The production of Behind the Eight-Ball, a semi-autobiographical drama, is underway, featuring a cast that includes Grant Rosenmeyer, known for The Royal Tenenbaums, Sean San José from Sing Sing, Nora Dunn of Three Kings fame, Katherine Cunningham of Yellowstone, and Alexis Allotta from Happily Never After. This film marks the directorial debut for Nathan Israileff.
Drawing inspiration from Israileff's personal experiences, Behind the Eight-Ball centers on Trevor, portrayed by Rosenmeyer, a highly functional cocaine addict whose escalating substance abuse threatens to dismantle his career and personal relationships. As his life spirals out of control, he is compelled to confront his inner struggles and seek redemption.
Israileff and Rosenmeyer are producing the film through their respective companies, Artisanal Interrobang and Florida Hill, in collaboration with producer Katelyn Henslin. Patrick Ryan Richter and Yajaira Marie Quinto are co-producing.
The cast also includes Christopher R Ellis from Chicago Fire and Justin Paul of The Punisher. Director of Photography David Foy, who won at Slamdance for Waiting For the Light to Change, is filming the flick, which is currently in production in Chicago.
Rosenmeyer, notably recognised for his role as Ari Tenenbaum in The Royal Tenenbaums, recently appeared in the critically acclaimed independent film The Secret Art of Human Flight, alongside Oscar nominee Paul Raci and Maggie Grace.
San José recently delivered a critically acclaimed performance alongside Colman Domingo in the 2024 Oscar-nominated film Sing Sing, earning praise for his nuanced portrayal of the character Mike Mike. He also starred in Clint Bentley’s Sundance premiere Train Dreams, which was acquired by Netflix.
Prior to her recurring role on Yellowstone, Cunningham appeared in Condor and Good Trouble and is set to feature in the independent film The Short Game, opposite Mackenzie Astin. Dunn, an alumna of Saturday Night Live, recently starred opposite Topher Grace in ABC's Home Economics.
Allotta, a prominent figure in the Chicago theatre scene, is set to appear opposite Natasha Henstridge in the forthcoming thriller Tears to a Glass Eye.
