Director Erez Tadmor Discusses Challenges and Successes of 'Good Fellas' Franchise
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Director Erez Tadmor discussed the challenging development of his "Good Fellas" film series, which was initially rejected as a TV show and faced funding issues before becoming a hit. The third film, "Good Fellas 3," follows a character's journey to New York for wedding funds. Tadmor also highlighted how the success of "Good Fellas" enabled his personal project "Soda" and revealed he is working on future installments and a documentary.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Director Erez Tadmor's "Good Fellas 3" is releasing after initial rejections for a TV series and film funding struggles.
- The first "Good Fellas" film became a surprise hit through word-of-mouth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- "Good Fellas 3" follows Baruch Auerbach's quest for funds in New York for his wedding.
- Tadmor stated that the success of the first two films made creating the third installment more complex.
- The success of "Good Fellas" helped Tadmor secure funding for his personal project "Soda."
- Tadmor is also developing "Good Fellas 4," a sequel to "A Tale of Love and Darkness," and a documentary.
Director Erez Tadmor has revealed the difficult journey behind the popular Israeli film series 'Good Fellas,' which is now releasing its third installment. Initially conceived as a television series about the Haredi matchmaking world by producer Yaki Raisner and Tadmor, the project was rejected by networks. "We worked very hard and were thrown out of everywhere," Tadmor said in an interview on the "Cinema Shu't" podcast. "They told us, 'There are "Shababnikim" [another series], get out of here, we don't want to hear it.'"
Raisner then proposed adapting the idea into a film. Tadmor and screenwriter Chava Divon rewrote the script, but faced further rejections from film funds. The movie eventually began filming with private investment during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period of uncertainty for cinemas and audiences. Despite these hurdles, "Good Fellas" became a surprise hit, with word-of-mouth driving packed screenings.
The success of the first film led to a sequel, and now "Good Fellas 3" is set to premiere. This installment follows Baruch Auerbach, played by Maor Schweitzer, as he travels to New York to raise money for his upcoming wedding. Tadmor noted that the success of the previous films created pressure to make the third installment different and compelling, incorporating audience feedback about wanting to know more about Baruch and Ruth's story.
Tadmor also discussed his personal project, "Soda," a period film based on his family's history, which he worked on for eight years. He credits the success of "Good Fellas" with helping him secure the budget for "Soda." Looking ahead, Tadmor is already working on "Good Fellas 4" and a sequel to his 2006 film "A Tale of Love and Darkness," as well as a documentary about women who escaped Iran after the revolution. He emphasized the importance of a strong script, stating, "You can't fix a script with directing."