Cast and Crew Conversation: 'Good Side of Bad' Film at SAG-AFTRA Foundation

Film Origins and Mental Health Themes

• 💡 The film “Good Side of Bad” is based on an award-winning novel, brought to the screen by Jules Bruff (writer/actor) who resonated with the story due to her family's experience with schizophrenia.
• 🧠 Alethea Root (writer/director) joined the project, having previously collaborated with Jules on “Part-Time Fabulous,” another film exploring mental health.
• 💬 The creators noted that while there's more openness about mental health today, stigma still persists, with individuals often protecting identities and facing subtle industry judgment for personal struggles like depression.

Casting and On-Set Dynamics

• 🎬 Myles Grier was cast as Dennis without an audition, receiving his first career offer after the original actor withdrew, with his demo reel and vulnerability being key factors.
• ✨ For romantic scenes, Myles emphasized the importance of checking for comfortability and open communication with co-stars to ensure a respectful and professional environment.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Alethea focused on casting actors who brought authentic "big brother energy" (Alex Kihanu) and natural, quiet performances (Lexi) to create a believable family dynamic.

Actor Preparation and Performance

• 🔬 Myles conducted extensive research on military veterans with PTSD, watching videos to understand the physical and mental impacts of the condition for his role as Dennis.
• 📖 Jules immersed herself in the script and drew upon her personal family experiences with schizophrenia to inform her portrayal of the character Sarah.
• 🧘 Myles discussed his use of the Lee Strasberg method for character connection, but emphasized the importance of releasing the character's experiences and living in gratitude after challenging scenes.

Audition Insights for Actors

• 🎯 Jules advised actors to relax and bring their authentic selves to auditions, trusting that their true essence will translate effectively.
• 🔑 Alethea highlighted that in film, directors look for actors who "are the part" and possess natural confidence, rather than just skill that can be developed over time.
• 🚀 Myles shared his strategy for dealing with rejection: releasing the outcome immediately after an audition and focusing on the next opportunity, rather than dwelling on past performances.

Filming Challenges and Audience Impact

• ⚠️ The film was shot during the COVID-19 pandemic in Idaho, leading to high tensions on set due to strict protocols, masks, and the serious subject matter, despite a "camp-like" living situation for some.
• 👏 The film has garnered a strong emotional response from audiences, particularly from individuals and families affected by schizophrenia, who feel comfortable sharing their personal stories.
• 💰 An anecdote highlighted the film's impact: a wealthy customer with a personal connection to mental health and military causes provided funding for post-production, demonstrating the story's resonance.