INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

Just last month, Entertainment Squad released the freshly developed heist film titled Midas, serving as the debut feature film from talented writer/director TJ Noel-Sullivan — accurately described as a fresh and socially relevant take on the classic heist genre.

Narratively, the plot of Midas revolves around a charismatic college dropout masterminding a daring heist against the very health insurer who denied his mother's coverage (along with the assistance of a few friends, of course) and the unavoidable obstacles that come with a large-scale scam. To bring this ambitious heist story to life, the film enlists a dynamic, next-gen cast that includes Laquan Copeland, Preet Kaur, and Federico Parra, who each contribute their own grounded portrayal of unique personalities embedded within a story that offers a poignant critique of health insurance injustices.

With the film currently in theaters, we’re breaking down the movie’s intentions, themes, and more with the stars and filmmaker behind Midas.

`MIDAS | Laquan Copeland, Preet Kaur, and Federico Parra`

Can each of you share what initially drew you to your respective roles in Midas, along with what excites you the most about this film?

Laquan Copeland: For me, it was refreshing seeing a character with so many dimensions to him. Ricky had a plethora of layers tied to him that were enticing to play. Combined with a new take on heist films, these elements and aspects were what excited me most about approaching this particular role in the film.

Preet Kaur: I was initially drawn to the role of Sunita because of her moxy. She’s someone who can easily be misunderstood, and I can really appreciate the layers of her that we come to know and love as the plot unravels. I am most excited about how this film will resonate with audiences. There are so many complexes throughout each of the character’s lives that are truths for so many people today. I look forward to how these truths will emote, evoke, inspire, and transpire audiences in their own lives.

Federico Parra: For me it was a mixture of my love for the heist genre, as well as the relationships that the three leads share.

TJ Noel-Sullivan: I’ve always wanted to write a heist movie, and during the depths of COVID, the story just clicked in my head one day. The characters, the plot, the health insurance connection, and how it should be woven throughout the story. That night I got to writing, and less than two years later we went into production.

Could you elaborate on the dynamic between the characters in the film and how they evolve throughout the story?

Laquan Copeland: I think chemistry is the word that really ties it all together, from the beginning in real life and on-screen we all had this unexplainable chemistry that was truly unmatched. Due to this, I felt that it gave us all a strong foundation over the course of filming this project. In the same instance, these characters share that same foundation, and throughout the trials and tribulations they face, they each know they’re all in this together for each other and that doesn’t change.

Preet Kaur: Ricky, Victor, and Sunita are thick as thieves. Stepping into the real world after college really forces them to come to grips with where they are as friends, and as individuals. Their loyalties are tested as well as their character. You see them go from post-grads to struggling young adults in the workforce, to a heist team, and in the end to new people.

Federico Parra: One of the great things about the characters and their relationships to each other is just how real they are. There isn’t anything that feels overdone. They all have important decisions to make that not only affect themselves, but also their relationship to one another.

TJ Noel-Sullivan: The trio, and their relationship, is crucial to the whole story working. They have each other's backs through thick and thin, but also need to hold each other in check and be willing to draw a line when necessary. Their chemistry is so important, and as soon as we did our chemistry reads with Laquan, Preet, and Fed, I knew we’d found our group.

How do you think the themes of greed, friendship, and social justice portrayed in the movie resonate with audiences today?

Laquan Copeland: My biggest hope was that the audience were able to empathize with these characters and the decisions they were making in assessing their goals for this heist. That you understood Ricky, Suni, and Victor’s complex and their why to do this in the first place. Our director TJ did a phenomenal job writing characters with great motivation behind their actions which in turn made it more plausible for us as actors to really bring these character’s truths to the screen with transparency, relatability and authenticity.

Preet Kaur: Greed is a concept we are all familiar with, but fail to acknowledge what is at play within ourselves until the limits of it are posed. The themes of friendship are timeless, yet ever-evolving. A paradox we all know too well. I think audiences will deeply resonate with the battle between loyalty to their people, versus their loyalty to what’s right, versus their loyalty to themselves. Finally, social justice has been a long-going fight in the world, and in this modern tale of Robin Hood, we see how these issues never fully die in the real world, but rather take new shapes. The ultimate truth? There is always work to be done when it comes to social justice in a perfectly imperfect world.

Federico Parra: They are themes that seem to always be present and challenged in life. One of my favorite aspects about the film is that it explores them deeply without just throwing them in your face.

TJ Noel-Sullivan: As a filmmaker, my goal is always to tell stories that are accessible and entertaining, but also have a deeper message. With MIDAS, I thought there was no better way to look at greed and wealth inequality, than through the lens of a heist film. It’s not a heist film with big shootouts or larger-than-life marks. We wanted to create a film that was relatable and would resonate with audiences, no matter where they’re from.

There are a lot of intricacies that go into a heist movie – but there’s an added layer involved due to the topic of health insurance injustices. That said, what was probably the most unique challenge attached to this ambitious project?

Laquan Copeland: For me, it was how do we justify these character’s actions and bring light to an ever growing situation in the healthcare industry without being cliche and lacking empathy for one another and their situation. That was the biggest challenge for me, grateful to have my awesome co-leads and our director and producer navigate this because, with their insight and our craft, I feel we were really able to create something great!

