David Chokachi. Photo Courtesy of David Chokachi.
Actor David Chokachi of “Baywatch” and director Anthony Ferrante spoke about their new film project.
Chokachi on shooting in Massachusetts
On filmining in Massachusetts, Chokachi remarked, “I’ve never filmed a movie in Massachusetts in my 30 years of being working actor, so when I was pitched the concept and that it would be filmed in the state where I was born and raised, I immediately jumped at the chance.”
“Also, we were going to be filming at a water park — Wicked Waves in Yarmouth, literally five minutes from where my mom was born and raised. So, that was an even bigger bonus,” Chokachi added.
Chokachi on the filming process
Regarding his filming experience, Chokachi shared, “When the production needed motor boats to film on, two picture boats and a third boat for overflow, I convinced the producers we should shoot in my hometown of Plymouth, Massachusetts, where I grew up.”
“I reached out to my buddies Mark Aimone, and Craig Burns who came through with two really great picture boats, and a third for producers and crew,” he noted.
“In a separate scene, they needed a private beach in order to shoot a bonfire scene, and my brother in law, Phil Cronin, had the perfect spot that met all of our needs, and in the scene, it called for 20 young adults as extras (which my nephew, Robert Cronin and my niece Ainsley Cronin), rallied all of their friends who were stoked to show up and be in the film,” Chokachi elaborated.
For Chokachi, it was surreal to film a portion of the movie in Plymouth Harbor.
“That was where I learned how to sail, race sail boats, then became the head sailing instructor at Plymouth Yacht Club,” Chokachi revealed.
“Also, that is where we would lobster, fish, windsurf, water ski and anything we could imagine to be in or on the ocean as much as possible,” he noted.
“I have to give a huge thanks to my family and friends who came through with short notice and significantly raised the production value of our film. We had an amazing cast and crew,” he elaborated.
“I have to give them all some love, and everyday we rallied, to elevate what was on the page, and hopefully the edit gods are with us, and keep the majority of the gold that we delivered in the film,” Chokachi added.
Chokachi on the cast and crew involved
On the cast and crew, Chokachi stated, “Huge love and respect to our cast, Matt Dame, Chelsea Gilson, Kacie Patricia, Snow Feng, Michael Shaun Sandy, Brigdon York and Hector Becerra, and of course our amazing director, Anthony Ferrante, who let us play, (which is rare, especially when we were on a tight schedule).
“Also, our always stoic DP, Jeff Carolan, who refused to sacrifice his commitment to excellence, even when under immense pressure,” Chokachi noted.
“Of course, thank you to all of the cast and crew who I didn’t mention, who were critical to making a film I know we will all be proud of,” Chokachi said, effusively.
Anthony Ferrante on working with David Chokachi
Director Anthony Ferrante had great words about working with David Chokachi.
“I met David Chokachi last year when I directed pick-ups for a film he was starring in,” Ferrante said. “We hit it off and then I got to hang out with him even more at Comic Con last summer when we were both on a panel together.”
“I joked around about his last name being a meditating mantra ,and the rest is history. When this movie came up, I thought David would be perfect for it. Waterpark. Lifeguard,” he said.
“Plus, it was a chance for him to flex his comedic muscles, which I don’t think he gets to do that often. When I spoke to him about it, I found out he’s actually from the area we were filming in — which was a totally kismet type moment,” he elaborated.
“So, it was fate that brought him to this project,” Ferrante admitted. “The moment David arrived on set and did his first scene, the character of Coach was officially born. So much ad libbing.”
“Plus, we came up with the idea that Coach would have these ‘life tips’ for the character that eventually get stranger and more bizarre as the movie goes on,” Ferrante noted. “Through it all, David was game for everything and he even helped out securing us boats and a beach for the opening sequence.”
“It was a blast working on this movie,” Ferrante exclaimed. “I don’t think I’ve laughed this much on a film. And with the unique mixture of comedy and horror.
“I can’t wait for audiences will have the same experience that we had and to see David in a whole new comedic light,” Ferrante concluded.
To learn more about David Chokachi, follow him on Instagram.
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