‘Every Act of Life’ Director Jeff Kaufman on Filmmaking, Collaboration, and Learning from Playwright Terrence McNally
“You cannot tell the history of the American theater without celebrating the work of Terrence McNally.”
“You cannot tell the history of the American theater without celebrating the work of Terrence McNally,” says performer and Broadway heavyweight Audra McDonald. McNally is the prolific playwright, librettist, and screenwriter behind dozens of plays, including four Tony Award-winners: Love! Valour! Compassion!, Master Class, Kiss of the Spider Woman, and Ragtime. Most recently, he wrote the book for the Broadway musical Anastasia.
Director Jeff Kaufman and producer Marcia Ross first met McNally, now 79, several years ago while working on their documentary The State of Marriage. They interviewed McNally and his husband, theater producer Tom Kirdahy, for the film, which traces the origins of the marriage equality movement in the United States. “It was really moving to hear Terrence speak so openly about love, need, commitment, being true to oneself, and the importance of making life matter,” Kaufman says of their first meeting. “We thought, ‘Why hasn’t anyone made a documentary about this man?’ Then we said, ‘Well, we should.’”
Now, after two years of filming and a Kickstarter campaign to fund post-production, Every Act of Life premieres at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City on April 23. The documentary traces the playwright’s involvement in the LGBTQ rights movement, his battles with alcoholism and cancer, the highs and lows of his fifty-year career in the American theater — amid his many successes, he’s also learned from his share of flops and failures — and his commitment to finding love and inspiration in “every act of life.”
Ahead of the film’s premiere at Tribeca (one of twelve Kickstarter-funded films screening at the festival this year) we spoke with Kaufman about McNally’s indelible legacy, the collaborative nature of the filmmaking process, and his advice for young documentary filmmakers.
Tell us about a particular moment during the making of the film that resonated with you.
We had some exciting discoveries, like finding rare video and photos of Edward Albee and Wendy Wasserstein, and handwritten letters to Terrence from John Steinbeck (read by Bryan Cranston in the film) and from his high school English teacher (read by Meryl Streep). It was a great experience to meet and work with so many legends of the theater, and to hear the struggles that they had to overcome in their careers.
Marcia and I were both inspired by Terrence’s feeling that having a great relationship is as important as doing great work, and by his commitment to “live with intensity” at every age. I also love what Terrence said about how he felt after he received his first Tony Award, for Kiss Of The Spider Woman: “Winning awards does not change the struggle to be an authentic person. Who you were is still who you are when you get home.”
Winning awards does not change the struggle to be an authentic person. Who you were is still who you are when you get home. —Terrence McNally
You launched a Kickstarter project to raise post-production funds for the film. What’s the biggest lesson you learned from running the campaign?
Fundraising is probably the most challenging part of the filmmaking process. We got through it thanks to the generosity of a lot of people. Early preparation before the launch, offering rewards that reflect the concerns of the project, support from the cast, and having an extensive personal and social network are critical to success. Marcia and I also really believe in what we’re doing, and we supported each other along the way.
Terrence McNally said: “Theater is collaborative, [and] life is collaborative… We need what connects us, what makes us human beings.” In what ways was this film — and the Kickstarter project — a collaborative process?
Filmmaking is collaborative in every way. A documentary comes together through the hard work, passion, and vision of dozens of people. [Through the Kickstarter project] Marcia and I have gotten to know a lot of people who really care about Terrence and the themes of the film, and who touched us with their generosity. Film, theater, fundraising, Kickstarter, political movements… they are all about bringing people together, and then delivering on your promises.
Film, theater, fundraising, Kickstarter, political movements… they are all about bringing people together, and then delivering on your promises.
You connected with an incredible range of performers whose lives have been touched by McNally’s work: Audra McDonald, Nathan Lane, Rita Moreno, Angela Lansbury, Edie Falco, John Slattery, and Chita Rivera, just to name a few. Were there any commonalities that ran through these interviews — certain subjects you found yourselves returning to in all of your conversations?
Virtually everyone spoke about the need to deal with and overcome rejection and even failure if you want to make something special in the arts. An infamous flop can follow a huge hit, or vice versa. It’s what you learn from both of those experiences that enables you to continue and grow. We filmed with people [ranging in age] from their 20s to their 90s, and it’s inspiring to see the same passion for work, and excitement for life, at every age.
As you were making the documentary, did you discover any interesting parallels between the worlds of theater and film?
Both theater and film need a strong vision at the center to drive the process and keep the focus on the meaning of the project. Both can open up with unexpected discoveries.
A live play or musical is different in every performance, and from every seat. When it sparks, there is a direct connection between people on stage and people in the audience. A film can also be a powerful shared experience, and although it seems locked in place, it can shift over time depending on the viewer’s mood and experience. Both can be absolutely magical.
The world of documentary film can be difficult to break into. What advice do you have for documentary filmmakers who are just starting out in their careers?
Find a subject you’re passionate about and that has meaning to you. Learn about every aspect of filmmaking. Have an understanding of history and culture, not just film. Respect and curiosity and determination will make you a better filmmaker — and a better person.
Respect and curiosity and determination will make you a better filmmaker — and a better person.
Every Act of Life is premiering this month at the Tribeca Film Festival. What do you hope viewers will take away from the film?
We want those who know and love the theater — as well as those who know little of the theater — to understand the importance of Terrence McNally’s life and work. It’s a legacy that inspires us personally, and it has a lot of meaning in these complicated times.
Learn more about Every Act of Life and Terrence McNally’s life and work here.
Support the next Tribeca Film Festival debut — explore live Film projects on Kickstarter.
