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

Exclusive: Britt Robertson, Bruce Beresford, and More Discuss ‘Mr. Church’ at TFF premiere

by Joshua Kaye April 24, 2016
by Joshua Kaye April 24, 2016 0 comments
4.1K

On April 22nd, 2016, The Knockturnal had the chance to attend the Red Carpet for the Tribeca premiere of Mr. Church.

Making it’s premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, Mr. Church, starring Eddie Murphy and Britt Robertson, tells the story of a dying mother and her daughter who hire the services of a cook. What’s supposed to be a six month job for Henry Joseph Church (played by Eddie Murphy) turns into a family bond that lasts forever. The Knockturnal got the chance to attend the red carpet for the premiere and speak with screenwriter Susan McMartin, director Bruce Beresford, and co-star Britt Robertson.

Susan McMartin (Screenwriter)

Q: Can you talk a bit about the inspiration behind Mr. Church?

McMartin: He’s based on a real person in my life, the name I changed but he’s a real person. He is the reason that I became a writer, he was the most important person in my life so when I became a mom, he had passed away. I was always sad that she would never meet him. So I thought I could write a movie where they would meet in the movie and so the story is, as far as the friendship, completely autobiographical.

Q: Can you talk about collaborating with Bruce Beresford, the director, on the project?

McMartin: Bruce was amazing because he loved my script and he was not…he didn’t make any changes to my script unless he had to. He was so loyal to the actual words which is such a rare thing. I was allowed to be on the set at every moment. I’ve never experienced such a generous director towards a writer in honoring the words.

Bruce Beresford (Director)

Q: Speak about what attracted you to this project.

Beresford: Well I liked the script, it’s like any project, you know? If you don’t like the script, there’s no point in doing them. The script was based on Susan’s own experience and I found it really touching.

Q: Can you speak about collaborating with Britt?

Beresford: Britt’s a wonderful actress. She’s tremondously focused and astute and smart. I don’t think she ever…she never blew a line or a word, neither did Eddie. Never!

Q: Speaking of Eddie, it’s great to see him back on the screen in a dramatic role. Why did he want to be involved?

Beresford: We were looking for someone to play the role and I said at one point to the producers, “Why not send it to Eddie Murphy?” And they said, “Oh, you know. Big star, he wouldn’t do it.” Well you never know, you know! He only had it about three days and he called up and said, “I think it’s really good. I’d like to do it.”

Q: What was it like watching him embody the character?

Beresford: He’s a very, very fine actor. He’s got terrific concentration and terrific insight and good taste. People said to me, “Oh he’s late on the set.” Never! Total professional.

Q: That’s what we like to hear! Also, Mr. Morgan Freeman is being honored Monday night by the Film Society of Lincoln Center. Any thoughts on that?

Beresford: Well, Morgan’s a great actor. And so’s Eddie!

Britt Robertson (Charlotte)

Q: Can you talk about the experience of what it was like working with Eddie Murphy?

Robertson: Working with Eddie was…I had no idea what to expect initially, I just tried to be super respectful of him and whatever his process was. But he was incredibly kind and he’s very hard working. His relationship with Bruce was incredible and he would do anything anyone asked him to. I learned a lot from him just how to be professional and also to be considerate of someone’s process.

Q: Do you have a funny story of working with Eddie?

Robertson: Oh my gosh, well, funny stories? I don’t know. I followed him around, I feel like just trying to observe and figure out what’s going on inside his head. He’s a really sweet, kind, smart guy. He’s constantly thinking, constantly coming up with ideas. But this was very much a more dramatic role for him. Not too much goofing around on the sidelines. But he was very, very sweet and very welcoming to me and my process as well.

Q: It’s an extremely emotional story. What was key for you getting into this character?

Robertson: I think just being familiar with Susan’s story, the writer, she wrote such a beautiful script and for me it’s not about emulating anyone’s specific journey in life, it’s just about how hard it may be to tell these kinds of stories. It’s a life story, it’s a very simple, family driven kind of character dynamic and so I think it was just important to be truthful in every moment, to be honest as much as possible.

Q: What would we be surprised to learn about Eddie Murphy?

Robertson: He’s really shy. He’s super shy, like he’ll open up to people once he’s really comfortable, but he’s really shy once you first get to know him. He’s not going to just be open to everyone.

Mr. Church is directed by Bruce Beresford, written by Susan McMartin, and stars Eddie Murphy and Britt Robertson. Mr. Church does not have a release date at this time.

mr-church

 

Britt RobertsonBruce BeresfordMorgan FreemanMr. ChurchSusan McMartinTFF 2016Tribeca Film Festival
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Joshua Kaye

previous post
Christian Siriano’s Kleinfeld Collection Proves Bridal Doesn’t Have To Be Boring
next post
Exclusive: Get To Know Chef’Special

Related Posts

Lady London Opens Up About Growth, Grief, and...

October 11, 2025

Stand Your Ground: Netflix’s Harrowing Look at American...

October 11, 2025

‘This City Has So Much Magic,’ Bradley Cooper...

October 10, 2025

The Knockturnal: Inside “The Soucouyant” How Antigua and...

October 10, 2025

We Talk to the Cast and Writers of...

