Podtalk: Executive Producers Rachel Shane & Adrian Alperovich on the Making of ’21 Bridges’

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CHICAGO – How does a movie company put together a major release like “21 Bridges”? The behind-the-scenes mechanics are handled through various companies, and one of them is MWM Studios. Two Executive Producers from MWM and the film are Rachel Shane and Adrian Alperovich, and they talked to HollywoodChicago.com about the business of show business and their backgrounds in film and TV.

Chadwick Boseman in ‘21 Bridges’
Photo credit: STX Entertainment

“21 Bridges” follows NYPD detective Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman) who leads a citywide manhunt for a pair of cop killers. Davis’ relentless pursuit also uncovers a massive conspiracy, and lines become blurred on whom he is pursuing – and who is after him. When the search intensifies, extreme measures are taken to prevent the killers from escaping Manhattan, as Davis directs the authorities to close all 21 bridges to prevent any entry or exit from the iconic island of Manhattan.

Boseman, who is also a producer, gives an intense and character-justified performance … his father in the film was a cop who was killed. The story is one of morality – what is the definition of criminal when the crimes keep multiplying, and implicate supposed allies? This is all told through a pulse pounding thriller, as the cops are intent on revenge, and the perpetrators have opened up a Pandora’s Box of possible corruption. Andre Davis is in the tradition of John Shaft and other anti-heroes. He knows what is right for him, but is is right for the law enforcement system that is already in place?

Executive Producers Rachel Shane & Adrian Alperovich of ‘21 Bridges’
Photo credit: MWM Studios

Executive Producers Rachel Shane and Adrian Alperovich are veteran film team leaders. Shane is the Chief Creative Officer of MWM Studios, and also oversaw “Motherless Brooklyn” this fall and the upcoming “Eyes of Tammy Faye.” She was also the Executive Producer on the Oscar-nominated “Hell or High Water.” Adrian Alperovich is the Chief Operating Officer at MWM, and oversees business operations for the film and television divisions. He previously had worked at Focus Features, Film District and Sony Pictures.

In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Executive Producers Rachel Shane and Adrian Alperovich of MWM Studios talk about “21 Bridges,” the title of Chief Creative Officer and “Hell or High Water.”

In Part Two, the parameters of the new era of TV versus movie production is discussed, and a preview as to what’s upcoming for MWM Studios.

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor and Film Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com