Rockland Local’s Film to Premiere on Apple TV+

For one Rocklander, a decade-long dream has come true. Jonny Danks, graduate of Tappan Zee Highschool, was tired of being pushed out of roles or being the victim of nepotism in the fiercely competitive City of Stars. Rather than sit around and wait for an opportunity to be on the big screen Danks decided to build his own seat at the table. “It’s time,” said Danks “I want to be the boss of this… the captain of the ship. I want to build my team.”

And build his team he did. Danks first premiered his short film Shakey Grounds in 2010 to positive feedback, but it wouldn’t be until 2020 that Danks would be in a position to create the feature and team he dreamed of. For several years, Danks committed himself to raising the money, learning how to walk the walk and talk the talk of the producer world, and meeting investors – sometimes even driving to different states to meet them. “At the beginning, of course, there’s a lot of rejection…It’s hard to convince someone to invest, especially in a film.” 

In 2021, Danks’ nose to the grindstone mindset paid off. He had pushed through the rejections and raised over seven figures for a full length version of Shakey Grounds. Danks stated that he wouldn’t call it a passion project, but more of a dedication to closing out a chapter in his life. “I wanted to see it through,” says Danks. 2022 marked the beginning of filming. 

Shakey Grounds follows a young musician struggling in the aftermath of his best friend’s death, who finds new purpose after a defamed record label executive makes a surprise visit to his hometown. Danks, who worked behind the scenes as the producer and creator of the project, was also in front of the camera as the not-so-distinguished record label exec. According to Danks, having the opportunity to juggle multiple roles granted him a greater appreciation for the work and responsibilities that go on behind the scenes. 

Sharing the screen with Danks will be a few familiar faces, including Eric Roberts (Runaway Train, Star 80, Raggedy Man, and The Dark Knight), Mackenzie or “Kenzie” Ziegler of Dance Moms fame in one of her premiere film roles, and Eric Nelsen from the hit prequel to Yellowstone, 1883. Beyond the luxury treatment Danks provided the actors, with first class tickets to their filming location in Arkansas, one bedroom suites, and a private chef making omelettes in the morning, Danks shared that Roberts’ actor request included small V8 tomato juice cans and dark chocolate candy. “We didn’t have to go through the M&Ms and separate colors,” teased Danks.

Other than the quick trip to Shoprite to pick up the requests, Danks shared that he was impressed by Robert’s stoicism on set. “When it’s work it’s work,” said Danks as he recalled Roberts coming in with a presence that made people sit up and pay attention. 

Roberts imparted some tricks of the trade to Danks, encouraging him to let go of any manufactured, thoughtful pauses and to let the script fly, “like a pinball!” laughed Danks. 

Music lovers will be pleasantly surprised to hear original tunes unique to the film, something that was important to Danks. “With AI coming out, you never even know what’s real and what’s not anymore. But when you hear the music, it’s unique. It’s all original.”

When asked what he would like to share with his hometown of Rockland, Danks seemed to be transported away from the glimmers of Hollywood to the lush greenery of Rockland and his teenage, Tappan Zee self. “ I don’t deserve anything, I just work my ass off…I would appreciate [Rocklanders] watching it and just shutting off the world for the 90 minutes of this film…just really supporting myself and independent films in general.”

Shakey Grounds premieres on Apple TV+ on May 23rd, and will also be on Prime Video, DirectTV, iTunes and Fandango. Follow along with Danks and learn more about exciting future projects on his Instagram @jonnydanks.