Q&A with NYFA Alum Fady Jeanbart on his debut feature film "The Caretaker"
NYFA Alumni Network: Tell us more about “The Caretaker”. What is the story about?
F.J: The plot revolves around Gina (Avaryana Rose), a young woman with a mysterious past, who finds herself in a ghost town tourist attraction during the off-season. There, she encounters the enigmatic caretaker (Bronzi), who harbors secrets of his own and feels compelled to protect her from the goons sent by a ruthless crime boss.
NYFA Alumni Network: How did you get involved in the project?
F.J: There was always a plan to collaborate with producer Jeff Miller, but for various reasons, we hadn’t had the chance to work together before. When Jeff told me about this project and handed me the script to read, I was immediately drawn to it. The story had such depth and complexity, and I knew it had the potential to connect deeply with audiences. I loved the narrative’s emotional undertones and the layers of tension woven into the characters’ arcs.
After reading the script, I pitched my vision for the film to Jeff. I wanted to bring a cinematic approach that combined both visually stunning sequences and emotionally gripping storytelling. Jeff, knowing me and trusting my abilities, agreed to work with me. From there, we started shaping the project together, discussing everything from tone to character development to the pacing of key scenes.
NYFA Alumni Network: Who wrote the screenplay?
F.J: The screenplay is by Joe Knetter, who has an impressive career that includes contributions to iconic projects such as Twilight of the Dead, the last film in George A. Romero's legendary series.
NYFA Alumni Network: Which actors are leading the cast of The Caretaker?
F.J: The film features an exciting cast led by Daniel Baldwin and Avaryana Rose, alongside Robert Bronzi (known for Death Kiss and The Gardener) and UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (The A-Team).
NYFA Alumni Network: Tell us more about the rest of the creative team behind the film?
F.J: The film has a strong creative team that includes producer Jeff Miller, a member of the Producers Guild of America who has produced nearly 40 feature films, many of which have achieved international distribution through platforms like NBC Universal and Lionsgate. Notable credits include Angels Fallen and Kill 'Em All.
Our consulting producer, Dylan Matlock, is an experienced producer behind films such as Mass, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
NYFA Alumni Network: When did you start production, and can you share some fun stories from the set?
NYFA Alumni Network: How was your experience directing a feature-length film for the first time?
F.J: Directing a feature-length film for the first time was an incredible experience. While I’ve directed many award-winning short films, stepping into the realm of a full-length feature was a completely different challenge. It required a new level of endurance, focus, and strategic thinking. Fortunately, my previous experience helped me build the confidence and skill set needed to tackle this project.
I was also extremely lucky to have a phenomenal team around me. From the production designer to the cinematographer, every member of the crew was deeply invested in the film’s success. Their passion and dedication were evident every single day. They cared about the project as much as I did, which made all the difference. The collaborative spirit on set was inspiring, and it felt like we were all part of something bigger than ourselves.Working with great actors like Daniel Baldwin, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Avaryana Rose, and Robert Bronzi was an unforgettable experience. Each of them brought their unique talents and perspectives to the table, which elevated the story in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Daniel Baldwin’s nuanced performance added layers of depth and gravitas to his character, making him a central force in the narrative. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson brought an undeniable intensity and charisma that commanded attention in every scene he was in. Avaryana Rose’s energy and emotional range added a compelling dynamism, making her character resonate strongly with audiences. Robert Bronzi, with his seasoned experience and dedication, added richness to his role and gave the film an additional layer of authenticity.
Their collective performances gave the story depth and tone, transforming it into a stronger and more impactful film overall. Watching these talented individuals embody their characters and bring the script to life was both inspiring and humbling. It reminded me of the importance of collaboration and how much actors contribute to shaping the soul of a film.
The process was both exhilarating and humbling. Every day presented a new learning curve—whether it was adjusting to unforeseen challenges on set, working through intricate character moments with the actors, or ensuring the pacing and tone aligned with the overall vision. It was a privilege to lead such a committed team and watch our collective vision come to life. This project reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling and the importance of collaboration in filmmaking.
NYFA Alumni Network: What do you hope the audience takes away from the film?
Beyond that, I hope the film leaves people reflecting on themes of resilience, redemption, and the human capacity for change. It’s not just about the thrills or the action; it’s about the emotional beats that give depth to the story. I want the audience to connect with the characters on a personal level, to see parts of themselves in their struggles and triumphs.
Visually, I’ve tried to create an experience that’s immersive and memorable. Every frame is designed to evoke emotion, whether it’s tension, relief, or catharsis. My goal is for audiences to walk away not only satisfied with the experience but also carrying a piece of the story with them in their hearts. I want them to feel like they’ve lived through something meaningful, something they’ll think about long after the credits roll.
NYFA congratulates Fady on all of his success!
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