Producer Ben Howard Chats About Upcoming New Movie "Identity Crisis"

The Boylan Sisters, in partnership with producers Ben Howard and Erin Mae Miller, recently wrapped production on their latest feature film, IDENTITY CRISIS. Filmed on the campus of Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, this teen comedy for the entire family is a beautiful story about the value of every person. 

The story centers on Madison, a brilliant college student who lacks confidence. While working in the university library, she discovers a long-ago discarded cloning machine. Madison's desire to become more confident and outgoing leads to cloning herself, creating a new "Madison" that is willing to do things she's always been afraid to try. But now with two Madisons on campus, pressure mounts on the original to keep her life together.  

The story was written by Andrea Polnaszek and Alexandra Boylan. While this is their sixth feature film together (including SWITCHED and CATCHING FAITH), it's their first production as The Boylan Sisters. The movie also marks the directorial debut for actress Shari Rigby, who partnered with director of photography Bob Scott (WAR ROOM, OVERCOMER). 

We are honored to be able to catch up with co-producer Ben Howard for this exclusive interview.

Q: Ben, thank you so much for doing this interview with us. Tell us a little about yourself and your role in "Identity Crisis."

A: I have been active in the faith-connected film world for a long time, dating back to VeggieTales in the 1990s and early 2000s. From there, I went to Provident Films from 2005-2017, where I worked with the Kendrick Brothers and the Erwin Brothers. I have been independent since 2018, running Third Coast Content. As a producer of Identity Crisis, I had my chance to finally work with a set of sisters!

Q: Very briefly, what is "Identity Crisis" about?

A: Identity Crisis is the story of Madison, a college freshman who is talented and smart, but she lacks the confidence to be herself. She discovers a long-discarded cloning machine in the school library basement and decides to clone a better version of herself. A funny adventure ensues as she tries to manage both versions of herself on campus! Ultimately, it's a story about self-identity the value God places on each individual.

Q: What first attracted you to the story?

A: I loved Switched, a previous film from Alexandra Boylan and her sister Andrea Polnaszek (the Boylan Sisters). It showed me they tell funny, heartfelt stories.

Q: Is there a scene in the movie that is your favorite? If so, why?

A: There are some really funny and suspenseful scenes when Madison and her clone are both on campus at the same time and trying not to be seen together.

Q: What were some of the highlights for you in the making of this film?

A: Making this movie with director Shari Rigby, (her directing debut), with producer partners Erin Mae Miller and the Boylan Sister, and director of photograph Bob Scott-it was a great team. And the young actors and actresses were wonderful. Also, filming the movie at Grand Canyon University was a highlight-it's a special place.

Q: What are some lessons viewers can take away after watching this movie?

A: Identity Crisis is a fun, engaging story for the whole family, but especially tween and teen girls. My hope is that everyone who enjoys the movie realizes that sometimes, it takes courage to be who God created us to be-but it's worth the effort!

Q: When will this movie be released?

A: We are currently working on a distribution deal with a goal of being able to share Identity Crisis with families beginning in late 2022 or early 2023.

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