DISC | Interview with Blake Winston Rice & Victoria Ratermanis

On this episode of 1st on Film, we sit down with filmmaker Blake Winston Rice and actor/writer Victoria Ratermanis to discuss their acclaimed short film DISC. Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival, the film follows two strangers whose one-night stand leads to an unexpectedly intimate and chaotic predicament, blending sharp comedy with genuine human connection. Blake and Victoria take us behind the scenes of the film’s creation, from developing the story together to collaborating with star Jim Cummings, navigating the festival circuit, and exploring themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and modern relationships. It’s a candid conversation about independent filmmaking, creative partnerships, and finding humor in life’s most uncomfortable moments. Blake Winston Rice is an award-winning writer and director from New Jersey and a graduate of Rowan University. His breakout short film, Tea (2024), starring Michael Gandolfini and executive produced by Patty Jenkins, premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival and went on to screen at numerous Oscar-qualifying festivals.Victoria Ratermanis is an actor, writer, director, and producer who is a lifetime member of the Actor’s Studio. She gained widespread recognition for her role in the Oscar-nominated short film A Lien and has appeared in projects including Fosse/Verdon. A graduate of Pace University with a BFA in Acting and trained in the Meisner technique at Playhouse West Brooklyn, Victoria has built a multifaceted career both in front of and behind the camera. With DISC, she serves as co-writer, producer, and star alongside Jim Cummings, marking a significant step in her filmmaking journey. Born in Baltimore and raised overseas, her unique upbringing has helped shape the imaginative storytelling and versatility that define her work today.