For those who love a good movie with a good laugh and a good portion of shedding tears, Director Ken Marino knows how to do all of the above. His latest masterpiece DOG DAYS has gathered some of the best in the American cinematography.
In 2017 Ken made his directorial debut with Lionsgate’s How to Be a Latin Lover starring Eugenio Derbez, Salma Hayek and Rob Lowe. This year, Director Ken Marino could be proud of his one of the difficult genre – comedy and drama in one. Add kids and animals who star in the movie, and you have just added one of the most widely avoided complexities within any movie! Ken Marino has undertaken one of such difficult tasks and gathered around hi an eclectic cast of characters both human and canine!
Director Ken Marino and Erica Oyama, Screenplay Co-writer & Ken’s wife, with son and friends at the DOG DAYS Red Carpet World Premiere
August 5, 2018, Los Angeles
During our interview with the cast and director of DOG DAYS, it was clear to see how tightly-knit and caring they were about each other and the rest of the crew who were not at the press junket. The same warm atmosphere was felt and appreciated during one of the best Red Carpet events in my life ever.
Here are some of my favorite highlights from interview for your enjoyment.
What Actors Say About Director Ken Marino
During the interview with Director Ken Marino and creative talent, it was a unanimous resolution that they would work with Ken Marino any day of the year! The excitement and sincerity of these warmly expressed feelings towards the movie director is something to be proud of.
Ken Marino had something special to say about the cast he worked with id DOG DAYS, “Working with good human beings on top of being talented individuals.”
Director Ken Marino, DOG DAYS, at the interview
Selfie with Director Ken Marino, DOG DAYS
A Selfie with Director Ken Marino
DOG DAYS Interview, August 4, 2018
Look, what different members of the cast expressed about their work with Ken Marino!
Rob Corddry (Kurt), an old friend of Marino’s, knew what he was getting into but still wanted to be a part of the film anyway. The Daily Show, Children’s Hospital and Hot Tub Time Machine comedy vet says about the director who had been advised to never work with animals or kid actors:
I’ve been working with Ken for a long time. He’s directed a lot of my shows and we’ve acted together, and Ken just gets markedly better as he goes on. I think he can do anything. He’s fast and thorough and very confident. Why Ken took on a movie with children and dogs in it, I don’t know – he’s just one of these jerks that likes a challenge… .
Who doesn’t adore actor Rob Corddry?!
DOG DAYS Red Carpet Movie Premiere
August 5, 2018, Los Angeles
(L to R) Eva Longoria as “Grace”, Elizabeth Caro as “Amelia” and Rob Corddry as “Kurt” in Ken Marino’s DOG DAYS, a LD Entertainment release.
Photo: Jacob Yakob / LD Entertainment
Ron Sephas Jones who plays Walter in DOG DAYS was exited to work with Ken Marino because of the loving environment this director creates for every project.
Ken gives you time to try different takes. But he’s also very focused on what he wants and the shots that he needs. And it’s always great to work with a director that has some acting chops also.
Tone Bell (Jimmy Johnston) speaks highly of Ken Marino, noting that Ken is an actor first.
Ken’s not only an actor’s director, but he’s also a comedian’s director. He is so funny, and as a director, he just gets it. He really understands the heart of certain moments. He gets the funny, he gets the ‘go for it’ attitude, he gets the ‘let’s keep this scene tight and make it special’ thing. We worked on a few shows together, and you know something is funny when a guy like Ken, who is really funny himself, laughs at it.
Nina Dobrev (left) stars as “Elizabeth” and Tone Bell (right) stars as “Jimmy” in director Ken Marino’s DOG DAYS, a LD Entertainment release.
Photo: Jacob Yakob / LD Entertainment
Nina Dobrev (Elizabeth) said during the interview that Ken Marino “knows what he wants in a scene and knows how to get there, but he also threw in ad-libbed lines. As an actor and as an artist, that’s fun and liberating, to step outside of the box. It was great getting to work with Ken. He’s a natural.”
Nina Dobrev and Tone Bell in DOG DAYS, a movie about dogs and people.
Director Ken Marino
Vanessa Hudgens (Tara) reflects on the movie and Director Ken Marino. Improvisation was a key to Marino’s directing style.
First of all, Ken is hysterical – we all know that through watching his work. And as a director, he’s hysterical as well. He keeps things really light on set. He’s supportive and really cares – he’ll sit with you and rewrite scenes. He’s just a blast to be around.
Vanessa Hudgens stars as “Tara” in Ken Marino’s DOG DAYS, a LD Entertainment release.
Photo: Jacob Yakob / LD Entertainment
Adam Pally (Dax) who is beyond hilarious in DOG DAYS, adds the following about director Ken Marino and his experience working with this epic professional:
He lets you figure things out while still getting what he needs. He’s very collaborative.
Adam Pally (Dax, Ruth’s brother) plays one of the most hilarious parts ever!
5 FUN Facts About DOG DAYS Movie
Who doesn’t love Nina Dobrev?! Famous from her VAMPIRE DIARIES days, Nina has established herself as a gifted young actress taking upon some interesting roles. Check out her appearance at The Talk show where she talks about the importance of pet adoption and asking Tom Cruise to star her adopted dog named Maverick in his upcoming movie TOP GUN: MAVERICK.
• Dogs and all pets in the movie were base way before any human talent was brought onboard!
• Mark Hardner is the person who trained the dogs for movie tricks and acting
• Nina’s dog Maverick who stars in the movie is a rescue
• Nina was brought into the movie project Dog Days 3 weeks after she adopted her puppy Maverick
• Maverick is a “she” dog
• Maverick was adopted during the Coachella festival
• Instagram for Nina’s dog Maverick is Here
Nina Dobrev wore a very interesting dress to the Red Carpet of DOG DAYS Movie Premiere.
August 5, 2018, Los Angeles
Other RED CARPET Events That Lit My Life
Christopher Robin, directed by Marc Forster
COCO, directed by Lee Unkrich
The Jungle Book, directed by Jon Favreau
