David Merriman
He is the man behind Popsy Dollar Baby Film.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
David Merriman: My name is David Merriman and I own a small company called dmi videos. We do everything from commercials to music videos. I spend as much time as possible writing scripts and working on my own documentary projects and short films.
SKSM: When did you make Popsy? Can you tell me a little about the production? How much did it cost? How long did it take to film it?
David Merriman: I made “Popsy” in oct of 2015. I shot it over 3 days in Birmingham Alabama. A documentary I had made in Alabama had got a lot of press and done quite well at a film festival there, as a result I got a great cast and crew who all worked on the project for free! I edited the film myself and called in some favours on the colour grade and mix so the real world cost was only a couple of thousand.
SKSM: How come you picked Popsy to develop into a movie? What is it in the story that you like so much?
David Merriman: The second film I ever saw in a movie Theater was hammer horrors the brides of Dracula. And I have always loved the original Dracula novel, so it seemed like a really exciting story to try and translate into film. There is some evidence that Stoker based Dracula on an Irish warlord he was related too and not Vlad the impaler. So in Popsy the only line the vampire speaks is in Irish.
SKSM: How did you find out that King sold the movie rights to some of his stories for just $1? Was it just a wikd guess or did you know it before you sent him the check?
David Merriman: I’m a big Frank Darabont fan and read about how he did the first dollar baby. After researching and finding out King still did this I blew up his site quick fast.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when you made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
David Merriman: My favourite part of the film is where the vampire materialises in the car next to Sheridan. Sheridan slowly turns and sees the vampire and is terrified. We had a lot of fun doing that shot and multiple takes were lost from laughing. I think we were all giddy with excitement at how cool the vampire looked. Our Sheridan, Jeff Hallman, is also in kings “Cell” with Sam Jackson and John Cusack. He is a super committed person and great to work with.
SKSM: How does it feel that all the King fans out there can’t see your movie? Do you think that will change in the future? Maybe a internet/dvd release would be possible?
David Merriman: I don’t see that. I think the dollar babies are more for aspiring film makers to get their chops on good material and I think it’s a testament to Kings generosity as an artist that he does this.
SKSM: What “good or bad” reviews have you received on your film?
David Merriman: The film screened at the sidewalk festival in Birmingham, Alabama and was really well received. We also got a Luke warm review from a king fan site.
SKSM: Did you have any personal contact with King during the making of the movie? Has he seen it (and if so, what did he think about it)?
David Merriman: No comment
SKSM: What are you working nowadays?
David Merriman: I’m in post production on another vampire short I shot over last few months of 2016 and planning another horror short for end of March as well as commercial work I’m doing.
SKSM: Do you have any plans for making more movies based on Stephen King’s stories? If you could pick -at least- one stroy to shoot, which one would it be and why?
David Merriman: I’d like to do another short though I’m not sure which one. As a life king king fan it’s tough to pick
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to your fans?
David Merriman: Thanks Oscar, please send me on a link when it’s done. Cheers, Day
