<< back                                          October 21 2005
TNT Press Release

Q: How did you and Patricia Heaton get involved with THE ENGAGMENT RING?
A: Steve Chicorel brought us the script about four years ago. We developed it for a couple of years through our company Four Boys Films, and then we got Rodney Vaccaro on board, along with Howard Braunstein. So it's been about four years in the making.

Q: What about the script appealed most to you?
A: The questions the script posed were interesting. "What is true love?" or "What does it really mean?" And of course there are many different answers to those questions. I love the Moonstruck quality to it, that kind of dolce vita kind of feeling. I also love the fact that all of the people are portrayed as human beings. They aren't just devices. I like that in the script, the older people have histories and something to offer each other and the younger generations. I love the sort of cross-pollination that goes on in the story.

Q: What was the most challenging aspect of developing this movie?
A: I think our challenge with the script was to make it as real as possible, because if it has a real, genuine human foundation, then the story can be whimsical and fantastical, yet still make sense.

Q: How hard is it to both act in the movie and executive-produce it?
A: Well, it's a lot to take on, I have to say. But we have such a great team with us. It was interesting in the beginning, because I had to keep putting on these different hats and compartmentalize my brain. There were a lot of things going on the first day, but once I got into the groove, I started loving it.

Q: How would you describe this movie?
A: I would say that it's whimsical, in the Moonstruck tradition.

Q: How would you describe your character's relationship with Patricia Heaton's character?
A: There's a bit of friendship there, but it's more of a business association, really. It seems to have evolved out of convenience. I think my character's more focused and driven on what he's got to accomplish. Her character is that way, too. If they could just stop working and focus on each other, they would maybe have a relationship that works, but they don't.

Q: Your characters don't have much chemistry between them, yet in real life, you're married. How difficult was it to play down your natural chemistry?
A: It's difficult. In fact, there have been a couple of times when the director would say to us we were looking too cute together as a couple. So we have to find little ways to play against that.

Q: How do you think this movie fits TNT's "We Know Drama" branding?
A: What's more dramatic than the human animal and the quest for love? When you look at any great drama, that's at the heart of it. The great Shakespearean dramas are all about love and how it goes awry. That's what drives us all. It's what makes the world go around.