EXCLUSIVE: Outer Banks breakout Chase Stokes is stepping behind the camera for his feature directorial debut with the coming-of-age drama I Told the Sunset About You. The project is based on an original concept by Stokes with Monarch Media’s Steve Barnett, Alan Powell and Vicky Patel producing the film through their company Monarch Media.
The film is described as a contemporary Bonnie and Clyde romantic thriller about a restless local waitress who is stuck in a monotonous routine until she meets Jameson, a quiet drifter passing through on his way to the Pacific coast. Their unlikely connection sparks a spontaneous journey westward, leading to unexpected gambles that transform their lives forever.
“I’m very excited that the Monarch team has given me the opportunity to extend my love for filmmaking beyond being in front of the camera,” said Stokes. “It’s always been a goal to get in the director’s chair and tell stories from that perspective, and I’m excited to continue this partnership with Steve, Alan and Vicky in doing so. I want to continue to show my versatility in this industry, and I’m incredibly thankful that they saw my vision for this film and believed in me to bring it to life.”
Stokes’ relationship with Monarch Media stems from his co-producing and starring in the Monarch military thriller Valiant One, earlier this year.
“It was clear to us from the minute we met Chase, that he is a smart creative and passionate storyteller,” said Barnett, Powell and Patel in a joint statement. “His partnership as both an actor and producer on ‘Valiant One’ has been invaluable to the film, and we are excited to collaborate with him on his directorial debut.”
Stokes is quickly making a name for himself across film and television. In addition to Valiant One, Stokes recently starred in Nick Cassavetes’ Marked Men, and the Netflix dystopian fantasy Uglies, from director McG. Stokes is best known for his leading performance in Netflix’s global phenomenon series Outer Banks as the beloved character ‘John B.’ The series was renewed by Netflix for a fifth season, shortly after the launch of season four last fall. It goes into production later this year.
Monarch Media, and its principals Barnett, Powell and Patel, recently announced securing remake rights to the classic coming-of-age drama A Walk to Remember, based on Nicholas Sparks’ beloved same-name novel. Upcoming Monarch releases include the country music feature film musical Something Here with producer Kenny Ortega and original music from Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard; and the Angel Studios television series Testament. They are currently in production on the animated film Tangles, starring Julia Louis Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Seth Rogan and Abby Jacobson, and are in pre-production on a series spin-off of their film, A Week Away. They also recently produced the acclaimed Richard Linklater dark comedy thriller Hit Man, starring Glen Powell.
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