An intimate screening of the film MONEY TALK$, written and directed by Tony Mucci, was held at the Core Club in New York City, attended by no more than 50 people, including members of the cast, producers, and Mucci himself. The screening was followed by a Q&A moderated by Liam Crowley, joined by Mucci, producer Bryan Schmier, and actors Zolee Griggs and Tyler “Hook” Senerchia.
Mucci is well known for directing music videos for artists such as Lil Uzi Vert, Juice WRLD, and Drake. His background creating visually striking work with little to no budget has equipped him with the resourcefulness and creative choices that now fuels the early success of his debut film. MONEY TALK$ is already receiving praise and has secured the support of legendary Back to the Future star Christopher Lloyd, who recently joined the project as Executive Producer.
The film takes place in 1981 New York City, centered around a $100 bill as it passes hand to hand through a web of strangers, each unknowingly part of a larger machine. The bill is given a voice and treated as a character with a point of view, delivering a resonant message, what people do to give or get money ultimately defines their character. Performances by Zolee Griggs (Wu-Tang: An American Saga) and Tyler “Hook” Senerchia (in his acting debut) are grounded and committed, supporting the film’s thematic arc through their individual character journeys.
Q&A
During the Q&A, Crowley’s questions sparked an in depth conversation about Mucci’s filmmaking process. Among the insights shared, Francesca Scorsese’s character was not part of the original draft but was written in later after Mucci connected with the actress. Mucci also noted that his father fact checked minute details (props, graffiti art, and the overall 1981 aesthetic) to ensure authenticity and honor the era. Another highlight was Mucci recalling a filmmaker’s nightmare, an entire day of footage lost because it wasn’t properly saved, forcing a reshoot. Despite the setback, he emphasized the beauty of pivoting in filmmaking, referencing a scene in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove that motivated him to make the most of the reshoot, quoting, “mistakes make things better”.
Overall, Tony Mucci’s vision and experience bring jaw dropping imagery and bold visual choices to the screen, elevating a compelling and timeless story. This cinematic combination positions him as one of the year’s most closely watched emerging filmmakers, with MONEY TALK$ now Oscar qualified. The film’s universality, specificity, and emotional resonance embody the essential elements of powerful storytelling exactly what audiences hope to feel.
Still from the film
