Loading...
From actor to director
On this episode of Inside Indies, Bishop Porter and John Cooke sat down with Robert Larriviere—an actor, writer, and now director—to discuss his debut film, This is Jan. Inspired by a friend’s transition and by overlooked queer history predating Stonewall, the film explores themes of identity and belonging. “[My friend] Brooklyn’s transition was a big moment for me,” Larriviere explained. “I started to think about what life would’ve been like for her in a different time period.”
Shaping the story
With the help of longtime collaborators Hunter Burke and Nick Lavin, Larriviere developed the script into an award-winning festival piece. “They had me create an outline… and then they took that and went away and came back with a script—18 pages,” he said. This is Jan went on to win Best Short Script at both the Sedona Film Festival and the Santa Barbara Indie Film Fest, later being selected for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation short film showcase. “For being an actor, to have my community choose this film… meant the world to me.”
A collaborative production
Shot over four days at the Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans, the project came together with the help of friends and colleagues. “It was just kind of magic, pulling everyone together,” Larriviere said. Casting centered on giving lead actor Lyle Brocato time to fully inhabit the role. “We gave him the role two months in advance… and he never missed a beat.”
Funding the vision
Crowdfunding, community support, and the Panavision New Filmmakers Grant made the production possible. “We did not have the money we thought we needed to make this film… but we made it work because everyone was so passionate.”
Looking ahead
Larriviere is now developing a limited series set in 1950s New Orleans. “We created a world inside that club where all of those people can shine on this stage, and then we follow their lives out into the real world.”
Watch the full episode to learn more about Robert Larriviere’s creative and financial journey.
Ready to run payroll on your debut film? We’re ready to help! Get a quote today.
