Sean Kleier and Alyssa Limperis play political opposites in love
Since our last conversation with Dayton native Erik Bork, the Emmy-winning writer has embraced new creative ventures, including directing his debut feature film, Elephant in the Room.
The “red-blue rom-com,” as Bork calls it, delves into political polarization through the intertwined lives of three unexpected companions.
And with the 2024 election looming large, what better time for a film like Elephant in the Room?Set in December 2020, the story follows a progressive Los Angeles woman who meets a Trump supporter and unexpected sparks fly.
In the aftermath of their meet-cute, however, she questions whether they can overlook their political differences to build something more.
“The film is less about political debate and more about flawed yet relatable characters who explore their differences while trying to figure out their lives and relationships in a heartfelt, humorous way,” explains Bork.
“The film is less about political debate and more about flawed yet relatable characters who explore their differences while trying to figure out their lives and relationships in a heartfelt, humorous way,” explains Bork.
Alyssa Limperis as Leah
Addressing The Elephant in the Room
The movie stars Alyssa Limperis as Leah, a freelance social media consultant working from home and longing for deeper connection with others, Sean Kleier as Vincent, a low-key Trump supporter who lives with and takes care of his cognitively declining grandmother, and Dominic Burgess as Martin, Lean’s introverted gay roommate who is not seeking deeper connection - or even friendship - but gets pulled into Leah’s dating drama anyway.
“It’s been great to see it come together with this amazing cast and crew, as well as unexpected financing partners, many of whom care about political polarization as an issue, which the film deals with in a light-hearted way.
We recently sat down (via email) to chat with Bork. He lets us in on how his storytelling has matured, especially when working with tight budgets, shares insights on crafting scripts that rise above the noise, and talks about his book, The Idea: The Seven Elements of a Viable Story for Screen, Stage, or Fiction.
Midwest Movie Maker (MMM): When we last spoke in 2010, streaming channels weren’t a thing and AI like ChatGPT didn’t exist. Has your approach to screenwriting evolved with these changes?
Erik Bork (EB): It hasn’t changed any as a result of industry trends. Only the evolution of the kinds of projects I want to write and where my career is at any given time. In recent years it’s been about writing movies I could shoot at an ultra-low budget.
MMM: What advice or insights would you give today’s screenwriting hopefuls? Are there new challenges or opportunities they should be aware of?
EB: The main challenges are the same as they’ve always been. It’s hard to break in and there are a lot of obstacles.
The biggest challenge is writing something the industry people you want to reach would love if they read it.
People think the challenge is getting their attention, but it’s really about writing something that stands out in the crowd. That was hard and rare back then - and it's just as hard and rare today.
MMM: We talked about building connections back in 2010. How have your collaborations and networks evolved, and how important are they in your current projects?
EB: The connections I’ve developed since then are the ones that are supporting the film I just made, these non-profits in the political polarization space — unique to this specific project.
MMM: When will be able to see Elephant in the Room?
EB: The film is finished and we’re negotiating with distributors for an early 2025 multi-city theatrical release. We ended up finishing it for $250K and are raising more for marketing/promotion. Trailer and more info here: https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom
“It’s been great to see it come together with this amazing cast and crew, as well as unexpected financing partners, many of whom care about political polarization as an issue, which the film deals with in a light-hearted way.
We recently sat down (via email) to chat with Bork. He lets us in on how his storytelling has matured, especially when working with tight budgets, shares insights on crafting scripts that rise above the noise, and talks about his book, The Idea: The Seven Elements of a Viable Story for Screen, Stage, or Fiction.
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| Erik Bork, writer/director |
Midwest Movie Maker (MMM): When we last spoke in 2010, streaming channels weren’t a thing and AI like ChatGPT didn’t exist. Has your approach to screenwriting evolved with these changes?
Erik Bork (EB): It hasn’t changed any as a result of industry trends. Only the evolution of the kinds of projects I want to write and where my career is at any given time. In recent years it’s been about writing movies I could shoot at an ultra-low budget.
MMM: What advice or insights would you give today’s screenwriting hopefuls? Are there new challenges or opportunities they should be aware of?
EB: The main challenges are the same as they’ve always been. It’s hard to break in and there are a lot of obstacles.
The biggest challenge is writing something the industry people you want to reach would love if they read it.
People think the challenge is getting their attention, but it’s really about writing something that stands out in the crowd. That was hard and rare back then - and it's just as hard and rare today.
MMM: We talked about building connections back in 2010. How have your collaborations and networks evolved, and how important are they in your current projects?
EB: The connections I’ve developed since then are the ones that are supporting the film I just made, these non-profits in the political polarization space — unique to this specific project.
MMM: When will be able to see Elephant in the Room?
EB: The film is finished and we’re negotiating with distributors for an early 2025 multi-city theatrical release. We ended up finishing it for $250K and are raising more for marketing/promotion. Trailer and more info here: https://wefunder.com/elephantintheroom
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