Chloe Fineman, the ‘Saturday Night Live’ star, took method acting to a new level for her role in American High’s new film, ‘Summer of 69.’ To accurately portray an exotic dancer, Fineman immersed herself in the world of Syracuse strip clubs, drawing inspiration and guidance from the dancers at Diamond Dolls. This dedication highlights the commitment of the cast and crew to create an authentic cinematic experience set against the backdrop of Central New York.
The film, which premieres May 9 on Hulu, not only showcases local talent but also provides a glimpse into the unique culture of Syracuse. From pole fitness studios to actual strip clubs, the production team went the extra mile to ensure realism. This article delves into Fineman’s preparation, the involvement of local dancers, and the overall impact of ‘Summer of 69’ on the Syracuse entertainment scene.
Chloe Fineman’s Immersion into the World of Diamond Dolls
Inspired by Mikey Madison’s dedication to her Oscar-winning role in ‘Anora,’ Chloe Fineman decided to experience the life of an exotic dancer firsthand. She spent time at Diamond Dolls in Syracuse, interacting with the dancers and learning the nuances of their profession. This immersive approach allowed Fineman to gain a deeper understanding of her character and bring authenticity to her performance.
“I was like, ‘Okay, well, we’re working at Diamond Dolls in Syracuse. Like, I’ll hang out with these gals,’” Fineman shared during an interview. This experience proved invaluable as she connected with the dancers and absorbed the atmosphere of the club.
Meeting Khaos: A Dancer, Chef, and Inspiration
During her time at Diamond Dolls, Fineman met a stripper named Khaos (pronounced “chaos”), who became a significant source of inspiration. According to Fineman, Khaos is not only the best dancer at the club but also the head chef, showcasing her diverse talents and roles within the establishment.
“She is the head chef and best dancer at the club,” Fineman said of Khaos. “Jack of all trades. Oftentimes, she would be doing a dance on the pole and be like, ‘Oh, man,’ and a smoke alarm would go off, or vice versa, flipping a burger and be like, ‘Oh, that’s my song,’ and go out.”
Khaos, whose real name is Bailey Kocik, also revealed that she and four other dancers have small roles in the film, further highlighting the collaboration between the production and the local talent at Diamond Dolls. She even gave Fineman some pointers. “We’re one of the best clubs in Syracuse,” Kocik said. “We hold ourselves very highly as an establishment and being able to be in the movie, it was a very great experience.”
The Unique Syracuse Strip Club Scene
Fineman noted the distinctive nature of Syracuse strip clubs, describing Diamond Dolls’ location as “literally next to a metal sheet yard.” This juxtaposition of industries adds a quirky charm to the local scene and sets it apart from other cities. The film captures this unique aspect of Syracuse, adding a layer of authenticity to the narrative.
‘Summer of 69’ Plot and Cast Details
Co-written and directed by Jillian Bell, ‘Summer of 69’ tells the story of an awkward high school senior (played by Sam Morelos) who hires a stripper (Fineman) to learn how to seduce her crush. The film features notable actors like Charlie Day, who plays a “sleazy misogynist” threatening to take over Diamond Dolls, adding further depth to the storyline.
Filming at Diamond Dolls and Local Studios
Scenes for ‘Summer of 69’ were filmed at the real Diamond Dolls, providing an authentic backdrop for the movie. The production also utilized Studio 360 and other local facilities, contributing to the local economy and showcasing Syracuse as a viable filming location.
Pole Fitness Training at Local Studios
Fineman and Liza Koshy underwent pole fitness training at , a local studio, to prepare for their roles. They worked with choreographer Travis Wall and studio owner Liz Cox, who praised their dedication and energy. “They were all absolutely sweethearts and even came and took class after they were done filming with some other friends,” Cox said.
Local Dancers’ Involvement and Impact
Alicia Flinn, a co-owner of in Solvay, observed Fineman and Koshy practicing and noted their impressive skills and positive attitudes. The involvement of local dancers and studios not only added realism to the film but also provided a platform for Syracuse’s talent to shine.
Fineman’s Dance Background and Comedy
Despite considering herself not particularly skilled in dance, Fineman’s early experiences in competitive dance influenced her transition into comedy. She humorously stated, “‘Anora’ walked so Chloe Fineman, in heels, could dance kind of OK,” highlighting her self-deprecating humor and commitment to her craft.
American High’s Syracuse Connection
‘Summer of 69’ is the 20th movie shot in the Syracuse area by American High, a Liverpool-based production company. This ongoing collaboration has transformed Syracuse into a hub for film production, contributing to the local economy and providing opportunities for aspiring filmmakers and actors. The studio also makes and other movies shot in Central New York like “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” “,” and upcoming films starring and comedian .
Conclusion
Chloe Fineman’s dedication to her role in ‘Summer of 69,’ combined with the involvement of local talent and studios, underscores the film’s commitment to authenticity and community engagement. The movie not only promises to entertain but also shines a spotlight on the unique culture and burgeoning film industry in Syracuse.
As ‘Summer of 69’ premieres on Hulu, it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of embracing local communities in the filmmaking process. The film is set to leave a lasting impression on both the entertainment industry and the city of Syracuse.
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