Neil Kocsis’ directorial debut, the comedy feature “Sketch,” is the first co-production between David Miller’s Mindlight Films and his wife Michelle De Long’s Mimi Productions.
“It worked out really well. I’m glad we were able to join forces,” said De Long, co-producer and editor of the film, which is now at rough cut.
Ashley Bush stars as an aspiring comedienne who joins an all-male sketch comedy troupe (Ian Forester, Ryan Mahaney, Ronald Conner, and Summer Austin). With Brian Posen, Kyle Lane, Aaron Carpenter, and Mary Scruggs of Second City.
Kocsis aims to play the film at Sketchfest Chicago next January before taking it on the festival circuit and seeking distribution.
“This could get a lot of buzz,” De Long said, “because of the subject matter and the cast. They’re all excellent Chicago actors. A lot of them are from Second City or ImprovOlympic. They’re honing their craft all the time, and it really shows.”
Marc Menet shot on HD, with principal photography taking place over the summer. There are still some seasonal exteriors left to shoot. “It’s an indoor comedy, so you think more fall or winter,” De Long said.
Kocsis volunteers for the Midwest Independent Film Festival, which like Mindlight and Mimi has an office at Sangamon Street Studios.
“Dave heard that Neil was ready to go but he needed a producer, and approached him,” De Long said. “It’s great being in this building because we all do the same thing and we help and feed off each other.”
“Sketch” production designer is Jason Breitzman. Line producer, Matt Corrado.
“Sketch” is the tenth feature film for Miller and Mindlight, whose other work includes “RiffRaff,” “Once Upon a Time in the Hood,” and “Welcome Back to the Barrio.” Miller is developing two more features, for winter and spring shoots.
