Thorne and Kilmer Headlined 'The Tower' Defies SAG-AFTRA Strike
EXCLUSIVE: Bella Thorne and Jack Kilmer Lead the Cast of 'The Tower'
Bella Thorne from the movie 'Divinity' and Jack Kilmer, best known for 'Palo Alto,' are set to star in the new film 'The Tower.' The project is one of 102 that were granted a Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Interim Agreement, following the start of the actors' strike. The movie also features the talents of Cam Gigandet from 'Violent Night' and Chris Mullinax from 'Chariot.'
Directed by filmmaker Adam Sigal of 'Nandor Fodor and The Talking Mongoose,' 'The Tower' is a fantastical drama that spins a dark tale of a secluded mermaid who has been forgotten for years in the water tower of a humble southern town. The director sees the film as an interpretation of the desolation and wanderlust he experienced growing up in a tiny southern town.
Beginning its production before the SAG-AFTRA strike, 'The Tower' was temporarily halted due to the walkout but resumed thanks to the acquisition of a SAG waiver. Producers for the movie are B.I. Rosen, Frederic Demey, James Bruce, Johnny Remo, Clare Bateman-King, and Joey Stanton. The executive producers include Dani Druz, Sasha Yelaun, Dane and Liz Fiori, Johnny Graham, David Lipper, Robert A. Daly Jr, Tim Marlowe, and Phil Goldfine.
Commenting on 'The Tower's' continuation amid the strikes by both SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America (WGA), Sigal conveys sympathy for artists and crew who are currently unable to work. He expressed gratitude to SAG for its continued support of indie films and vowed that after wrapping 'The Tower,' he and the cast would join their colleagues on the picket lines.
With a career trajectory beginning with Disney’s 'Shake It Up,' Thorne has recently directed her first short film, 'Paint Her Red', premiered at the Taormina Film Festival. She also heads the casts of upcoming features 'Rumble Through The Dark,' 'Saint Clare,' and 'The Trainer.'
On the other hand, Jack Kilmer appears to be a go-to-pick for indie filmmakers, with a remarkable performance in Gia Coppola's 'Palo Alto' and the Norwegian black metal biopic 'Lords of Chaos.' Sigal is looking forward to the release of his fourth feature, 'Nandor Fodor and The Talking Mongoose,' premiering on September 1.
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Ah, the film industry: constantly ebbing and flowing, even in the face of strikes. A page out of perseverance textbook, isn’t it? The fact that 'The Tower' weathers the storms created by the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes is a testament to not just the tenacity, but also the passion of those involved.
Adam Sigal's description of the film being inspired by the loneliness and desire to escape he felt grew up in a small town - bravo! Don't most of us yearn for a tale that bleeds honesty and raw emotions? The mermaid's desolation might just be a great metaphor for anyone who's felt caged or overlooked.
And let's dish about the cast for a moment. With the likes of Thorne, whose metamorphosis from Disney teenager to a Hollywood queendom has been splendid, and Kilmer, a burgeoning powerhouse of talent, 'The Tower’ is sure to pack a punch. Could it be a breakout hit of the indie world? You bet we're on the edge of our seats!
Of course, Sigal's expressed commitment to rallying amidst a strike carries its own blend of melancholy and nobility. There’s notable unity within the film community, a promise that 'when we wrap up, we’re hitting the streets with you.' A beautiful act of solidarity, only further enhancing the magic that this solitary, indie movie promises.
In a nutshell, with a mermaid, a southern town, and a fine ensemble cast, 'The Tower' is certainly gearing up for something extraordinary. Let's only hope that it delivers on all its exciting promises - and while we're at it, maybe bring some peace to a striking Hollywood?
