Spread tells a story of opportunity. A young man uses his “talents” to woo women, and gain access to their lifestyle. Unbeknownst to him, a young lady is working a similar angle. They meet. They move from sharing grifting secrets to falling in love.

Opened in limited engagement on August 14, Spread was written by Jason Dean Hall and directed by David Mackenzie. The film stars Ashton Kutcher (whose also a producer), Anne Heche, Rachel Blanchard, and Maria Conchita Alonso. Los Angeles plays a central roll as well, giving a platform to explore a human desire to live the high life and be part of the scene.

To make that vision come alive, artist David Ellis was employed to create the films graphic identity. Born in North Carolina, Ellis made his way to New York to attend Cooper Union. He received his BFA in 1994, and has since made the city his home. It is a fitting locale for the painter, who began painting seriously in an effort to capture the spirit of the early ‘80s graffiti movement (though, as you’ll find out, he hit barns rather than trains).

Peter Williams found time to chat to both Kutcher and Ellis about the film, and how the street art connection was forged. The interview is split into two parts - Kutcher first, and then Ellis.

Spread is released by Anchor Bay Films.

Introduction by Nicholas Schonberger. Interviews by Pete Williams.