It’s a hot, muggy August day in Scottsdale when two of the Valley’s newer residents—Rob and Patricia Schneider—drive up to the photo studio where our team is waiting. The couple is ready for a day filled with laughs, outfit changes, a fire, and even getting soaking wet—which was actually their fun idea.
To back up, the Schneiders moved from California to Arizona in 2020 and since that time, they’ve been very busy.
Rob, the actor and comedian known for his turn on Saturday Night Live and movies such as The Waterboy, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo and Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo, 50 First Dates, and The Hot Chick, recently produced, directed, and starred in the film Daddy Daughter Trip. Patricia, who has written and produced comedy sketches as well as shows and movies, not only also produced the movie but wrote the screenplay for it along with Jamie Lissow.
A heart-warming family adventure/comedy, Daddy Daughter Trip is live-action mixed with animation and tells the story of a second grader’s dream of a fun-filled spring break vacation her family can't afford. (The second grader is played by Rob & Patricia's real-life daughter, Miranda Scarlett Schneider.)
When daddy and daughter hit the road with just coins, what ensues is a road trip filled with misfortunate adventures. The vacation is saved when the duo meets a pair of well-connected travel bloggers.
The movie was filmed around Arizona and recently debuted in the Valley at Harkins Theatre.
The couple says they had a great time filming locally and that they love living in Arizona—though they expected their new home to be all sunshine and great weather and not the crazy rain and monsoon storms we had been having almost daily in August (should we call it a plot twist?). So, we went with that for our photos too and had a blast doing so. And yes, they really did get that wet! The photo studio also had an old blacksmith's shop, and in honor of Arizona's blacksmithing history, Rob took a try with the tools.
After the shoot I was able to speak with the couple about the movie, living in the Valley, and what they love about each other.
Rob, what first drew you to acting?
Comedy was my first love. I was so thrilled to see movies with Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor and then I saw Steve Martin perform live. And I kind of put it together that it was technically possible to become a comedic actor because somehow this hilarious gentleman figured it out!
You’ve starred in so many movies … do you have any favorites? Or favorite roles?
I love all the characters I’ve played. In all honesty, you HAVE to love them if you are going to breathe life into them. It may sound counterintuitive, but comedy has to be taken seriously for it to work at a high level. It has to make sense dramatically even if the scene is super silly. Sometimes we find ourselves in a scene where we know for sure it’s hilarious because you feel it in your bones! It’s rare but super fun when it happens.
Your latest movie, Daddy Daughter Trip—which just hit theatres—also stars your daughter. And, Patricia, you wrote it! Patricia, can you tell us what inspired the story?
We wanted to make a comedy film for the whole family right here in Arizona that would show lots of fun things to do and feature some of the state’s incredible scenery.
What was it like to work with your daughter?
Miranda had just barely turned 8 but we knew she was perfect for the role of the second grader with big dreams. We included her in the writing process. She came up with her character’s name, Meara, and we rehearsed the “looking at the stars” scene for months. When we got to the set, Miranda didn’t even need direction. She knew exactly where her character needed to be emotionally at all times.
You filmed in a lot of locales around Arizona, and especially here in the Valley. For those who haven't seen the movie yet, what are some fun places they can spot?
Butterfly Wonderland, Bearazona, zip-lining in Flagstaff, Agritopia, Sedona, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Tucson!
Why is this movie special to you both?
We love our new home, Arizona. So, in a way, Daddy Daughter Trip is our thank you card to the people here for welcoming our family.
Patricia, how did you get into writing movies?
I always loved writing when I was young and jumped at every chance to be in any writing contest. After college, I was producing and writing comedy sketches for a television show. Then I wrote two seasons of our comedy show on Netflix and then started writing movies.
Do you have a process when you write?
Yes, sitting down between cooking for kids, and driving them to school and after-school activities. Once my brain is completely exhausted I no longer have the energy to doubt myself, so creativity just flows, hahaha.
You have another movie out right now, as well …
Amor es Amor is a romantic comedy for Mexico and Latin America. It has a lot of heart and good laughs.
Rob, what are the top three things you love about Patricia?
In 13 years, we have never gone a day without laughing. Patricia is an incredibly creative collaborator who makes really good choices for stories and comes up with the best physical comedy ideas. Paty is also the best mama in the world!
Patricia, what are the top three things you love about Rob?
He makes me laugh every day, he is a very kind person and a wonderful dad.
You moved from California to Scottsdale in 2020. Do you already have a list of favorite places around the Valley?
We love so many restaurants in Scottsdale and Phoenix. Great gyms, yoga, and pilates. We did it!
Any specific restaurants?
True Food Kitchen, Eggstasy, Shake Shack, Preston’s, Mastro’s original, Mastro’s Ocean Club, Tocaya, Thai Basil, and That’s Amore Gelato!
There is a new major film studio and production training facility that is going to be built next year in the Phoenix area. Can you see yourselves working with the location here instead of going back to Los Angeles in the future for your own projects?
We filmed here last year WITHOUT a studio. We are in development for our next film after we finish the international release of Daddy Daughter Trip. We want to build a studio here, as well.
Any upcoming projects you can each share?
Animated movie, Leo for Netflix (December 2023); Amor es Amor for Paramount Plus (spring 2023); Dead Wrong indie thriller (summer 2023); The Animal for Fox (summer 2024).
Daddy Daughter Trip was all about taking a trip … where would you like to travel next?
We are heading to Greece for our next big family vacation! Never been!