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Third Wheel

An edgy, millennial coming-of-age breakup story following Ray— a depressed hopeless romantic—who finds himself struggling with heartbreak and his return to single life, all the while living among his newly-coupled, lovestruck best friends.

  • Blake Tamarkin
    Director
  • Blake Tamarkin
    Writer
  • Blake Tamarkin
    Producer
    Birthright: A War Story, The Unknown Tour
  • Michael Tamarkin
    Producer
  • Anthony Casabianca
    Key Cast
    "RAY"
  • Carly Wilson
    Key Cast
    "LINDSAY"
  • Kelsey Tarantino
    Key Cast
    "COCO"
  • Ricky Lavezzi
    Key Cast
    "ALEX"
  • Jason Tamarkin
    Key Cast
    "BIRD"
  • Kailey Tamarkin
    Key Cast
    "CECILIA"
  • Travis Little
    Key Cast
    "TREVOR"
  • Vincent Genova
    Key Cast
    "UNCLE VINNY"
  • Jimmy Christopher
    Key Cast
    "LOU"
  • Ray Schuler
    Key Cast
    "JAMIE"
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Romance, Comedy, Drama
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 36 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 13, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    100,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States, United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Playhouse West Film Festival
    Los Angeles, CA
    United States
    August 24, 2024
    Los Angeles Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Chandler International Film Festival
    Chandler, Arizona
    United States
    January 20, 2024
    Arizona Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Test Screening #3
    Chicago, Illinois
    United States
    October 14, 2023
    Preview Screening
  • Test Screening #2
    Santa Rosa, California
    United States
    August 26, 2023
    Preview Screening
  • Test Screening #1
    Los Angeles, California
    United States
    August 19, 2023
    Preview Screening
Distribution Information
  • Gravitas Ventures
    Distributor
    Country: United States
    Rights: All Rights
    Country: Canada
    Rights: All Rights
Director Biography - Blake Tamarkin

Led by Blake Tamarkin, Full Out Films is an independent entertainment company that focuses on writing, producing, and developing original content for both film and television. Established in early 2020, Full Out Films was born out of Blake's passion for storytelling and his desire to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. With an emphasis on the "DIY" approach, Full Out Films prides itself on its ability to bring captivating stories to life through its unique blend of creativity and taste. The company's mission is to produce thought-provoking and engaging content that excites viewers and leaves a lasting impact.

In 2021, Blake Tamarkin spearheaded a successful fundraising and outreach campaign that garnered support from film enthusiasts and backers. This achievement paved the way for the production of Full Out Films' debut feature film, "Third Wheel," for which Blake took on the roles of writer, producer, and director. Principal photography for "Third Wheel" took place in August 2022 in Chicago, Illinois, and was completed within a tight 20-day schedule. The successful production allowed Blake to return to Full Out Films' headquarters in Los Angeles, where he is currently overseeing the post-production process.

Full Out Films is dedicated to bringing compelling stories to the screen and is committed to providing a full-service production experience. From financing and distribution to casting and legal aspects, the company handles all the necessary components to ensure the successful execution of each project.

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Director Statement

"This film is a true Blake Tamarkin family recipe. Family and friends as actors, free locations, and a shoestring budget went into the making of this film. As my father (and producing partner) always says: 'KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID.' "

As the writer and director of Third Wheel, I am proud to present a true independent film that embodies the spirit of community-driven collaboration. Our film is a testament to the power of hometown connections and the beauty of a team that comes together with a shared passion for storytelling. In an industry often fixated on big budgets, high-end equipment and flashy visuals, our focus remains firmly on the heart and soul of the story. We believe that the true magic of cinema lies in the narrative, the characters, and the emotions they evoke. With this belief at the core of our filmmaking process, our marvelous team of family and friends, old and new, joined forces to create a film that captures the essence of the nostalgic movie-going experience we all yearn for, especially these days.

Inspired by timeless classics like When Harry Met Sally, She's Gotta Have It, Swingers, The Brothers McMullen, and 500 Days of Summer, Third Wheel takes a refreshing departure from the traditional breakup story. Instead, it delves into the complexities of breakups, breakdowns, friendship, and the profound struggles of heartbreak. Ultimately, it explores the universal journey of learning to be 'alone' and finding oneself. Our film challenges the conventions of romantic comedies and dramas, where the boy always gets the girl and they live happily ever after. In Third Wheel, our protagonist embarks on a different path, one uncommonly told but all too familiar in real life. By veering away from the typical tropes of the genre, this story sheds light on the underrepresented impact of learning to date yourself. It offers a fresh resolution and a universal theme that resonates with audiences from all walks of life: you cannot truly be comfortable with somebody else until you are comfortable with yourself. Third Wheel is a TRUE labor of love.

We invite you to join us on this cinematic journey as we explore the depths of human emotions, the power of friendship, family, and the transformative nature of self-discovery. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and reminded that sometimes the most meaningful love story is the one we have with ourselves.