Maxwell Heesch
He’s the man behind Everything’s Eventual Dollar Baby Film.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Maxwell Heesch: My name is Max Heesch, and I am a recent graduate of the film program at Minnesota State University at Moorhead. Primarily I like to write and edit, but on the odd occasion I dabble in directing and producing, as well as other positions. For the last five months I’ve been living in Los Angeles, CA working as an assistant for a company that makes movie trailers and TV Spots, as well as finishing up work on Everything’s Eventual when I can.
SKSM: When did you make Everything’s Eventual? Can you tell me a little about the production? How much did it cost? How long did it take to film it?
Maxwell Heesch: We made Everything’s Eventual in August of 2010 in a warehouse in West Fargo, ND. Shooting took place over a period of 4 days with a budget of roughly $400. Post-production spanned all of the five months I’ve lived in Los Angeles, piece by piece being finished by me and my DP/Colorist Ben Efron.
SKSM: How come you picked Everything’s Eventual to develop into a movie? What is it in the story that you like so much?
Maxwell Heesch: I picked Everything’s Eventual because 1) It is directly related to the universe of the Dark Tower saga and I wanted to make a contribution to that universe in any way I could. And 2) I felt that Dinky is a very relatable character in that he is a flawed individual that chooses redemption for his deeds and that is a journey I would want to show to an audience.
SKSM: Are you satisfied with the end result or would you now do things differently?
Maxwell Heesch: I am quite satisfied with how is turned out. As with any production, there are always a few things that I would change or add (such as more wide shots), but overall it is as it was intended.
SKSM: How did the lead actor know what he typed?
Maxwell Heesch: The “Eventual” code typed on the screen is actually a font I had created for the movie. So, essentially Billy is just typing nonsense words. Keen eyes can decode them using the end credits as a template.
SKSM: What kind of problems did you run into while filming?
Maxwell Heesch: Working around everyone’s schedules to get them there for those days of shooting was initially very difficult. It was also difficult in that the film was actually a feature before time constraints forced me to rewrite the movie into a short. Ultimately it worked out for the best as it ended up as something wholly unique and unlike any Dollar Baby made before it.
SKSM: How did you find out that King sold the movie rights to some of his stories for just $1? Was it just a wild guess or did you know it before you sent him the check?
Maxwell Heesch: As a huge fan of Frank Darabont’s work, a look into his career revealed that he got his start with the Dollar Baby program. After some emails back and forth between King’s representative and a $1 payment with contract, I had the rights to the short.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when you made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Maxwell Heesch: This film is my first project after graduating college, so it was very big deal for me. On the first day of shooting I was incredibly nervous, but after a while, it just felt right. Just being there and creating something new from something I loved was a grand feeling and made the shoot an awesome experience.
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?
Maxwell Heesch: It feels a little disappointing at first that most of your fanbase can’t see your movie, but after a while you realize that you have made a “secret” movie of sorts. Something that only a select few diehard King fans will ever get to see. After that, it seems like quite the accomplishment that you can be part of a small brotherhood that got the chance to adapt a King story. Hopefully in the future Everything’s Eventual will get the chance for a little more public exposure, but until then, it is great knowing that it will at least be seen, if only by those who know where to find it.
SKSM: What “good or bad” reference have you received on your film?
Maxwell Heesch: In terms of feedback I’ve heard mostly good things. I had the cast and crew watch the movie when I was in Fargo last, and they liked it for the most part, offering helpful advise to help me with finishing the movie. No one has gone so far as to review the film yet, but I think it will be favorable should someone choose to.
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)?
Maxwell Heesch: Unfortunately, I didn’t get the opportunity to communicate personally with Mr. King during the process in getting it made, and I haven’t had the chance to get a copy to him yet. I hope he likes it though.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Maxwell Heesch: Luckily, I am still in contact with everyone that helped me make the film and hope to remain in contact with them for a while as they continue to follow their blossoming career paths as I do the same.
SKSM: You have seen J.P. Scott’s version of Everything’s Eventual. What did you think of that one?
Maxwell Heesch: I did have the good fortune to watch it at the most recent Dollar Baby Festival in Los Angeles. I liked what J.P. did with the story and how he made it he own. I’m sort of glad that the feature version of mine didn’t pan out, as his would be a hard film to compete with.
SKSM: Do you have any plans for making more movies based on Stephen King’s stories? If you could pick – at least – one story to shoot, which one would it be and why?
Maxwell Heesch: If I got to work on one King story in my life, it would definitely be the Dark Tower. The saga encompasses all of King’s work and would be the ultimate film to make. I am actually exploring my options in trying to get involved with the upcoming Ron Howard production of the saga. A guy can dream.
SKSM: When you are at home or going to the movies, what kind of movie genre would you prefer?
Maxwell Heesch: I tend to like the weird movies in the Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres. ‘Primer’ and ‘Donnie Darko’ are among my favorites.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to your fans?
Maxwell Heesch: I have fans? Thanks fans!
SKSM: Do you have anything you’d like to add?
Maxwell Heesch: Check out the movie’s website: AreYouEventual.com for updates as I send out the movie to festivals and hopefully hear back for Stephen King!
