The Chair

Two first-time directors, each starting with the same screenplay and budget, struggle to shape the script to fit their vision. Shane Dawson, a YouTube star, prefers a raunchier comedic style, whereas Anna Martemucci, an independent filmmaker, hires her husband and brother-in-law to help rewrite the script. Shane heads to Pittsburgh for pre-production while Anna fears leaving on this journey by herself.

Securing financing for each independent movie proves to be challenging for Executive Producer Chris Moore. With the money issues looming, Shane questions if his film will actually get made as an important location falls out. Anna wrestles with time-management and receives some unexpected news about a key hire.

After word gets out in Pittsburgh that Shane’s script contains raunchy content, locations and casting become more challenging for Shane, as he must decide whether to censor himself or deal with the consequences. Anna blocks the producers from her casting session only to experience growing pains as first-time director working with actors. She also struggles to cast the male-lead in her film.

As the teams head into their final week of pre-production, casting dilemmas loom for both Shane and Anna. Table reads for both teams lead to worries about story and if their individual interpretations of Dan Schoffer's original script are ready for filming. Anna's tension with the documentary crew continues when her husband, Victor, arrives. Executive Producer Chris Moore secures financing for production to begin.

It’s the first day on set for both movies. Anna battles confidence issues, as she finds herself leaning more on Phil for support and guidance. Shane attempts to balance his directing duties with the demands of playing Scott, who is not the type of character he is used to playing. Meanwhile, the screenwriter Dan struggles to find a role on both sets.

As both films hit the halfway mark in their production, Anna finds it difficult to manage her time on set and make her days. Shane struggles to play the lead role of Scott, and producers worry that Shane may be resorting to what he knows best.

The productions shoot at two iconic Pittsburgh locations: Heinz Field and Carrie Furnace. Fatigue threatens Shane’s health and leads to tension with is producing partner, Lauren. Anna navigates the difficulties of directing and acting, simultaneously. Phil juggles his roles as actor, co-producer and brother-in-law.

As both teams reach their final days of production, locations and time management remain a challenge. Shane’s team provides emotional support as he shaves his head and lets go of the hair style that has been his You Tube hallmark for years. Anna’s team pushes through some of the biggest days yet in their schedule, while Anna fights for her way of doing things all the way up to the last take.

As Anna and Shane begin the lonely process of editing, the burdens of final cut become clear. Earlier concerns from producers come back to haunt both movies when Lauren critiques the beats of Shane’s story and test audiences are confused by characters in Anna’s film. Shane and Anna’s potential as directors-for-hire is scrutinized as they respond to notes. Questions of taste and integrity spark unexpected consequences among the producers.

Shane digests producers’ notes before receiving unexpected news from Chris Moore. Anna works to clarify the characters in her film. Publicity and marketing for both movies gets underway, revealing dramatic differences in Shane and Anna’s experience and perception in the public eye. As both films premiere, critics, audiences and Chris Moore weigh in on the results of the experiment. The winner is revealed.

Official trailer for the STARZ original filmmaking experiment "The Chair."

Get a look inside the STARZ original filmmaking experiment "The Chair" with Shane Dawson and Anna Martemucci.