The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
FilmThe Latest

Geremy Jasper and Danielle Macdonald Talk About Their Break Out Film ‘Patti Cake$’

by Ethan Singh March 21, 2017
by Ethan Singh March 21, 2017 0 comments
4K

Their film has been tearing up the festival circuit since Sundance. 

If you haven’t heard of the film Patti Cake$ yet, then you’ve either been living under a rock or you haven’t the slightest clue what an indie film is. Regardless, that’s perfectly ok. We got a chance to speak with Geremy Jasper, the director of this film and Danielle Macdonald, the lead of the film at New Directors / New Films opening night at MoMA. Geremy shed a lot of light on the film, the very personal connections he’s had with it and the long and hard process that’s been the creation of this film. Danielle shared a lot of interesting bits of information as well, such as the fact that prior to filming, she didn’t know how to rap. Generally speaking, that leads to an interesting set of days on set when the character you’re playing is an aspiring rapper. Check out our interview with these two amazing people as they slowly ascend to stardom:

Geremy Jasper:

Tell me about your movie, in your own words.

It’s a film about a 23 year old Jersey girl named Patricia whose obsessed with hip hop and it’s kind of this epic journey she goes on to find her voice.

What inspired you to write this movie?

It was a mix of my early obsession with hip hop which kind of followed my entire adult life. Me being from New Jersey, where this film takes place, growing in a family with women who are similar to Patti and the others and it was kind of a way for me to create an alter ego through Patti and mix it up with my own story and music loves.

So the movie was a very personal story for you?

Yes, we shot it in the town where I grew up, around the towns I grew up in.

What’s it like filming a movie in the town you grew up in?

It was hard. Shooting in the city or Yonkers was easy. People were suspicious, lets put it that way. I was surprised, they obviously don’t want me back.

What directors inspired you?

Fellini is probably my biggest hero. Bob Fosse I really love. PT Anderson, Spike Lee, Hank Williams, Scorsese.

What was it like working with actors who didn’t have a lot of training?

It was good. We were lucky. Sid, who plays jerry in the movie, never acted before. I got to work with him on and off for two years leading up to the movie developing the character and getting him feeling comfortable in front of the camera. The film has a lot of musicians who are not actors and a lot of actors who are not musicians and it’s an interesting mix of people who are out of their comfort zone. It kind of freaks them out. Danielle had never rapped before, so she had to learn to rap. Sid had never acted before but had done music and like, Mamoudou who plays Basterd played music. Everyone kind of did something differently that what they normally would do and I think that kept it very on their toes.

How long did it take to make this movie?

This idea came at the tail end of 2012 and we finished it in 2016, so it took a long time. It was the first screenplay I had ever written. We recorded like 25 songs for it, so it was a long process.

Did you write the songs?

I did. I was a musician first, then I kind of taught myself how to write a screenplay during that period.

What kind of musician were you?

I was in a garage punk band for many years, but I’ve been making hip hop music since I was 17.

Danielle Macdonald:

Tell me a bit about your role in the movie

I play a rapper whose trying to make it in the industry with people who’s trying to tell her she can’t. It’s a coming of age story for sure.

Geremy told me you had no rapping experience before this movie, how was the learning curve for that?

It was hard. Honestly, I just put a lot of time and effort and I just listened to a lot of music. I practiced and I listened to all these different songs in different tones and voices and I tried to find what was natural to me. I learned melody better and it was just a process of figuring it out over time.

Tell me a bit about your character

Patti is growing up in Jersey, she’s got a difficult relationship with her mom, she’s not had an influence of a dad in her life, she’s missed out in that respect, she’s got a best friend, she’s never been in love, she’s feeling really stuck and she just wants to break out.

Do you feel a personal connection to your character?

Definitely. I understand a lot of her. The dreams, I understand her heart really well, the insecurities, the love, the passion. The every physical attribute I had to learn basically. I had to learn how to walk and talk and run and rap. That you can learn, but the rest of it I learned.

Why did you choose this movie?

Geremy had this crazy belief that I could do this and it was an incredible script that I loved. I was definitely scared of it at first but we did the Sundance directors lab in 2014 and working with him, I wanted to keep working on this. It was growing so much in the 3 and a half week period we were doing that so after that, it was something I wanted to continue.

