1st on Film

1st On Film

We love movies! The 1st Reviews team is dedicated to the casual moviegoers and film enthusiasts alike, with our mix of candid and fun approach to analyzing movies and all things happening in the film industry. We are focused on providing film reviews, movie news, interviews, and coverage of many film related events to an international movie loving audience.

  1. American Muscle | Interview with Joel Veach and Liana Wright-Mark

    5 DAYS AGO

    American Muscle | Interview with Joel Veach and Liana Wright-Mark

    On this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with writer-director Joel Veach and actress Liana Wright-Mark to discuss their gritty new indie thriller American Muscle. Veach opens up about crafting the film’s tense neo-noir atmosphere, balancing emotional family drama with crime-thriller intensity, and making his feature directorial debut. Wright-Mark shares insight into building her complex character Maggie, collaborating with the cast, and bringing emotional depth to a story filled with desperation, violence, and buried secrets. Joel Veach is an American writer, director, and producer best known for the indie crime thriller American Muscle, which marks his feature directorial debut. In addition to directing the film, Veach also wrote and produced the project, showcasing his signature character-driven storytelling and gritty neo-noir style. Prior to American Muscle, he wrote the psychological thriller Old Man (2022), directed by Lucky McKee and starring Stephen Lang. Veach has also directed short films, including Guys with Guns, and continues to develop bold independent genre projects. Liana Wright-Mark is a New York and Los Angeles–based actress, writer, musician, and model whose work spans film, television, and theater. She stars as Maggie in Joel Veach’s thriller American Muscle. Wright-Mark previously appeared in Rian Johnson’s Poker Face, Hulu’s Old Man alongside Stephen Lang, and Gary Ross’ Ocean’s 8. A graduate of Pace University’s Musical Theater program, she has also written and produced original stage work, including the award-winning musical Elise. Beyond acting, Wright-Mark has worked extensively in modeling and music, building a diverse creative career across multiple artistic mediums.

    26 min
  2. Christopher Giroux | Interview

    9 MAY

    Christopher Giroux | Interview

    This week, we sit down with Canadian producer Christopher Giroux for an in-depth conversation about his journey in the film industry, the lessons he’s learned throughout his career, and the launch of his brand-new production company with wife and actress Ann Pirvu Christopher also discusses his latest project, BEE MY LOVE, the first feature released under the new banner, arriving later this month. From building stories behind the scenes to taking creative risks as a producer, this episode offers a look at the passion, challenges, and vision driving the next chapter of his career. Christopher Giroux is a Canadian film producer known for his passion for independent storytelling and character-driven projects. Over the course of his career, he has worked on a variety of productions while building a reputation for supporting emerging talent and bringing original stories to the screen. Now entering a new chapter, Giroux has launched his own production company with his wife and actress Ann Pirvu with the goal of developing bold and entertaining films for modern audiences. His latest project, BEE MY LOVE, marks the company’s first release and showcases his continued commitment to creative filmmaking and fresh cinematic voices. BEE MY LOVE is a new feature film that blends romance, comedy, and heartfelt storytelling into a charming cinematic experience. The film follows unexpected connections, emotional twists, and the pursuit of love in ways that are both funny and sincere. BEE MY LOVER represents an exciting new creative direction while delivering an entertaining story audiences can connect with. The film releases May 15th

