Adam Watstein: Biography

"Off the Hook" is Adam Watstein's first feature film. It's the true story of two men in their early twenties, Walter and Lorenzo, who struggle within the confines on the South Bronx and try to pursue their dreams of becoming successful hip-hop artists.

With a crew of never more than five individuals, Adam Watstein was producer, writer, and director. The production consisted of six shoots spread out over the four seasons. It was shot almost entirely in and near the Forest Projects in the South Bronx and with an all black cast from New York City.

Watstein’s effectiveness as a director grew out of preparation, gaining the actors’ trust and taking visual risks. Being mostly unfamiliar with inner city lingo, Watstein denied the actors access to the script and encouraged them to improvise within the prepared circumstances of the scenes. Although he was working with actors who had limited experience, he never allowed them to ignore their instincts. The energy the performances brought forth enhanced Watstein’s freedom with the camera which was handheld, instinctive and aggressive.

Watstein graduated from the Tisch School of the Arts Undergraduate Program at NYU in 1994 where he focused on directing, writing, and acting. Watstein’s 30 minute Senior thesis film, Acme Rooms and Sweet Marjorie Russell received award nominations at NYU’s First Run Film Festival. The short film was also well-received in festival competitions around the country.

"Off the Hook" was conceived after Walter Velasquez, who was coaching children in sports with Watstein, approached Watstein and told him his rap partner was shot to death. Walter asked Adam to write a screenplay about their friendship. After seven weeks of recorded conversations and writing, Watstein had the first draft ready. Realizing that no one was prepared to take the risk to fund the film, Watstein decided to do it himself.