Plainview Man Debuts Feature Film

"I don't care what happens. We’re going to make a movie," said Mitchell Kase, recalling the moment of truth when he and his production partner had to either commit to Kase's first feature film, or watch it slip away. One year and a complete script overhaul later, 28-year-old Kase will premier "True to the Heart," at the Long Island International Film Expo on July 11 at the Bellmore Movies. 

"True to the Heart" is a romantic comedy about Drew Taylor, a cocky musician who rubs music critic Kaitlyn Rose the wrong way one night during a performance. Six months later things get complicated when Drew’s manager hires Kaitlyn to remake his image.

"Romantic comedies are the kinds of movies that people like to watch over and over again on a rainy day," said Kase, who drew inspiration from classic films like "His Girl Friday," "When Harry Met Sally," and "Annie Hall."  

"The relationship between the two main characters has to be dynamic," said Kase. "It has to be something where we don't give in to the romantic expectation until the last second...You see the romance play out and you see them fall in love."

Kase won Best Long Island Short at the 2006 Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) for "They Say It's Wonderful," shot at the old Sterling Glen assisted living home in Plainview. Though he's made numerous short films, the feature-length "True to the Heart" presented unique challenges-- like shooting within a tight budget with time constraints and a bare bones crew—which he will discuss at LIIFE on July 9 as a panel guest on the perils of filmmaking.

Such drive is key to Kase's success. Despite challenges, he persevered and achieved his goal of making a feature film before he hit 30. 

"I set my sights on something and I do it," said Kase. "Being committed to pursuing your dream and getting what you want out of life is so important."

Kase’s dream began at a young age. By the time he reached , he had developed an advanced technological understanding of filmmaking and spent most of his free time making videos for student clubs and shows. 

"I wouldn't say I had a normal high school experience," he said. "I loved high school. I thrived in high school." 

After graduating in 2001, Kase attended NYU for film production. He stayed in the city after graduation, but has been living in Plainview for the past three years and continues to be involved in his home town, recently participating in an anniversary party for JFK High School’s SING club.

"I feel very connected to my roots,” he said. “I feel very connected to Plainview. I feel very connected to the high school, and to the teachers, because they are the people who became an extension of me."