BY TATIANA HULLENDER
Screen Rant has the pleasure of presenting an exclusive first look at the trailer for the upcoming film The Class, which will premiere in select theaters as well as on digital September 9. The Brainstorm Media production, written and directed by Nicholas Celozzi, is an ensemble comedy that pays homage to the mother of all teen films: The Breakfast Club.
The Class centers on a group of a high school students who are forced to spend their Saturday retaking the final exam, which they previously either failed or missed entirely. As the day wears on, they begin to learn about one another and themselves amidst the rivalries and betrayals that tend to define the high school experience. Adding to the nostalgia, ’80s entertainers who helped define the era will be playing the adults responsible for unruly teens: Debbie Gibson as the high school drama teacher who hopes to help the students love themselves, and Anthony Michael Hall (also serving as executive producer) as the assistant principal who’s not so sure it can be done.
Screen Rant’s exclusive first look at The Class trailer showcases the talented young cast coming together, each embodying a modern archetype of high school life. Among the bring stars are Charlie Gillespie (Julie and the Phantoms), Lyric Ross (This Is Us), Hannah Kepple (Cobra Kai), and Colin McCalla (Tyler Perry’s Ruthless)—as well as exciting newcomers Juliette Celozzi and Michael Sebastian. Catch the trailer below:
Star and EP Anthony Michael Hall also took the time to answer a few of Screen Rant’s questions about his role in The Class and what he hoped audiences would take away from it. Read his responses below, and prepare to meet his favorite students next month.
Screen Rant: How hands-on are you as a producer and what did you hope to bring to The Class?
Anthony Michael Hall: I would say that I am hands-on as a producer. Considering that I have many years of experience on sets working in film and television for decades, one thing that is important to me, is to factor all of my work experience and growth into my work as a producer. Whether it’s consulting the writer/director or my other my fellow producing partners, or in communicating with the actors, I always want to put my best foot forward based upon what I’ve learned and benefited from in my time in the business.
One of the things that I thought would be important on this film, was that our cast spent at least a week together, rehearsing. This is something I learned from John Hughes many years ago on the films that I made with him. By utilizing that rehearsal time to the fullest, the actors can develop their performances and work on the material, the writer/director can hear his dialogue and preplan the scenes and how he wants to approach the work. People can openly ask questions and discuss their creative ideas and concerns.
And the general idea is, as a producer, to create a healthy environment where everyone who is involved in the film (in this case the cast) can cultivate good camaraderie and chemistry as a team. We were very fortunate because we were able to carve out a week of rehearsal and our young cast not only hit it off, but they all really quickly became friends; supporting and encouraging each other and developing new friendships as coworkers.
So, it was very encouraging and positive to see that happen in a very organic way while we were making The Class.
What was it like collaborating with director Nicholas Celozzi?
Anthony Michael Hall: Initially, Nicki and I met and had many good creative discussions by phone. I read his screenplay for The Class, and I was very impressed with his writing. I felt he had a good handle on creating solid, interesting characters who are all forced to address their complexities, conflicts and humanity in our story.
As our working relationship developed and we were on location in Chicago last year, my friendship and respect for Nicki grew. We get along very well and have great mutual respect for each other’s abilities, and for what we can both bring to the table. We have a solid working relationship; we also spend time together as friends, and have had numerous dinners together with our wives (who also get along very well together.) Nicki is a good man.
How does it feel to be watching the next generation of stars grow before your eyes, especially working alongside so many young up-and-comers on a film like this?
Anthony Michael Hall: I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed by all of the young actors in our cast (and our Chicago production crew). They all — came prepared, hungry and genuinely excited to do the work, and to make the film the best it could be.
As a producer, and as a fellow actor, I am very proud of them all, and I’m pleased with all of their performances. They all really delivered with good, heartfelt work.
What was the experience of working with Debbie Gibson like? What impact do you as the teachers have on the lives of these students?
Anthony Michael Hall: I had a great time working with Debbie Gibson . She is a class act and a very talented lady. She works very hard and she cares a lot about people.
As an actor, I was pleasantly surprised by her. She was a total pro, prepared, completely natural, believable and also very likable in the film. Debbie does a great job in The Class. Debbie’s fans will be very proud of the work that she does in the film, and I believe she will also gain new fans who see her in our film. She’s fantastic.
What do you think it is about The Breakfast Club that has given it such a lasting legacy?
Anthony Michael Hall: I have had a long time to think about this one. My honest answer is: I think the film has a strange therapeutic effect on audiences. In a good way.
I feel it’s also about the deconstruction of stereotypes in life. When people watch The Breakfast Club, they often share with me how they relate to one character or another. I think the reason that the movie resonates with people for decades is that it touched people, and it also touched on some very deep, universal ideas which we can all relate to: of belonging, family, friendships, becoming individuals, becoming adults etc.
I believe it’s also a testament to John Hughes’ great writing, he was a truly wonderful writer who gave life, humor and real meaning and purpose to all of his characters. And in turn, he gave those things to us, as young actors who had the privilege of working with him.
What have you learned from your time in the industry that you are able to utilize in your current projects and pass on to those following in your footsteps?
Anthony Michael Hall: I’ve learned many lessons in my career. But certainly the ideas of being prepared, coming to work with a good spirit towards others, and making the most out of the opportunities that you are given to you are all hugely important. To truly appreciate the people, and the work you are given as well as the actual ‘doing’ of it.
Determination, commitment and gratitude are also key ingredients. It is important to remember that it is a true honor to be able to entertain other people as a career. Time and hard work have taught me; to cherish these things, to respect others and their contributions.
And last but not least, like life itself, it is vitally important to cherish the experiences, and the people that you get to share with on your journey.