One mother wrote a review to Napa County Superintendent Ms. Barbara Nemko after attending the screening of a new film with her middle-school daughter.
“Good morning, Ms. Nemko. Just wanted to thank you for bringing the movie Butter movie to Napa. My daughter Eliana is in the seventh grade and has been dealing with bullying for years. When she heard about this event, she asked that I bring her. The movie is well-made and it captivated the young crowd (and older as I enjoyed it as well) while delivering important messages. The movie was really helpful because at the end it showed that Marshall could have gone for help, something kids don’t always see as the events are unfolding. My daughter is a “helper” and she came out of the event feeling empowered and felt the need to reach out to some friends to “check in on them”. Please keep doing these events as they are extremely important. Again, thank you for caring about our youth the way that you do. ~Susana”
“Butter’s Final Meal” is a ‘true’ indie film released to theaters on Feb. 25,2022. A veteran of the television scene, Director Paul A. Kaufman tackles themes of suicide, teen bullying and obesity in his first feature film.
Executive producer Julie Bram shares her experience working on the film, and what it was like to get this film from script to screen. Ms. Bram was originally not involved in the entertainment business at all but got involved when her brother, Director Kaufman called and told her about his next project.
1. Why did you decide to be involved with the film?
I just saw immediately [Butter] had the power to really affect positive change in the world and in the lives of teenagers. I think people who see the movie will think about their choices and reach out to their friends more. It has such a great message of warmheartedness.
2. Butter features important themes on suicide and teen bullying. Why was this a subject you wanted to focus on?
I just think it’s a hot button topic these days. Who would have known that covid would have magnified everything? The movie was made before covid but now it's even more relevant. Even just before, it was something that we thought could make a difference. We've personally known teens and young adults that have taken their lives. We just thought if we could save one life, we could save the world. I'm of the Jewish faith and in our scripture that's a direct quote that this movie always makes me think of.
3. How much money did it cost to make this movie?
We made the money on an absolute shoestring budget, I think it was 1.75 million dollars. Its a true indie film, no studio backing, completely made on our own.
4. What was the hardest part of making a film on such a small budget?
I know my brother called in like every favor: the Panavision cameras were donated and we had friends who owned a studio that gave us an amazing rate. Dell laptops came on board as a sponsor and they feature heavily in the movie. He was just able to do it. He only took 20 days to shoot the movie.
5. How long did the movie take to get made?
It was seven years from the time that Kaufman auctioned the book to now. He auctioned, then wrote the screenplay, filmed the movie and worked on the editing in post-production.
6. How much influence did the novel have on the film and was it the same story?
Paul really tried to stick to the novel and to the characters. There were a few tweaks and changes. I believe the ending was changed to be a little more open-ended. Author Erin Jade Lang was definitely involved in the project. She lives in Arizona but she did fly out to see the movie being made.
7. What was the process for casting the lead roles?
I heard from my Butter that the role of butter was a nationwide search. When they found Alex Kersting, he was a complete unknown. I think the moment my brother saw him, he knew he was Butter. If there was someone that embodied a character perfectly, that would be Butter.
8. How have teens already resonated with the movie?
Most recently, the final version was shown to the Napa County school district. Superintendent Dr. Barbara Nemko had a screening and invited everyone. She wrote us the next day and said everyone loved this movie, parents, teachers and students alike. She said “I believe every student in America should see and discuss this film.”