Hey There Fantasy Enthusiasts,
I am excited to share a unique mermaid story, The Tower (2024), with you. Unlike the typical Disney archetype like Ariel, this mermaid has been imprisoned within a water tower in a charming Southern town for years, adding a captivating twist to the narrative.
San Diego Comic-Con 2024, an extraordinary event, is the perfect platform to unearth unique projects and creations that may need more mainstream attention, making it a perfect fit for the fantasy community.
I interviewed Jack Kilmer (Palo Alto), Cam Gigandet (Twilight), who are two of the stars in the upcoming fantasy film, and Adam Sigal (Nandor Fodor and the Talking Mongoose) the writer and director of The Tower. Unfortunately, TeamWHR couldn’t interview Bella Thorne (Midnight Sun) in the Press Room as she was called away. The unique story line piqued my interest, as it has been a while since we have seen a movie with this kind of premise. The last mermaid-focused film that comes to mind is “Splash,” directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks, which featured Daryl Hannah as the mermaid.
Jack Kilmer, who plays Billy, an outsider and a ‘Goth kid’ in the film, shared his experience. He described the extensive preparation time provided by director Adam Sigal, including water training such as swimming, which was particularly demanding as it took place in a water tank built in a small town in Arkansas. He also highlighted the collaborative nature of the film and its specific tone, which reminds him of Joel Coen and Ethan Coen films, regarding the humor and quirkiness of his movie.
As an independent film, this movie exudes a unique charm that differentiates it from big-budget productions. This independence empowers the cast and director to take daring creative risks, leading to an exceptional outcome. Supporting independent films is not just a choice; it is a necessity, as they are the backbone of the film industry. It is worth noting that numerous modern movie stars kick-started their careers in indie films. So, let us come together and support this unique project.
I asked Jack about his favorite mythical creature, and he mentioned that vampires intrigue him. What struck me as ironic is that his co-star, Cam, was part of Twilight, one of the most famous vampire movies ever. During our discussion, Jack also expressed interest in potentially working on a Western project in the future. I found this particularly intriguing given his father, Val Kilmer‘s, renowned role in one of the most iconic and beloved Western films of the modern era, Tombstone. Val’s portrayal of Doc Holliday is considered legendary, and many have argued that he deserved an Oscar for that performance. Personally, it is one of my all-time favorite Westerns. It is a tough act to follow, but if anyone is up for the challenge, it would be Val’s son, Jack.
The next person I spoke to was Cam Gigandet, who plays the sheriff of this small town. He described his character as someone with a “fetish for power over people,” which vividly explains his role in the film. Cam had said that his character represents the dark side of masculinity, an unrepressed archetype. I have long held an appreciation for Cam and his body of work. While Twilight is not my cup of tea, I have enjoyed his other endeavors. During his brief period at our table, he was humorous and engaging. When I asked him about mythical creatures, the response I found most interesting was about Bigfoot. He explained that it is his favorite because his son is really into that particular mythos. I asked the actor if portraying a villain was as thrilling as actors often claim it to be. He explained that while playing “good guys” comes with specific rules to follow, embodying “bad guys” allows for unrestrained creativity. He even admitted to finding the good guy roles dull, stating that he bores himself when he takes on such characters. In one instance, he described feeling sorry for the character until the character spoke, revealing his character’s true, unfavorable nature.
When Adam Sigal joined us, a fellow journalist inquired about his approach to managing the press for his film. As a director, I can relate to the sentiment that many of us are more at ease behind the camera than in front of it, and Adam expressed a similar sentiment. Despite being the film’s creator, speaking about it cannot be very comforting, as it involves discussing the project instead of letting the work speak for itself. At the convention, he mentioned they were in the final stages of post-production and getting the movie into theaters. He also hinted that it might be available on a streaming platform, but he did not specify which platform it would be available on.
Adam elaborated on his film, explaining that Jack’s character is depicted as “an outsider and very marginalized, abused in many ways.” At the same time, Billy lacks the motivation to leave his small town. In the story, Billy encounters a mermaid (played by Bella Thorne) residing in the town’s water tower, intending to consume him. However, taking pity on Billy, the mermaid strikes up an unlikely friendship with him instead of fulfilling her initial plan. As their bond develops, Billy realizes that the mermaid is even more metaphorically trapped than he is, leading him to decide to assist her in escaping.
I asked Adam for his advice to gather insights on raising funds for independent films. He shared that he recently participated in a three-hour podcast, delving into this subject. According to Adam, successfully securing funds involves employing creative strategies and having unwavering faith in the excellence of your work. Furthermore, he stressed the significance of creating a remarkable product, comprehending the business aspects, and effectively persuading potential investors to back your project financially.
Adam mentioned that Bella had to speak her lines and had the challenging role of being a mermaid. Her character had to deal with a lot. He described how she had to wear a restrictive costume that limited her movement and float in a cold water tank while reciting her lines. Unfortunately, Bella could not talk to us about her experience making this film and her challenges while wearing the constraining costume.
Adam reminisced about his aspirations in youth, expressing a desire to become a novelist. He identified “Raising Arizona” as the pivotal film that seamlessly blended his passion for writing with the visual artistry of filmmaking. Furthermore, he cited David Lynch as a significant influence on his work, claiming to be the ultimate Lynch fan. This assertion led to a friendly challenge, as I, too, consider myself a fervent admirer of Lynch’s work, particularly his iconic creation, “Twin Peaks.”
I had a fantastic experience meeting the cast and director of The Tower. Learning more about the upcoming film and getting to know everyone involved was fascinating. Unfortunately, I have not heard or seen any trailers, and I could not attend the panel due to prior commitments, but I am intrigued by the film. I feel it will incorporate elements commonly seen in Lynch films, considering the director’s deep admiration for Lynch’s work.
I want to thank Gary Miereanu from GT Marmots/PR, Inc. for allowing me to interview the incredibly talented cast and director. This project will secure a place in a major studio for distribution in theaters or on various streaming platforms. Anticipate the release of this captivating film. I am eager to experience this one-of-a-kind movie soon!
Thanks to Kenn for video and image embedding for my feature article and many thanks to you for visiting WormholeRiders News Agency. I will be back in the near future for Team WHR with more of the excitement from San Diego Comic-Con 2024!
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Until next time,
Regards,
