The suspense is killing us. Irish Whisper has tied us up and has committed a crime. Wrap party, just days ago. We couldn’t be more fired up for this flick. And it just so happens we got held up with some of the criminals involved, native director Ben Proulx and two actresses who get framed a lot, Melissa McMeekin and Erica McDermott.
Irish Whisper Movie Poster
“We shot about thirty pages of script in nine days,” New Hampshire born Proulx tells HEC. “We powered through. A lot of coffee and not much sleep, but we made it. We shot in a few different locations and our production was kind of like a traveling circus, which was very fun, very stressful, and very interesting,” Proulx adds.
Irish Whisper tangles us up with everyday struggles to stay straight and by doing that, resisting temptation. Which is hard for anyone. So this thriller is tempting. Of course easier said than done, but if you want something to change, only you can change it. The lead wants change, but at what cost?
Lowell to Marshfield, this short film unfolds in Massachusetts. After spending time in jail, the lead, Jimmy, wants a new cuff. Unfortunately, it’s a little complicated when you have a history of drugs and crime, bleeding your scene. Jimmy gets caught up in short cuts to earn easy loot with his unstable bud, Billy. Does Jimmy really want to make his life alright? Only he can. But will he?
“Nick Apostolides, who plays Jimmy, was out of his mind. I am not exaggerating when I say we beat the hell out of him. He was incredible,” Proulx tells us. “Billy ‘V’ was another actor who showed a hint of insanity in rehearsals and on set. He and Chris Lemieux gave the most dramatic performances I’ve ever seen live, and I can say that honestly,” Proulx adds.
Erica McDermott (left) and Susan Shields Darian on the set of Irish Whisper. Photo: Boston Globe
As the plot thickens, let’s meet Katie and Renee, two ‘sisters’ from our past. Both Melissa and Erica ‘Mc’. have knock-out resumes, so casting tapped out to both of them, no auditions needed. They met the writer of Irish Whisper, Adriano Masciarelli who roles as Billy, through a mutual friend. If you have ever met these two girls, they’re addicting. Perfect casting. Go Adriano.
“I play Katie, a heroin addict,” Fighter Sister, Melissa McMeekin tells us. “I found her to be very endearing as she truly wants to believe that she can change. It was a challenging, and at times emotionally draining, role to play. One of my scenes is quite disturbing, yet it becomes a beautiful moment between Katie and Jimmy. It gives the audience a glimpse at a different side of both of them”. McMeekin adds.
“I’m Renee,” Fighter Sister, Erica McDermott tells us. “In this film, it is apparent that Renee has an angry and protective personality. Renee was quite emotionally charged, to say the least. And YES, I’m in another fight scene”. Well, you certainly didn’t look like you had a chip on your shoulder at the SAG awards in LA, this past Sunday. Go Erica!
“Melissa made the introductions necessary for me to do the project and I’ve been giving my best for her, and will always continue to do so,” Proulx tells us. “She motivates me on many levels and I love just being around her”.
We hear, it’s not too shabby hanging with you on set either. Both girls gushed about you too. “He is so talented and brilliant at what he does and he creates such a great low key, relaxed and fun atmosphere. He also happens to be one of my absolute favorite people”. McMeekin tells us.“He has such a unique style, that is truly all his own. I am so looking forward to watching this short film when it’s complete and seeing where it goes in the festival circuit,” Erica adds.
“Every single actor took every single line seriously, everyone gave it their all, and that is what made this project special. It pops. It’s scary, it’s real and it’s captivating. Nothing fancy. Just raw,” Proulx tells us.
So, what is next for Irish Whisper? “If this was an HBO series, it would be one hell of a series. If it was a full feature, it would be one hell of a feature. There’s some internal discussion going on right now as to what’s next. Now, I don’t want to start any rumors, but I’ll just put it this way… We’re only getting started with this, and we’re thinking big,” Proulx tells us.
Stay connected with Irish Whisper on FB. Who knows, you might get banged with casting calls? The project is on the table and the trailer is shooting its way. More crime drama in Boston? Yes please! Go Irish Whisper!
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Great to see Susan in the photo! Congrats Adriano! Can’t wait to see the finished product!
Sounds like a great flick. Its good to hear all the movies being made in Boston.
This was a great project to work on! It was great to be directed by a true professional, Ben Proulx. The cast and crew in this movie is incredible. I have to say the article was great. Thanks Mary for a job well done. I must say you had great material to work with! Go Irish Whisper!