BREAK: A Journey into the Heart of Detroit’s Pool Halls.
Mark your calendars for the cinematic journey of a lifetime as Darren Weiss takes the lead in the enthralling new film “BREAK,” premiering in theaters nationwide on April 26th. Directed by the acclaimed Will Wernick and presented by Showdown Productions in collaboration with Gravitas Ventures, this gripping drama/thriller is set to captivate audiences from coast to coast, including a special focus in Darren’s hometown of Detroit.
“BREAK” weaves the tale of Eli, a young man in his early twenties, portrayed by the versatile Darren Weiss. Struggling to balance two jobs while caring for his family, Eli’s life takes a dramatic turn when he plunges into the competitive world of Detroit’s pool halls. Discovering his late father’s legacy as a local pool legend, Eli embarks on a transformative journey, navigating the challenges and dangers of the game to ultimately confront his deepest fears and ambitions.
This powerful narrative, which also stars notable actors such as Victor Rasuk, Jeff Kober, and Patricia Belcher, promises a story filled with tension, emotion, and the raw energy of an underdog fighting his way to the top. Following its theatrical release, “BREAK” will be available for digital streaming, ensuring that the resonance of Eli’s story reaches far beyond the silver screen.
Stay tuned as “BREAK” sets the stage for a remarkable blend of drama, passion, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
Follow Darren @DarrenWeiss8
What excites you most about this movie?
I think what excites me most about this movie is that there are so many relatable characters from different backgrounds dealing with different things and how they navigate their daily lives while
What will people take away from your character in this film?
Dealing with different obstacles.
What was the training for this character like?
Training was fun. I worked with a pool professional for about 3 hours a day, 3 days a week for 3 months to prepare for this role.
Were you always a fan of pool?
I always enjoyed playing pool with friends at bars, but I was never one to gravitate or take interest until this movie.
How different are you from this character? Any similarities?
I think I’m both a lot alike and different from ‘Eli’. I definitely struggled with my identity of who I was growing up, and was uncomfortable in my own skin a lot like Eli. I’m different in the sense of what I struggled with compared to what he did, but could certainly relate from within with those feelings.
What drew you to this film?
What drew me to the film was this idea of a world Inside a pool hall that is isolated from the outside world and all the interesting characters from different walks of life that come together in a very welcoming way.
How did you hear about this script or project ?
This was a project that I came up with from the ground up. Attached some writers who saw the vision then sent it around the industry to get some different thoughts on it.
What was your goal with this performance ?
My goal with this performance was to show people who may be struggling with similar struggles to Eli, that they aren’t alone, and it gets better when you call on the ones closest to you, and just be who you are.
What is your goal as an actor?
My goal as an actor is to continue to be challenged with roles of characters with unique history or background and to show all their colors.
Do you enjoy producing?
I do enjoy producing, it’s very stressful but being able to oversee everything with the help of my team of producers lets you learn and know what’s going on at all times.
What was the filming process like for this movie?
The filming process was great. We shot 3 weeks in LA and 1 week in Detroit. 1 full week inside the pool hall.
What movie / movies have most inspired you?
The movies that most inspired me are Good Will Hunting, Never Back Down, Shawshank Redemption and don’t laugh, but Star Wars episode 2.
Film Credits: Screenplay by Dikega Hadnot, Spencer Mandel, and Wernick. Break was Produced by John Ierardi and Bo Youngblood of Showdown Productions. Co-produced by Jason Phillips and Nancy Leopardi. Executive producers are Philip Shaltz, Akshay Shah, Paul Weinberg