    23 min
  3. Couples Weekend | Interview with Nora Kirkpatrick

    9 MAY

    Couples Weekend | Interview with Nora Kirkpatrick

    In this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with director Nora Kirkpatrick to talk about her sharp and insightful new film Couples Weekend. Known for her keen eye for character and emotionally grounded storytelling, Kirkpatrick dives into the complexities of modern relationships through a deceptively simple premise: a getaway that quickly unravels. Couples Weekend follows a group of longtime friends who escape to a remote vacation house for a relaxing retreat—only to find their relationships tested in unexpected ways. As tensions rise and buried truths surface, what begins as a lighthearted getaway turns into a revealing exploration of trust, communication, and emotional honesty. Blending moments of humor with raw interpersonal drama, the film examines how couples navigate conflict and connection in close quarters. With a strong ensemble cast and naturalistic dialogue, Couples Weekend captures the messy, complicated reality of modern relationships. Nora Kirkpatrick is a filmmaker, writer, and actor known for her character-driven storytelling and nuanced approach to human relationships. With a background in performance, she brings a deep understanding of actors and collaboration to her work behind the camera. She has acted in many popular series such as; the office and shrinking, written for the show daisy jones and the six Kirkpatrick has built a reputation for crafting intimate, emotionally resonant narratives that explore connection, identity, and vulnerability. Her work often blends humor with grounded realism, creating stories that feel both personal and widely relatable. Couples Weekend marks her latest directorial effort, continuing her focus on ensemble storytelling and the complexities of modern life.

    12 min
  4. An Autumn Summer | Interview with Jared Isaac & Brandon Somerhalder

    7 MAY

    An Autumn Summer | Interview with Jared Isaac & Brandon Somerhalder

    This week on 1st on Film, we sit down with writer/director Jared Isaac and cinematographer Brandon Somerhalder to discuss their coming-of-age romance An Autumn Summer. The duo breaks down the film’s nostalgic visual style, crafting an authentic story about friendship and young love, and the collaborative process behind bringing the magical lakeside world of the film to life. Film Description – An Autumn Summer An Autumn Summer is a coming-of-age romantic drama set in a magical Michigan lake town, where one young couple and their close-knit group of friends spend their final summer together before college changes their lives forever. As relationships deepen and the future begins to pull them in different directions, the group chases one last unforgettable season filled with love, uncertainty, friendship, and self-discovery Jared Isaac Jared Isaac is an American filmmaker, writer, actor, and producer whose work focuses on emotionally grounded coming-of-age stories and character-driven drama. He wrote and directed An Autumn Summer, a romantic drama centered on friendship, love, and transition during one unforgettable lakeside summer. Before stepping behind the camera for feature filmmaking, Isaac built his career as an actor, appearing in projects such as Witch Hunt, the mystery series Solve, the thriller Dying for the Crown (also known as Homecoming Revenge), and NBC’s Chicago P.D. His transition into directing reflects his interest in intimate storytelling and nostalgic youth-centered narratives. Branson Somerhalder Brandon Somerhalder is a cinematographer and producer known for creating visually immersive and emotionally intimate imagery in independent film. On An Autumn Summer, Somerhalder served as both cinematographer and producer, helping craft the warm natural lighting and nostalgic visual atmosphere that define the film’s lakeside setting. In addition to his work on An Autumn Summer, he previously worked as a producer on the horror-thriller Head Count. Somerhalder’s filmmaking style emphasizes natural environments, grounded performances, and cinematic realism that supports emotionally driven storytelling. An Autumn Summer is a coming-of-age romantic drama set in a quiet Michigan lake town, where a group of close friends spends one final transformative summer together before college and adulthood begin pulling them in different directions. At the center of the story is Kevin, played by Mark McKenna, and Cody, portrayed by Lukita Maxwell, as the two navigate love, uncertainty, and the emotional weight of growing up. The ensemble cast also includes Jun Yu as Jared, Julian Bass as Martin, Louise Barnes as Marylou, Katie Baker as Annie, Tony Horton as Steve, and Joette Waters as Baba. Through friendships, heartbreak, and self-discovery, the film captures the bittersweet feeling of holding onto one last perfect summer before life changes forever.

    25 min

About

We love movies! The 1st Reviews team is dedicated to the casual moviegoers and film enthusiasts alike, with our mix of candid and fun approach to analyzing movies and all things happening in the film industry. We are focused on providing film reviews, movie news, interviews, and coverage of many film related events to an international movie loving audience.