Gardner's Almanac 🌷 SHARON GARDNER ~ MAY EDITION 🌸 |
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THE DEATH THAT AWAITS Cast & Crew Screening |
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We had a great Cast & Crew reunion for the screening of "The Death That Awaits” at the West Hollywood Soho House! The nuanced, grounded, and moving performances of central actors Megan Lawless and Katya Martin anchor this subtle thriller, which explores themes of identity, unconditional love, self-acceptance, and community. Directed with richness by Richard J. Lee and shot poetically by D.P. Michael Blue from the compelling script by Rachel Kiley, “The Death That Awaits” is headed to festivals in 2023. LEFT: With Megan Lawless, my “Nina” |
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I play Angela, a mother confounded by her daughter’s mysterious illness, trapped in emotional isolation, and struggling with her husband Reese, (Ron Yuan,"Monkey King” coming to Netflix) to maintain a stable family unit with their son Micah, (Tim Gabriel, “Stargirl”). The movie centers on my daughter, Nina (Megan Lawless, “The Girl From Plainville") and her caregiver Cassie (Katya Martin,"Promised Land" ), as a transformation rips the family apart. Paul Johansson, (“God Is A Bullet”) plays the mysterious Dr. V., whose radical treatment plan seems to be having an effect. I’ll keep you posted on dates so we can meet me at an upcoming screening near you! BELOW: Family portrait at the screening |
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ABOVE LEFT: With Sound Mixer Michael Crumley and D.P. Michael Blue ABOVE RIGHT: With Megan Lawless and screenwriter Rachel Kiley BELOW: Here I am with Ron Yuan, Megan Lawless, and Tim Gabriel as a happy family on our final day on set |
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On May 2nd, the Writers Guild of America began a strike to compel the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to forge a new contract to address a number of critical issues, including the existential threat of Artificial Intelligence (AI) , streaming data transparency, shortened seasons, poor residuals, and the prevalence of shows’ "mini-rooms”. As the WGA states on their website, which I urge you to visit to understand the stakes involved, LEFT: STRIKE DAY 2 at Sony Pictures BELOW: with comedian and “Upshaws” star Wanda Sykes at Netflix |
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"Writers are facing the most comprehensive assault on compensation and working conditions that they have seen in a generation. The studios have taken advantage of the transition to streaming to underpay entertainment industry workers, including writers in every area of work. Like too many working people across our economy, as corporate profits grow, writers are just not keeping up.” I’ve joined in solidarity as a SAG-AFTRA and AEA member by walking the picket lines at, so far, Sony, Netflix, and Paramount, and by using my loud voice to chant in unison with my fellow artists and encourage passers-by to honk in support. |
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As of May 17th, facing many similar issues with the threat of AI, poor residuals, shortened seasons, and a lack of streaming data, my own leaders at SAG-AFTRA have invited our membership to authorize a strike before Guild negotiations with the AMPTP begin on June 7th, with our National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland writing: "There has been a sea change in the entertainment industry, from the proliferation of streaming platforms to the recent explosion of generative AI, and at stake is the ability of our members to make a living. We must ensure that new developments in the entertainment industry are not used to devalue or disrespect the performers who bring productions to life." |
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"To show our resolve and to enter into negotiations from the strongest position possible, your negotiating committee and National Board unanimously join in asking you to vote YES and authorize a strike. This does not mean that a strike will occur; it simply allows the National Board to call a strike if an agreement cannot be reached — and that gives the negotiating committee a strong place from which to begin talks." I intend to vote AYE to authorize a strike, and know that the combined strength of union unity will make a meaningful impact on the negotiations. Please visit SAG-AFTRA to stay up-to-date. ABOVE LEFT: Strike Day 9, from “Me Time” on Netflix to “US Time” at Netflix LEFT: Strike DAY 17: At Paramount Pictures and Malia Obama was there to support! |
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ME TIME with Kevin Hart, Regina Hall, Mark Wahlberg now on NETFLIX |
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(above: Sharon with Kevin Hart and the director John Hamburg [center in mask] in the background) ME TIME held the top spot as the #1 Movie on NETFLIX in the U.S. for 12 Days & the #1 Movie in Mexico for 7 Days. It’s been a joy to see this wacky, heartfelt comedy find a large audience. Not only was it a blast to play with Kevin, Regina Hall, Luis Gerardo Mendez, director John Hamburg, and my fellow agents-of-change at the gala, but learning about the ripples a film can initiate in our lives brings another layer of meaning. What a pleasure it’s been to listen to the feedback from my parenting communities about what a fun release it was to kick back together, watch the movie, and laugh, and how much they related to the relationship dynamics. I love the way the fizzy energy and vulnerability inherent in comedy can shift perspectives and connect people in new ways. More, please! |
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Heading to an air-conditioned cinema in the Middle East! National and international distribution for the theatrical release of "The Portrait” is being negotiated currently, and the first deal to be announced is with esteemed Front Row Filmed Entertainment, out of Dubai. I’ll keep you posted on a stateside premiere. (you won't see me in this trailer and mum’s the word on my role.) |
