When a filmmaker only has one film credit on IMDb, you might not expect deft storytelling, meticulous craftsmanship, and exceptional quality. Especially if that filmmaker was still a student at the time. But that’s exactly what Casey Rogerson delivers. Yes, it’s possible that Terroir might be lightning in a bottle — a fleeting moment of creative genius — but we believe it’s just too well done to be a fluke. This beautifully told and masterfully executed short holds the promise of a potentially brilliant career.
Rogerson is the writer, director, producer, and editor of this 13:45 film. Terroir takes place at an invitation-only wine tasting at Madame Laurent’s vineyard — which isn’t known for its palatable products. For example, Rebecca, a reviewer who was at Madame Laurent’s a year ago, compared the flavor to a rusty nail.
However, this year, the wine is inexplicably sublime. Oliver, another critic who was invited to the engagement, wonders, “How is it so much better than last year?”
Kirsta, an influential connoisseur whose mother is the editor-in-chief of a magazine that could catapult Madame Laurent’s vineyard to superstar status, is the third attendee. She is so impressed by the wine’s upgrade that she’ll stoop to any level to discover the secret behind the enhanced flavor.
The “secret” is shrewdly telegraphed throughout the film utilizing a slightly fractured narrative that results in a wonderfully rewarding realization. Pay attention, because nearly every line is a clue. Can you solve the mystery before Kirsta?
Entertaining Options had the opportunity to ask Casey Rogerson about this amazing film to learn its origin and what’s next for this rising talent.
Where did you get the idea for this short?
My parents are big wine people, so I’ve grown up fascinated by the world of wine. On a family vacation to France two years ago, my parents took my sisters and me to a wine tasting. While we were there, the sommelier described one of the wines as having a “bloody” quality. I’ve always loved scary movies, and at the time, I was on the hunt for a slasher premise. So as soon as I heard that, my wheels started turning. As we went on a tour of the property, I couldn’t help but see everything through the lens of a horror movie. I couldn’t wait to start writing. And as soon as I did, the whole thing really came into focus. Terroir was one of those amazing experiences where the ideas just kept snowballing. I wanted to ride that momentum, so I quickly got to work assembling the team and preparing to shoot. I feel so grateful that everybody said yes and shared my enthusiasm for the project.
How long did it take to film?
We shot the film over three days! The team was made up almost entirely of New Yorkers, and most of us were students at the time. So the entire cast and crew took a Greyhound bus to New Jersey to stay at my parent’s house during the shoot. From there, we commuted every day to Amalthea Cellars, a beautiful vineyard in Atco, New Jersey. The team at Amalthea was unbelievably welcoming and generous to us, and lent us their stunning property for the entire shoot. The film is now playing at Amalthea every weekend this Fall! Go visit!
Do you have any fond memories that you will keep with you from this experience?
The experience of having the entire cast and crew stay in my parents’ house was one I will never forget. It was pure moviemaking magic. We shot the movie over Halloween weekend, so the entire thing had this incredible spooky energy.
What’s the next step in your career?
I am currently a directing fellow at the American Film Institute. So, the next step is to learn as much as I can while I’m here and surrounded by such brilliant artists. And keep making movies!
If you like wine and murder, Terroir might be the best 13 minutes of story that you watch this year. It is smart, humorous, educational — if you want to learn more about wine — and has its share of tasteful gore. You can enjoy it with film school geeks, wine connoisseurs, horror fans, or just individuals who love a great flick.
Cast
Madame Laurent: Leenya Rideout
Rebecca: Naomi Rubin
Oliver: John R. Howley
Kirsta: Madison Hu
Pierre (Madame Laurent’s son): João Santos
Links
Casey Rogerson: Instagram
Terroir: website • Instagram
Entertaining Options 