CHARACTERS
Who We Are
MOSES
A straight shooter. Says what’s on his mind and heart. Incredibly gifted. His superpower is his ability to stay present. A dreamer, often on his own time, but not a drifter. When given the space he is focussed and driven, but hides his desires behind his responsibilities – primarily, has sidelined his dreams of music to look after his grandfather, KEN. Meeting NICOLE gives him the space not just to dream but to go after them.
NICOLE
Warm and inquisitive. Very ambitious but manages to strike the balance between ambition and an incredible ability to care. Workaholic: cares deeply about the work she does and the artists she works with, will often put them above herself. Carries a lot on her shoulders. Still carries the weight of the loss of her mother with her, which can be heavy but mostly informs how she operates - from a base of love. Meeting MOSES encourages her to be cared for and not feel like she has to do it all alone.
KIM
Sharp and quick witted, big hearted. NICOLE’S closest friend from childhood. Like sisters. Has seen NICOLE through all the highs and lows. A high-flying lawyer (has just made partner at her firm). She’s in the process of moving from London to Chicago to be with her partner, NOAH, and the impending separation shows up in their friendship with NICOLE.
SHAQ
Attentive and sure. MOSES’ right hand. One of the family (treats KEN like his own). A successful creative director. Often supports MOSES financially and logistically (looking after KEN). Can see all of MOSES’ potential and wants the best for him. Will do whatever he can to ensure MOSES’ success.
KEN
Warm and sage-like, always charming. MOSES’ Grandfather, guardian, and outgoing manager. Unable to continue to manage MOSES, has some larger health issues (is on weekly dialysis). He’s not terminal but his health is steadily declining as he ages. Music runs through his veins too and he believes MOSES’ music and his accompanying desires are a matter of life and death.
The central spine of IN THE BREAK is the burgeoning love story of MOSES and NICOLE; it is the ground from which the rest of the film will blossom.
As such, the chemistry between the two is crucial, not just for their love story, but for the film as a whole. As a director, my primary focus will be developing a shorthand with the actors, and creating an environment that allows the actors to feel comfortable broaching new intimacy with one another, both romantically but also platonically. MOSES and NICOLE’S friendship is key to their romance and both areas deserve as much attention as the other.
The cast of secondary characters who populate the world of IN THE BREAK are also crucial to the love story of MOSES and NICOLE, both in the support they offer and the mirrors they will hold up for our lead characters to see themselves. They will also speak to the highs and lows of following a dream and what it means to have a passion that colours every area of your life.