Producer David Kaplan Talks Risks, Challenges of Making 'Josephine'

Kaplan discusses the 12-year journey to bring Beth de Araújo's Sundance-winning film to the Berlin Film Festival.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Producer David Kaplan opened up about the challenges of getting Beth de Araújo's film 'Josephine' made, including securing financing, casting the young lead, and navigating the market's resistance to the film's heavy subject matter. Kaplan also discussed developing a sequel to the cult horror film 'It Follows' and his other upcoming projects.

Why it matters

Kaplan's candid account sheds light on the difficulties independent filmmakers face in bringing personal, socially conscious stories to the screen, especially when they don't fit neatly into commercial genres. His experience highlights the importance of perseverance, creative partnerships, and financial risk-taking in the indie film world.

The details

Kaplan, who co-founded Kaplan Morrison three years ago, came on board 'Josephine' in the last three years of its 12-year development. The film, which won two prizes at Sundance, tells the story of an 8-year-old who witnesses a rape in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Securing financing was a major challenge, with 99% of potential backers passing on the project due to concerns about its commercial viability and subject matter. Channing Tatum and Gemma Chan, who served as producers, were instrumental in getting the $6 million film made, with Tatum even pitching investors. The team also faced logistical hurdles in casting the young lead, Mason Lily Reeves, who was discovered just seven weeks before production began.

  • The U.S. distribution deal for 'Josephine' closed late last night in Berlin.
  • 'Josephine' was 12 years in the making, with Kaplan coming on board in the last three years.
  • The film's financing was only completed six days into the shoot.

The players

David Kaplan

The New York-based producer of 'Josephine' and co-founder of Kaplan Morrison, which has also produced 'The Brutalist' and 'The Testament of Ann Lee'.

Beth de Araújo

The director of 'Josephine,' which was inspired by events she witnessed as a child.

Channing Tatum

The actor who served as a producer on 'Josephine' and helped raise financing for the film.

Gemma Chan

The actress who served as a producer on 'Josephine' and had been attached to the project for years.

Mason Lily Reeves

The 7-year-old actress who was discovered at a farmers' market and cast in the title role of 'Josephine'.

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What they’re saying

“We had a few offers, varying levels of financing, varying levels of theatrical commitment. Obviously, that plays some role in all of this.”

— David Kaplan, Producer (Variety)

“It was very important to Beth always that our investors made their money back if they could. They took tremendous risk. It's important to me as a producer in the same way. Why would anyone want to work with you again if you don't take care of them in that way, particularly in success?”

— David Kaplan, Producer (Variety)

“Like everybody else on the film, everybody sacrificed for this film. That's how you make a film with movie stars and a great director and great crew in an expensive city for that amount. It takes a village of people who believe.”

— David Kaplan, Producer (Variety)

What’s next

Kaplan's company is developing a sequel to the cult horror film 'It Follows,' which Neon has boarded, and the team hopes to start shooting the sequel in the coming months.

The takeaway

Kaplan's experience with 'Josephine' underscores the challenges independent filmmakers face in bringing personal, socially conscious stories to the screen, especially when they don't fit neatly into commercial genres. His perseverance, creative partnerships, and financial risk-taking highlight the importance of passion and dedication in the indie film world.