![NJ Actress Amy Rutledge Stars In "Rent-A-Pal" Thriller From IFC Midnight](https://www.newjerseystage.com/events2020/Rent-A-Pal.jpg "NJ Actress Amy Rutledge Stars In "Rent-A-Pal" Thriller From IFC Midnight")
Actress Amy Rutledge emerges a hopeful romantic co-starring in the retro video-dating horror-thriller, RENT-A-PAL, releasing in select theaters and on-demand from IFC Midnight on September 11th. Rutledge grew up in Washington, New Jersey and currently lives in Jersey City. Written and directed by first-time filmmaker Jon Stevenson, the film also stars Brian Landis Folkins (Hoax), Wil Wheaton (Stand By Me, Star Trek – The Next Generation) and Kathleen Brady (Breaking Bad).
Set in 1990, RENT-A-PAL follows David (Folkins), a lonely bachelor seeking a partner through a video dating service, who discovers a strange VHS tape called Rent-A-Pal. Hosted by the charismatic Andy (Wheaton), the tape offers him some much-needed company, compassion, and friendship. When David meets the compassionate Lisa (Rutledge) through the dating service, he must face the disturbingly high price of Andy’s friendship.
Rutledge was thrilled to join the project, adding “This was the most fun and connected film experience I have had. Producers Jon Stevenson, Annie Elizabeth Baker, and Jimmy Weber are a dream team as well as everyone else involved. I was excited I got to do my own stunts. Everyone was super professional and considerate and I will always be so incredibly grateful to be a part of this magical film.”
Rutledge is recognized by horror fans from her notable appearances in the slaughtering stranger tale Neighbor, the zombie infested Eyes of the Dead, and the unsettling fatal thriller The Death of April. A New Jersey native, Rutledge surfaced as a standout on the festival circuit winning two ‘Best Actress’ awards for starring in the globally celebrated short film, Our Perfect World. She also gained attention for starring in the magical family series pilot Division Street, which screened at Slamdance, Catalyst (ITVFEST), Raindance (London), and the SAG-AFTRA Foundation. On stage, Rutledge found success starring in Sleeping With Earrings On, which won first place at the New York New Works Theater Festival and inspired the short film.
When not on-set, Rutledge is an artist, crafts one-of-a-kind gifts for her Etsy business RoughWare, and is a professional Meditation Instructor.
