In New York City there are mini stores that are on every street, in these stores you can buy food, clothes, cleaning products and more, with many people calling them “bodegas.” Bodegas originally were created by Puerto Ricans when they migrated to New York in the 1900’s, and have since become a staple in the New York City lexicon. New York City is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and when entering a New City bodega there are many ethnicities present.
Jon Ryan, a New York-based film writer, director, and producer created a short comedy film called “Gut Punch” starring Joe List, Radel Ortiz, and Greer Barnes. Captured at a local New York City bodega, Ryan expressed that he wanted his audience to “feel the true feeling of being inside a New York bodega”.
“Finding a bodega to film at is really hard,” said Ryan.
Originally from Los Angeles, Ryan says that there are a lot more Asian store owners. However, for “Gut Punch,” Ryan wanted to hire a diverse cast.
“I feel more welcomed by the diverse crowd when walking in a New York bodega,” said Ryan. “I wanted my viewers to feel the same.
When creating “Gut Punch,” Ryan expressed how Joe List was the first one he cast in this film. However, after finding List for the cast, the rest of the casting proved to be a struggle.
“I wrote [Joe List’s character] with his voice in mind,” said Ryan. “The casting process was tough. I auditioned forty people in person, and there were more online auditions.”
The process proved to be worth it in the end, because it was important for Ryan that the cast felt like family. Ryan believed that Radel Ortiz in the film and Greer Barnes were the perfect fit for his characters “ Manny” and “Rex.”
“Gut Punch” is now available for streaming on YouTube. For more on Ryan, follow him on Instagram @jonryanisdead.
