With writing credits on the Seth Rogen/Rose Byrne films Bad Neighbours 1 & 2 and Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, Andrew Jay Cohen makes his feature-length debut with The House.
Saturday Night Lifers Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler lead the film, while Nick Kroll (Loving), Alison Tolman (The Gift), Michaela Watkins (In A World…) and Jeremy Renner (The Avengers, Arrival) co-star. We spoke to Ferrell and Poehler for the film (in a very silly interview) which you can see right here. We’ll be posting our final interview, with co-star Jason Mantzoukas, on the site shortly.
James Kleinmann sat down with the writer/director for an extended interview to talk about the inspiration to make his first feature-length debut. He talks about having the basic idea while still at High School, the impact of other directors, including Martin Scorsese, and how important it was to not underplay the gangster element in the film. He also talked about working with Keanu and Duplass Brothers cinematographer Jas Shelton to blend the domestic and genre comedy. There is discussion on his direction of comedy and the influence of working with Judd Apatow, and the importance of improvisation on set.
Here’s the interview,
Andrew Jay Cohen – The House
Here’s the official synopsis:
After Scott and Kate Johansen lose their daughter Alex’s college fund, they become desperate to earn it back so she can pursue her dream of attending a university. With the help of their neighbor Frank, they decide to start an illegal casino in his house.
The House opens on June 30th in UK and US cinemas.
