Screen Actors Guild Foundation and Backstage have partnered for a filmed Conversations series in celebration of this year’s Film Independent Spirit Awards. Please join us a screening of Whiplash followed by a Q&A with J.K. Simmons.
Moderated by Mark Peikert, Backstage.
Synopsis
Andrew Neiman is an ambitious young jazz drummer, single-minded in his pursuit to rise to the top of his elite east coast music conservatory. Plagued by the failed writing career of his father, Andrew hungers day and night to become one of the greats. Terence Fletcher, an instructor equally known for his teaching talents as for his terrifying methods, leads the top jazz ensemble in the school. Fletcher discovers Andrew and transfers the aspiring drummer into his band, forever changing the young man’s life. Andrew’s passion to achieve perfection quickly spirals into obsession, as his ruthless teacher continues to push him to the brink of both his ability—and his sanity.
Panelist Bio
J.K. Simmons (Fletcher) has appeared in diverse projects spanning motion pictures, television and the stage on and off Broadway. He is known for playing the character J. Jonah Jameson in Sam Raimi’s Spider Man trilogy. Other motion picture credits include Hidalgo, The Ladykillers, The Mexican, Off the Map, For Love of the Game, The Gift, Thank You for Smoking, Rendition, Burn After Reading and, memorably, his portrayal of the off-beat but not deadbeat father, Mac McGuff, in the hit comedy Juno. Simmons’ latest films include The Words, The Music Never Stopped, Jennifer’s Body, Extract, The Vicious Kind, I Love You Man, Beginner’s Guide to Endings, Contraband and the Academy Award-nominated Up in the Air. Last year he filmed the Steve Jobs biopic, Jobs, as well as Jason Reitman’s upcoming film, Labor Day. Earlier this year, JK wrapped shooting Marc Lawrence’s film, The Reluctant Professor opposite Hugh Grant and Marisa Tomei and as well as Gillian Raimi’s next feature Murder of a Cat. Most recently, JK filmed Jeremy Sisto’s feature Breakpoint. On the small screen Simmons played LAPD Assistant Chief Will Pope in TNT’s hit series “The Closer.” He also played Vern Schillinger on HBO’s acclaimed drama “Oz,” and had a recurring role as Dr. Emil Skoda on NBC’s “Law & Order.” He has had guest starring roles on NBC’s “Parks and Recreation,” and a recurring role on TBS’ new hit comedy “Men at Work.” Simmons has appeared on the Broadway stage in performances of “Guys and Dolls,” “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” “A Change in the Heir,” “Peter Pan” and “A Few Good Men.” This winter, JK will start shooting NBC’s new comedy “Growing Up Fisher” opposite Jenna Elfman.
