Long Island Native Produces Unique Hybrid Film/Stage Show

LONG BEACH, NY — Michelle Kaufer has fond memories of growing up in Long Beach. Now based in Los Angeles, Kaufer is one of the lead producers on the film "Famous," hitting streaming services and theaters on Dec. 10.

The movie is a unique production that follows a young actor's struggles with fame in the 1990s. It's a filmed version of the stage play in California.

"As a stage play it was very cinematic," Kaufer told Patch. "When you were sitting in the theater, it felt like you were watching a film."

Most scenes were filmed with an audience, using one performance to create the film, without the editing tricks that would typically be used on the big screen.

"We didn't want to cheat from what the original creative vision was," she said.

"Famous" explores the true cost of fame for an A-list celebrity when boundaries of friendship are pushed.

"It's inspired by some true stories, although it's not anyone's story in particular," Kaufer said. "It confronts some serious issues, sexual abuse, abuse of power. This is a young man's story and this is a story that doesn't get told often."

But, she said, the topics are not addressed in an awkward or uncomfortable way.

"It also is a beautiful story about healing," she said.

Given the subject nature about Hollywood, Kaufer said it was important to find undiscovered artists.

"You really just want them to see the character for who it is," Kaufer said.

Chris Kattan, known for his work on "Saturday Night Live," has a supporting role.

Kaufer, who had an interest in the arts at an early age, was a member of the Long Beach Theater Guild for several years.

A Long Beach High School graduate, she produced theater in Manhattan before getting into behind-the-scenes film work.

While family moved away from the area, Kaufer occasionally returns to her Long Island roots, including this weekend for a friend's birthday party.

"I'm excited to see what's changed, and obviously go to some of my favorite restaurants." Kaufer joked: "We don't have Long Island seafood in California."