Outside the Box [Office] invites you and a guest to attend

A Special Theatrical Screening of

THIS TEMPTING MADNESS

Directed by SCA Alumnua Jennifer E. Montgomery
Written by Andrew M. Davis & Jennifer E. Montgomery
Produced by Andrew M. Davis, William Day Frank,
Jessica Malanaphy, and Marcei A. Brown
Edited by SCA Alumnus Kiran Pallegadda

Followed by a Q&A with Andrew M. Davis & Jennifer E. Montgomery, William Day Frank, and Kiran Pallegadda

7:00 P.M. on Thursday, November 19th, 2026

The Ray Stark Family Theater, SCA 108
George Lucas Building, USC School of Cinematic Arts Complex
900 W. 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089

FREE ADMISSION. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RSVPs REQUIRED.

FOOD AND DRINKS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE AUDITORIUM.

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

About This Tempting Madness

Inspired by a true story. Mia awakens from a coma, her memory fractured, and the man she loves missing. As she puts the pieces of her past together, she starts to question her own actions, and her perception of reality.

Rated R. Running time: 98 minutes.

https://www.thistemptingmadness.com/

About the Guests

JENNIFER E. MONTGOMERY (Writer, Director, Producer, SCA Alumna)

Jennifer E. Montgomery is a filmmaker whose work blends emotional precision with an unflinching curiosity about the human psyche. After years working in high level script development for prominent production companies, producing projects globally, and directing short form content, Montgomery premiered her feature directorial debut, THIS TEMPTING MADNESS, at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the oldest and most prestigious film festival in South Asia. Following the world premiere, the film garnered attention at festivals across Asia and the United States. The film was released by Vertical Entertainment in North America and various partners globally.

A classically trained ballerina and USC School of Cinematic Arts alumna, she brings a dancer’s instincts for rhythm, image, and sound to her filmmaking. Raised on a remote Pacific Northwest ranch, Montgomery developed an early independence and ability to confront conflict head-on. These traits are foundational to her sensibilities as a filmmaker.

ANDREW M. DAVIS (Writer, Producer, Cinematographer)

Andrew M. Davis is a writer, producer, and ASC Heritage Award winning cinematographer. His work as a cinematographer has taken him on combat patrols with the Marines in Iraq, anti-drug trafficking raids in Honduras, lensing large commercial campaigns, and ambitious narrative features. He co-wrote, produced, and shot THIS TEMPTING MADNESS. Davis’s diverse range of experiences and abilities make him hard to categorize. He’s equally comfortable with a camera in his hand or staring down a blank page. Trained in film at Chapman University’s Dodge College, he’s been a lifelong student of history, literature, and the fine arts. Davis is drawn to stories that resist simplification, explore moral ambiguity, and probe humanities’ eternal struggle between conviction and doubt.

WILLIAM DAY FRANK (Producer)

William Day Frank specializes in smart and challenging genre films. Originally mentored by Jason Blum, Will has gone on to produce twelve feature films. These projects have premiered at festivals such as SXSW, Tribeca, Fantasia, Sitges, Bifan, and Austin Film Festival. Sissy, an Australian horror satire he recently exec produced, debuted at SXSW to rave reviews; and currently holds a 97% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. As a screenwriter, Will wrote the feature Sunny, which is currently in production starring Angelina Jolie. He has also appeared on the prestigious Black List and worked on assignment for Paramount, Disney, Bad Robot, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Roland Emmerich. Two of his features, Fixation and Susie Searches both premiered at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival. Will studied creative writing at Harvard University. He was born in Philadelphia, PA.

KIRAN PALLEGADDA (Editor, SCA Alumnus)

Kiran Pallegadda is a Los Angeles-based film and television editor. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Kiran later attended the MFA film production program at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. He began his career serving as a first assistant and associate editor on high-profile features such as The Avengers, Public Enemies, and Crazy Heart. As a lead editor, his credits span a diverse range of genres, including Amazon’s spy thriller Citadel, the award-winning drama Trees of Peace, and the indie dramedy Life Partners. Most recently, he edited the psychological thriller This Tempting Madness, starring Simone Ashley and directed by Jen Montgomery. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.

About Outside the Box [Office]

Outside the Box [Office] is a weekly showcase for upcoming releases highlighting world cinema, documentary and independent film titles. The series draws from around the globe to present movies that may challenge, inspire or simply entertain.

To view the calendar of screenings, click here

To SUBSCRIBE to our MAILING LIST for upcoming free screenings and events, e-mail the word "Subscribe" to: aago@cinema.usc.edu

Check-In & Reservations

This program is open to all eligible individuals. The USC School of Cinematic Arts operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

This screening is free of charge and open to the public. A reservation confirmation will automatically be sent to your e-mail account upon successfully making an RSVP through this website. Doors will open at 6:30 P.M.

All SCA screenings are OVERBOOKED to ensure seating capacity in the theater, therefore seating is not guaranteed based on RSVPs. The RSVP list will be checked in on a first-come, first-served basis until the theater is full. Once the theater has reached capacity, we will no longer be able to admit guests, regardless of RSVP status.

Accessibility Needs

Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Alessandro Ago, Assistant Dean, Programming and Special Events, at aago@cinema.usc.edu or 213-740-2330. It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least seven days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

Parking

On-campus parking at the University of Southern California is limited. We recommend buying a day pass for the Royal Street Structure, located at the intersection of Royal Street and W. Jefferson Blvd. Parking passes are $20/car. For more information about parking at USC, please visit USC Transportation Website:

https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/daily-and-hourly-parking/
https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/about-us/entrance-hours/