EXCLUSIVE: Utopia’s arthouse, boutique and self-distribution imprint Circle Collective has picked up actor Greg Vrotsos’ feature directorial debut Situations, which he stars in and co-wrote with Daniel Hartigan.
Situations follows an L.A.-based photographer drifting through Silver Lake’s creative chaos three months after a painful breakup — dodging well-meaning friends, career pressures and fleeting flings as he navigates his way into the next chapter.
Vrotsos (Orange Is The New Black, Boston Strangler), who drew inspiration from some of his own experiences, calls Situations his “love letter to Los Angeles” that pulls back the curtain on dating and relationships in a raw and relatable way.
“It’s a slice of life which also leans into this feeling of longing in Los Angeles that is often talked about but
never really shown on screen,” said the filmmaker. “I’m proud of this movie and how we did it. Circle
Collective has a love and vision for independent film and aren’t afraid to take bold, creative swings. They
mirror the same spirit that we used to make this movie and I am excited to take Situations on the road with them.”
Situations kicks off a theatrical and event-screening tour starting in L.A. on May 22 at the American Cinematheque.
The pic also stars P.J. Byrne (Wolf of Wall Street), Melora Walters (Magnolia), Gino Vento (Mayans
M.C.), Katie Parker (The Beldham), Fiona Dourif (The Pitt) and Fernanda Andrade (Finestkind). The ensemble cast also includes George Basil, Gabrielle Maiden, Augie Duke and Tony Kanal of the band No Doubt.
“What Situations brings to screen isn’t just funny, anxiety-inducing, sexy and sad but also underlined with
substance, and I can’t wait to share the film with more audiences this year,” said Kyle Greenberg of Circle
Collective and Utopia. “Situations is an exciting reminder that truly independent filmmaking still exists and is thriving.”
Situations had its world premiere at the Oldenburg Film Festival and its U.S. premiere at The Downtown
Festival in New York. The film also was in competition at the Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival
in Spain.
Situations was produced by Vrotsos, Daniel Hartigan, Nicholas Faiella and Bay Dariz (Minutehand
Pictures). Elgin James served as EP under his Sierra Drive banner as well as Mike Hermosa and Ryan Moore (Wild7Films) and Zach Tinker.