PLAY IT BY EAR
A new six-part mini-series by Karen Twins Productions exploring the new paradigm of relationships in the second generation of the 21st Century. The series follows a Millenial couple who struggle to grow together as they start their new lives … thousands of miles apart.
The series starts in September and Mila and Lukas have been apart for several months. The episodes follow their lives through graduation, the initial move, struggles to communicate, college friends and co-workers who might become more, and job opportunities that would drive them farther apart. As the series progresses, they begin to question their future as a couple as each of these aspects take over their new lives. Finally, they decide to have “the talk.”
PLAY IT BY EAR explores how technology keeps people together — while driving them apart. The series tackles the messy nooks and crannies of modern love with a visual and emotional frankness seen in shows like INSECURE, GIRLS, and NORMAL PEOPLE.
Simon Kienitz Kincade, Emily Ann Zisko, Brian Reilly & Dillon Bentlage
— Executive Producers
Virginia Blatter — Producer
Emily Ann Zisko & Simon Kienitz Kincade — Writers/Directors
Brian Reilly & Dillon Bentlage — Editors
PLAY IT BY EAR was created and executive produced by Dillon Bentlage, Brian Reilly, Emily Ann Zisko, and Simon Kienitz Kincade. Zisko and Kienitz Kincade served as headwriters and directors on the series, while Bentlage and Reilly served as producers, writers, and editors. In addition to their roles behind the camera, Zisko and Bentlage star in the series as Mila and Lukas.
In discussing their approach to the show, Kienitz Kincade said,“We knew we wanted to make a show that was uncomfortable, funny, and not easily categorizable. And we also knew we could reach the biggest potential audience through YouTube. We had never seen those two things put together before, and we thought we could be the ones to do it.”
Featured cast includes Emily Ann Zisko, Dillon Bentlage, Nastassia Firestone, Elise Martin, and Enose Ogbeide
Karen Twins Productions is a film production company originating from Shelton, Connecticut. Co-founded by two childhood friends, Karen Twins Productions works with fellow filmmakers to bring their visions to life. From pre-production to post-production, Karen Twins are with them every step of the way.
The filmmakers began their collaboration with the 2019 film, DILETTANTES, which followed four young adults in Boston across several formative years. After moving to separate corners of the globe, they saw an opportunity to use new and exotic backdrops to tell another story of relationships, growing pains, and self-discovery. Film critic Alejandro Turdo claims, “It never sugarcoats it. Everything feels totally raw and real.” PLAY IT BY EAR premiered publicly in Hollywood, California on June 24, 2023 as a part of the 26th annual Dances With Films. It is slated to screen again on August 16 in the upcoming Oscar-qualifying film festival, HollyShorts, alongside projects from Eva Longoria, Tom Holland, Queen Latifah, Tom Hanks, Alden Ehrenreich, and more.
All episodes are currently available on YouTube via @KarenTwinsProductions.
https://www.karentwins.com/play-it-by-ear
Dillon’s love of film came at a young age when his grandfather would take him weekly to either buy a toy or see a movie. But all the action figures he bought were from his favorite movies. Originally choosing to study music, it wasn’t until he arrived at University that he discovered his hobby would become his career. Dillon switched over to film studies and never looked back. Since co-founding the Karen Twins, he has written one feature, and co-written two others. His first film was made in 2017 entitled The Didgeridouche.In addition to writing, Dillon has been working professionally as an editor since 2018. However, he still finds time to write and produce passion projects.Dillon believes that by surrounding yourself with interesting people, your story will write itself. So if it seems unbelievable, it probably happened.
Brian’s passion for film sparked after watching Toy Story for the first time as a child. To this day, it is still an inspiration for him. Having his creative process heavily influenced by his favorite shows and movies, Brian discovered his calling halfway through his college career: to become part of the industry he admires so much. He aspires to create something that could one day make as deep an impact on someone as Toy Story did for him. Prior to co-creating the Karen Twins, he directed, produced, and starred in two short films he made for a Film and Lit class back in high school. They are: The Taming of the Shrew and The Golden Boys. Brian believes that there is no better feeling than being able to turn a simple thought into a piece of work that he can share with the world.
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