“Arrange to Settle” Synopsis

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Arrange to Settle is a feature film about an Indian girl that decides to get an arranged marriage following a series of failed relationships.  Even though her father gives her an “out” before the invitations go out, she commits to going through with it.  After making this commitment, she meets, Justin, the man of her dreams.

The film focuses on the social scene of  Washington D.C. and its surrounding areas to include the kickball culture, art galleries, and popular local restaurants. The film features a “must-have” soundtrack featuring the best local bands from Washington, D.C.

Meet Annie the Managing Executive Producer

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How did you get involved in the project?  I took a community education class that Ishu was teaching a couple of years ago. After acing her two-class curriculum, she asked me to come back and be her classroom assistant. Although I was pretty lame with the more technical aspects of film (camera, sound, lighting), she saw immediately that I had a Producer’s mix of gifts. We co-produced three shorts that year. The funny thing is that she actually didn’t ask me to help with Arrange to Settle. I was having dinner with her and she was telling me about taking on her first full-length feature. I kept waiting for her to ask for my help. But she didn’t. Finally, I just said “aren’t you going to ask me to help?” She replied, “You don’t have time for this.” She was totally right, but I’m so glad I just volunteered. It’s been a life changing experience. I consider Ishu a true mentor.

What do you like about the story?
Having spent my whole life in the Midwest until moving to DC in 2007, I really liked the way the film so seamlessly wove together much of the local culture and flavor with a truly compelling love story. Whether it’s in romance, careers, taking that dream apartment or suffering it out in one that you can afford, this issue of taking the safe path versus the more thrilling option is something we all face.

What peaked your interest in film initially?
Going to the movies has always been one of my favorite things to do. While I appreciate something that is visually stunning, at the heart of every great movie is a good story. I love to tell stories, to think about why the screenwriter made specific decisions, what makes the character tick, etc.

What are your upcoming shows/projects?
Balancing my full-time job with a number of passion projects seems to be my destiny for the time being. I am collaborating with and/or coaching a number of creative individuals – a photographer, a massage therapist doing social justice work, a musical theatre writing team, a couple of fellow screenwriters, and a children’s book author to name a few. As soon as this project wraps, I will be working hard on my own short film that I plan to complete by Spring 2012. Ishu has signed on to be the technical director, so I know it will be excellent!

What’s your favorite film of all time? Why?
Hmmm… I am going to go with Pulp Fiction simply based on the numbers. It was the only film that I actually went to the theater and saw no less than five times.

Who is your favorite actor?
Is Ishu an acceptable answer to this question?

What is your favorite genre of film and why?
My dirty little secret is a love for any and all horror films. Jason, Freddie and Michael all played a major role in my tween/teen years.

What are your hobbies that are not film related?
I have failed to stay interested in so many creative hobbies (scrapbooking, writing, photography, jewelry-making… the list goes on and on). Thankfully, film is the hobby that really seems to stick! I consistently spend time (and money) on my dog, any gym class that involves thumping music, traveling, and trying to be a better cook. 

If you had the option, would you ever get an arranged marriage?  Why?
I don’t think so. It wouldn’t be fair to him/her. How could anyone actually know what they were getting with me based off of a paper profile?

Meet Nayab who plays Preetha

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How did you get involved in the project?
Ishu approached me about the project a little over a year ago.  She sent me the script and I thought it was great.  And now, here we are making it a reality, it’s very exciting!

What do you like about the story?
It’s true to life.  It has its happy moments, it has its sad moments; it shows what a lot of girls in the South Asian culture, and in many other cultures, have to deal with when they get to the “marriageable” age.  Not many movies approach the topic like this one does.

What peaked your interest in film initially?
I have worked with Ishu and several of the other cast/crew in previous projects and had a blast.  The chance to do a feature film with such awesome people was an offer I couldn’t refuse.

What are your upcoming shows/projects?
Currently, I am in the process of finalizing the script for a web series I have created.  It is a comedy show set in the world of pharmacy.  Several members of this cast/crew and other talented actors in the DC metro area will be in it.  Stay tuned!

What’s your favorite film of all time? Why?
Hmmm…that is a tough question.  If I had to pick my most favorite film it would be Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.  Why?  What’s not to love about?  The music is great, the story is awesome and Belle is the one Disney Princess that can read a book.   Plus I’m a kid at heart.

Who is your favorite actor?
Now that is an easy question.  It’s a three way tie..Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock and Madhuri Dixit.

What is your favorite genre of film and why?
I mostly enjoy watching comedies and thrillers.  I think comedy is the hardest thing to do as an actor.  If the timing is not right, you will just look really silly.  Thrillers have to keep the audiences attention and keep them thinking all the time, which is not easy to do, especially with the amount of distractions that are available in this day and age.

