “Who does this guy think he is? Implying that it's OK to desecrate a sacred Allman Brothers track in that fashion... I thought his parents raised him better than that."Forgive me! My heart was in the right place.Take it from me, the best thing about writing, I've found: anyone can do it. Even you.With a built-in audience of at least one, to start, the possibilities are endless- if not simply as a therapeutic exercise. Some people meditate, but if daily unrest makes you susceptible to untimely napping/crashing during such, simply break out a pen and paper or your laptop, and write until your mind has given you permission to check in for the night.Know your limits, obviously. Don't overdo it. If you keep a writing schedule/ routine, it will bring order and productivity to your life where there wasn't; and help you scratch the creative itch that goes unscratched in your professional life.Should you ever seek a pair of objective eyes, look no further; I'm always here to help. I'm honored every time someone sends me their work. To do it is one thing, but to share it is another thing entirely. It's not for everyone, but well worth it when you take that leap.If I've learned anything as an editor over the years, whether in the professional space or off the clock, it's that I can only give you my best suggestions on where to go from here. I can't tell you how to feel, nor where you've been, and where you're coming from. That, again, is solely up to you/per your will, and what makes us unique writers, and unique people in general.We were all born originals, so remember that next time you contemplate copying. Draw inspiration, or just freaking draw. The second you trace, you've lost the audience.For whomever needed that - writers, non-writers, those at a crossroads/impasse: goodnight, and good luck. We're all counting on you.Sincerely,ReisPS: surely you must know that "Airplane!" reference was pure homage. But even if it wasn't... some rules were meant to be broken. Hence, what you see below. That's all I got. GO YANKEES!

10

Finally did this: Check out what life's been like these past few years. Looking forward to adding more to this real soon, stay tuned!https://lnkd.in/efybipQr

2

I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as a Features Writer at The Epoch Times!

This content isn’t available here

Access this content and more in the LinkedIn app

22

1 Comment