Full Breakdown
Alex Borstein Cast in Feature-Debut “Turn the Lights Back On”
6/16/2026, 1:15:47 AM
Film Overview: Premise and Development
Emmy-winner Alex Borstein has officially attached to star in *Turn the Lights Back On*, a comedic family drama marking the feature-film debut of writer-director Dave Pantano. The project is based on true events and draws inspiration from the experiences of many families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The story follows Emma, an exhausted elementary-school teacher confronting perimenopause, family responsibility, and the decision to place her aging mother in assisted living as the world begins to shut down. As the pandemic isolates the household, long-standing sibling tensions surface, forcing Emma to navigate guilt, grief, and a shifting sense of self.
Production Details and Financing
*Turn the Lights Back On* is fully financed as a SAG-AFTRA independent feature. Production is being handled by Salado Pictures—represented by Dino Maglaris, Harrison Chiu, and Addie Scott Irwin—alongside Borstein and Marni Rosenzweig of The Rosenzweig Group. Borstein’s representation includes WME, The Rosenzweig Group, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller. Casting for additional roles is slated to begin this month, indicating that principal photography is expected to follow the casting phase.
Key Personnel Profiles
- Alex Borstein – Known for her Emmy-winning performance as Susie Myerson on *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel* (two Emmys for Outstanding Supporting Actress), Borstein’s résumé also includes roles on HBO’s *Getting On*, Showtime’s *Shameless*, *MADtv*, and voice work as Lois Griffin on *Family Guy*.
- Dave Pantano – Writer-director making his feature debut. Pantano previously served as executive producer on the Peacock documentary series *Adaptive*, which follows elite Paralympic athletes on their road to the Paris Games. His background spans independent film and documentary production in various creative and producing capacities.
Official Statements from the Filmmaking Team
Pantano emphasized that Borstein’s blend of humor and emotional depth aligns with the film’s tonal balance. He noted that Emma’s journey requires an actor capable of portraying both comedic moments and the weight of familial responsibility.
Verbatim Quote
> “Alex brings exactly the combination of humor, vulnerability, and emotional honesty that this role demands,” Pantano said. “Emma is carrying the weight of an entire family while quietly losing her grip on the version of herself she thought she knew. Alex is uniquely capable of capturing both the comedy and heartbreak of that journey.” — Dave Pantano, Writer-Director
Why the Project Matters
The film seeks to capture a specific cultural moment—the isolating early months of the COVID-19 pandemic—through a family-centric lens. By framing unresolved familial tensions within a comedic drama, the project aims to reflect broader societal experiences of loss, adaptation, and intergenerational conflict that emerged during the pandemic.
Criticism & Opposition
No critical or opposing commentary has been reported in the available sources.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Current coverage does not disclose distribution partners, a projected release window, or budgetary figures beyond the SAG-AFTRA independent financing status.
Upcoming Steps
The production schedule lists the commencement of additional casting this month. Subsequent milestones are expected to include pre-production finalization, principal photography, and post-production work, though specific timelines remain undisclosed.
