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I’ve been a huge fan of Anton Yelchin’s and always will be but, to be completely honest, I was hesitant to jump into Garret Price’s directorial debut, the documentary Love, Antosha. I suspected I’d walk out crushed. But, it turns out, Price and producer Drake Doremus actually spark great hope through Yelchin’s story because not only did he have a very impressive filmography including Star Trek, Like Crazy, Green Room and so many more, but he was also a wildly supportive, loving and inspiring individual, and I do truly suspect that Love, Antosha could help spread that genuine kindness and passion.

With Love, Antosha making its big debut at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival, we were lucky enough to get a little of Price and Doremus’ time at the Collider Studio to talk about their journey with this project. We discussed the initial decision to make this documentary, ensuring that Yelchin’s story isn’t defined by how he passed away, what they hope viewers will take from Love, Antosha, and so much more. You can watch it all in the video interview at the top of this article, and there’s also a handy breakdown of the conversation for you below. Also, please be sure to check out Adam Chitwood's review of the movie right here.

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Image via Kia Motors

I’d also like to take a moment to give special thanks to our Collider Studio partner, the all new 2020 Kia Telluride, which was transporting filmmakers to our studio in celebration of the debut of the all new model, Kia’s first eight-passenger SUV that is several inches longer and wider than the brand’s award-winning Sorento.

Libations were also flowing at the Collider Studio with parties hosted by LIFEWTR, Tequila Comisario, Sensi Tuscany Wines, Blue Moon Belgian White and Dragonfly Coffee Roasters. Food during the parties was provided by Greene St. Kitchen of Palms Casino Resort lead by Chef Du Cuisine Lanny Chin. Brand partners active during the day included mou, a luxury footwear and accessories line, and The Wild Immersion endorsed by Jane Goodall who was on-site with the world’s first “virtual reserve.”

Drake Doremus & Garret Price:

  • When they first to tell Anton’s story in a documentary. 
  • Doremus and Price’s journey from attending film school together, to Price making his directorial debut with this film.
  • Price’s aim to tell a coming of age story.
  • Why Price chose to make his directorial debut with Anton’s story.
  • Why it’s special and very appropriate to have Love, Antosha premiere at Sundance.
  • This isn’t a sad film. It’s an inspiring one about creativity and living life to its fullest.
  • Why did they decide to tell Anton’s story right now?
  • Doremus and Price are long-time collaborators. Did they learn anything new about each other here?
  • The footage that they had to cut from the final film; they wound up doing 60+ interviews.
  • How they decided who to reach out for for interviews.
  • Doremus and Price on working with Anton’s parents, and their goals for the documentary.
  • Making sure Anton’s story isn’t defined by how he passed away.
  • How Anton influenced the new movie that they’re working on together right now.
  • The importance of Nicolas Cage’s involvement in this film.
  • What they hope viewers walk away from Love, Antosha with.

Here's the official Sundance synopsis for Love, Antosha:

Prolific young actor Anton Yelchin was wise beyond his years and influenced everyone around him to strive for more. Love, Antosha tells the story of Yelchin’s creative persistence. His devoted Russian parents nurtured his love of acting, exposing him to works of the masters. Filming himself became a tool for his transformation; reflecting on his own performance, he pushed himself to find depth in every role. Often the youngest actor on set, Yelchin’s intense focus inspired many actors around him—Kristen Stewart, Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pine, and John Cho share revealing insights into his character. Though he kept it a secret, Yelchin lived with a dangerous health condition, but he never became discouraged. As he grew into his craft, he continually enriched his understanding of the world, embodying an incredible authenticity.

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