Backstage with Emma Broyles, Jonny Harmon and Po Yin Sham, writer, co-directors and producer of the dance musical film “A Lovely Ending”

Biola Backstage is back again for Season 3! Executive producer and host Hope Li talks to Biola Snyder School students Emma Broyles, Jonny Harmon ‘24 and Po Yin Sham about how in the world their award-winning film “A Lovely Ending” had its beginnings. Hear about certain actors’ casting rizz, Easter eggs, a tangent on Emma’s wedding cake goals and why we need to hug our moms more.

• (02:15) - Finding a lovely name
• (04:43) - Beginnings of the ending
• (10:15) - A lovely co-director
• (14:40) - Writing (and finishing) a lovely script
• (19:41) - Also, Emma and Po are roommates
• (26:41) - The lovely actors, and calling Dibs
• (40:04) - A love for musicals (and people) makes for a lovely film
• (54:50) - Locations, locations, locations ... Shout out BeReal!
• (01:02:35) - Easter eggs, tea and a wedding cake request
• (01:11:01) - Emma's mom and mothers' sacrificial love
• (01:16:17) - Therapy and the stress of making a lovely film
• (01:22:58) - Post-production: a lovely ending to "A Lovely Ending"
• (01:26:29) - Final remarks

About “A Lovely Ending”

“A Lovely Ending” is a film from Biola’s Snyder School of Cinema Media Arts that took almost two years to make, with almost 130 cast and crew members. It premiered at Biola University’s newly-renovated Ethel Lee Auditorium on Sept. 20, 2024. Watch the trailer here, and follow the film’s Instagram @alovelyending.musical as it continues on its award-winning journey. The official soundtrack to the film is available on Spotify and all the other music streaming platforms.

To watch the trailers of the films we mentioned in the episode, head to Jonny’s Linktree. For more of his work, follow him on Instagram @harmonmedia. Catch Emma’s recent scribblings on her Substack and her Instagram @emma_of_everywhere, and find Po cooking mushrooms, crocheting and on her Instagram @poyinsham.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Biola Backstage! If you are interested in learning more about the people we interviewed or have ideas for future guests, please email us at torchradio@biola.edu or DM us on Instagram @kbr_torch_radio.