Via Zoom: Filmmaker/Actor Clare Cooney on Her New Short ‘Pick Up’

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly versionE-mail page to friendE-mail page to friendPDF versionPDF version
No votes yet

CHICAGO – Although this former Chicago-based actor has moved on to Los Angeles, she continues as a filmmaker with her excellent second short, “Pick Up.” Clare Cooney wrote, directed and is featured in this poignant journey, as two ex-lovers figure out their current status in the midst of the world pandemic.

Clare Cooney is Nina, doing one of the great favors of humanity – picking up her ex-boyfriend Greg (Chris Rickett) at a Los Angeles airport. The short film is set in pre-vaccine pandemic, so both passengers are masked up and even begin the drive with windows rolled down. As their conversation deepens, their caution lessens, and soon windows are rolled up and masks are removed, physically and metaphorically.

ClareC
Clare Cooney On Set and Poster Image (inset) for ‘Pick Up’
Photo credit: Clare Cooney/Omeleto

Clare Cooney is a native of Detroit, and graduated from Notre Dame University with a degree in Psychology and Theater. She moved to Chicago to pursue acting, and also has attended the School at Steppenwolf. She has also appeared (and worked as a casting director) in three feature collaborations with filmmaker Michael Glover Smith, “Mercury in Retrograde,” “Rendezvous in Chicago” and the recently filmed “Relative.” Her previous short film ”Runner” is the story of Becca (Cooney) who witnesses an event while out on a run, and the implications keeps haunting her for months. Clare Cooney currently resides in Los Angeles.

In a two-part interview via Zoom, Clare Cooney talks to Patrick McDonald about filming “Pick Up” about and during the pandemic, plus other adventures in show business, followed by the full film of “Pick Up.”

In PART ONE, on the origin of “Pick Up” and developing chemistry with her co-star …

In PART TWO, on director lessons, Michael Glover Smith and the future …

The full short film “Pick Up” …

In a previous interview with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Clare Cooney talks about RUNNERCLICK HERE.

”Pick Up” is available on YouTube. Featuring Clare Cooney, Chris Rickett and Behzad Dabu. Written and directed by Clare Cooney. Not Rated.

HollywoodChicago.com senior staff writer Patrick McDonald

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor, Film Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2021 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

User Login

Free Giveaway Mailing

TV, DVD, BLU-RAY & THEATER REVIEWS

  • Manhunt

    CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.

  • Topdog/Underdog, Invictus Theatre

    CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.

Advertisement



HollywoodChicago.com on Twitter

archive

HollywoodChicago.com Top Ten Discussions
referendum
tracker