The Road Dance – a WWI drama/love story, based on actual events, was developed and produced by Sheridan Road Productions, a Chicago-based development and production company. The Road Dance is based on the book of the same name by author John MacKay and tells the story of triumph over tragedy and the realization of dreams against all odds. It is set against the far greater, all-consuming backdrop of WWI on the remote Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Recently, The Road Dance received The Audience Award for Best Picture at the prestigious 74th annual Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). Voted for by the viewing public, The Road Dance was chosen over Pig starring Nicolas Cage, as well as Here Today starring Tiffany Haddish and Billy Crystal. It was selected as the audience favorite from nearly 200 film and documentary submissions. We spoke with Maryilene Blondell co-CEO of Sheridan Road Productions and writing consultant for the film.
What intrigued you about this story?
First off, my family is from Scotland- specifically The Isle of Bute. I have spent much time there over the years and when I was working for the BBC in London, I would scoot over there to visit my aunts whenever I could. So, all things Scotland are coursing through my veins. The Outer Hebrides is truly a magical place. I would highly recommend people go visit given the opportunity. I wanted to showcase the beauty of that part of the world. Secondly, and most importantly, the themes of this book are quite personal to me. Telling the story through the lens of the impending war (WWI) and being seen through the character arc of a young woman who lives on a remote island really isolated and crystalized issues we, as women and young girls, have faced our entire lives and still face today. This ‘epic viewpoint’ was intriguing to me because looking at these themes through the lens of 1908 aren’t so ‘in your face’ , so to speak, if we had told this story from the 2021 perspective. Those themes are: marginalization, being told not to dream, social/community/familial pressures to conform to a certain gender standard, the struggle of having to push back at what others tell you what to do and how to be and how it takes a herculean amount of self- awareness and conviction to stand firm to oneself. In so doing, one faces terrible loneliness, ‘otherness’, self-doubt, rage and frustration. The secondary theme is violation. Can we overcome?
“Throughout the film there are themes of triumph over tragedy, and resilience against all odds.” Explain
Resilience, tragedy and how we handle it and what we do with it and most certainly how we live with tragedy in our day to day are the pillar themes of the movie. Also, the film is able to really do a deep dive into intimate female relationships- specifically mother to daughter, sister to sister, young woman to old. I have three daughters, and because I was raised in a home with three brothers and a silent, but powerful father..all alpha males, this female relational dynamic is both important and fascinating to me.
Tell us about the lead character Kirsty. Is she a trailblazer?
I wouldn’t necessarily call her a trailblazer. I would like to say she is self-aware. And being self-aware, of your needs, wants, desires, character, dreams…is not easy to do. Some, like Kirsty, have the gift of ‘knowing’ from a very early age.
What was it like working alongside Jim Kreutzer?
Jim is actually the one who found the book and optioned it from John (the author). He’s very sensitive that way. He has an incredible ability to identify, optimize and put together the pieces of the puzzle to create some amazing projects. He is quite talented and has been in the entertainment industry for nearly four decades. He is extroverted and fun and engaging and hangs on and lingers and waits. He’s always on the lookout for new projects and partnerships and thrives on the meetings and people part of it. He’s always the last to leave the party. I, on the other hand, am quite introverted and am always the first to leave a party. Also, my work style is much more forthright and cut and dry. I’ve learned quite a bit from him. We are a good partnership. The yin and yang thing for sure. I will say this, I was the only female from a development and producers standpoint on this project that was essentially ALL about women and…well, let’s just say, “It was interesting.”
Recently your film received The Audience Award for Best Picture at the prestigious 74th annual Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF). What did this mean to you?
We beat out Nicholas Cage’s PIG and the Tiffany Haddish and Billy Crystal film HERE TODAY. We were floored. All of us. For me, this audience award is the highest honor any filmmaker can recieve because it’s the real deal. It’s coming straight from the audience. Thrilled and humbled.
Sheridan Road Productions has a combined 50 years of entertainment and media experience. What have you learned along the way?
I have learned and re-learn many personal and professional life lessons with each project- some in particular are: Block out the noise from other people who don’t know what they are talking about; trust your inner voice; keep pushing, really keep pushing if you believe in the project; as a woman, make sure you negotiate your terms (salary) straight out of the gates. Do NOT be afraid to speak your worth. No matter how incredible the project is, do not neglect those you love for too long while pursuing it. It’s very challenging to develop/pitch a tv program or film that you personally are not totally behind. In other words, be vested in the material in some meaningful way.
What projects can we expect in 2022?
- We have a two year deal with CBS Network Sports for a golf lifestyle show called LOL- Life On The Links which will be going into production shortly.
- A documentary about an iconic sports figure who was also a racial mediator for nearly three decades. This man is a friend of mine and I am honestly humbled to be doing this.
- We are in development and almost in pre-pro for a biopic of Rachel Carson author/scientist and universally recognized as the literal founder of the environmental movement. The film is called S.O.S Sins of Silence. This is, and has been, my personal passion project for the last three years. There have been many fits and starts because of other projects. But, I have the time now and it’s getting a lot of my time and attention. Absolutely energizes me.
Sheridan Road Productions is an international television and film development and production company. With a combined 50 years of entertainment and media experience, SRP delivers outstanding film and television projects for a diverse viewing audience. For more information visit https://www.sheridanrp.com