An Interview with Filmmaker Marc Brener – Writer and Director of ‘The Rumplebutts’

Josh Brener as Richie in ‘The Rumperbutts’.

Teaming with brother Josh (Silicon Valley, The Big Bang Theory), filmmaker Marc Brener has made of 2021’s most unique new movies- The Rumperbutts, a wild music-comedy that’s a little Coen Brothers, a whole lot ‘Savage’ Steve Holland, and a whole lot of fun!
 
Nerds That Geek: How did you break into the business, Marc?
 
Marc Brener: In the summer of 1995, while I do not remember who, someone who knew someone got me into the mailroom at Dick Clark Productions. Was making $40/day, however the connections made during that time were invaluable and still close with a couple folks from those days.
 
NTG: Did you have encouraging folks?
 
Marc Brener: Family and friends have always been encouraging over the years. Through both the good and the less than good.
 
NTG: You’re based in L.A.?
 
Marc: Brener: Used to be based in Los Angeles for a really long time. Decided it was time to try a new home base so moved to the East Coast and loving the decision.
 
NTG: Do you feel you have to be Hollywood-based to have any real, successful movie career these days?
 
Marc Brener: It can help however do not believe one has to be based in Hollywood to have any real success in the film business. At the end of the day, if you write or direct something of which people think they can profit from it, they will find you. Same thing with auditions. Nail the part, they will fly you wherever you need to be.
 
NTG: The Rumperbutts is a real mix of genres. How did you pitch it to the cast and investors?
 
Marc Brener:Fell in love with the movie Once. And while this is a far cry from that wonderful movie, the pitch was that I wanted to make a low-budget indie like Once with some really great music and a fun cast.
 
NTG: If it were playing as a double feature at a Drive-in, what would be the perfect support film?
 
Marc Brener: The Cinematographer, Adam Cohen, once said that it felt like Portlandia. While that is not a feature, after checking out the show, the tone feels very supportive of The Rumperbutts. As for a feature film, because of the great soundtrack and weird costumes, would love to see it open one day for The Big Lebowski. People dress up as Rumperbutts. Either “Lebowski” or one of those amazing Savage Steve Holland films from years ago with John Cusack – Better Off Dead or One Crazy Summer.
 
NTG: Speaking of, have you seen it on a big screen?
 
Marc Brener: We saw it on the big screen a couple times. Once for the initial premiere in 2015, and then a short and small theatrical run right after that. Pretty cool.
 
NTG: Was it a movie that was tested first? Or does that generally only apply to the multimillion-dollar Marvel movies?
 
Marc Brener: We tested it twice in front of a small group of colleagues and friends. Their notes and feedback were incredibly helpful.
 
NTG: And Josh Brener – your brother? Or just a coincidence? Either way, how did Josh get involved?
 
Marc Brener: Josh and I are brothers, yes. To get him involved, I told him and his agent that if he did not do the movie at scale, there would be lots of stories, photos, and old videos shared with the public. All kidding aside, sent him the script, asked him if he wanted to play “Richie,” and he said yes. Whew!
 
NTG: And the rest of your cast? How did they get involved?
 
Marc Brener: Have always been a fan of the band Mates of State. Wrote and directed a short film in 2012 and reached out to them to see if they’d be interested in doing a song for the closing credits. I wrote the lyrics. They did the music. And shortly thereafter, asked them if they wanted to try and make a Once style musical where they play versions of themselves. Jason and Kori did an incredible job as first-time actors.
 
As for Arian and Vanessa, we are all represented at the Gersh Agency, and Gersh was really helpful in getting us some great performers for the film. Arian and Vanessa are fantastic.
 
NTG: There was a hiccup with the release by looks of the year the film was produced. Can you give us the 411?
 
Marc Brener: The movie initially came out in 2015. We had a minor disagreement with a business partner and everyone decided the best thing to do would be to pull the film (after it only being out in the world very briefly). Years later, we connected with GDR in 2020 and now excited to be given a second chance here in 2021!
 
NTG: You juggle so many hats here--- is there one you prefer?
 
Marc Brener: Lately, it has been song writing which is new these past couple years – doing both lyrics and music. Feel the greatest strength is producing – helping to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. What really gets the heart and soul going is working as a director (especially if it is something I have written or co-wrote).
 
THE RUMPERBUTTS is available on digital worldwide now.

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Marc and Josh Brener.