October 9, 2025

Netflix’s “Jay Kelly” Movie Premiere at the New...

October 9, 2025

The Gotham Week Presents: Shorts-to-Features Showcase Recap

October 9, 2025

Joachim Trier’s New Film Perfects Both Sentiments and...

October 8, 2025

Bone Lake’s Spooky Season Twist

October 7, 2025

Lilith Fair: Building a Mistery – The Untold...

October 7, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

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

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
Visit the @Complex x @Aepsa_official Pop-Up for ‘Rich Man’ in LA with The Knockturnal! ✨

From exclusive merch and photo cards to signatures and more — ~ 100% worth the visit 

⏰ Sept 16–17 | 11 AM – 7 PM PT
📍 433 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles

#Aespa #Complex #RichMan #KPopMerch #AespaInLA #KPopFans #Kpop #Karina #Giselle #Winter #NingNing
NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet tr NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet transformed the runway into a dazzling celebration of bold prints, playful silhouettes, and timeless style. From Surrogate’s Court to the city streets, the collection truly captured the spirit of the modern woman. 💄

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stars-stripes-and-alice-olivia-by-stacey-bendet/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor

-
#NYFW #AliceAndOlivia #StaceyBendet #RunwayStyle #FashionWeek
Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cook Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cookies, Oreos & a cold glass of milk… and @nickbarrotta on the red carpet celebrating 30 years of the iconic milk mustache. 🥛🍪

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #GotMilk #NickBarrotta #TylerPerrysTheOval #MilkMustache
On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferg On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferguson spoke with us at the @gotmilk 30th Anniversary Milk Mustache Celebration, where the campaign unveiled its bold new focus on everyday Californians as the real icons. 🥛✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #PriahFerguson #StrangerThings #MilkMustache #RedCarpet #GotMilk
First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turn First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turning the spotlight on breakout stars and fresh wins. 🎬🥇✨

Read about the rising talent redefining televisions biggest night.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/emmy-awards/

✍️: Danielle Biondi

-
#Emmys #Emmy #EmmyAwards #Emmys2025 #EmmyWinner #Film #AwardWinning #AwardSeason
We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with @bacardi and @mtv! 💫
History met history last night 🗽🎬✨ The Ha History met history last night 🗽🎬✨

The Hamilton movie premiere transformed the Delacorte Theater into a stage of its own, as the original cast and creative team reunited to celebrate a story that changed Broadway forever. From the first note to the final bow, the revolution continues. 🎭📜

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/under-the-stars-at-the-delacorte-theater-hamilton-premiere-original-cast-in-attendance/

✍️: Lauren Wire

-
#Hamilton #Broadway #HamiltonMovie #DelacorteTheater #LinManuelMiranda #BroadwayLegends #StageToScreen #MusicalTheater
✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @dis ✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @disneyfamily x @lalalandkindcafe are serving up the sweetest collab of the season — from Mickey drink sleeves to Munchlings surprises 🎁 Don’t miss it before it’s gone Sept. 16!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/mickey-friends-bring-whimsy-to-la-la-land-kind-cafe/

✍️: Ashley Lopez 

-
#Disney #LaLaLandKindCafe #DisneyCollab #DisneyMagic #CoffeeLovers #MickeyAndFriends #DisneyFoodies
From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan ev From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan everlasting impact, the 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Awards celebrated the artists and executives shaping the culture today. 🎤🎸💥

With honorees like @leonthomas and @gelo alongside hip-hop’s legends, the night was a reminder that the genre’s future is just as powerful as its past. 🤩

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cardi-b-leon-thomas-gelo-wu-tang-clan-more-honored-at-2025-billboard-rb-hip-hop-power-players-awards/

✍️: Nishat Baig

-
#Billboard #RnB #HipHop #PowerPlayers #CardiB #WuTangClan #LeonThomas #Gelo #RnBMusic #HipHopCulture #MusicAwards
PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this tim PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this time it’s for tickets to see LU KALA 💥

We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see her at Mercury Lounge in New York City on September 10th! Join us as we dance the night away to some of her top hits like Pretty Girl Era and Hotter Now 🎶

To enter hit the link 🔗 in our bio and fill out the form. Winners will be contacted through email! 

📍MUST BE IN NEW YORK CITY
🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin 🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin brought charisma, control, and creativity to every second of his Shrine set.

Kai On Tour gave fans in LA a front-row seat to his evolution as an artist, and it was nothing short of iconic. 👏

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/kai-on/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-

#KaiOnTour #KAI #KAIatTheShrine #KpopInLA #EXO #KpopSoloist #KpopConcert #KAI2025 #ShrineLA
🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with 🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with “The Paper” — the sharp new workplace comedy making headlines. 🖋️ We sat down with the cast + creators in an exclusive video interview to talk inspiration, improv, and bringing chaos to the copy desk. 🎬✨

📺 Watch the full interview now 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/the-paper-puts-a-newsroom-spin-on-classic-workplace-comedy/

✍️: Alyssa Threadgill

-

#ThePaper #VideoInterview #WorkplaceComedy #BehindTheScenes #IndieTV #ComedySeries #CastInterview #OnSet #TVTalk #MakingTheShow #WritersRoom #BTS #NewSeries
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