It was so refreshing to watch the latest Wall St drama Equity, hallelujah > women taking the lead in a story set on Wall Street that isn’t about wearing heels or being a secretary to a powerful male role. The film has a smart script, is exciting to watch, with a great cast of women you will already recognise from some of our favourite TV shows.
Alysia Reiner stars in and is one of the producers of the film, she has been in so many different genres of films and TV shows, including my favourites Kissing Jessica Stein and of course OITNB.
She is passionate about so many projects, on and off screen, and is wonderful role model for women, it was a privilege to chat to her about her latest film, Equity.
What was your original inspiration for the story and characters in the film?
Countless interviews with women on WALL STREET and Corporate America in general. They were deeply inspiring themselves, and also obviously hearing their challenges. For me as a producer it was incredibly freeing to be able to say I want to create more diverse roles and to be able to do it: I can be married to a woman of color – and no one could say NO!
Anna Gunn is brilliant in her role and obviously you were great in yours > did you ever consider playing her part?
I think as a producer and this being my first feature, I wanted to play a supporting role, so that is what I created, but it is funny, before we cast it, people would read the script and I almost everyone asked why I wasn’t playing that role! Now I can’t imagine anyone but Anna – she is so brilliant.
How has the reaction been to the film in the US amongst males and females on Wall St?
Unanimous respect and approval.
I LOVE that men love it as much as women.
I LOVE how many women relate and say “you told my story.”
And most of all, I love that so many people have said it is the most authentic WALL STREET film they have ever seen.
Are there other more male dominated Wall St films you have enjoyed?
I loved THE BIG SHORT and MARGIN CALL. They are all good – as misogynistic as they are!
You work hard to inspire other women in entrepreneurship, what was your main message when you have spoken at The White House?
I think the biggest is: be the change you wish to see. See problems and BE the solution. Don’t wait, create. It takes massive action and hard work, but it feels so much better than complaining. I never had a mentor (till this project where one of my investors really became one) so I decided to BE A MENTOR so other women would have what I didn’t.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT WHAT YOU DON’T HAVE, GO GIVE WHAT YOU DO.
Who inspires you?
MY DAUGHTER is the most creative, problem solving, kind, fair, generous, thoughtful, wise, and INSPIRING human I ever met. I am so deeply grateful to live with her.
What do you like to watch on TV?
Right now: OBSESSED with “THE NIGHT OF.”
I saw that you are doing a spin off TV show, which is exciting; will you keep the same writer / cast?
We sold the rights to TRI-STAR so that is up to them! I of course would looooove to be in it, and would love AMY to be on writing staff, but I am no longer the final say!
Who are strong females in the film industry that you like to watch onscreen… and what male actors do you like too?
GOSH SO MANY! I love Meryl of course. For me it’s those realistic but juicy choices as a character….Cate Blanchet always makes gorgeous choices, as does Julianne Moore, Viola Davis, Judi Dench, Carrie Preston, Margo Martindale, Melissa McCarthy, Jessica Lange, Edie Falco – I could go on and on!!!
For the boys…I love George Clooney, Gene Wilder, Jeffrey Tambor, Hugh Jackman, John Turturro, Morgan Freeman, Mark Rylance, Bill Camp, and of course David Alan Basche!
You seem to be a very busy woman on and off screen, what do you enjoy to do as your switch off / downtime?
I love to play actively. So much of work is reading and researching – which I love too, love snuggling with a book or watching films. But true relaxing for me is physical – be it jumping in the waves, a great hot yoga class, dancing with my kiddo, a super fun Soul Cycle class, woooshing down a snowy mountain and yes me and my daughter are roller coaster freaks! And I love entertaining – cooking and deep conversations with friends are a true joy.
EQUITY is on general release now in the UK, and it’s definitely one you should get in line for!