Preet Kaur: The most unique challenge attached to this ambitious project was how do they pull it off? Actions have consequences, but how can two wrongs make a right? The way it all brilliantly comes together is the epitome of life itself.

Federico Parra: That might be a better question for TJ and Kristina. Pulling off this movie, especially with the budget it had, is quite an achievement.

TJ Noel-Sullivan: We launched this project betting on the support of our community. We went into production on the assumption that things like locations, extras, and catering would be donated or discounted, but without any assurances on who would be doing it. We just believed that people would resonate with this project, and want to help support it. Luckily for us that proved true, and we were really overwhelmed by the offers of support we received. But it was definitely scary, launching a production before we knew how everything would come together.

How did the collaboration with TJ as the film’s writer and director impact your understanding of your characters and the story's message? And for TJ, what did the cast bring to these characters?

Laquan Copeland: I remember the feeling of being very jubilant. It was rewarding to work with a director who was so collaborative and interested in hearing your ideas and concepts and making shifts and changes to accommodate the character’s needs in a film. There were many scenes where TJ and all three of us collaborated on that we felt only amplified the source’s material. It’s one of the many amazing qualities of TJ as a director.

Preet Kaur: Collaborating with TJ significantly impacted my understanding of Sunita’s objectives throughout the story. When you have a strong enough ‘why’ to anything in life, nothing can stand in your way. TJ helped me discover the multiple facets of Sunita’s objectives to help her friend, but also herself. Her grappling with what to do when you find what you weren’t looking for is a colossal catalyst in the arc of the film and the story’s message.

Federico Parra: TJ was a very collaborative director. He always gave us a take that would be just for us to try something new. He was also very comfortable with switching dialogue to words that aligned more with how we thought our character would feel or communicate. As an actor that’s all you can ask for.

TJ Noel-Sullivan: As a first-time feature director, the opportunity to collaborate with these cast members was everything I could have wanted and more. They really committed to learning the ins and outs of their characters, what made them tick, so that very quickly I could turn to any one of them, and ask ‘what do you think your character might do here’ and they always had the right answer. The level of collaboration was really special.

In what ways do you believe Midas sets itself apart from other heist films in the industry, both in terms of storytelling and social commentary?

Laquan Copeland: I feel as though, you see the heist films with guns, violence, drugs, and action and it can become a kind of repetitive cliche. Here, it was a new spin on heist films where we did not need any ornamentation, it was the writing, our chemistry, and direction that made this film such a phenomenon to portray, and I feel that is what sets this film apart from other heist movies.

Preet Kaur: Midas has created its own lane as a heist film in the industry. In terms of storytelling it has a fresh take with the characters being everyday kids just trying to make it out of the rat race, versus world renowned criminals or masterminds. In terms of story, it creates space for empathy.

Federico Parra: It is a movie that is always questioning the morality of decisions. In many movies, things just happen without really taking the time to ask whether it was right or wrong. Midas does a good job at always keeping potential consequences present.

TJ Noel-Sullivan: Midas is a heist film that is about so much more than the money. It’ll make you laugh; it might make you cry, and it will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. And hopefully, you’ll walk away with some deeper questions to consider.

What do you hope audiences will take away from watching Midas, and what discussions or reflections do you anticipate this film sparking?

Laquan Copeland: Camaraderie! It was the one main element that was constant throughout the film and this project. Additionally, the social constructs surrounding the alarming side of the healthcare industry. I feel these aspects will spark conversations for moviegoers when seeing Midas!

Preet Kaur: I think audiences will take away what’s most important at the end of the day from Midas. It’s what you do, and it’s who you do it with. The people make the place. I also anticipate this film sparking discussions about morale, virtue, and what is truly white versus black, or is it all gray?

Federico Parra: Most important for me is that they can have a good time. Midas is a movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It is fun and lean. No fluff.

TJ Noel-Sullivan: I think for younger audiences especially, the question of following the money, or doing what’s right, will be a question so many of us have to grapple with. Whether you’re a college grad choosing between a non-profit and a corporate job, or an artist choosing between the work that pays and the work that’s fulfilling, I hope Midas can spark some nuanced conversations on these choices, and show audiences that it’s not always so black and white.

Finally, considering the unique storytelling approach of Midas, how do you think this film contributes to reshaping the narrative landscape in the entertainment industry today?

Laquan Copeland: We are currently in a climate where IP rules the entertainment industry and it’s important for projects like this one to see the light of day because it brings new takes on film genres, introducing new ways to showcase storytelling and highlights new creatives, directors and artists in a way that is needed to push the industry forward into new heights.

Federico Parra: It’s original content. In a world of sequels and IP, it is nice to be able to go and meet entirely new characters.

Preet Kaur: Midas trail blazes an authentic path in the industry from the plot to the grand finale. You can find yourselves on your toes and at the edge of your seats anticipating.

TJ Noel-Sullivan: I hope that audiences will realize that a good story can come in many shapes and sizes. It doesn’t need to be an existing IP, feature household names — though our cast is well on their way— or be set in the world’s biggest cities. A good story is a good story, and when you can capture it on film, audiences will connect with it.