Tribeca Film Festival 2024: Filmmaker Calvin Lee Reeder and Stars Dana Namerode and Johnny Whitworth Talk ‘The A-Frame’

Writer-director Calvin Lee Reeder and stars Dana Namerode and Johnny Whitworth are soon to be the talk of the Tribeca Film Festival with their genre-defying, mind-bending experimental film, The A-Frame.

In the groundbreaking narrative, a quantum physicist’s groundbreaking machine inadvertently opens a portal to a subatomic universe during an experiment to prove its efficacy. While conducting tests on rats, he discovers a radical cancer treatment that could revolutionize modern medicine. Driven by ambition and the desire to legitimize his work, the physicist begins human trials, raising the stakes and blurring the lines between science and ethics.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Calvin, Dana, and Johnny to discuss the making of The A-Frame.

PC: Calvin, The A-Frame plays in all these different genres, and it’s so unexpected. As you were penning this script, did you have this ensemble in mind?
Calvin: We definitely had people circled. We loved the idea of working with Johnny and Dana. Luckily, it came to pass. It’s a simple story led by the characters and these incredible performances.

PC: Dana, you brought so much depth and nuance to Donna’s journey. Audiences immediately feel all the highs and lows that she experiences throughout the film. As an actress, how did you create that space for yourself to tackle that contrast?
Dana: Thank you. This is a unique role in the sense that it’s pure grief and misery at one point and then elation and euphoria at another. I did a lot of research on people who have been diagnosed with cancer. The script really helped. It was so well-written and took me to the places I needed to go.

PC: Johnny, similarly Sam must be such a fun character for you to play because you don’t know what his true intentions are until about halfway through the film. What was it about this particular character and script that excited you the most?
Johnny: It’s been a long-time goal of mine to play a quantum physicist, especially with the opportunity to do it at the caliber that we did with proven science. My desire to play an evil scientist came to fruition in the best way.

PC: Calvin, there are so many timely and sensitive topics and themes that you cover in the film with so much care and respect. When did you realize in the process that you wanted to include actual cancer survivors as part of the support group? How did their own stories impact the film?
Calvin: It was actually not something we considered until we got into the casting process. We were like, “Wow. We have the opportunity to bring real survivors into this.” They read the script, and they were very enthusiastic about it and the entire process. I’m glad we were able to bring them in.

PC: Dana, this is your first time leading a feature film. Congratulations, by the way. What was the most surprising part about this experience for you? What was the biggest takeaway?
Dana: I was surprised by how a film that’s this intense and dark had a feeling on set that was oftentimes a lot lighter. Everything was done with a great attitude. I was very fortunate to work in that environment.

What did I take away? That prep is so crucial and important. A lot of this film was prep. I learned what must be done in a role of this magnitude. I learned a lot throughout the entire process. It was a great opportunity.

PC: Johnny, your character doesn’t set out to cure cancer. Instead, it’s a byproduct of the work that he’s doing, which is an interesting parallel to indie filmmaking where it’s this playground for artists to create and collaborate more freely. Were there any unexpected discoveries that were made while filming? How did that environment foster that exploration?
Johnny: I’d say the whole thing. It was surprising that we were able to pull off something of this caliber. But it’s about having the right talent and the right direction. The collaborative nature of The A-Frame reminded me why I started acting in the first place. It reminded me how much fun this whole process can be. I’m surprised by how much we were able to pull off with what little we had. But everyone was there for the right reason. We all had a common purpose, and that’s when the collaboration happens.

PC: Calvin, you take audiences on this wild ride and then hit them in the gut with that closing monologue, which is so impactful. What do you hope audiences take away after they see it at Tribeca?
Calvin: I just hope people remember it. I hope they keep talking about it after the credits have rolled. I leave it in their court to interpret it, accept it, or not accept it. It’s such a privilege to have it screen at such a fantastic festival. I’m really grateful.

PC: Dana and Johnny, Calvin wrote and directed this. How different is the filming experience when the person who created these characters and universe is also at the helm directing? What was that collaboration like?
Dana: Discovering this character with the person who created it was so helpful. There were a lot of discussions, analysis, and digging in deep. When the person who created it is there, you’re able to ask questions. They can help you shape and find the missing holes and create this whole persona.

It was such a gift to have that. I think it reflects in all the characters and how full, dynamic, naturally human, and flawed they are. It’s definitely a privilege having the person who wrote it and directed it. It’s helpful to bring what he imagined on paper to the screen.

Johnny: There’s a vision there. Sometimes, you’ll work with people who aren’t as fluid, but Calvin wasn’t like that. He let me take reign of the character but kept me on the rails. It’s a very freeing feeling for an actor.

Make sure to follow Dana (Instagram), Johnny (X/Instagram), and Calvin (X). Learn more about The A-Frame here.

Screening Times:

• AMC 19th St. East 6 – Fri June 07 – 8:30 PM
• AMC 19th St. East 6 – Sat June 08 – 9:30 PM
• Village East by Angelika – Fri June 14 – 9:15 PM