The creative team behind Original Sound isn't just a group of collaborators—they're family. That bond was essential when they set out to adapt an Off-Broadway play into a feature film with an indie budget and a breakneck 23-day shooting schedule. In an exclusive Q&A with Collider, actor-turned-first-time-director Gregory Jbara, producer David Youse, cinematographer Sarah Brandes, and star David Lambert pulled back the curtain on the film's journey from stage to screen, revealing a last-minute editing decision that completely transformed the ending.
From Stage to Screen in Record Time
Playwright and screenwriter Adam Seidel adapted his 90-minute stage play after a reviewer noted its cinematic potential. The film follows Danny Solis (Lambert), a beat maker whose music is inspired by the rhythms of Brooklyn and Queens. When rising pop star Ryan Reed (Laura Marano) uses his track without permission, her manager strikes a deal: Danny can collaborate on her songs, potentially landing his big break. But as his life intertwines with Ryan's, he discovers the dark side of fame. The cast also includes Eric Stoltz, Bridget Moynahan, Constantine Maroulis, and Ted King.
The Editing Room Revelation
During the post-production process, the team realized the original ending didn't quite land. "We had a different finale in mind," Lambert explained, "but when we saw it cut together, it felt flat. We went back and re-edited the last act, shifting the emotional weight to a quieter, more intimate moment." That change, made just before the final cut, gave the film a more resonant conclusion that better reflected Danny's internal journey. Jbara added, "It was a gut instinct. We trusted the story and the performances, and the new ending clicked."
Low-Budget Filmmaking: Thinking Outside the Box
The team shared the realities of indie filmmaking, from shooting multiple scenes in a single day to using creative cinematography tricks. Brandes noted, "People assume you have control, but you're just driving at 1,000 mph, hoping to navigate through." Youse compared producing to being a wedding planner, managing everything from locations to weather contingencies. Jbara, who previously spent 14 years on Blue Bloods, admitted he never expected directing to feel so natural: "I woke up every day tap dancing. I couldn't believe how lucky I was."
The Music That Drives the Story
Crafting the film's sound was a collaborative effort, with Lambert's character drawing inspiration from real Brooklyn and Queens beats. The team worked closely with composers to ensure the music felt authentic to Danny's world. For fans of Olivia Rodrigo's 'Drop Dead' era, the film's blend of original tracks and urban rhythms offers a fresh take on the music industry's highs and lows.
What Audiences Misunderstand
The cast and crew also addressed common misconceptions about their roles. Lambert highlighted the surreal nature of shooting out-of-order scenes, while Youse emphasized that producers do far more than handle money. Brandes summed it up: "Everyone thinks you have control, but you don't. You just pray you can maintain some."
Original Sound is now in theaters and streaming. For more on the best movie endings, check out The Most Perfect Action Movie Endings Ever, Ranked.
