Blame

US Narrative Competition

World Premiere

USA | 100 MINUTES | English |

BLAME

Drama, Female Director(s), NY Director(s), Female Screenwriter(s), First Time Filmmaker
When precocious and emotionally unstable Abigail (writer-director Quinn Shephard) is cast as the lead in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible over mean girl Melissa Bowman (Nadia Alexander), Melissa and her friends only amplify their abuse. Substitute drama teacher Jeremy Woods (Chris Messina) isn’t completely oblivious. He intervenes and sees talent in Abigail’s total commitment to her new part. When Jeremy’s intentions become cloudy, Melissa spots an opportunity for more potent machinations.

The feature debut for 22-year-old writer/director Shephard, this atmospheric update on The Crucible examines the indelible stain of rumor and suspicion in the contemporary suburban high school. Along with lyrical cinematography by Aaron Kovalchik (shooting in nearby Metuchen, New Jersey), Blame is a riveting showcase for rising talents. Shephard and her co-stars deliver taut performances that delve into the psyches of the cell phone generation. They find how much it takes to drive schoolyard conspiracies beyond what’s tolerated on school grounds.

—Mallory Lance

CAST & CREDITS

Directed by Quinn Shephard

Quinn Shephard directed Blame, her feature debut, at just 20 years old. Prior to this, Shephard wrote and directed the short Till Dark (starring Natalia Dyer). As an actress, Shephard is best known for Paul Feig’s Unaccompanied Minors and Hostages. Upcoming films include Midnight Sun, Sweet, Sweet Lonely Girl, and Desiree Akhavan’s The Miseducation of Cameron Post (opposite Chloe Moretz).
Director
Quinn Shephard
Screenwriter
Quinn Shephard
Cinematographer
Aaron Kovalchik
Editor
Quinn Shephard
Composer
Peter Henry Phillips
Producer
Laurie Shephard, Quinn Shephard
Cast
Chris Messina, Quinn Shephard, Nadia Alexander, Tate Donovan, Trieste Kelly Dunn, Tessa Albertson

CONTACTS

Print Source
Adam Kersh
Fusion Entertainment
New York, NY 10011
Phone: 917 771 7021
adam@fusion-entertainment.com
US Sales Contact
Josh Braun
Submarine Entertainment
New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212 625 1410
josh@submarine.com
International Sales Contact
Josh Braun
Submarine Entertainment
New York, NY 10013
Phone: 212 625 1410
josh@submarine.com
Press Contact
Adam Kersh
Fusion Entertainment
New York, NY 10011
Phone: 917 771 7021
adam@fusion-entertainment.com