What are your hobbies that are not film related?
I enjoy hanging out with friends and family, traveling, eating at different restaurants trying new cuisines, and the most important is sleeping for more than 6 hours in a day.

If you had the option, would you ever get an arranged marriage?  Why?
I wouldn’t be against the idea.  It’s really no different than being set up on a blind date.  No one says you have to say yes right after you meet the person.  It’s a chance to meet someone and who knows?

Meet Aaron Lasher that plays “The Captain”

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How did you get involved in the project?
I auditioned for the part of Justin, only back then his name was James, and he was British. I tried out with an English accent, which I thought was pretty excellent.

What peaked your interest in film initially?
A feature length film in DC with a director who had a bunch of good looking samples of past work on vimeo.

What are your upcoming shows/projects?
A bunch of local independent projects. Anything on dragonuk or craigslist that looks remotely fun.

What’s your favorite film of all time? Why?
Highlander. Because I decided this when I was 9 and I’m not a flip-flopper.

Who is your favorite actor?
Yahoo Serious

What is your favorite genre of film and why?
Anything that showcases character transitions in an intelligent way. It’s hard to do.

What are your hobbies that are not film related?
Sailing mostly. I’m a licenced captain and I’ve sailed around the world… literally.

If you had the option, would you ever get an arranged marriage?  Why?
Yes. Because then I could make a movie about it.

Meet Producer/Production Designer Sweta Mehta

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How did you get involved in the project?I met Ishu through a professor at American University who thought we would work well together due to our enthusiasm and motivation for film.  I started working with Ishu on few projects.   Since the film industry is based on the past working relations, Ishu asked me once again to work with her on her own project.  And I agreed to it.  We both get along working with each other and understand our creative boundaries.

What do you like about the story?
I think every girl can relate to some part of the story.  Weather it be arrange marriage or dating or series of failed relationships.  Also arrange marriage has always been a curiosity outside of the Indian culture.  This is the first time that story is being told in a film.

What peaked your interest in film initially?
It’s a feature length film being shot locally and I get to work with a good friend of mine, Ishu!

What are your upcoming shows/projects?
I only like working on 1 project at a time so I can focus my full energy on that and get to balance my work, hobby, film, family, and friend life out.

What’s your favorite film of all time? Why?
My favorite movies always change.  I love the Hangover…comedy/mystery…cant beat that!

Who is your favorite actor?
I had a big crush on Matt Damon when I was younger.

What is your favorite genre of film and why?
Comedy.  It’s always great to laugh : )

What are your hobbies that are not film related?
Working out, tennis, rock climbing, kayaking, camping

If you had the option, would you ever get an arranged marriage?  Why?
Ha!  I think I have tried…didnt workout for me, but I know quite a few of my friends for whom it has worked out!

Meet our Music Director David Zaidain

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How did you get involved in the project?
The Director, Ishu, contacted me in 2010 to score her short film Birth Right. After that project, I stayed in contact with her and managed to get involved with the scoring end for this project.
What do you like about the story?
I think its a very real story. I feel like there will be alot of identification with the main story line- male or female, indian or not. All people in there 20′s,30′s and beyond go through these similar situations.

What peaked your interest in film initially?
Aside from the story, it’s a very motivated project- which are the kinds of projects I want to be associated with.
What are your upcoming shows/projects?
Lots. I play in a local DC band called Devils Walk As Saints. We just put out a four song EP that we are supporting while writing new music for our next project. I also do solo work and I put out a record called The Art of Forgetting in 2010. I am playing some solo shows in the midwest this summer and slowly writing songs for my next solo project. I am also continuing with my scoring work and just finished a project called Dream Within a Dream with local filmmaker Stephanie Yee. All of this goes along with my day job!
What’s your favorite film of all time? Why?
That is a tough one, but at the end of the day I would have to say… Magnolia by PT Anderson. Its just such an intense movie based on real human situations and emotions. Plus, it has a great soundtrack by Aimee Mann. Apocolypse Now is a close second.
Who is your favorite actor?
That is really tough… Currently, I would have to say Christian Bale. He does fanastic work and just loses himself in his characters. Check out ‘The Machinist’ if you don’t believe me.
What is your favorite genre of film and why?
Probably just really good drama. As long as it is smart and has a good story line. Not a total fan of dumb action movies.
What are your hobbies that are not film related?
Aside from music, I love to cook and flirted with becoming a chef at one time. Chefs are the new rockstars these days.
If you had the option, would you ever get an arranged marriage?  Why?
You know, at this point- why not.

Meet Puneet Kalra who plays Sid

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How did you get involved in the project?
Well, I worked with Ishu on a previous project and she liked what I brought to the table so she told me that she was working on a feature project and that she thought there was a character I would be perfect and BAM a year later here we are.
What do you like about the story?
I think the story is close to home, I actually have a few friends that are kind of in the same situation so to a certain extent I guess I can relate.
What peaked your interest in film initially?

