In this AFM 2025 conversation, director Christine Lakin and producer Alexandra Engelson break down I Won’t Dance—a coming-of-age ballroom romance set to shoot in the Canary Islands with serious crossover appeal for theater lovers and dance fans.
We dig into Christine’s journey from Step by Step to award-winning director, why ballroom is the perfect “bougie sport” for this story, how Gen Z dance culture and TikTok strategy, with responsible financing, strong tax incentives.
Welcome & AFM 2025 Setup
Why we’re talking to filmmakers, directors, financiers and investors about why film production can be a smart, disciplined investment.
0:37 – Meet Director Christine Lakin
Airport recognition, ’90s nostalgia, and how Step by Step still lives rent-free in people’s memories.
1:20 – From TGIF Star to Director
Christine’s evolution: acting, choreography as a “side hustle,” theater as “church,” and the epiphany that led her to directing.
3:22 – Training Ground: TV vs. Features
What fast-paced TV taught her about time management, improvisation, collaboration, and staying “overly prepared” on set.
5:24 – What I Won’t Dance Is Really About
The pitch: YA coming-of-age rom-com, sports movie, ballroom drama—with that love-hate “will they/won’t they” spark.
6:37 – Beyond Dance: Family, Legacy & Identity
How Elena and Xavier’s stories reflect class, privilege, pressure, and the journey to finally be yourself.
9:15 – Bougie, But Make It Real
Ballroom as a “bougie sport,” and why chefs, winemakers, restaurateurs and mixologists will feel seen by the grind behind the glamour.
11:21 – Why the Canary Islands?
Introducing partner Hula Hoop, using one region for a “small U.S. town” and Vegas, plus the practical magic of incentives and locations.
13:15 – Creative Process & Scouting
How Christine plans shots, trusts her instincts, and turns locations into character—even last minute.
15:00 – Message to the Canary Islands
Excitement, early buzz, friends begging to be “packed in her suitcase,” and the anticipation of working with Spanish and local crews.
16:01 – Enter Producer Alexandra Engelson
Alexandra joins to explain why the story is universal, why dance is for everyone, and how accessibility is built into the film’s DNA.
17:20 – Universality, Comfort & Rewatch Value
Why this film is designed to be rewatched, to feel like “home,” and to make ballroom relatable for people who don’t own $2,000 dresses.
18:00 – Dance as Therapy & Universal Language
Why when words fail, we sing—and when singing fails, we dance. Movement as emotion, joy, and a language without borders.
19:36 – Fitting the 2026 Global Market
Gen Z, TikTok, Dancing with the Stars numbers, and why a female-directed dance film hits the sweet spot.
20:31 – TikTok, Dentists & Dance Content
How dance videos dominate feeds, why TikTok is essential to the strategy.
21:46 – The Investment Pitch (Not Financial Advice)
Building a trilogy, responsible budgeting, using incentives, and diversifying with brand sponsorships to reduce risk.
22:59 – Cameos, Easter Eggs & Judges With Attitude
Fun ideas for high-profile cameos and the personality-driven judges become fan-favorite moments.
24:18 – Following the Journey
Where to follow: @ChristineLakinDirector and @MagicAndMoxieProductions on Instagram for updates, casting news, and behind-the-scenes.
#IWontDance #ChristineLakin #americanfilmmarket #AFM2025 #YAFilm #IndependentFilm #BallroomDancing #FilmInvestment #DancingWithTheStars #TikTokDance #CanaryIslands
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