By: Tom White
In an exclusive interview with Paul DeNigris, we dive into the creative process behind the indie feature Love, Danielle, which premiered at a star-studded red-carpet event in Los Angeles on October 23rd.
Love, Danielle marks another exciting project for Foxtrot X-Ray, known for its exceptional visual effects work. This collaboration came courtesy of indie producer Mark Stolaroff, founder of No Budget Film School. “Mark has an exceptional eye for interesting films and surrounds himself with great collaborators,” Paul shared. Their partnership has previously yielded successes like DriverX and KillHer.
The film centers on Danielle, a woman grappling with personal challenges as her sister Amy battles breast cancer, drawing heavily on the filmmakers’ Amy Byer Shainman and Devin Sidell’s own life experiences. For Paul, the project is especially personal; his wife passed away from cancer, making this film a heartfelt tribute not only to those affected by the disease but also to his journey through loss and grief. “This is more than just a project for me,” Paul expressed. “It’s a way to honor my wife’s memory and connect with others facing similar struggles.”
As Paul poignantly noted, “When one member of a family has cancer, the whole family has it, not in a literal genetic way—but in an emotional way. When my wife was fighting her cancer, I was fighting it with her. When she was exhausted from it, I carried the extra weight. When I lost hope, she rekindled it. My son and I sat together by her bedside. We all were in the fight together.” This sentiment encapsulates the film’s heart and hopefully reminds viewers they are not facing such battles alone.
According to the filmmakers Amy and Devin, Love, Danielle is “the first scripted feature film to tackle the absurd decisions faced by individuals carrying a BRCA gene mutation.” This unique perspective offers a critical and nuanced exploration of a topic that touches so many lives, making the film incredibly impactful for viewers affected by cancer, whether directly or through a loved one.
One of the film’s standout elements is its subtle yet powerful use of visual effects. Foxtrot X-Ray’s team contributed over 100 “invisible” VFX shots, blending seamlessly into the narrative to enhance the story without drawing attention to the technology behind them. “Our work ranges from cosmetic changes like signage adjustments to critical edits that helped refine the film’s flow,” Paul explained. “In indie filmmaking, every image becomes malleable, allowing us to shape scenes and improve clarity in ways that often go unnoticed but are crucial to the final product.” The VFX helped enrich the storytelling while preserving the authenticity of the film’s emotional core.
The film’s premiere was presented by Fran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer charity, committed to early detection and prevention. Having a high-profile figure like Fran involved provided an invaluable platform for raising awareness about Love, Danielle and its themes. “Having Fran lend her support undoubtedly increased visibility, ensuring the film reaches those who need to see it,” Paul remarked.
In addition to its heartfelt narrative, Love, Danielle boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Alongside Devin Sidell, who not only wrote and produced but also starred in the film, the audience will recognize performances from Jaime King, Barry Bostwick, and Lesley Ann Warren. “Their involvement helped elevate the film’s profile, making it more accessible to a wider audience,” Paul noted. “Their performances are remarkable and truly breathe life into these characters.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project for DeNigris was the opportunity to mentor the filmmakers, many of whom were new to working with visual effects. “We collaborated closely, reviewing shots and discussing what was achievable within the budget,” Paul shared. This spirit of collaboration and mentorship is central to indie filmmaking, where knowledge-sharing often contributes to a project’s success.
At its core, Love, Danielle is a story of resilience, family, and the shared struggle that comes with a cancer diagnosis. “Cancer affects not only the individual but the entire family unit, both emotionally and physically,” Paul reflected. The film offers solace and reminds audiences that they are not alone in their journey, providing hope amidst the pain.
With its release, Love, Danielle is poised to spark important conversations about family, health, and the strength of love and solidarity. For Paul, it’s a deeply personal film that offers an intimate look at the complex realities of living with cancer and the indomitable spirit of those who face it.
As Love, Danielle premieres, it has already proven to be an emotional tour de force that touches hearts and raises awareness, offering both a tribute to loved ones lost and a message of resilience for those still fighting.
Published by: Jon H.
