1. Overview
Emily Wachtel is an American producer, screenwriter, and actress. Her career spans various roles in the film and television industry, notably as the originator and producer of the acclaimed six-part documentary film The Last Movie Stars, which chronicles the lives of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. She also co-wrote, produced, and acted in the semi-autobiographical film Lucky Them. Beyond her creative work, Wachtel is actively involved in philanthropy, serving on the board of the SeriousFun Children's Network and the Greenwich International Film Festival.
2. Life and Career
Emily Wachtel's professional journey in the film and television industry includes significant contributions as a producer, writer, and actress, alongside her use of a distinctive pseudonym in her creative endeavors.
2.1. Early Life and Background
Emily Wachtel was born on March 8, 1965, in New York State.
2.2. Pseudonym Use
Emily Wachtel utilized the pseudonym Ellie Klug as the name for the main character in her film Lucky Them. This pseudonym was also associated with her own experiences in the music and dating scenes, and it appeared in several publications, including a column in the "Fairfield Weekly."
2.3. Major Produced Works
Wachtel has produced a range of significant projects, including documentary films and a music video, demonstrating her versatility in the production landscape.
2.3.1. "The Last Movie Stars"
Wachtel originated and produced The Last Movie Stars, a six-part documentary film that delves into the lives and careers of iconic actors Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. The film was directed by Ethan Hawke and had Martin Scorsese as an executive producer.
2.3.2. "Shepard and Dark"
Wachtel served as an executive producer for the documentary "Shepard and Dark," which focuses on the life and work of playwright, actor, and director Sam Shepard. This documentary was featured at the Cannes International Film Festival in May 2013.
2.3.3. "Let Me Be Your Girl" Music Video
In 2016, Wachtel produced the music video for the song "Let Me Be Your Girl" by singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata. The video was directed by Josh Radnor and starred actress Allison Janney.
2.4. Screenwriting and Acting
Wachtel has contributed to the film industry not only behind the scenes but also through her screenwriting and acting roles, most notably in Lucky Them.
2.4.1. "Lucky Them"
Wachtel co-wrote, produced, and acted in the film Lucky Them, a semi-autobiographical work. In the film, she played the character Charity Rocks. The movie premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2013, receiving positive reviews from various media outlets. The cast of Lucky Them included Toni Collette, Thomas Haden Church, Johnny Depp, and Oliver Platt.
2.5. Filmography
Emily Wachtel's acting and producing credits are listed below:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Regarding Henry | Nurse Gloria | Film |
| 1993 | Blind Spot | Phyllis | TV movie |
| 1995 | Fall Time | Hairdresser | Film |
| 1999 | Felicity | Suzanne | 1 episode |
| 2000 | Where The Money Is | Waitress | Film |
| 2001-2002 | Alias | Worker/Beth at airline counter | 2 episodes |
| 2005 | Empire Falls | Bartender | TV movie |
| 2012 | Gayby | Sconce Customer | Film |
| 2013 | Lucky Them | Charity Rocks | Film |
| 2017 | We Don't Belong Here | Mrs C. | Film |
| 2022 | The Last Movie Stars | Producer, Originated By | Film |
3. Other Activities and Affiliations
Beyond her direct involvement in film and television production, Emily Wachtel is engaged in various philanthropic efforts and serves on the boards of several organizations.
3.1. Philanthropy and Board Memberships
Wachtel is a member of the international Board of Governors for the SeriousFun Children's Network. This non-profit consists of camps established by Paul Newman for children battling cancer and other blood diseases. She also serves on the board of the Greenwich International Film Festival. In June 2014, the festival hosted a "hometown premiere" of Lucky Them in Wachtel's hometown of Stamford, Connecticut.