Blake Berris (ex-Nick, Days of Our Lives) is taking his time with the soap world and turning it into an amazing film experience for stars and fans alike with Fangirl! We got the chance to speak with him about his latest project.
The film follows Mercy, who works to escape her ordinary and struggling home life by attending a soap opera fan event in Los Angeles. While there, she is on a mission to meet her favorite soap actor and obsession…and maybe even forge a relationship with him. The premise is one that soap fans will find familiar, but will also introduce them to a unique film. Berris has taken inspiration from some of his favorite movies like Lost in Translation and Punch-Drunk Love to create the notion of the hard truth that happens when fantasy meets reality
Berris started writing the project two years ago after observing the intimacy that happens between fans and actors at fan events. “I always found them really fascinating,” he said. He thought that it would be a “fun world to explore” especially from the point-of-view from a fan. And the best way to do that is to make the film as true to life as possible. “We realized that the most authentic way to present the film was to do it for real. To have real soap stars and real fans. And to give them the opportunity to peek behind the curtain to see how a film is made.” That’s right soapers! Berris is providing fans not only the chance to help get the film off the ground but to be a part of the process by throwing an actual event that is to be included in the project. Taking place in March, fans will get the opportunity to enjoy a Q&A session, autograph signing, and VIP dinner in Los Angeles.
To get help out, and to stay up-to-date on everything Fangirl, you can check out their campaign (teaser included) here.
In the film, the lead character of Mercy is played by Jen Tullock, who Blake previously worked with on the film Before You Know It. “She’s just a brilliant actress. I kind of wrote the role for her.” While the character of Mercy is an “obsessed” superfan, Berris noted that “you’re really on board for her journey to meet her favorite actor.” And Mercy’s favorite actor is Blake Berris played by none other than Blake Berris! “I’ll be playing a funhouse mirror version of myself.” Also starring in the film are Shawn Christian (Days of Our Lives, As The World Turns) and Jordi Vilasuso (YR, Days, Guiding Light) with more cast to be announced at a later time.
Fangirl will begin filming in March with the goal being to premiere at a film festival in early 2021!
And don’t worry, Days fans, we didn’t forget to ask about Blake returning to Salem in the future! He is a busy guy at the moment, but he said “I love Days of Our Lives. I loved being on Days of Our Lives. I never say never.” He is thankful for all the continued support he receives from his fans and is excited to engage with them on a different scale with his latest venture.
Be sure to also follow @officialfangirlfilm on Instagram!
Leave a Reply