Resilience. Humanity. Hope. The drama film No Address captures the truth behind homelessness and the stories of those experiencing it. The film was released in theaters in February and is now available on multiple streaming platforms including AppleTV and Amazon Prime. Before the film’s release, we chatted with writer and director Julia Verdin and actor and producer Lucas Jade Zuman, who plays Jimmy, to learn more about the inspiration behind the film and the importance of telling this story.
No Address is inspired by true events and follows Lauren, a young woman pushed onto the streets and forced to survive against all odds. After meeting a makeshift family of outcasts with their own stories of struggle and loss, Lauren discovers home isn’t just a place, but is instead the community she finds who refuses to let her fall. The film includes an ensemble cast including Lucas, Beverly D’Angelo, Isabella Ferreira from Love, Victor and Incoming, William Baldwin, and more. Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and actress Ashanti plays the character Violet.
Julia has cemented herself as a powerhouse writer, director, and producer, having produced over 36 feature films. She is best known for Stander, starring Thomas Jane, and The Merchant of Venice, starring Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, and Joseph Fiennes. Julia said she is particularly passionate about social impact filmmaking and telling the stories that are sometimes hard to tell.
Julia: “I come from a background of social impact filmmaking. I’m very passionate about using the medium of film to raise awareness around key social issues.”
Lucas has had many powerful performances of his own, and Julia said Jimmy is the heart and soul of the film, and she was already familiar with Lucas’s work, and she knew he would be perfect for the role. Lucas is known for his roles as Milo in the horror film Sinister 2, Jamie Fields in 20th Century Women and Gilbert Blythe in Anne with an E.
Julia: “[Lucas] just has wonderful heart and soul as an actor.”
Julia said Lucas was first brought on to play Jimmy, but she really wanted to give the younger generation a voice in the film, and so bringing on Lucas as a producer was a no brainer.
While the film is based on fictional characters, it is based on second hand experiences Julia and Lucas witnessed of real people facing homelessness. Lucas said the entire cast and crew did a lot of research in preparation. He even visited one of the largest homeless encampments in Sacramento, and spoke with real people on the streets to hear their stories.
Lucas: “I really wanted to do anything I could to back this project and support it research wise and bring an element of storytelling to it.”
Homelessness is a huge issue, and it especially affects young people. Both Lucas and Julia agreed that this film is incredibly important for the younger generation to watch, and they provide many ways to help and get involved, such as resources to finding local nonprofits near you to engage with at www.NoAddressMovie.com.
Lucas: “There are prejudices not just in this nation that disproportionately affect the African American and Latino communities.”
Julia said she’s learned that even a small gesture such as smiling and acknowledging someone facing homelessness can turn their day around. Acceptance and caring for those around you who may be struggling is also an incredibly important step that we can all do.
Julia: “One simple way you can help is just smiling at someone when you see them.”
Thank you, Julia and Lucas, for chatting with Young Entertainment! Make sure to follow them on their Instagram’s at @juliaverdin and @lucas.jade.zumann_. Watch the rest of the interview where we ask them more about their prep for the film and how you can get involved. While you’re there, be sure to like and subscribe to our channel for the latest news in young entertainment.
Consider this:
- If you are playing a character that is based on a true story or someone who is facing something real, the best way to prep is actually going out into the field and meeting people who might be facing a similar situation. Just talking with others and empathizing can help you understand your character’s intentions and decisions.
