Zachary Roozen – Happy Endings Funeral Parlor

By starrymag | November 11, 2024

By: Kaylyn Bell

 

 

Q) Happy Endings Funeral Parlor is a very intriguing title. Tell us about the concept of this film and what audiences can expect.

A) The title really takes me back to my VHS days when, on Friday nights, we would grab our movies from Blockbuster. The cover and title were the only hooks you had. [laughs] In a lot of ways, this film is a throwback to the movies that we grew up watching and that kept us coming back. The concept of the film is a buddy comedy that follows two brothers managing a failing funeral parlor for their eccentric uncle. Audiences can expect a lot of turbulence, laughs, and a good time.

Q) This film is inspired by the experience of one of the writers, Kyle Ricchetti. What initially drew you to this project and its message after hearing his idea?

A) I am really drawn to content that focuses on the humor of the macabre. There is something poetic about investigating things that people tend to avoid. By consciously digging into what makes you most uncomfortable, you start to uncover what drives most of us to wanting to be artists in the first place. Funeral Parlor was inspiring in that sense and allowed me an avenue to ‘laugh at a funeral’, as they say.

Q) You play Johnny Remo, one of the brothers working for Uncle Nicky at the funeral parlor. How would you describe your character and what role does he play in the story?

A) Both of the brothers have their own unique flaws. In the case of Johnny, his obsessive need to control situations ends up causing more harm than good. That’s certainly something that Zachary Roozen can relate to in real life. [laughs] In juxtaposition to the carefree nature of Marcell (Kyle Ricchetti), you can see where a lot of trouble and friction can arise on screen. Pair that with relationships, death and entanglement with the Kansas City mob… things get interesting really quick.

Q) When creating this film, what approach did you have to managing the combination of death and comedy?

A) There is always a balance. It is a bit like walking a tightrope at the circus. You don’t want to fall too much in either direction. The best outcome is when comedy meets heart. This film is first and foremost about giving the audience a great laugh. In the end, a large part of its success is in its ability to deliver those laughs through the heart of a family that will stay together despite all odds. When they leave the theater, we hope that audiences will laugh loud and perhaps hold their loved ones a bit closer moving forward. Also, really be picky about what funeral parlors you choose for your grandma’s service. [laughs]

Q) This is an independent film. What’s your favorite part about having the creative freedom that comes with that?

A) It is all I’ve ever known. [laughs] I would be lying if I said I didn’t want the resources and financial power of the studio system backing my projects. At the same time, you’re right! There is a lot of creative freedom and pride in doing things my way. You are forced to learn and execute the making of a film at its most primal level. You don’t have any crutches to fall back on. You have to innovate. You have to make your resources stretch. You have to extract the most out of your talent. Most of all – you have to have a clear vision. It cannot simply live in your head. You must get good and comfortable with communicating it to everyone around you. Without a good team, you are nothing.

Q) What was the biggest shift, for the better, from the original vision to the final product?

A) I always look at the script as a Bible of sorts. It really is the scripture for everyone to follow and reference for all of their departments and tasks. The more time you spend structurally dissecting it, the better off things tend to go in production. With that being said, I really love the openness to improvise on set. In a way, we plan to be able to throw it all away and be present for unexpected moments during shooting. There were a lot of spontaneous happenings on the set of this film, and I think that shows in the final product. I consider filmmaking, at its best, organized chaos.

Q) Funeral parlor worker is a profession that’s not often thought about. What was it like speaking with professionals in this field and hearing their experiences during your research for this film?

A) Oh my lord, I could write a whole article about this. The stories are endless. For one thing, I think we often forget that part of their profession is driving all over the state and picking up bodies in their various positions of death. Think of all the things they see in the average week! I have such respect for what they do. Everyone we met in the industry was genuinely kind, caring and hilarious. We actually had a funeral parlor consultant by the name of Dave Moore who helped us stage a whole funeral, lowering device and all. He was the true hero in the making of this film!

Q) You’ve showcased Happy Endings Funeral Parlor at many different film festivals this year. Thinking back to the first festival, what was the experience like for you, getting to share your hard work and hear the audience laughing for the first time?

A) It is always a bit nerve racking. In a way, filmmaking is a silent medium. Even on set, the crew abstains from laughing for obvious sound reasons, so you really don’t have any live feedback on whether something is funny or not. Then the film goes into the editing bay, a dark room, with one or two editors and a director. In the indie film world, the festivals are often the first barometer on whether or not something works or doesn’t. Kyle and I have been so thankful for all of the audience members who have shared their experiences and enjoyment of the film. There is also something so satisfying when we hear all the audible laughs in the screenings. That, in itself, reminds us of why we do this whole thing!

Q) You’ve said this movie is “putting the fun back in funerals.” Why do you think people are going to enjoy watching this film?

A) People need to laugh, now more than ever. Don’t get me wrong…I love heady, sad films. At the same time, I feel the industry has collectively lost its way in remembering why we make films. It’s the entertainment industry… It should be entertaining. That is to say, I like the idea that character driven stories should come first. If people don’t enjoy the ride, why are you even making it?

Q) The entire film was hilarious. There were quite a few shocking jokes, but a particular moment that made my jaw drop was the definition of cremation added at the end. It is so clever. How did that idea come about? Was adding that text something in the original script or did the idea emerge while filming or editing?

A) I am glad you are pointing this moment out. Funny enough, that moment came moments before we made the final print of the film. I remember calling Kyle and saying, “Hear me out…,” which is the way a lot of our ideas to one another usually begin and end. [laughs] I wasn’t fully satisfied with the ending of the film, I thought we needed a last little button to tie it all together. Ultimately, in the ninth hour we dropped that into the final film print and I think it helps end the film rather nicely. Kyle and I have become really good soundboards for each other, and I am thankful to have such a great partner.

Q) The next step is to turn this short film into a feature film and potentially a series. What about the characters and story that you’ve created with your team makes you excited to explore them further?

A) The short is really just the tip of the iceberg.  If you like the short, you’ll love the feature. We have a very specific vision, and it will be stylized in a way unique to our storytelling. The material is savvy, fresh and edgy. It is made with the love and care of people who appreciate story and specificity over analytics. It is amazing how many conversations we have had after screenings and personal stories that keep reaffirming that this story needs to get out and there is so much more to be told!

Q) What are the other projects that you have been busy working on lately?

A) Outside of writing and developing our own material, I am continuing to act in projects that I am not producing. In the past two months I have been in over four countries and nine states shooting or promoting projects that I have coming in early 2025. It is a refreshing break to get to plug into another system and to get back to my first love, acting, which brought me out to Los Angeles originally. Keep following along, there will be exciting announcements soon!

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

A) First of all, thank you! We wouldn’t be able to do any of this without you and we are forever thankful for your kindness and support. Sharing our project and articles is the greatest compliment to young, independent producers, and it means the world to us! The more we can get the word out the bigger and better our opportunities become. I hope to continue to bring quality to the screen and give you reasons to tune in for more!