This year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) premiered the highly-anticipated ‘Roofman,’ directed by Derek Cianfrance and starring a powerhouse leading cast with Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst. This comedic crime film is based on the true story of Jeffrey Manchester, an Army veteran who escaped prison and evaded police by secretly living inside a Toys "R" Us, where he began an unlikely romance with an employee as his double life unraveled.
This true-crime dramedy is a compelling story, and we got to deep dive behind-the-scenes with the people who brought it to life.
GreenSlate teamed up with Emmy-nominated producer Carolina Groppa to moderate an exclusive discussion with the producing team behind ‘Roofman.’ We welcomed Alex Orlovsky, Duncan Montgomery, Jamie Patricof, and Lynette Howell Taylor at TIFF for a dynamic and engaging conversation about how ‘Roofman’ came to life, and the way this crew stayed focused on the filmmaking process - even when it demanded time, money, and unconventional approaches.
These are the key takeaways from the panel discussion and tips you can put into action for your next project. Plus, you can watch the full panel on YouTube (or rewatch, if you joined us in person!).
Relationships are everything.
For Alex, Duncan, Jamie, and Lynette, ‘Roofman’ isn’t just a movie - it’s a testament to over 20 years of collaboration. With the unique bond this team has developed on indie classics over their careers, they have learned timeless lessons about filmmaking. Relationships are at the heart of that journey.
Fostering relationships on and off set are the heart of successful filmmaking. With that kind of trust and resiliency, the production team has courage to pursue bold artistic choices - even when the risks seem high. For the ‘Roofman’ team, that kind of relationship and longevity is credited to a shared commitment to creative excellence. Build partnerships first and trust your instincts. The right software can support the rest.
Smart tech helps navigate production complexity.
While ‘Roofman’ secured distribution with major organizations like Paramount and Miramax, cash flow was sometimes still a challenge. There were times that producers had to scramble and take huge risks before final financing was secured. The crew refused to compromise on creativity and storytelling, even when it meant logistical challenges or less advantageous tax credits. Using GreenSlate helped manage the challenges and complexities of payroll and post-production accounting - while the producing team’s willingness to embrace complexity defined the spirit of the production.
Using a platform like GreenSlate’s is crucial at this intersection of artistic ambition and financial strategy, supporting decision making and streamlining production. With a production team that wasn’t going to settle for shortcuts, the focus on collaboration was imperative to shape location choices, cast and crew decisions, and cinematic flair.
The film industry’s challenges are ever-present – but belief in cinema should be too.
Making movies is not easy work. The producers of ‘Roofman’ faced many hills to climb: rebuilding an entire Toys "R" Us store, securing a cast spread across different geographic locations, weighing the value of tax credits against creative priorities, and working under tight financial constraints.
With a complex production and a risk-heavy investment for this film, the producing team highlighted the need for fast and transparent communication. As the film industry evolves, innovative solutions like GreenSlate empower independent filmmakers to take big creative swings - without sacrificing control or transparency. Centralizing payroll, accounting, onboarding, and film tax incentives let the producers focus on what mattered most: bringing the vision to life.
Watch the Full TIFF panel:
GreenSlate is proud to have supported the ‘Roofman’ team, and to be a partner in modern filmmaking by providing the technology and expertise teams need to balance artistry and financial reality.
‘Roofman’ will be released in theaters in the United States on October 10, 2025. Check out our other recent client projects.
✅ Want to learn more about how GreenSlate's all-in-one accounting and payroll platform can support your production(s)? Request a demo here.