How was working with Geremy?

He’s definitely an actor’s director. He listens and he understands, and he’s really nice.

How was working with the rest of the cast?

It was great. All the crew was amazing. There was this really great vibe on set where there was just no levels and everyone just connected and got along and everyone kind of felt passionate because it was such good vibe, which really helps when you’re trying to have a connection with someone on screen. We were really lucky with that. I met Sid and Bridget at the Sundance labs so that really helped. We established a connection two years before filming.

What inspired you to become an actress?

I don’t know what it was. I just, I wanted to do it. I can’t even tell you when. I just remember thinking there is nothing else that I want to do and this is the only thing that I want to do, so I’m going to do. There was no like one aha moment. I was just feeling it and I wanted to make it happen.

Danielle MacdonaldGeremy JasperinterviewNew Films New DirectorsPatti Cake$Rapping
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Ethan Singh

previous post
Art Review: Benoît Delhomme ‘My Hollywood’ at Daniel Cooney Fine Art
next post
Exclusive: Writer, Director, and Stars Talk ‘Wilson’ at NY Premiere

Related Posts

Renowned Restaurant Fresco by Scotto Debuts a New...

October 22, 2025

Cedric the Entertainer Reflects on The Neighborhood’s Final...

October 22, 2025

Bernadette Peters, Sutton Foster & Leslie Odom Jr....

October 22, 2025

Techno and Tragedy in Oliver Laxe’s Sirat

October 21, 2025

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez and Joel Kim Booster Talk...

October 20, 2025

NMIXX Explores All ‘Shapes of Love’ in Their...

October 20, 2025

Building Community Over Commerce: The Stript Story

October 20, 2025

LA Premiere: HBO’s The Chair Company 

October 19, 2025

A Toast to Ja Rule’s Amber & Opal...

October 19, 2025

New York City Wine & Food Festival Returns

October 17, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company Step inside the chaotic world of The Chair Company, where office life meets absurd comedy. 🪑 
Stream it now on @HBO. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/la-premiere-hbos-the-chair-company/

✍️: Katherine Wright
-
#TheChairCompany #HBO #HBOOriginal #HBOShow #BingeWorthy #MustWatch #StreamingNow
@justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The @justinbieber led @skylrk to a standout win at The Leag, one of LA’s most talked-about underground sports events. With celebrities, athletes, and creators filling the sidelines, the night captured the energy of competition and culture colliding under the lights. 🏀

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/justin-bieber-leads-skylrk-to-victory-at-las-underground-sports-phenomenon-the-league/

✍️: Parris Rose

-
#JustinBieber #SKYLRK #TheLeag #LosAngeles #SportsCulture #Basketball #UndergroundSports
@nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about t @nmixx_official spoke with The Knockturnal about their journey as six members, a long, inspiring adventure that’s led them to a major milestone: their first-ever full-length album, Blue Valentine. 💙

The project dives deep into the complexity of human emotions, wrapped in NMIXX’s signature MIXX-pop sound. 🎶

“The story of NMIXX is still unfolding.” 

Full Article 🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/nmixx-blue-valentine/

By @EmmaSalehi 

#NMIXX #BlueValentine #NMIXXBlueValentine #MIXXPOP #NMIXXComeback #KpopInterview #TheKnockturnal #Kpop #KpopNews #KpopGirlGroup #NMIXX_BlueValentine #HAEWON #LILY #BAE #JIWOO #KYUJIN #SULLYOON #엔믹스
Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of Want to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of @beetlejuicebway? Now you can! From now until Halloween, @tempotimessquare hosting an unforgettable Beetlejuice Suite experience where every corner is bursting with spooky charm, strange surprises, and a whole lot of Netherworld flair. 💀✨ 

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a little strange and unusual, this is your chance to step into the world of the ghost with the most. 👻 #BeetlejuiceBroadway #TempoTimesSquare #BeetlejuiceSuite
#ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when y #ParkChanWook new film might make you laugh when you least expect it — and flinch when you do. 👀💥

Full review out now.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/park-chan-wooks-no-other-choice-is-dark-gripping-and-bitingly-funny/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala 

