Lola Lott, co-founder of Charlie Uniform Tango joins forces with writer/director Derek Presley and producing partner Jason Starne
In the heart of Deep Ellum, a historic district pulsating with life, "Tonic" unfolds as a cinematic masterpiece. Tonic is an homage to the cinema of the late 70s and early '80s drawing inspiration from John Cassavetes's The Killing of a Chinese Bookie and Martin Scorsece's Afterhours. This indie gem, filmed during 15 sultry summer nights in 2022, has achieved a flawless 100% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. But the magic of "Tonic" goes far beyond its score.
A Dynamic Filmmaking Trio
"Tonic" marks the fourth collaboration in just three years for the dynamic duo of writer/director Derek Presley and producing partner Jason Starne. Their synergy crackles on screen, continually pushing boundaries and reshaping the indie film landscape. Joining forces with them was Lola Lott, co-founder of the post-production powerhouse CharlieUniformTango. Together, they've woven cinematic alchemy.
Filmed in Deep Ellum, an area just outside of downtown Dallas, TX renowned for its bars, clubs, tattoo parlors, and thriving nightlife, becomes a character in its own right within "Tonic." Its gritty allure and vibrant energy set the stage for a stellar, seasoned ensemble cast led by Billy Blair (Sin City 2: A Dame to Kill For, Alita: Battle Angel), Jason Coviello (Yellowstone, Stranger Things Season Four), Ammie Masterson (Better Call Saul, Thunder Road), Vernon Davis (NFL Superbowl Champion, Dancing with the Stars), Richard Riehle (Casino, Office Space), Lori Petty (Tank Girl, Point Break), and Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl, Children of Men).
"Tonic" follows the journey of Sebastian Poe, a down-and-out piano player trapped in a cycle of performing in seedy jazz clubs and dive bars. His life takes a dangerous turn when he finds himself in debt to the corrupt detective Terry, who demands an $8,000 payment. Unable to pay, Sebastian is thrust into a nightmarish predicament when Terry gives him an unthinkable task—commit murder by sunrise.
Over the course of one fateful night, Sebastian's path spirals into the dark, labyrinthine streets of Deep Ellum. Along the way, he encounters a cast of enigmatic characters, all while grappling with his conscience and his unwavering desire to simply play the piano.
More info here: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15071768/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_4_nm_4_q_tonic
MUAHS Awards Unveils New Award Category For Theatrical Productions
The Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (MUAHS) IATSE Local 706 will debut the highly anticipated new award category, Broadway International, to their awards ceremony on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel, presented by Giovanni Eco Chic Beauty. The new category will expand the recognition of outstanding Make-Up and Hair Styling Artists to encompass all live theater productions, including Broadway International live productions. With the addition of Broadway International, the ceremony will now shine a spotlight on beloved theatrical productions from around the world, recognizing the hard work and creativity of Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists in this genre. The MUAHS Guild Awards also honor Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists in motion pictures, television, commercials, and music videos in 23 categories. “We are so pleased to announce the addition of the Broadway and International Live Theater Production category. The MUAHS Guild Awards are now all-inclusive and participation is worldwide for film, television, and theater. We are very proud to be one of the very few awards shows that recognize the extraordinary work of Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists in theater productions,” said Julie Socash, President, MUAHS, IATSE Local 706. “I couldn’t be more excited to learn of the addition of the Broadway and International Live Theater Production category to the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards. I look forward to these amazingly talented artisans from the theatrical world receiving recognition for their hard work, expertise, and dedication to their crafts,” said Angela L. Johnson, President, Make-Up and Hair Stylists, IATSE Local 798. The qualifications for Outstanding Make-Up... Read More