ShowBizzBuzz: Casey Pfeifer and Rochelle Muzquiz Release Mockumentary Film “Half-Quaked”
ShowBizzBuzz = Entertainment news…here’s the latest:
Who is Buzzworthy?
Actresses-turned-Filmmakers Casey Pfeifer and Rochelle Muzquiz are shaking things up with their new mockumentary comedy film Half-Quaked. The earthquake-inspired tale has already earned ‘Best Comedy Film’ at the Oregon Independent Film Festival, where it will debut on September 20th.
What is the premise of Half-Quaked?
The film is described as: following the misadventures of Journalist Roberta Aguilar (Muzquiz), who goes to see a therapist (Pfeifer) to relieve her anxiety about an earthquake predicted to hit the Pacific Northwest. Despite Dr. Chameleon’s questionable methods, Roberta leaves the session with one solid piece of advice: to channel her anxiety into making a documentary. Over the next year, she interviews Portland locals about earthquake preparedness in order to make peace with her own inner shakiness.
What else do we know about Half-Quaked?
The 43-minute film structures the documentary portion like a variety show, featuring improvised interview scenarios with five main characters. The film also sprinkles in vlog-like vignettes and spoof ads of supporting characters.
Why did they want to make this film?
Casey Pfeifer explains: “This was such a heartfelt experience, the perfect combination of timing and moments aligning — not only to put it in motion but to complete the film — and Rochelle was the ideal partner in crime for its creation. It taught me a lot about following through and following up with what brings you joy, especially when you can’t see a concrete picture of where you are going.”
Rochelle Muzquiz also shares: “Making Half-Quaked was a labor of love and an exercise in trusting that magic would happen if we just allowed ourselves to play.”
What are their backgrounds?
Currently based in New York City, Casey Pfeifer holds a BA in Theatre & Dance from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA. She has also studied with the Labyrinth Theater Company and method acting with Eli Wallach. Casey has appeared in several indie films and studied under Kristina Haddad with The Actors Lab while living in Portland.
A Texas native now living in Portland, Rochelle Muzquiz trained at The Actor’s Lab with Kristina Haddad. A regular on the indie scene, she co-created, wrote and starred in the sci-fi drama series pilot concept, Exceptionals, with award-winning filmmaker Greg Kerr.
Want to learn more?
Visit the Half-Quaked website: HalfQuaked.com
or the Oregon Independent Film Festival site: https://oregonindependentfilmfest.com
