Colin Best’s debut of his first feature film is a true homecoming for the Newport Beach native. However, he faced the challenge of filming in the coldest winter in Switzerland in the past 30 years.
The Man with the Silver Case will have its premiere on Saturday evening as part of the 24th annual Newport Beach Film Festival, which begins on Thursday night and runs through October 19th.
Best, speaking to City News Service, said, “I grew up in Newport Beach and 10 years ago, I moved with my wife and two daughters to Laguna Beach.”
Switzerland was chosen as the filming location for its breathtaking landscapes. Best appreciated the contrast between the picturesque backdrop and the violence portrayed in this surrealistic, noir thriller filmed in black and white.
Actor Stuart Reid portrays the Man in Gray, who accepts a job to deliver a mysterious suitcase for a secretive organization.
Best expressed his gratitude towards the lead actor, who endured zero-degree temperatures while wearing a business suit and a chained case on his wrist throughout the filming. Despite offering him the case as a souvenir, the actor declined saying, “No, I’m good.”
Contrary to the norm for action films, Best shot the entire film using only one camera.
While he used a Red digital camera, Best experimented with different lenses to achieve a more film-like quality.
The Man in Gray represents a universal unquestioning soldier fighting against drug addiction and alcoholism, according to Best.
As part of the festival, the filmmaker has partnered with the Action Alliance Foundation to raise awareness about the nonprofit’s service to the county’s homeless population.
Best shared his belief in second chances, saying, “I think second chances are a big deal and I’m a big believer in them.”
He cited an example from his other business, where they employed a man with 17 previous offenses who turned his life around and became an outstanding employee.
When questioned about their support for the employee, Best responded, “We said we don’t know what he did in the past. He started out as a night watchman and now he’s our beverage manager and we support him… He’s one of the best employees we’ve ever had. I think everybody deserves a second chance, and if they’re doing what they’re supposed to be doing, well, then why not?”
In addition to his current project, Best also produced a 2016 documentary titled “The Black Jacket.” The film explores a former Black Panther who teaches a class that brings rival gang members together to maintain peace.
Despite their troubled pasts, the individuals involved in brokering peace in “The Black Jacket” were actively working towards a peaceful resolution, according to Best.
In “Silver Case,” the protagonist, though a mercenary engaging in questionable activities, exhibits moments of mercy, Best explains.
Best also reveals that the film’s protagonist is battling a disease, reflecting his personal experiences with collaborators who have struggled with similar addictions.
Joe Melican, Vice President of Action Alliance, will address the audience during the screening of Best’s film to introduce the organization’s new program, Project Hope. This initiative provides shelter for homeless individuals in the area who are seeking sobriety.
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