Interview with the master

Jr Bookwalter

1. When did you first decide you wanted to make films?

At the age of 11 in the fall of 1979. STAR WARS had always been a big influence on me and my friend David Barton (now a professional makeup FX artist) so we started making these Super-8mm short films, animating STAR WARS action figures. They were dreadful, but we kept at it!

2. At what age did you first get your big break in the film business?

I was 18 going on 19 when THE DEAD NEXT DOOR came about. I happened to call Sam Raimi's production office in Detroit looking for production assistant work after quitting college, and the next thing I know I was MAKING a movie for him instead of WORKING on one of his!

3. Who was your biggest influence on film making?

George A. Romero and Steven Spielberg, for sure. Romero in particular for his indie spirit. Also the usual guys growing up: Sam Raimi, Tobe Hooper, John Carpenter, et al.

4. Did you have to go to college for learning the arts of directing films?

No, in fact college was a waste for me. I went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh because it was close to my hometown and thought maybe I could get work on a Romero film. The closest I got was a stint as an extra in DAY OF THE DEAD, but I learned more from that one day than my entire year-plus studying photography at AIP.

5. Can you make a living off of making Independent films?

It's harder now because there are so many people doing it. But if you offer something unique, you will always find work. I read a book a few years ago on how to make it in Hollywood that offered the best advice I'd ever read: To have an "A" job and a "B" job. The "A" job is the thing you want to do the most. The "B" job is something you also enjoy and are good at, but could make a living at easier. It's true...while directing is my first love, I've gotten through the years because I can also edit, do graphic design, etc.

6. What is the difference between Independent films and Studio films?

Nowadays the line is blurred since "independent" is considered something like PULP FICTION. The main thing is accountability...the higher up the food chain you are, the more people who will want to manipulate what you are doing. The studios offer higher pay, better working conditions and prestige distribution, whereas the indies usually get none of that.

7. What is your favorite genre of film?

As a kid it was sci-fi, then DAWN OF THE DEAD came out and I was a horror freak. Nowadays I watch anything that's entertaining, but my heart will always belong in the sci-fi/fantasy/horror realm.

8. What is your favorite all time movie?

Probably DAWN OF THE DEAD...Romero hit his stride with this movie and it just hit a chord with me, even though I think he's done better work since (like KNIGHTRIDERS).

9. Do you use any kind of math in this profession?

As a kid, I never saw much use for math classes. Later in life, I realized that film does have math involved...budgets, editing (feet+frames, timecode)...so I probably should have paid more attention when I was young. Thankfully they make great software that helps aid in the drudgery... :)

10. What is your favorite part about being an Independent Film Director?

The ability to create something from nothing. I'm a very hands-on director -- often shooting, lighting, editing and mixing my own work. I like to put my imprint on everything I do.