-
#NoOtherChoice #KoreanCinema #Cinephile #FilmReview #NewRelease #MustWatch
📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining 📸 WOODZ (@woodz_dnwm) — the artist redefining boundaries with each track, image, and evolution. Dive into our exclusive to uncover the artistry behind the name. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/woodz/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#Woodz #Kpop #ArtistSpotlight #Editorial
EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to elect EXCLUSIVE: STAYC take the Stay Tuned tour to electrifying new heights, bringing “I WANT IT” to life with unmatched energy, confidence, and flair. Every beat, every move, every note is a reminder that STAYC don’t just perform—they command the stage. 🌈💥

From their glowing visuals to powerhouse vocals, @stayc_highup deliver a night that’s equal parts spectacle and soul.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stayc/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#STAYC #StayTunedTour #IWANTIT #STAYCgirls #STAYChighup #Kpop #ConcertHighlights #ExclusiveFeature
Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new Park Chan-wook shares how The Ax inspired his new film, exploring its unique darkness. 🌟

#ParkChanWook #NoOtherChoice #TheAx #KoreanFilm #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook tea Big sci-fi dreams ahead 🔥🤖Park Chan-wook teases his probable upcoming project Genocidal Organ! 

#ParkChanWook #GenocidalOrgan #NYFF #NYFF26
Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in Dark humor and deep tragedy with @byunghun0712 in his latest film @nootherchoicefilm. 🖤🎬

#LeeByungHun #NoOtherChoice #KDrama #NYFF #NYFF26
Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun refl Two worlds, one screen 🌏🎥 Lee Byung-hun reflects on 20 years of film, from South Korea to Hollywood! 

#LeeByungHun #Hollywood #KoreanCinema #Film #NoOtherChoice #NYFF26 #NYFF
Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what Brighter days ahead 🌞 @cix.official share what it means to move forward together in their latest comeback. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cix/

✍️: Emma Salehi

Photo Credits: C9 Entertainment 
-
#CIX #GOChapter1 #GOTogether #TheKnockturnal #KpopInterview #KpopNews #CIXComeback #CIX2025 #KpopFeature #CIXFans
It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North Ameri It’s going down! @stayc_highup is in North America on their ‘Stay Tuned’ tour! 💖

Watch their energetic and fun filled show near you 👀🌟

#stayc #kpop #kpopconcert #iwantit #staycstaytuned #staytuned
Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷 We had the most a Who runs the world? Girls! 🩷

We had the most amazing day of inspiring panels, activations and networking at @femalefounderworld, with @eyebuydirect! 👓
Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joa Eskil Vogt reunites with longtime collaborator Joachim Trier for their sixth cinematic journey, co-writing Sentimental Value, a poignant exploration of family, memory, and reconciliation. 

-
#Screenwriting #Storytelling #WritingForFilm #FilmWriting #NYFF2025 #NewYorkFilmFestival #IndieFilm
At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to l At @thenyff , @renatereinsve brings Nora Borg to life in Sentimental Value, portraying a character whose journey through family complexities and personal discovery resonates deeply. 

-
#RenateReinsve #NYFF #SentimentalValue #NoraBorg #FilmFestival #Actress
@nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as @nobledanceroslo at @thenyff shares his vision as a director, bringing his story to life with precision, collaboration, and attention to every frame. 

The film reflects his dedication to emotion, storytelling, and cinematic craft. 🎥

-
#JoachimTrimmer #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Director #Filmmaking
We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the We spoke with @ingalilleaas at @thenyff about the emotional process behind her latest film. ✨

-
#IngaIbsdotterLilleaas #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #Cinema
Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ Poised, perceptive, and endlessly compelling — @ellefanning in conversation at this year’s @thenyff.

-
#ElleFanning #NYFF #NewYorkFilmFestival #FilmFestival #RedCarpet #Cinema
✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performa ✨ From powerful panels to unforgettable performances, the 2025 #TeenVogueSummit brought together voices shaping fashion, culture, and activism today. 💬🎶

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/2025-teen-vogue-summit-recap-full-of-fun-fashion-and-connection/

✍️: Zipporah Pruitt

-
#TeenVogue #TeenVogueSummit2025 #TeenVogueEvents
#TeenVogueCommunity #TeenVogueStyle
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch