Joel Courtney boards Echo as star and producer
The Super 8 actor will lead Zac Stracener’s psychological thriller, which is set to begin production later this year.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Joel Courtney is stepping into darker territory with Echo, a psychological thriller that will put him in front of the camera and behind it as a producer, Variety reported.
The independent film will be the first feature directed by Zac Stracener, a TikTok creator with 1.3 million followers. Stracener also wrote the script, according to Variety.
Courtney is best known for Super 8 and Netflix’s The Kissing Booth franchise. Echo will also mark his first producing credit, Variety reported, adding another layer to an existing creative partnership between Courtney and Stracener.
The pair already work together as co-hosts of the film podcast The Long Cut. Their new project centers on military veterans, with the film’s synopsis describing it as a character-focused thriller about the complicated experiences of that community, according to Variety.
Stracener brings a TikTok following to indie film
Stracener has built a large online audience with videos that mix mental health awareness and cinematic style. Variety reported that his TikTok account has drawn millions of views.
His short film Forever Sleep was shortlisted for the young director award at the 2023 Cannes Lions Festival, according to Variety. He was also included on TikTok’s first Showbiz List in 2022, a roster highlighting creators gaining attention in entertainment.
Stracener has worked with brands including Jockey, Microsoft, Liquid Death, Nascar and The Northface, Variety reported.
Carousel Films launches with Echo
Echo will serve as the first feature from Stracener’s production company Carousel Films. The film is being made with producer and casting director Briana Frapart, whose credits include Cut Your Teeth and Somnium, according to Variety.
Executive producers named by Variety include Chris Frederick, Alex Moeller, Joshua Azran, Lorenzo Abbatiello, OneBridge Data Solutions and Sumax Properties.
Jake Shull, Carousel Films co-founder and producer, said the company was “thrilled” to launch with Stracener’s script and Courtney involved both as actor and producer.
“To move forward independently with a story this powerful is a testament to the team we’ve assembled. We look forward to sharing more when the time is right,” Shull told Variety.
Casting is underway, and principal photography is scheduled to start later this year, Variety reported. Courtney is represented by Authentic and Gersh. Ashley Reddy of AR Entertainment Law is handling legal representation for Echo.
This story draws on original reporting from Variety.