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The gothic thriller "The Portrait” stars Natalia Cordova-Buckley, Virginia Madsen, Ryan Kwanten, and Mark-Paul Gosselaar. In the vein of Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture Of Dorian Grey” and the Henry James classic “The Turn Of The Screw”, this feature was shot at an estate steeped in the residue of faded glory, the 100-year-old Villa Narcissa, which is rumored to be “haunted” by an unhappy spirit. This chilling tale debuts in 2023 on a major streamer. British duo writer/producer David Griffiths and director Simon Ross create an eerie atmosphere which envelops this story in an uncanny beauty. |
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Reuniting, and it will feel so good! I can’t wait to see the trailer for Season 2 with the cast and crew of “The Disappointments” this weekend! Look for photographs with these lovely folks in the next edition of the Almanac. |
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What an absolute delight it’s been to join the Season 2 cast of the Humanitas Award-winning dramedy “The Disapppointments”, about 3 gay best friends in their mid-50’s reconciling their personal dreams with the realities of their lives in Los Angeles. I’m on board as Rachel Payne, a TV producer and chic control freak who marches to the beat of her own restless inner timpani. To receive such a gracious welcome and work with these lovely and brilliant people has been a complete joy: E.P. Steve Cubine, writer, director, star, and E.P. Rich Burns, Gedde Watanabe, James Campbell, Trevor LaPaglia, Luke Grady, Chuck Saculla, Michael Corbett, Debbie Pollack, June Carryl, make-up genius Cheryl Calo, fabulous costume designer Cat Velosa, and the fantastic team of actors and crew. This show feels like perfect timing and I’m so grateful. |
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A Chekhovian short with a blend of comedy and pathos from Swedish writer/director Erika Apelgren and Venezuelan cinematographer Eduardo Whaite, “B.F.F.R.” centers on Angelica, a lonely tech entrepreneur who is a bit of Yin to the Yang of “Me Time”’s Delphine. Finding herself isolated to the point of despair after a trauma in young adulthood leaves her shattered, Angelica makes one final attempt to forge an emotional connection with another human. Can she break the shell that’s kept her full humanity locked inside? |
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A film encompassing themes of body autonomy, the legacy of secrets, and the push-pull of mother-daughter relationships, Of Silence And Song follows a Chinese-American mother trying to celebrate her 8-year-old daughter's birthday while she navigates through a recent divorce and an unwanted pregnancy in Texas. I stepped into a character unlike any I’ve played before and had a great experience working with director Dai Leyi, Grace Mar, and Alex Jiang and her ace production team. Starring Kim Jiang Dubaniewicz and Lynne Bolen, this dramatic short will complete post in May ’23 and be followed by film festival screenings. I’ll keep you updated on the schedule. |
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A young lawyer and new father (charismatic Chance Perez) navigates between a tricky pro bono case and the Jr. Partner (yours truly) who manages him and her boss’ expectations for a rapid result. Written with personal insight by two lawyers (Grace Hansen and Shuchi Dwivedi) and directed with nuance by Grant Swanson, this A.F.I. short, “Pro Bono” wrapped in January. Filmed at the stunning Mountain View Mausoleum, the Spanish Revival edifice with Baroque and Neoclassical elements brought gravitas to the production values. On location as Patty in the halls of power at Parsons & Associates |
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Hear Ye! Hear Me!
It’s been great to jump back into the VoiceOver world and I’m so grateful to the phenomenal Mary Lynn Wissner for writing and directing my new commercial demo, and for friends and VO gods Yuri Lowenthal, Karen Strassman, Ash Sroka, and Steve Marvel for their guidance and support. Gratitude flows as well to Tim Friedlander and Carson Beck at SoundBox L.A. for the beautifully clear sound engineering and the exciting foley atmospherics! Click button above to hear my hijinks. |
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Fittingly, some special holidays in May tie together this Almanac’s themes of family, workers’ equity and justice, and the power of community. There’s May Day holiday in the Northern Hemisphere, or Beltane as named by the Celts, which celebrates Spring, new growth, and the return of the Light Months. May 1st is also recognized as International Workers’ Day and used to be identified as our American Labor Day, before that holiday was moved to the first Monday in September in 1894 in response to a railroad workers' strike. Thus, May 1st is known worldwide as a day to champion the rights of workers everywhere and it’s apropos that the WGA membership took to the picket lines the following day. May 5th, or Cinquo De Mayo, is the Independence Day of Mexico, and reminds me of our heroines in “The Death That Awaits” as they attempt to carve out a self-defined future. Mother’s Day was on May 14th this month, and we cherished the power of women to create, nurture, and protect the life in their communities. I hopped on a plane to the East Coast to see my own mom for the weekend and then flew back again to celebrate Mother’s Day with my own children, who are themselves my greatest gift. |
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May the spirit of unity and celebration infuse your month, and carry you to a joyful Memorial Day holiday! Warmly, Sharon
ABOVE LEFT: Sharon & Claire
ABOVE RIGHT: Beckett & Sharon LEFT: fun in the sun! |
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