Nathaniel Rothrock, a co-producer of 2025 Best Musical Tony Award winner “Maybe Happy Ending,” has established Film FiftySix Productions. The company, which will span theater, film and television, has already set its inaugural project: a feature film called “Rhythm or Smooth.” Production for the movie, which is written and directed by Breton Tyner-Bryan, will begin in fall 2025 in New York City. Michael J. Burke will serve as the film’s director of photography.
Set on New York City’s competitive ballroom dance scene, “Rhythm or Smooth” follows Henry, a prodigy champion supporting his impoverished family as an escort, and his unlikely relationship both on and off the dance floor with Ava, an entrepreneur with ballroom aspirations. Casting and additional members of “Rhythm or Smooth”’s creative team will be announced.
In addition to “Maybe Happy Ending,” Rothrock was a co-producer on 2025’s “Smash” stage musical. In front of the footlights, Rothrock has performed regionally in “Anything Goes” at Hillbarn Theatre in Foster City, California, and in “the Rocky Horror Show” at San Jose’s City Lights Theatre Company. Rothrock’s television credits include a concept pilot for the medieval epic “King’s Blade.”
“Film FiftySix came about as a necessity when I started investing and producing projects,” Rothrock said in a statement. “Film FiftySix makes films that explore how traditional ideologies can adapt to changing times, without sacrificing their accessibility or entertainment factor. As the company grows, Film Fiftysix will create and support all manner of film and theater media that prioritizes character development through entertainment.”