To be honest, it was the fact that Ishu was going to be doing it. I have only worked with her on one other project and it turned out awesome, so how could I miss the chance to work with her on another.

What are your upcoming shows/projects?
Well I have been doing a lot of Runway and Modeling in the area, currently next Runway show is dated for May 14th at Cafe Asia and I have just completed a short film with fellow cast member Nayab Hussain, called “Break Up Break In Break Out”
What’s your favorite film of all time? Why?
Favorite film, now that’s hard there are so many great films out there, I would have to say its currently The Hang Over. I liked it because it was just a great cast and a great script, I recall laughing so hard that my sides hurt.
Who is your favorite actor?

Another tough one, but I would have to say Johnny Depp, there’s just something about him and his style of acting that I think is just amazing.

What is your favorite genre of film and why?
I absolutely LOVE horror flicks, I like the suspense and action thats usually involved and even though I don’t find them scary, I think that the actors end up using more emotions and have to dig deeper to get the effect that is being looked for.
What are your hobbies that are not film related?
Well sleeping, eating, working out, watching tv, modeling, just to name a few.
If you had the option, would you ever get an arranged marriage?  Why?

No, I think in this day and age you really need to get to know the person before you decide to take that step.

Meet Susannah Wells who plays Melanie

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How did you get involved in the project?

Ishu invited me to be a part of the project, and if you’ve worked with Ishu before, you’d be a fool not to accept.

What do you like about the story?

I’m a sucker for a good love story, especially one that makes you question your own stance on love and marriage. Even at this point in my life I have experienced  what may appear as though you are running out of options. However, I remain a hopeful romantic.

What peaked your interest in film initially?

Ishu has my utmost respect and admiration. She puts blood, sweat, and tears in her product… “Ishu Krishna” is a brand I trust. (No, she didn’t put me up to say this.)

What are your upcoming shows/projects?

For this year’s 48 Hour Film Project, I’ll be frantically chewing the end of my pencil with the other writers of Guy Loki Productions—a team of talented artists I have worked with on the ever-so quirky Group House Web Series which just wrapped its final season this month.

What’s your favorite film of all time? Why?

Grease. It’s nostalgia, baby… I grew up on this movie! Of course I didn’t realize at the time, it contains some pretty racy content. What can I say? I’ve always been mature for my age. My parents knew I could handle it.
“A hickey from Kenickie is like a Hallmark card, when you only care enough to send the very best.”  Classic.

Who is your favorite actor?

Paul Newman.
Also, quite the looker.

What is your favorite genre of film and why?

Had to check the Netflix queue for inspiration… Action SciFi-Fantasy.  I credit this appreciation/obsession to my brothers. Being forced to watch countless episodes of Star Trek and Quantum Leap, it’s bound to get under your skin. (Or, in your ear. Much in the way a mind-controlling eel burrows deep into your ear canal, à la Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.)

What are your hobbies that are not film related?

Currently, writing and illustrating a children’s book.
Painting (mostly when commissioned by friends).
Yoga.
Karaoke.
Puzzles.
Tap dancing on tables.
Aimlessly wandering.
Remixing and mashing up furniture, jewelry, clothes, whathaveyou.
Live music, live sporting events, anything live and in technicolor.

If you had the option, would you ever get an arranged marriage?  Why?

Honestly, can’t say that I would. I’m looking for love (in all the wrong places?).
Believe in love and passion and chemistry, and I would need to feel that first before I sign anything.

Meet Actress Chelsey Christensen

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Name: Chelsey Christensen
Character: Kelly
http://www.chelseychristensen.com

 
How did you get involved in the project?

I’ve worked on several film projects with Ishu in the past — she has been my director, DP, and fellow actor.  When she asked me to be a part of this project I couldn’t say no!
 
What do you like about the story?

Arrange to Settle is not your typical romantic comedy — I didn’t know who to root for in the end!
 
What piqued your interest in film initially?
I found it incredibly easy to relate to the characters in the film.
I also know Ishu’s past film work & was ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with her again!

What are your upcoming shows/projects?

I begin rehearsals for BOBRAUSCHENBERGAMERICA at the end of April — the show runs from June 2-25 at Forum Theatre in Silver Spring. I will also be working with Arrange to Settle Co-Star Nayab Hussain on her webseries, Scripts.

What’s your favorite film of all time? Why?

The Princess Bride. The film has it all: comedy, romance, action, adventure!  It’s the one film I can watch over & over again.

Who is your favorite actor?

Meryl Streep. She’s incredibly creative and talented — a class act on screen and off.

What is your favorite genre of film and why?

Fantasy/Sci-Fi. I love being able to escape reality while watching films.  In fantasy, characters inhabit imagined settings and/or experience situations that transcend the rules of the natural world.  In sci-fi, scientific/tech premise is paired with imaginative speculation. Also, I am a dork.

