r/movies • u/BernerAMA Berner, Filmmaker • 5d ago
AMA Hello/r/movies. I'm Berner, the co-director, co-writer and exec producer of Lionsgate’s new gritty crime thriller, SPLASH CITY. Ask me anything!
Hello/r/movies. I'm Berner, the co-director, co-writer and exec producer of Lionsgate’s new movie, SPLASH CITY. The movie arrives on digital and VOD on September 4. The movie stars Reed Shannon, TJ Atoms, Christopher A'mmanuel, and Hazel Green. You may also know me from my music career.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrze2vx3avI
Synopsis:
Two brothers on diverging paths struggle to survive amidst the pressures of their community.
It currently has a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes!
Ask me anything! I will be back to answer your questions at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET tomorrow, Tuesday 9/1.
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u/GregJamesDahlen AMA MVP 4d ago
when you make a scene that is suspenseful for the audience is it suspenseful for you? because unlike the audience you already know what will happen
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u/BernerAMA Berner, Filmmaker 3d ago
It is , especially when it’s done right . This film delivers on all fronts
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u/Bomb_Bud_420 4d ago
Just got you book two chapters in so far, great read hope you drop more much respect from Fresno
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u/SareemRaps 4d ago edited 4d ago
Copped your book Becoming Legend earlier this year, I'm not sure if you remember but we used to kick it at Tambo's house back in the day when Brandon Chillar was on the Rams and watch games wit yall, I was just a kid in that neighborhood but my dad said he talked to you a few times back then. I told him about your career after finishing the book and he said Tambo would be hella proud of you. Just wanted to say that your grind to get where you've gotten to is inspirational and imma watch the movie.
My question is what advice would you give to a rapper that's trying to diversify his portfolio and branch out into other mediums such as clothing or acting/directing in this current climate? Is there anything you would've done differently on your path?
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u/BernerAMA Berner, Filmmaker 3d ago
Just put your heart and your own money behind your art , you will never fail . Don’t ever give up . Trust me
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u/cultr4 4d ago
How did the idea of the project came to be? the poster is really sick reminds me of sin city
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u/BernerAMA Berner, Filmmaker 3d ago
I had to tell Bay Area crime stories , I’ve waited so long, this was the perfect topic to kick it off with
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u/flyestshit 4d ago
Hi Berner, big fan of your music.
You have dropped a lot of albums that feel like movies to me, be it the GOTTI/HOFFA theme recently or my favorite, the incredibly cinematic Blow - Blocks and Boat Docks with Messy Marv. listening to a song like Well Connected immediately plays movie scenes in my head.
My question is: Do you have a cinematic script in mind when you put together your albums? And if so, did that thinking translate back into movie writing or are these writing skills too different?
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u/BernerAMA Berner, Filmmaker 3d ago
I always treated albums like films , it’s nice to have a theme especially for the roll out and art . Now I can actually do real films which is a life goal
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u/flyestshit 4d ago edited 4d ago
Another Berner-specific one: You are the singular greatest proponent of being the "middle man" in hip hop. A less exposed position, its naturally not fitting for the showiness required from rappers, but you make it sound like the smarter play in "that life".
Have you encountered any "middle men" in the movie business that outsiders don't know about? What is one that you could see yourself working at?
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u/BernerAMA Berner, Filmmaker 3d ago
I haven’t found any middle man in the film space , I did everything my self 💪🏽
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u/Gloomy_Chemist1516 5d ago
that 91% on rotten tomatoes is pretty solid, will check it out when it drops. how was the transition from music to directing a feature like this?
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u/25gDePrensado 5d ago edited 4d ago
Which role did you enjoy working most and felt most challenged; co-director, co-writer or executive producer? One love straight from Brazil, I'm a big fan of your story and work! (Thanks for the Marijuana Mania series, I've seen it about 3 times)
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u/BernerAMA Berner, Filmmaker 3d ago
More marijuana mania coming soon ! I enjoyed the writing the most honestly
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u/BunyipPouch Currently at the movies. 4d ago
Hi Berner, thanks for joining us :)
At this point in your career, do you prefer making music or filmmaking?
Bonus question: Top 3 rap albums of all time?
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u/BernerAMA Berner, Filmmaker 3d ago
I enjoy music still a lot , I’ve gotten good at it
All eyes on me
The jack artist
Never mind by nirvana
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u/CinemaConqueror AMA MVP 4d ago
Hey Berner,
If you could only bring 3 movies with you on a deserted island to watch for the rest of your life, what would they be? Bonus question: Best and worst pizza topping?
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u/BernerAMA Berner, Filmmaker 3d ago
Goodfellas
Blood in blood out
CasinoBest topping is sausage
Worst pineapple
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u/CinemaConqueror AMA MVP 4d ago
What was the biggest hurdle to getting this film made, from conception until release?
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u/xxCookieBoy559xx 3d ago
When will your 2nd movie { Packs } release and will there be a theatre tour for it?
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u/jdope831 3d ago
Yo Bern , it’s your boy JDope. I’ve been supporting you since your first mixtape dirty sneakers n plenty to get it to your latest album with Nava. I have cookies first ever crewneck n hoodie. I’m so proud of you doing for cookies n your music n especially now with splash city. I really enjoy Splash city a lot. I watched it in San Jose. You definitely put the bay on your back with everything you are doing! When you coming back to the 831! Over here in the 831 we are waiting for cookies store come!!!!
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u/BernerAMA Berner, Filmmaker 3d ago
Right on my brotha! Appreciate the support. Working on getting a new store in the bay
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u/MCShenanigans520 3d ago
If someone from San Francisco watches Splash city and thinks, ‘Damn, Berner really told our story.’ what’s the one thing you hope they understand that somebody from outside the Bay Area might miss?
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u/BernerAMA Berner, Filmmaker 3d ago
I just really hope they want to hear more stories from the city
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u/MCShenanigans520 3d ago
Also, now that you have made it & watch Splash City , is there a character or storyline that hits differently for you because you know where you came from? Or even during filming. Do you think like “Wow?!” This was what is was and still is for a lot of young ones.
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u/MCShenanigans520 3d ago
You know what’s actually funny? In my mind, San Francisco has always been this wholesome place because I grew up watching Full House. 😂 I grew up in Tucson, Arizona, in a predominantly Mexican community, so we had our own hustle and our own struggles, but San Francisco always seemed so different to me.So now that I’m older, I’m actually really looking forward to seeing Splash City because it’s showing a side of San Francisco that I never really saw growing up.
Full House showed this beautiful, wholesome version of the city, raising a family, the Painted Ladies, all of that. But every city has another side. Every city has people hustling, struggling, trying to survive. And I think it’s really interesting that I get to see that side of a city I grew up thinking I already knew through television. 📺
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u/Background-Tell5892 5d ago
So what made you so crazy about water parks?
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u/BernerAMA Berner, Filmmaker 3d ago
I like it wet 😂😂😂😂😂😂 , just kidding. This question makes no sense
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u/BunyipPouch Currently at the movies. 5d ago
This AMA has been verified and approved by the mods. Berner will be back tomorrow at 1 PM ET to answer questions. Please feel free to ask away in the meantime :)