All In

“All In”Question: What does it take to become a world champion? ALL IN searches for the answer with an hilarious look inside the lives of six men and women obsessed with poker.In classic mockumentary style, ALL IN follows these players all the way from their homes to the Las Vegas’ World Championship of Poker Open. From the first hand to the final flop, these unique characters fight the odds, their sanity, but more often, each other with the hope of winning that elusive five million dollar prize.The idea first came to writer, Jeff Drayer – a poker fanatic – while watching ESPN’s World Poker Championship. A longtime fan of Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, “This is Spinal Tap” and “Best in Show,” the idea seemed a natural (capitalizing on the nation’s new poker-playing craze). He mentioned it to Gary Holm (the producer), as the two drove to a tournament at a local casino, and it struck a chord. After two months of furious writing, they began principle photography.Director, Reggie Jordan and Director of Photography, Paolo Cascio’s mandate was to achieve the feel of a true documentary, letting the camera explore into the personal and often hilarious recesses of ordinary people’s lives we don’t often get to see. Contrasting this with the intensity and excitement that has made shows such as the Travel Channel’s “World Poker Tour” and Bravo’s “Celebrity Poker Showdown” was an even greater challenge. But with the help of a top-notch cast led by stage and screen legend, Ed Asner, as well as an experienced crew, the production was able to come in both on time and under budget.Editor George Rizkallah, known for his work with “Seinfeld” and “The Simpsons,” brought the film to its goal of ninety minutes, and Ciaran Hope at Pangea Studios massaged the sound.And so, only one question remains: Are you ready to go All In?