Britt Rentschler – Pretty Problems

By starrymag | May 18, 2022

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

 

Q) What inspired you to write Pretty Problems?

A) Michael [Tennant] started on the idea and came to me with the first few scenes written. I was absolutely in love with the pitch, the project and exploring the growing gap between the “haves” and “have nots” — as well as the difficulties that partners can face as they try to answer the question “what do we do next?” And knowing we could make it funny and relatable, while also punching you in the gut a little bit, was something that excited both of us.

 

Q) Both you and Michael Tennant not only wrote the story with Charlotte Ubben (who plays Carrie), but you also play the title characters, Lindsay and Jack. How did writing Pretty Problems help you in developing your characters and what kinds of conversations did you and Michael have to create the natural dynamic between Lindsay and Jack? 

A) Michael and I have been friends for a long time. So, we have a shorthand with each other. There is so much trust between us that we knew we could really be vulnerable and bring different parts of our own relationships to Lindz and Jack, and that we could be completely honest about the harder parts of being in a relationship. Originally, Charlotte [Ubben] was going to play Cat, so she and I worked on what version that Cat/Lindz relationship would lend itself to, but ultimately, she fell in love with Carrie. So, we recast the role with J.J. [Nolan]. It was really fun to explore how different it was, changing partners in that aspect. I felt it gave a lot of truth to how different female friendships can be, depending on the chemistry between two people. In a lot of films you see female friendship tropes, and we worked hard to be more dynamic than that — and the same goes for the Jack/Lindz relationship.

 

Q) I absolutely loved watching the friendship between Lindsay and Cat, who is played by J.J. Nolan. What was it about J.J. that made her the perfect actor to portray Cat? 

A) J.J. has this reckless abandon to her work that we absolutely loved. She is driven by chaos but is also such a smart actor — always making sure she understands the driving force behind it all. Finding our chemistry was a really fun exploration and I always knew we could riff and play and find something really exciting.

 

Q) Did you have any favorite moments during the filming of the movie? 

A) We filmed six days on and one day off and we were actually shooting the pool scene on Memorial Day. And I remember taking a look around and thinking about a lot of other people who were probably at a pool that day, as well, but on vacation. But here we were working. And I was completely overwhelmed with gratitude. We waited so long to be able to make this project and to be there working was such a privilege. It was a really striking parallel and it confirmed my love for the work and my role as a filmmaker.

 

Q) What message do you hope viewers take away from watching Pretty Problems?

A) I hope they take away that feeling when you’ve laughed so hard with your friends, that you start crying. And then you start to really cry because you realize how long it’s been since you laughed like that. I think Pretty Problems allows the audience to take what they need — to have some perspective — and, hopefully, to walk away appreciating what they have.

 

Q) Pretty Problems is your debut feature as a filmmaker. At SXSW, what were some of the reactions of viewers who had the chance to see the film?

A) I was so blown away, meeting people in the lobby, after the film. The reaction was overwhelmingly warm, and I shook a lot of hands with people who thanked us for giving them a chance to laugh and to have some reflection. We’ve all been at home, without community, for 2 years, and to get the chance to connect with strangers over the love of film was absolutely invigorating.

 

Q) In having the experience of writing films, how has that helped you in your acting career and the roles that you choose to take?

A) Living with a project this long, through all of its phases, has reminded me to bring that love to anything I do, even if it’s just a one-day job because the people who made it possible for me to be there working have been living with their project for thousands of hours. Love it like it’s your kid, too. Ya know?

 

Q) Not only are you an advocate of storytelling and expression of all ages, but you are also a volunteer for Young Storytellers and the LA LGBT Center. Why is it important to you to help others and what are some of the biggest takeaways you have gotten from your volunteer work?

A) We all need a helping hand sometimes. When my cup is overflowing, it’s time for me to share it with others. Community has to be an exchange, that’s how we help keep each other whole.

 

Q) Who would you love to would love to work with onscreen in the future and whom would you love to direct?

A) I would absolutely love to work with Phoebe Waller-Bridge onscreen — she’s a powerhouse and has a remarkable vision. I would love to direct alongside Ava DuVernay because, good lord, I could learn so very much.

 

Q) What are the upcoming projects that you have been busy working on either as an actress or a filmmaker?

A) Right now, I am recurring on “Long Slow Exhale” on Spectrum Originals and I am working on my next feature script. Grateful to be keeping these creatively itchy hands busy!