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The drama starring Heidi Gardner and William H. Macy is poised to make a splash as it adds to its cast.
Lamorne Morris (Spider Noir, Fargo), Abby Elliott (Bear, SNL), Michael Strassner (Baltimoreons(And Joey Pichichi)Rudderless) Join the cast Swimming lesson, Hollywood Reporter I’ve learned. THR News previously broke that Gardner and Macy will star in writer-director Casey Twenter’s indie film, which is set to begin production next month in Gardner’s hometown of Kansas City.
Swimming lesson The film revolves around Ty (Gardner), a single mother who leaves behind her complicated life in Los Angeles to return to her childhood home. She ends up embroiled in a custody battle over her son Albie, an autistic child who is obsessed with the ocean but afraid to swim. Macy stars as Leonard, Ty’s foul-mouthed father whose gruff nature can sometimes mask the fact that he remains loyal to his daughter and grandson.
Morris will play charming swim coach Caleb, while Elliott will play Vicki, the new wife of Ty’s ex-boyfriend. Additionally, Strassner plays Reger, Ty’s old friend, and Pichichi plays Steve, Albie’s newly sober father.
Newcomer Hudson Escudero makes his debut as Albee. The production prioritized casting a young autistic artist in the role of embodying the character with lived experience.
Twenter marks his solo directorial debut with the project, which he co-wrote with Jeff Robison. Twenter and Robson previously co-wrote the 2014 drama Rudderlesswhich was Macy’s directorial debut and was distributed after its premiere at Sundance.
“From top to bottom, this is a killer’s row of talent,” Twenter says. “This is a very personal story, and I’m so grateful that these actors chose to tell it alongside me. Their enthusiasm for the material was invigorating from the beginning, and it strengthened my belief in what we’re making.”
“Swimming lesson”The company’s producers include Dan Koetting for KP’s Remain and Robison for Kindling Productions, along with Jen Greenstreet and Mandi Kearns for Just Like You Films. Mark Williams serves as director of photography, and Matteo Messina composes the music. Stephanie Seaver and Hailey Giles of Spark Casting are handling the casting.
Morris is repped by CAA, Entertainment 360 and The Lede Company. Elliott is repped by Paradigm Talent Agency and OPE Partners. Strassner is repped by Paradigm Talent Agency and Stride Management. Bicicchi is repped by Luber Roklin Entertainment. Escudero is repped by Osbrink Agency, Rebel Creative Group and Campbell Agency.
