Amy Hoerler to Appear in DOG YEARS with Burt Reynolds

According to actor Amy Hoerler, being chosen to play a nurse in the new Burt Reynolds' movie, Dog Years, was "... the biggest thing I've ever done in my career." Dog Years, written and directed by Adam Rifkin, is the story of an aging former movie star who is forced to face the reality that his GLORY days are behind him. Rifkin wrote the script especially for Reynolds and described the story by saying, "On the surface, Dog Years is a tale of faded fame, but at its core, it's a universal story about growing old." In the movie, Reynolds plays aging movie actor, Vic Edwards, who is invited to a NASHVILLE film festival to accept a lifetime achievement award but event do not turn out as expected.

Hoerler has been plying her trade for 14 years and studying at the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre since 2010. She auditioned for and was accepted in Reynolds' master class in 2011. Since that time she has faithfully attended weekly classes, learning from the man she refers to as her "the biggest influence on my career." Her recent films include Kuru, Star Child, Twelve Traditions and Marriage Material.

Recently named Best Actress at the Miami International Film Festival CinemaSlam for her work in Fade In/Fade Out, Hoerler auditioned for Dog Years at the suggestion of her agent Glenn Burton. She had briefly spoken to Rifkin when he attended a few of Reynolds' classes and talked to the students about the upcoming film but that was the extent of their contact. However, she had left a positive impression on the writer/director, so when reviewing the audition tapes, he remembered meeting her. Shortly thereafter, the phone call came from Burton. "You got a part in the movie!"

Hoerler made her way to Knoxville, Tennessee, a town and state she had never before visited. "All I knew was that I was staying at an AirBnB with good reviews in the heart of the old town area" she said, her voice still filled with excitement weeks after returning to Florida. "My host family was wonderful! They were very gracious and kind, and I felt at home with them. I took a tour of the old downtown area, walking endless hours and snapping hundreds of photos so I would forever have those memories to look back on."

Then it was back to business. Once Hoerler got her call day and time, she arrived on set for wardrobe and makeup. She was greeted by Rifkin, met the cast and crew and then Reynolds appeared "... with open arms and the warmest hug. It was surreal," Hoerler recalled. "I felt like I should literally pinch myself just to know it was really happening... and I did!"

In Dog Years, Hoerler plays the role of Young Nurse. She appears with Reynolds and co-star Ariel Winter, known to audiences for her role as Alex Dunphy on the television series Modern Family. The cast includes Kathleen Nolan, Juston Street, Ellar Coltrane, Clark Duke, Shelley Waggener and Al-Jaleel Knox. A special guest appearance is being made by popular actor/comedian/writer Chevy Chase.

Also in the cast is Burt Reynolds Institute Executive Director Todd Vittum. Vittum, who is an experienced performer and improvisation teacher plays Buddy Blump, owner of Blump Industries and father of the bride at the Blump/Delson wedding. He offered a little teaser for Reynolds' fans, "Vic Edwards crashes the wedding and winds up singing!" Former Oilers' and Falcons' Coach Jerry Glanville plays the father of the groom. Hoerler has been studying improv under Vittum's watchful eye for a number of years.

In giving her final thoughts on the experience, Hoerler could barely control her enthusiasm. "It was a joyful, exhilarating experience, especially getting to work with Mr. Reynolds. He kept me on my toes. I am ever so grateful for all the training he has given me over all the years. I hope I made him proud."

People often remember their lives in terms of firsts. For Hoerler, working on Dog Years added quite a number of first time experiences to her memory book - her first movie trailer, her first deal memo, her first chair back, her first major motion picture and her first time working with her mentor, Burt Reynolds. "I will treasure these memories my whole life," she said. "I've wanted to be an actor since I was five years old. It's taken a long time to get here, but I never gave up on my dream, and I am so glad I didn't."

Dog Years is expected to be released in fall 2016.

Updates are available at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5836316/

Photos credited to the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre