Soaps fans, who are bored without original episodes of General Hospital and The Young and the Restless, are in for a treat, as two leading men, Dominic Zamprogna and Michael Muhney, star in two different short films on the same bill. And when we say treat, we mean – it’s totally free and it’s streaming online beginning tonight.
Dominic Zamprogna and Michael Muhney In New Films
Presented by the Sherman Oaks Film Festival and Film Invasion Los Angeles, it’s a first look at two very different films. Dominic Zamprogna (GH’s Dante) brings his ample skills to the drama To the Moon and Back. And then, former YR actor Michael Muhney (Adam) is on the other side of the spectrum with the romantic comedy Sidepiece.
“A moment in time when two people meet and are pretending to be something they aren’t, for fear of being hurt,” Muhney reveals to SoapHub, in an exclusive interview, describing Sidepiece.
“And,” he continues, “instead find themselves quite vulnerable when they realize they’ve both been caught in a lie.” Muhney plays Collin, “the boy in a boy-meets-girl movie,” who he says is “sweet, funny, irreverent, guarded, but looking for something more.”
Great Writing
Muhney says he was drawn to the role, and to the film, for a simple reason. “The dialogue, point-blank.” Sidepiece was written by Minsun Park and Teddy Tenenbaum, who also produced the film (Tenenbaum is the director, as well). Jenness Rouse also stars alongside Muhney in the 10-minute short.
Asked why his fans who know him only from YR will like the film, Muhney replied “I like your optimism.” And then said, “they’ll like the film because it has a heart, it’s fun, it’s witty, and people need to smile and laugh a little in this day and age.”
So, now that Hollywood is opening back up, Muhney will seek his next acting role. Does he have a preference, comedy vs drama? “I can make convincing arguments for both of them, it really depends on my mood and what I’m hungry to express.”
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Zamprogna, on the other hand, is in for a dramatic ride. “This is a story about grief and love,” he tells Soap Hub. “And how, as a family, you can be there for each other.” This was a very personal project for the Emmy nominated actor.
“I play Robert Westfield, a man who’s just lost his mother, and is preparing to do a very difficult thing.” It was also difficult for the much-loved actor to tackle the material, as he reveals “I lost my mother seven years ago.” So he brought his personal experience to the role.
“You don’t know how you’ll make it without her, but you do. You carry on,” he explains. Zamprogna threw himself into the role. “This story happens in the aftermath of his mother’s death, and that’s a strange place to be. He’s not sure what way is up, or how to move forward. And that really resonated with me.”
The Long And The Short Of It
Zamprogna is sure General Hospital fans will appreciate the short film, and the character he brings to life. “I think GH fans are the best – once they’re on your side they are willing to give anything you do a shot.” Independent short films do have different logistics than the bigger budgets of soap operas.
“Other than time and money constraints, it was very much like a soap,” he reveals. “But we did get to shoot lots of coverage and do more than a couple takes, so that part’s always nice.”
And, as a bonus, Zamprogna had two exciting new co-stars, Julie Romano and Danielle Rayne. “I got to work with two wonderful people in Danielle and Julie,” he said. “It was great getting to know them, and when I looked in their eyes, I knew they were right there – that’s something you always hope for and I got spoiled with them.”
To the Moon and Back is written and directed by Nate Hapke. Both Sidepiece and To the Moon and Back are part of Eclectic Spotlight at the online service Elevent. Click here to see both films for free (due to the global pandemic paying for tickets is optional).
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