New Quirky Comedy Features Valley as Backdrop

“Raising Buchanan,” a quirky comedy featuring notable Hollywood actors such as Emmy-nominated and Tony Award-winning actor René Auberjonois, is set to begin production this month at locations around the Valley.
The film was written and directed by Rocky Mountain Emmy-award winner and Tempe local Bruce Dellis. Dellis has previously been recognized as Arizona Filmmaker of the Year by the Phoenix Film Foundation and has been nominated for 13 Rocky Mountain Emmys, winning four. He has written and directed several short films but this is his first time serving as both writer and director for a full-length feature film.
The film’s plot centers around Ruth, a cellist with some serious money problems who steals the corpse of deceased president James Buchanan hoping to net a large ransom but finds that no one is too interested in getting him back.
“The script is outrageously funny and courageously insightful in its way,” said Auberjonois, who is playing the lead role of President James Buchanan. “The role is one of the most challenging I have had in a long career, but I’m psyched to sink my teeth into it and look forward to the start of filming.”
Ruth is played by local actress and executive producer Amanda Melby Crisalli, who boasts an extensive background in independent film.
“We’re very much looking forward to bringing Bruce’s incredibly funny screenplay to life over the course of the next few months,” Crisalli said. “’Raising Buchanan’ has the kind of humor and tempo that draws people in and has you rooting for people who aren’t necessarily making the best life decisions. We have been fortunate to assemble a very talented cast and crew to create a film we think people will enjoy immensely.”
Producers plan to end filming by November, and post-production is expected to be completed next spring. Distribution channels for the film have yet to be determined, but the team plans to submit the film to a number of different film festivals.