NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Personal ambition and family loyalty collide when a shocking revelation catapults a New York City Councilwoman into uncharted political territory.
It sounds like one of the stories you might hear from 1010 WINS/92.3FM Morning Anchor Susan Richard. In this case, it's the logline for Inner Circle, a short film co-written, produced and co-starring Susan.
Inner Circle explores a potential run for Mayor by fictional Councilmember Michelle Moss, a grocery-empire heiress turned politician forced to deal with a ruthless incumbent and a plotting political operative, all while trying to save her marriage.
"Inner Circle is not just about politics. In fact, I would say it's more about people, than politics," Richard told 1010 WINS. "Why do they do what they do? What drives them? Is it power, money? Is it loyalty, obligation? Is it fear, fear of losing something and what would that be?"
Susan has been heard on 1010 WINS since 1998, and has anchored mornings since 2021. As an actor, Susan has performed in dozens of plays, staged readings and short films in New York.
From an acting perspective, she says Michelle Moss is an interesting character, because not only is she a female politician, she's a woman of principle. Susan notes that New York City has never had a woman mayor. "She has a conscience. She's good. Would she even get the job and would she stay that way, or would something change?"
Inner Circle is directed by Jeff Oppenheim (Stand Together for Children, (co-executive producer); Global Women in Music: Composers Rewriting the Score,”(director); Real Fake: The Art, Life and Crimes of Elmyr de Hory,”(writer, director, producer) Gravitas Ventures; Kuduro Kultura, (executive producer/TriBeCa Festival (2013); Funny Valentine/2005 Universal Pictures).
“As a native New Yorker and as a veteran of the rich NYC indie film scene, I'm thrilled to be premiering our film "Inner Circle" at the Big Apple Film Festival. Screening at Village Cinema East, a champion of indie film, in an historic theater and designated NYC landmark theater, brings our film Inner Circle full circle,” Jeff Oppenheim told 1010 WINS.
Inner Circle is presented by Caffeine & Dreams Studios and also serves as a proof-of-concept short film for a larger TV series. It co-stars Drew Jordan (co-writer/producer) Eliud Garcia, Teren Carter, Samantha Ayala, Scott Stanford, Charles Cody and Steph Patella. Director of Photography: Michael Cutrone.
Catch Inner Circle at the Big Apple film festival, Tuesday, May 12 at 7pm at Village East Cinemas, 181-189 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10003. Get tickets HERE.
