“A lot of people want to make movies, and a much smaller number actually make them,” says Conte. “And a much smaller number than that make movies worth watching.”
-Bob Conte, SVP, Creative Affairs of HBO Films, on The Dress
LNR Rising Stars: The Hester Sisters
The Hester sisters are the newest LNR Rising Stars. Prior to the world television premiere of their film The Dress on LNR, we asked writer and director Jessica Hester some burning questions.
1. Hometown?
Hometown is Ossining, New York, Westchester County. It is the home of Sing Sing Prison. I have been fascinated with the prison system since I was a small girl.
2. We understand you’re writing us from Thailand. Why are you there?
Adventure… discovery, and courage. Reality TV. It is driving me crazy, but everyone loves it. I want to raise the stakes for my own work, but by exploring and uncovering truth and doing it through turning the world up side down, and disarming everyone with laughter.
I am here in Thailand with Tommee May. She is the lead actress in The Dress. She invited me to go on a retreat with her acting teacher, Candace Silvers. We are here learning to play, and have fun in the work. Yes, that takes practice, but my God, once you let go, there is no better high in the world.
3. What did you listen to in your iPod on your way to Thailand? Anything that the rest of the Republic should listen to?
Yes. Group Love in LA. They are amazing.
4. Do you make movies or films?
Do not insult me: films! No really — what is the difference? I consider myself a filmmaker. I, Jessica Hester, am a filmmaker. Jake would tell me that I am a filmmaker. He would tell me to empower myself, as he flirts with me. I think my strong feminine energy scares him. He may confess to this.
5. Your short film, “The Dress,” will be airing in full on LNR nationally this weekend. What’s it about?
The Dress is about the modern day wedding, and how scared we all are about marriage, and really allowing ourselves to love and know ourselves. It is also about the tradition our family has passed on to us, for some of us, the tradition that really hits us over the head, that after working at 400 weddings myself, is divorce, narcissism, addiction, and a game of whose balls are bigger.
6. Does that make it a comedy, dramedy, or action flick? Or something else?
It makes it a comedy, a dramedy, action flick, an inspiration for your own life, a readable moment between you and your best friend, your dog, your cat, your drunk dad, your controlling mother, and your tyrannical employer. Yes, it is about love.
7. What should we be eating and drinking when we watch it? Remember, we’re a boot-strapped operation, so we’re on pretty late at night.
You don’t need a drink at all. You will leave completely high. So put away those Oxycontin pills your doctor prescribed… The Dress and Late Night Republic are all you need to feel full in your life. (Unless of course there is a sponsor we have to promote).
8. What other things — besides Jake Sasseville — make you laugh?
Charlie Chaplain. I go to him for inspiration all the time.
9. Alright, Spielberg. What’s next on your plate?
My sister Kristen (Hesterhouse Productions) and I are going to produce our film Little Black Box. Two women who go on a search for their heroin-addicted father, after he has gone missing. It is a dark comedy.
I also just wrote a pilot, that will be picked up soon.
And yes… Late Night Republic! I will be there.
10. What would you like to see more from Late Night Republic?
I want Jake to push the envelope more. It is time to get dirty.
Late Night Republic Rising Stars are entertainers and creators who are making a mark in their respective communities. LNR gives Rising Stars a platform on which to share their creativity with the world. The Hesters’ movie aired on Late Night Republic during the weekend of April 8, and email hello@latenightrepublic.com if you know somebody who should be our next rising star.
