Mending The Line Director Joshua Caldwell Reveals Research Behind Film’s Accuracy

, because you need a guy who embodies the spirit of a Marine, right? We have to sell the fact that this character is a career Marine, someone who is dedicated to his duty. But here’s the twist – the role also demands a tremendous amount of vulnerability and emotional depth. So finding the perfect person for this role was no easy task.

Enter Sinqua. From the very first conversation I had with him, I knew he was the one to bring John to life. He had that rare combination of strength and vulnerability that the character required.

And then we have Perry Mattfeld, who was recommended by our incredible casting director. She had previously been on the hit show In The Dark, and it turned out she had some experience with fly fishing. Sure, it wasn’t extensive, but it was more than anyone else we were considering. And let me tell you, making this movie was a challenge because we didn’t have months to train the actors. So if you had even a little bit of experience, you were in. But Perry brought so much more to the role than just her fly fishing skills. She brought a unique awkward friendliness that added depth to her character. It was fantastic.

And then we have Patricia Heaton, who graciously joined our project to play the doctor. Her generosity and enthusiasm were truly remarkable. And last but not least, Wes Studi. When we were looking for character actors, I remembered a review of Soul that said “movies need more Wes Studi.” And I couldn’t agree more. So we reached out to Wes, and he immediately jumped on board. It was a catch we couldn’t resist.

And let’s not forget Irene Bedard and the rest of the amazing actors who filled out the film. It’s always a joy to see such a talented ensemble come together.

Now, let’s talk about Succession. Did Brian ruin it for me? Well, luckily, they hadn’t started shooting the fourth season when that happened. Brian played it so well, never hinting at anything. He kept that secret like a pro. But yes, I did miss out on being a part of it. Our filming wrapped in September 2021, and I believe they started filming the fourth season in mid-2022. So there was a bit of a time gap there.

Now, onto fly fishing. As a fly fisherman myself, and with Steven Camileo, the writer of the movie, also being one, we knew we had to get this aspect of the film right. It was crucial to involve the fly fishing community and gain their support. So we partnered with Sage Fly Rods, who provided all the tackle for the film. But they also gave us something even more valuable – Simon Cosworth, a record-holding fly caster and their education expert. Simon became our fly-fishing technical advisor, teaching the cast how to cast and ensuring that everything looked authentic on screen. It was a collaboration that allowed us to portray fly fishing at a high level.

And speaking of authenticity, one of the things I loved about this film was Sinqua’s portrayal of a Marine who feels the need to return to war. It required a lot of research and understanding to get it right. This wasn’t a movie we could just make up as we went along. We had to delve deep into the subject matter and truly grasp the complexities of it. Originally, in Steven’s script, the character was already out of the military. But as we discussed it further, we realized that there was so much more to explore by keeping him in. And Sinqua brought that depth and complexity to the role. It was a collaboration that brought out the best in both of us.Hey Steven, have you ever wondered why a character would go fly-fishing in a movie? It may seem strange, but when it comes to storytelling, we have to work within the dramatic confines. But let me tell you, we stumbled upon something fascinating.

We started talking to people who had transitioned out of the military, and we met a former U.S. Army gentleman who shared his experience with us. He explained that even though he was wounded, he still had a strong desire to go back and serve. It was like he couldn’t imagine doing anything else. But those around him could see that mentally, he wasn’t fit for duty.

This insight became the foundation of our script. We wanted the audience to believe that our character would do anything to get back in, even if it meant trying something as unexpected as fly-fishing. It became the vehicle through which he pursued his ultimate goal of returning to service. But it also became the window through which he discovered a new identity and the healing he needed.

We connected with veterans who had gone through similar experiences, and their emotional journey inspired us. They opened up to us, sharing their stories and vulnerabilities. It was a powerful reminder that soldiers are not always stoic, but often deeply affected by their experiences.

So, what do we hope people take away from “Mending The Line”? Well, first and foremost, we want them to see it as a universal story. Loss and trauma are experiences we can all relate to, especially in the past couple of years. We want the audience to feel like they’re floating down a river, participating in the journey and finding peace in the process.

But there’s also a deeper message for Americans, particularly those connected to the military. We’re facing a crisis with our veterans, with an alarming number of suicides every day. This movie may not be based on a true story, but it reflects the reality that many veterans are going through. And there are organizations out there, like warriors and quiet waters project, healing waters, and wounded warriors, that are making a difference.

Something as simple as fishing can have a profound therapeutic effect on these veterans. It’s not just about fly-fishing; it could be surfing or working with horses. Alternate therapies are changing lives and giving these men and women a chance to find peace.

If our movie can connect with veterans or those who know veterans, if it can start a dialogue and create a connection, then we’ve achieved something meaningful. We want people to enjoy the film, but also understand that this is a story that repeats itself across the country. There are incredible organizations out there saving lives, and we hope to bring attention to their work.

So, Steven, I hope this gives you a better understanding of the journey we’ve taken with “Mending The Line.” It’s a story that goes beyond the surface, touching on universal themes and shedding light on the struggles of our veterans. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.That’s the thing. I personally know guys who have been shot, and let me tell you, they have an unwavering desire to go back in. They are driven by an incredible level of spirit that exists within them. It’s truly remarkable.

But here’s the other thing, the military and veterans are extremely particular about how their experiences are portrayed on screen. We were incredibly fortunate to partner with the U.S. Marine Corps entertainment Liaison Office. It’s like how the Navy partnered with Top Gun, we got to partner with the Marines.

They provided us with invaluable tactical advice, ensuring that we got every detail right. They even allowed us to shoot the opening scene at Camp Pendleton, in their Afghanistan village simulator set. They provided us with vehicles, Marines, tents, and so much more, all at no charge. It’s amazing because it not only gave us the endorsement of the military, but it also sends a powerful message to veterans that we are on their side. We are committed to telling their stories as accurately as possible, and above all, we strive to be emotionally truthful in what we present. Of course, there are limitations in making a movie, but we had the support of incredible individuals from both the fly-fishing and military communities, and their influence is evident in the film.

About Mending The Line

John Cotler (Sinqua Walls), a wounded veteran, returns to the States still carrying the demons of war, haunted by the everyday expectations of friendships and love interests. In Livingston, Montana, he crosses paths with Ike (Brian Cox), a surly, headstrong fly-fisherman who is more than twice his age, and Lucy (Perry Mattfeld), a talented photographer turned librarian who reads aloud to veterans, both of whom are damaged in their own way. As Cotler seeks treatment for his physical and psychological wounds, he yearns to re-enlist, to have something worth dying for. However, the real challenge lies in finding something worth living for.

Mending The Line will premiere in theaters on June 9, 2023.