Via Zoom: Director James Ponsoldt on His New Film ‘Summering’

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CHICAGO – Filmmaker James Ponsoldt has earned the moniker “veteran” in front of his name, after notable hits like “The Spectacular Now,” “The End of the Tour” and “The Circle” (with Tom Hanks). He’s back with a seasonal film called “Summering,” featuring four girls going through their own “Stand by Me” moment.

Ponsoldt’s latest film was co-written with Benjamin Percey, and it’s possibly his most romantic. It’s a quasi-reimagining of the “Stand By Me” story … but this time it’s a group of girl pre-teens that discover a dead body, and are celebrating their long grade school bond right before transitioning to middle school. Instead of going to the authorities regarding their find, they decide to investigate on their own, leading to the last adventure of their summer and the path to whatever is coming next. The cast includes Sarah Cooper, Megan Mullally, Ashley Madekwe and Lake Bell as their mothers.

Summering
’Summering,’ Co-Written & Directed by James Ponsoldt
Photo credit: Bleecker Street

James Ponsoldt built his filmmaker’s resume through the independent system, beginning with his debut “Off the Black” in 2006. After scoring more notice for his next feature “Smashed” (2012), featuring Mary Winstead, he scored a major indie hit with “The Spectacular Now” (2013), featuring a young Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley. This led to collaborations with Jason Segel (“The End of the Tour”) and Emma Watson/Tom Hanks (“The Circle”). On television, he’s directed episodes of “Parenthood,” “Shameless,’ “Sorry for Your Loss” and the upcoming “Shrinking.”

In an interview via Zoom with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, James Ponsoldt of “Summering” talks about the Stand-by-Me gender switch, “The Circle” and his own memories of summer …

Trailer for “Summering” …

For previous James Ponsoldt interviews on HollywoodChicago.com click SMASHED and THE END OF THE TOUR.

”Summering” will open in theaters on August 12th. See local listings Featuring Lia Barnett, Sanai Victoria, Madelen Mills, Eden Grace Redfield, Lake Bell, Sarah Cooper and Megan Mullally. Written by James Ponsoldt and Benjamin Percy. Directed by James Ponsoldt. Rated “PG-13”

HollywoodChicago.com senior staff writer Patrick McDonald

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

© 2022 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

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