On the set of ROOFMAN
From Jamie’s Desk:
The big weekend has finally arrived—ROOFMAN is out in theaters tomorrow. I’m extremely proud of this film. As a producer, people often ask what my favorite film I’ve ever made is. My answer is always the same: how can you choose a favorite child?
Part of why that question is so difficult to answer is because getting any movie made, especially today, is a miracle. Like raising kids, it takes a village. ROOFMAN was no different. From the first time I heard about Jeffrey Manchester to the film’s release, it took just about five years—light speed in movie time.
For those who work in film, you know how hard it is to explain the process. It’s part battle, part summer camp, part circus. An eclectic mix of people come together for a brief, chaotic, beautiful period—all (hopefully) chasing the same dream: to make the best movie possible. The hours are endless, you’re living out of a long-term hotel, and your diet mostly consists of whatever craft services puts out that day—although if you know me you know I’ll always find time for a good meal.
What made ROOFMAN special was that it felt like a reunion. Most of the key crew have worked together since Derek Cianfrance’s 2010 film Blue Valentine. The returning dream team included DP Andrij Parekh, costume designer Erin Benach, production designer Inbal Weinberg, first AD Mariela Comitini, editors Ron Patane and Jim Helton, stills photographer Davi Russo, and of course, my longtime producing partners Alex Orlovsky and Lynette Howell-Taylor.
Our blood, sweat, and tears went into this film. We took a $19 million budget, which was a fraction of what others would’ve spent, and made something very special. This movie was only possible because of the cast, crew, and the new members of our filmmaking family who joined us for the ride.
As a member of the Jamie’s List community, I’ll assume you already have your Roofman tickets locked in for opening weekend. But on the off chance you don’t—order them here. Beyond being laugh-out-loud funny, action-packed, and surprisingly heartfelt, this film is ultimately about community: what happens when you lose it, and how it can change your life when you find it again.
Watching it in a theater, surrounded by people who laugh and cry along with the story, is its own kind of community experience. It’s something you can’t replicate at home. I hope you’ll see it on the big screen—and if you do, send me your thoughts, comments, or questions. There’s nothing better than hearing from people after they’ve seen your movie.
In honor of ROOFMAN, this week’s issue is fast-food themed. For those who don’t know the story, Jeffrey Manchester, the real “Roofman,” robbed over 40 fast-food restaurants during his spree. And while I love a Michelin-starred meal, there’s nothing quite like McDonald’s. It’s a tad ironic that I made a movie about a guy who robbed over 40 of them!
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Discussed in this issue: Go-to fast food orders from the cast and crew of ROOFMAN, looking back on a conversation with Attorney General Eric Holder, cheesesteaks & martinis at The Benjamin Hollywood, and an upcoming conversation with Rep. Ritchie Torres.
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My McDonald’s Meal Today
We all know fast food is not the healthiest option, but sometimes it is just the one you need. To be honest, some of my greatest food memories take place at fast food restaurants—not sure what that says about me. As a child, having a birthday party at the McDonald’s on 3rd Ave. between 84th and 85th was a true highlight. No food made a group of kids in the 80’s happier, and once you throw in some vintage movies and Happy Meal toys, it beats any of the lavish birthday parties of today. Coming back from Yankees games with my brothers Mark and Jon, I always looked forward to stopping at the Mickey D’s at the 125th Street exit on the Bronx side of the Major Deegan almost as much as the game.
Today, a breakfast sandwich at the Shake Shack at JFK, or some Taco Bell post the Baby2Baby gala, is something I always look forward to. Ok, I realize that might sound odd, but I am just being honest. And in case you were wondering, my McDonald’s order is simple: a 6-piece chicken nuggets, fries, a double cheeseburger and a diet coke. Make sure to get the BBQ and sweet & sour sauces!
Call it method eating—here are the orders of some of the people who made this film possible.
Graphic created by Young Professionals LLC
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There was no new Lunch With Jamie this week—but I wanted to share another conversation from the vault. It’s become increasingly clear that the judicial branch is no longer operating independently, with AG Pam Bondi now targeting Trump’s political opponents. Which is why this conversation with former Attorney General Eric Holder, recorded back in July 2020, felt important to share.
A lot has changed since then. This was recorded before Biden’s victory, and Holder openly questioned whether Trump would leave office peacefully. We also touched on what’s once again a front-page issue: gerrymandering.
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Din Tai Fung with Riley; Polo Bar with Rich Kleiman and Mikey Hess; Cervo’s with Celine Song; Via Carota with Talia Light Rake; Dōgon with Jon Glickman, Wolf Blitzer and Derek Cianfrance; Jon & Vinny’s with Jeff Berman and Riley; and Din Tai Fung with Derek Cianfrance, Inbal Weinberg, Jim Helton and Ron Patane;
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