Synopsis:
Nick Simms is a wide-eyed kid, whose desire to be a star might not be enough to overcome his naïve and delusional nature. Manny Bandero is an unstable underground legend, whose outrageous antics suggest a need for attention quite contrary to his act of being above it all.

Fascinated by Manny, Nick jumps aboard the roller coaster ride of his chaotic universe, where all the world’s a stage for pushing the boundaries of social behavior. Conversely, Manny embraces Nick as his only friend and the last audience for his furious rants on the twisted relationships between corporate America, greed, family dysfunction, self-destruction, art and God.

Manny shows Nick the ropes during their adventures exploring the darker side of Los Angeles. Eventually Nick follows Manny too far, and his life is threatened when he is caught secretly videotaping a visit to Manny's drug pusher. This thrilling episode is a breakthrough for Nick, as he uses the stirring experience to take his act to the next level. But it is a breaking point for Manny, who reveals his shadowy past in an electrifying final appearance on stage, in the film’s dramatic climax.

Offering a glimpse into the unpredictable offstage escapades of two lovable troublemakers, Hugging The Edge shines a spotlight on the courageous characters living and dying in the open-mic world of entertainment. Like every performer, they strive for acceptance and significance, while desperately longing to be loved.

Stylistically, this indie film brings artful cinematography and a razor sharp attitude to its bittersweet take on all the wannabes lost in the abyss of Hollywood.

Cast:
Matthew Vasko (Days of Our Lives, General Hospital, JAG), Bil Dwyer (Comedy Central Presents, I Love The 80s, 90s), Jamie Kaler (Will & Grace, Friends, King of Queens, The Family Stone), Nicole Newman (For Me), Robert DiTillio (Port Charles, NYPD Blue), Ursula Brooks (Providence, Deadwood), Cliff Vasko (Live comedy at Improv Olympic, Second City)

Crew:
Writer, Director, Producer: Cliff Vasko
Co-Producer: Matthew Vasko
Associate Producer: Mary Ruth Koogler
Production Coordinator: J.D. Donaruma
Cinematography: Rick Natykas

(88 min. B&W/Color)