What are your hobbies that are not film related?

Acting (stage/film/vo)
Modeling
Exploring DC
Tweeting (follow me @chelseydc)
Skyping with my family back in Iowa

Day Job:
Membership Gifts Associate – Washington Performing Arts Society (www.wpas.org)

Other Organizations:
Social Media Chair/Member – WGIRLS DC (www.wgirls.org/wgirls-dc)
Communications Director – The Washington Rogues (http://thewashingtonrogues.wordpress.com/)
Board Member – Stephens College DC Alumnae Group (http://www.dcstephensalums.org/about.html)
Member – DC Vegetarian Cooking Group (http://www.dcveggiegroup.com/)

 
If you had the option, would you ever get an arranged marriage?  Why?

No. I’m a romantic at heart — I want to get married for love.

Meet Swathi Raman the Singer

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Swathi is an avid singer and performer who has been singing for over 17 years. She completed training with D.K. Nagarajan, brother of the late D.K. Pattamaal, one of the foremost female singers in the Carnatic music circuit. She also has taken lessons with Rukmini Ramani and Bhavadhaarini Anantaraman while in India. Swathi has performed in kutcheries both in the U.S. and in Chennai, India.

Swathi has also had extensive experience singing modern Hindi and Tamil music, along with classic rock and English pop songs. As an undergraduate, she was part of Anokha, the University of Maryland’s South Asian a cappella group, and was music director of the group from 2009-2010. Swathi has also performed in several live shows performing Hindi and Tamil songs at several venues across the U.S., including FL, NY, DC, and VA.

She has also recorded with Sri Lankan hip-hop artist Ranidu Lankage, Malayali composer and singer Jakes Bejoy, and up-and-coming composer Ashwin Subramanian. Recently, Swathi received an opportunity in Summer 2010 to record for a Tamil movie composed by music director Srikanth Deva.

Currently, Swathi is a first year medical student at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.  Please visit her website http://swathira.com/ .

 

How did you get involved in the project?

Ishu and I go back a ways. I’ve learned Indian classical music from Ishu’s grandparents for several years, so I have known her for a very long time. I also got the great opportunity to work with her on her 48 hour film project in 2010, so I jumped at the chance to be a part of this project.

What do you like about the story?

The story is classic for a second generation Indian American. The clash between American and more traditional Indian values is something we all have to contend with, and this film personifies those dilemmas perfectly. It’s definitely very relatable. And I love a good romantic comedy as well!

What peaked your interest in film initially?

Popular Indian music is an integral part of the Indian film industry, so I would have to say my love of Indian music really made me more interested in film projects and soundtracks. I’m also an avid movie watcher and love getting wrapped up in the world of compelling story lines and characters.

What are your upcoming shows/projects?

I’ve recorded a couple songs for my friends Ranidu Lankage, one of the most popular Sri Lankan hip hop artists, as well as for Jakes Bejoy, an up and coming Indian composer. I also recorded a song for a Tamil movie which should be releasing in summer 2011. On the lighter side, however, I’m also working to organize an a cappella skit for my medical school’s annual variety show with some other students!

What’s your favorite film of all time? Why?

This may sound silly, but I would have to say Legally Blonde. It packs a great message about perseverance in a light hearted manner, and never fails to raise my spirits when things are looking tough. Bend and snap ladies!

Who is your favorite actor?

This is so tough! There are so many talented actors in Hollywood, some of my favorites being Christian Bale, Johnny Depp, and James Franco. However, on the Indian side, my clear favorite is the South Indian actor Surya – he is completely underrated and extremely talented.

What is your favorite genre of film and why?

I love comedy movies. It’s actually very difficult to come up with a great comedy script and I have a lot of respect for anyone who can pull it off… being funny is a very serious job!

What are your hobbies that are not film related?

I love reading and drawing. I’m a total foodie so I’m always on the lookout for a new restaurant to check out as well. And of course, since I’m in med school, I’m a nerd – so I do enjoy watching science/nature documentaries on TV.

If you had the option, would you ever get an arranged marriage?  Why?

I think that some of the concepts included in arranged marriage are great, such as the idea of compromise, and being fully committed to accepting your partner just the way they are. However, I don’t think I would go for an arranged marriage at this point. Ideally, I’d want to find my own partner, as well as apply some of the tenets of arranged marriage to my relationships.

What kind of music do you play?

I grew up on Indian music so I would have to say I’m most interested in modern Indian music, including fusion, hip hop albums, and film soundtracks.

Who are your musical influences?

I love A.R. Rahman, and have been inspired by the singers Shreya Ghoshal and Karthik. I also love the energy and stage presence  exuded by artists like Led Zeppelin and Lady Gaga.