Kathy Bates Makes Her Directorial Debut with 'Dash and Lilly'

Strategic Insights -

Kathy Bates, an Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in films like "Misery," is now behind the camera, directing her first feature, "Dash and Lilly," an A&E original production. The movie premieres on Monday at 9 p.m. and tells the tumultuous romance story of crime novelist Dashiell Hammett and playwright Lillian Hellman. Bates, who spent two years searching for the right project, was captivated by the compelling script and knew she had to direct it.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kathy Bates made her directorial debut with the A&E original production "Dash and Lilly," a movie about the romance between crime novelist Dashiell Hammett and playwright Lillian Hellman.
  • The film was shot within a made-for-cable budget, which is typically a fourth of what is spent on a feature film, and had a quick 25-day shooting schedule, compared to 40-60 days for most features.
  • Bates chose veteran stage players Bebe Neuwirth, David Paymer, and Laurence Luckinbill for the film, in addition to Judy Davis, who she always wanted to play the role of Lillian Hellman.
  • Davis's performance was crucial to the project, as Bates felt she was the only one who could see playing the role.
  • Executive producer Stan Margulies confirmed that Sam Shepard was chosen for his role because of his interest in playing Dashiell Hammett, citing parallels between their lives.
  • The film's success can be attributed to Bates having the right script, cast, and production team, making her directing debut a success.

Statistics:

  • The film was shot in 25 days, compared to 40-60 days for most features.
  • The made-for-cable budget for "Dash and Lilly" was a fourth of what is normally spent on a feature film.
  • Kathy Bates has been in the acting business for over two years, searching for the right project to direct.
  • The film "Dash and Lilly" premieres on Monday at 9 p.m. on A&E.

Sources:

  • "The Fresno Bee" article by Rick Bentley, dated [no date provided]
  • A&E original production "Dash and Lilly"
  • Executive producer Stan Margulies