Variety Radio sat down with Jonathan Lipnicki, Charlene Tilton and Directed Luciano Saber to talk about their film “Edge of Salvation”.
Principal photography begins June 18th in Los Angeles and continues until June 29th on the independent SAG feature, EDGE OF SALVATION. The film is written, produced and directed by Luciano Saber (Placebo Effect). The film is executive produced by Stelian Beldie of Compact Productions, Inc.
The storyline focuses on the greed and murder that sets a documentary film crew into action to follow the lives of several unlikely characters from the luxury of a multi-million dollar home to the trenches of a tough inner-city neighborhood. For these people, lessons are learned, truths are discovered and lives are placed at risk.
The drama stars Jeremy London (Party of Five, 7th Heaven) in the role of David Stevens, a documentary film producer. Charlene Tilton (Dallas) plays Sarah Malone, a woman trying to hold her fractured family together and a grown up Jonathan Lipnicki (Jerry McGuire) as JJ, a street punk with evil intentions for the new family on the block.
Directed Luciano Saber
1.What was your motivation to bring this story to audiences, what’s the overall theme of the film?
I’m hoping that this story will provoke more conversation about the choices we make when faced with adversity and how the misguided actions of one person can ruin the lives of so many. It’s a story about loss — something most people in our country are experiencing at the moment, but it’s also about how we deal with losing our possessions or loved ones and how important it is to have faith and hope. It’s the military mentality — adapt and overcome.
2.Before casting did you have an idea of whom you wanted to cast in this film?
I immediately thought of my friend, Charlene Tilton to play the mom, but she was working in England when I was in the final stages of writing the script and then she was called back to shoot “Dallas,” among other previously scheduled events, so I wasn’t sure if our schedules would coincide. I really didn’t know who would end up playing the role of Sarah, but I’m thrilled that Charlene was available to take the part.
3.What makes each cast member perfect for their role?
Charlene is a very talented actress, a wave of energy and passion and certainly perfect to play a mom. She brings years of acting experience to the project and I can tell that she certainly believes every word that the character utters.
Jeremy London is a filmmaker, a writer, a director and certainly a brilliant actor. He brings his “behind the camera” experience to the character he portrays — a documentary film maker. Jeremy is certainly the ultimate professional and a pleasure to work with.
Jonathan Lipnicki impressed me the first time we met to talk about the script and the character of JJ (neighborhood bully). Jonathan is such a nice guy in real life, but when he turned on the bully personality, he instantly became JJ. He’s so well prepared and although the exterior may say he’s the guy next door, there’s a raging fire that burns inside.
Kelly Washington’s phenomenal acting ability will convince anyone that she truly is a spoiled brat, but in reality she’s a passionate team player and she’s a pleasure to work with.
Dragos Beldie is a natural talent and I can honestly say that he surprises me every day with the choices he makes. He has grown tremendously, as an actor, in the last two weeks and I’m so proud to be part of the early stages of his career. I look forward to working with him again.
There are a couple of dozen actors in this movie and I wish I had the time to talk volumes about each one in particular, such as; Jewel Christian and Rachel De Genero who play the unlikely detectives, the girls next door and the neighborhood kids, the creepy neighbor, Jake Lawson and the homeless girl played by the very impressive Kristina Kruz as well as all the other great performers I had the pleasure of meeting.
I’m very blessed with a wonderful cast, a hard working crew and a great production team.
Charlene Tilton
1.Could you tell us a little bit about your character Sarah?
My character, Sarah Malone is going through some tough times to say the least. She has lost her family’s home due to her husband’s bad management of their finances. Sarah has to tap into her faith in God like never before to hold her family together.
2. What drew you to this particular project/character?
I liked this project because it focuses on a topic that is relevant right now in America. Many hard working, responsible people are loosing their homes and struggling.
3. Did you encounter any challenges with this character?
The challenge as an actress with playing Sarah is to not play her so she is falling into the trap of self-pity. I did not want her to come across with the “Why me?” attitude.
4. We’ve got to ask. We never thought it would happen, but Dallas is back! What’s it like playing Lucy Ewing again after all these years?
I’m thrilled Dallas is back on the air. I think it is a wonderful show with great writing and great actors. You will see Lucy a couple of time in the first season and I would love it if they decide to bring Lucy back for more episodes.
Jonathan Lipnicki
1.Could you tell us a little bit about your character JJ?
JJ is basically a thug from a bad neighborhood who I believe is very misunderstood. He is very streetwise and uses these smarts to his advantage in several instances.
2.So many watched you grow up basically onscreen, and remember you as the sweet kid in so many movies. How do you feel about them seeing you as the bad guy/thug, in this film? Are you ready to change people’s perception 
of you as an actor?
I am very happy I get to show people my versatility in this role. Playing someone with loose morals and a street mentality is always a fun challenge that I am up to. More than ready, I train several days a week on my acting and I want to the audience to see that come through in my work.
3.What drew you to this particular project/character?
It is an intriguing story and the character is really dynamic. I knew I could bring a lot to this role despite the role being a stretch from the norm to me. I really like challenging myself, and I saw the role as a challenge.
4.Did you encounter any challenges with this character?
Yes, but I did my homework on this role so that always makes it easier to overcome. I spent hours each night looking over the script figuring out what makes JJ act how he acts.
