An Interview with Justin Samuels, Writer of Wine Tasting

by Mike Haberfelner

July 2016

Justin Samuels on (re)Search my Trash

We have talked about this before [click here], but do bring us up to speed: Your upcoming movie Wine Tasting - what's it going to be about?

Wine Tasting is how the friendship between four men is severely tested by the pressure they have to succeed in the wine industry as master sommeliers. It is also about how there other relationships are effected. High pressure careers can destroy your personal life if you let them.

You call Wine Tasting a bromance - care to elaborate on that aspect of your movie?

Four men are basically each other's best friends. Two of them are definitely straight, while the other two transition out of the closet to being openly gay. The guys care for each other but at the same time they are definitely competitive with each other.

Wine Tasting's also based on your personal experiences working at a wine bar, right? So how deeply is the movie rooted in reality, and which of your characters do you identify with the most, which the least?

I identify with them all in the sense that lots of people see cool jobs and think it's all fun and games, but the reality is it's work. People forget the business part of show BUSINESS. For sommeliers, you really have to be well educated on wines and know what grapes they are based on, what chemicals were used, what other flavorings whether other fruit or herbs were used, what year did the wine fully mature, etc. Wine Tasting is loosely based on my working in a wine bar and my knowing people who worked in other aspects of the wine industry such as wineries, distribution, or hotels.

Wine Tasting also has a satirical edge to it, right? So do talk about that aspect of the project!

In some ways I make fun of how ridiculous things can get if you put too much effort into something, or let one aspect of yourself fall out of balance.

From what I know, the script for Wine Tasting was a finalist at several film festivals - please do elaborate on that one!

Wine Tasting placed at Sunscreen Film Festival West, Evolution, Mallorca Film Festival, and Beverly Hills Film Festival as a finalist in the script competitions. I was so happy to place in these festivals.

Anything you can tell us about your key cast and crew yet, and why exactly these people?

I've spoken to Josh Mitchell [Josh Mitchell interview - click here] for the director's role. Josh has done a number of recent film projects, and is in post production on his film Coffee and Cabbage. I've not yet selected actors. We have some people in mind.

As far as I know, you're presently in the process of raising funds for Wine Tasting - so what can you tell us about your campaign?

I just launched it. So word is just starting to get out. But you're the second person who has asked to interview me for this project, and I should soon be getting more requests.

https://www.gofundme.com/2egcszw

Once the budget's in place, what's the schedule, and any idea when and where the film might be released onto the general public yet?

Casting and the rest of pre-production should take place in August, and active filming should start in Sept. Then there is post production and it should be released to the general public by the end of 2016.

Any future projects beyond Wine Tasting?

Feeling lucky ? Want to search any of my partnershops yourself for more, better results ?

The links below will take you just there!!!

Find Justin Samuels at the amazons ...   amazon.com   amazon.co.uk   amazon.de Looking for imports ? Find Justin Samuels here ...   eThaiCD.com Your shop for all things Thai Something naughty ? (Must be over 18 to go there !)   find Justin Samuels at adultvideouniverse.com

Yes. My next project will be Office Problems, which placed as finalist at Beverly Hills Screenplay Contest as finalist. Then there is my comedy Pokerface, which is a love triangle between a billionaire CEO, a beautiful lounge singer, and a hustler.

Your/your movie's website, Facebook, GoFundMe, whatever else?

Here is the GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/2egcszw

Anything else you're dying to mention and I have merely forgotten to ask?

You forgot to ask me what wines do I like. My favorite wine is Champagne, the real deal. But I do like other sparkling wines from California and Italy. I like various French Pinot Noir. California has a variety of excellent wines in Napa Valley. The best wines from Spanish speaking countries are Chilean and Spanish.

Thanks for the interview!

© by Mike Haberfelner

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