Dillard's Brother's Movie to Premiere Nationwide
4/25/2017 12:00:00 AM | Softball
This weekend is special for senior catcher Kristina Dillard, but not just because it'll be one of her final home series in a Maryland uniform. Her brother J.D. Dillard's film 'Sleight' is set to open in theaters nationwide on April 28. The drama/thriller, which J.D. co-wrote and directed, centers on a young street magician in Los Angeles left to care for his little sister after their parents passing and turns to illegal activities to keep a roof over their heads. When he gets in too deep, his sister is kidnapped and he is forced to use his magic and brilliant mind to save her (via IMBD).
The movie has made headlines and gained buzz leading up to its release, heralded for its unique story and impressive production despite a low budget.
Umterps.com caught up with Kristina for a Q&A ahead of her brother's nationwide debut.
Q: How have the past few years been for J.D.? Is it crazy to just Google his name?
A: “Honestly the past decade for him has been crazy. It's been about 10 years he's been out in L.A. The movie wrapped up about two years ago, so it's been a long process. It was at Sundance last January and then a distributor bought it and the premiere is this Friday. So it's been a long process but it actually seems like it's been going by fast looking at everything. It's definitely exciting.”
Q: You were there when they wrapped production for 'Sleight', what was that experience like?
A: “So I was there for one day, which was the last day [of filming]. I always heard my brother talk about everything he's doing, but being on set it was nice to see it come to life. I remember reading the pitch for 'Sleight' and I thought it was a unique idea and has “JD” written all over it. My attention was caught immediately. But, being able to see him in the director role was eye opening. Seeing him manage his crew, be a leader on set. Just watching him work my dad and I were moved. How he communicated with the actors and crew members was the most memorable part to me. His energy was powerful and I was honored to call him my brother in this moment. Everyone respected him and he made everyone feel apart of a family and excited to work. It was impressive and just refreshing to see him do what he's been trying to do this whole time. And he was the one in control. It was not only motivating, but a bit of a tear-jerker"
Q: What was it like growing up with J.D.? Did he always have a creative side?
A: “J.D. is seven years older than me and my sister is right in between us, and we have home videos of him just making the dumbest things [laughs]. Even pulling my mom into the stories. His creative side has also been inspiring to me. He was always filming my sister and me, in high school he created his own short film with a buddy of his growing up. Seeing something that has been a part of his childhood turn into a career is quite the vision. A lot of this I want to say is no surprise to me; he was that kid who always said this is what I want to do. And he went and got it.”
Q: Is it safe to say you were the athlete of the family? And he was the one pursuing creative endeavors?
A: “Actually it's not safe to say because there was a point where he was struggling to decide on either going to Syracuse to pursue a study of film or going to West Point to play lacrosse. So he had this dilemma of athletics or art. So, I look at myself and always feel like there was this creative side of me as well, but I pursed the athletic route. So we're almost complementary of each other. He played in high school and could have played in college. My sister Mariah played basketball, tennis and softball in high school, my dad played lacrosse in college. So we've all got a bit of an athletic side. Unfortunately not my mom, but she is a great cheerleader! [laughs] Both of my parents are big cheerleaders, which has gotten my siblings and me to where we are today. My sister is currently in LA working in the film industry, as well. She went to Maryland for her Bachelor's and Master's and decided to move to LA to be another Dillard to express their creative side. She pulled me here to Maryland and is now pulling me out to LA."
Q: So he caught the lacrosse bug and you stuck with softball, how did that work out?
A: “That was always his thing. He was always a hard worker in lacrosse. I remember he would go to these workouts and back then he was huge. It was this certain stage in his life that I call 'Athlete Justin', because he looked like a football player. Now he's like a string bean [laughs]. It is meaningful, in our conversations he's still able to relate to me when I'm talking about the team or being a student-athlete. He's still able to connect it to his past and what he's doing now. It's nice to be able to connect which him with what I am doing on the field and what he is doing on set."
Q: He's currently shooting his next movie in New Zealand/Fiji. I'm sure you've both been crazy busy, but have you been able to keep tabs on him?
A: “Thank God for technology and social media [laughs]. The time difference is 16 hours ahead, so getting ahold of him isn't easy. But, we're texting and we'll try and catch each other on the phone if the timing is perfect. But he's in New Zealand/Fijian Islands. He got out there earlier this month, and he'll be there until June. So, my mom, sister and I are going to go out there in early June when he's done filming so he won't be as busy and can show us around a little bit. So I'm looking forward to that trip, not everyone gets to go to Fiji. I'm going to make the most of that opportunity.”
Q: What's the premise of his upcoming movie?
A: “I'm not sure how much I'm allowed to reveal, but it is an island-survival film. This is another Blumhouse production and they do more horror and thrillers. So the film is definitely under that category. It is something I am excited for, I read some of the script. He's showed us some of the storyboards, so I'm excited to see the film come alive. His pictures from New Zealand are beautiful, looks like they're straight off of Google! [laughs]. I think they start filming in maybe a week or two, right now they're just doing the preparation.”
Q: What's the sense of pride knowing your brother's movie is going to be in theaters nationwide?
A: “I mean, I feel like I'm still in shock. People are sending me material that they're seeing, there's been an advertisement on snapchat that comes up randomly, so people will screenshot it and send it to me. But like I said, it's not surprising. He's good at what he does. Just seeing him on set I thought, 'Wow this kid knows what he's doing; This is what he's been working for all this time.' Additionally, it's been heartwarming to hear about his passion about representation in the film industry. My admiration for him has always been there, but it has just skyrocketed watching him pursue his dream. He's inspired my sister and me to be better…well we're already great [laughs]. But it has been a struggle for him, this wasn't something that happened overnight. But to see his craft and passion come together for him is a beautiful 'thing.”
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To learn more about 'Sleight' check out the film's Facebook page or watch the official trailer.
-Terps-
