Tyson Jarvis
He is the filmmaker of Rest Stop Dollar Baby film.
SKSM: May you introduce yourself to our readers? Who are you and what do you do?
Tyson Jarvis: My name is Tyson Jarvis I’m an Australian actor and producer. Studied at NIDA drama school, have acted in several Australian productions, have my hand in two production companies – Hole in One Productions and TSL films, have also worked internationally.
SKSM: How would you decide that shoot movies was your mission?
Tyson Jarvis: Well I’ve always loved movies , I remember going to the cinemas regularly from a young age with my mother. I always wanted to be an actor basically from then but I never thought it was possible. My mum helped me sign up to acting school, I was quick to get an agent and then a speaking role on tv. I wanted to improve as much as I could, between takes or scenes I wasn’t in I would sit back and watch and learn what everyone was doing. I’ve always liked the idea of having control creatively to tell the stories in film so I started hole in one productions with mike Smallwood and Archie then also started TSL films to help pump out extra content and different projects such as documentary and reality shows.
SKSM: Could you tell our readers the status of Rest Stop or some updates?
Tyson Jarvis: I successfully converted the story of rest stop into our very own screenplay with my producing and writing partner L.A knight, it’s very true and respectful to the great Stephen kings story. We have locked locations down already and we are going through the final stages of casting currently, I generally like to have a famous cameo per each one of my movies so keep a look out.
SKSM: Who would be involved into this project?
Tyson Jarvis: Well I’ll be making my directorial debut, producing and playing the lead role of John. My producing partner LA will be executive producer and the main script writer. All other crew and cast are currently under wraps.
SKSM: How come you picked Rest Stop to develop into a movie? What is it in the story that you like so much?
Tyson Jarvis: I found it a very chilling thriller that had a lot of intensity and power. Also love the complexity of the character John dykstra, I knew I wanted to play him from the moment I read the story.
SKSM: I guess it’s very soon to asking this question but… where the premiere will be? Do you plan to screen the movie at a particular festival?
Tyson Jarvis: I always premiere my movies in my hometown of Colac where I grew up in the local cinema.
SKSM: Did you know that this story has already been filmed as Dollar Baby? Have you seen any of these adaptations? If so, what do you think about it?
Tyson Jarvis: I haven’t seen any other adaptations of Rest Stop.
SKSM: Are you a Stephen King fan? If so, which are your favorite works and adaptations?
Tyson Jarvis: I’m a huge fan of Stephen and a lot of his work such as IT. Im also a massive fan of 11.22.63 I’m very critical on time travel but this was done beautifully and adapted to Television very well with James Franco doing a wonderful job as the lead role. Another mention of course the shining legendary horror, there’s much more I’m a fan of but honestly to many to answer.
SKSM: How did you find out that King sold the movie rights to some of his stories for just $1?
Tyson Jarvis: My buddy who is a massive Stephen king fan told me about the $1 stories. I actually thought it was a joke. I purchased rest stop within five minutes of finding out it was true. I think it’s a fantastic thing, one of the greatest writers of all time provides this wonderful opportunity for independent and aspiring film makers.
SKSM: What are you working nowadays?
Tyson Jarvis: Well 2020 started out really busy for me, I landed a role in a new gritty crime thriller called Hoodlumz which is an Australian Netflix film. Also started the Mason murders which is one of my own productions, a terrifying horror set in the 80s and I also landed a role as a bush ranger in a massive untitled film which will be released in several cinemas world wide. We were meant to start rest stop in June but obviously with covid 19 had to shut down all productions and push back rest stop. Me and the TSL guys are currently making a stay at home film called 24 hours an end of the world thriller type film which is shaping up very well and will be released online in July.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Tyson Jarvis: Well I’m a pretty decent basketball player for someone who is only 5’9
SKSM: What advice would you give to those people who want to be filmmakers?
Tyson Jarvis: Don’t ever give up, keep filming projects. Try new things with story telling , think outside the box. Practise daily and network like crazy.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to our readers?
Tyson Jarvis: Everyone stay inside, wash your hands, take care of your family and also a big thank you to all the essential workers.
