Off Book

I became interested in directing “Off Book” after talking to the writers, Mindy and Eric, about what they wanted to examine with their screenplay. “Off Book” is about the "scripts" that we use to navigate our daily lives and what happens when we hang on to them for too long, or when we break free from them. I liked the idea of playing with a light-hearted treatment of that serious concept.

I also liked the idea of starting with a film about something simple and fraught with awkwardness – the first date – and using it as a way to look at the fears that keep us from connecting with others, whether it’s a romantic interest or a parent.

The most challenging aspect of directing this film was balancing the comedic elements with the darker and more serious questions. We wanted the film to stand on its own as a comedy, but also make the audience question the scripts that they use in their own lives, and how that might be holding them back from what they really want.