Asian American filmmaker and Reel Chicago contributor, Katharin Mraz has been bucking the predominantly white, male cisgender industry for over two decades. In this, her feature film directorial debut, Mraz brings her experience as producer, actress, and production designer in Chicago to the table for the new indie baseball comedy You’re OUT!
She’ll be directing Lead Actor Tom Malloy, who has starred opposite Amy Smart, Eliza Dushku, and Betty White. You’re OUT! also features local talent and two-time Emmy-award-winning actor, entrepreneur, and Filipino American Billy Dec.
Co-written by Sandy De Lisle and Rick Herrejon, the film, which is described as part Hangover, part National Lampoon’s Vacation, focuses on Rod Browning, who has an understandable fear of flying after losing his parent in a plane crash. When Rod was a minor leaguer, he lost his shot at the big leagues when he chickened out from boarding the plane.
Now a middle aged out-of-work salesman, Rod projects his baseball aspirations on his talented but reluctant son Joe, while completely ignoring his daughter, Isabel.
Strapped for cash, Rod and his wife Simone produce a subscription porn service to make ends meet. When Rod’s son scores a try out for a Division One baseball team, Rod and his best friend Alex take their boys, Joe and Tyler, on a wacky cross country road trip. Hijinks ensue.
Also, there’s dogs! Watch the pitch (pun intended) trailer below:
RELATED: NBC orders Chicago Fire alum pilot to series
“K was a clear choice for the director role. Not only does she have experience on both sides of the camera and a strong filmmaking network in Chicago, currently studying Second City Conservatory, she understands how to do comedy well,” says Sandy De Lisle who is also Executive Producer of You’re OUT! “Plus, she’s passionate about the movie’s underlying themes of female empowerment and inclusivity.”
Mraz will begin casting additional roles this spring, and is actively seeking local Illinois actors to fill many roles, including several Asian American lead roles. “During a time when Asian Hate is at an all-time high, it is important to promote Asian Americans and strong diverse characters on the big screen. This is my life’s work” Mraz tells REEL.
You’re OUT! is a production of Stay the Course Productions and Ladie K Productions in association with Paper Star Entertainment, who will provide the camera, gear, studio space, and post production services.
The film has also secured a fiscal sponsorship from Full Spectrum Features, and will be distributed by Glass House Distribution.
You can keep track of the production at youreoutmovie.com, and on Indiegogo, Facebook, and Instagram.
You’re OUT! is scheduled to film in Chicago, Champaign, and the surrounding suburbs in Summer/Fall 2021.
Colin Costello is the West Coast Editor of Reel 360. Contact him at colin@reel360.com or follow him on Twitter at @colinthewriter1
