Peter Schink
He wrote the script of Jack Sawyers‘ Gotham Cafe Dollar Baby Film.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Peter Schink: I’ve primarily been a feature film editor in Hollywood for the last 16 years. I’ve done some Second Unit Directing as well as some music video directing. More recently I’ve been doing some writing and producing. I wrote a horror feature called “Legion” and have Gregory Dark attached to direct that one.
SKSM: When do you make Gotham Cafe?
Peter Schink: We’re aiming at shooting at the end of July.
SKSM: Can you tell me a little about the production?
Peter Schink: We’ve got a great leading man in Ingo Rademacher (Jax from “General Hospital”). Cullen Douglas will blow you away with his portrayal of a Maitre d’ who is off-his-rocker. And the beautiful and fantastic Julie Sands is playing Ingo’s angry wife. I’m lucky to have such an experienced and enthusiastic cast!
SKSM: How much do you think it cost?
Peter Schink: We’re spending more than most of these Stephen King dollar babies. I’ve been in the business a long time and I’m only interested in doing something as polished as the feature work I do. Also I’ve got some great, talented friends who’ve been in the industry for a long time, helping me out.
SKSM: How long wil it take to film it?
Peter Schink: We’re looking at a six day shoot which is a long shoot for a fifteen minute film but we want to get it right!
SKSM: How come you accepted Turtle Bay Entertainment’s offer to direct Gotham Cafe?
Peter Schink: It’s a favorite of King’s stories and I thought I could do something with it cinematically that’s a little different. Short films are a different media than feature films. I think it’s an opportunity to do something different that may not support itself for an entire 90 minutes. I’m planning on this one being very stylish.
SKSM: What is it in the story that you like so much?
Peter Schink: There are some interesting themes: people hung up on petty problems in the midst of life-or-death situations. And how the most minor of details can ultimately determine our fate.
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 video/dvd release would be possible?
Peter Schink: Well, they CAN see the film. They’ll just have to track us down at festivals. Mr. King is pretty specific about the usage of the film but who knows what will happen in the future?
SKSM: Did you have any personal contact with King before making the movie?
Peter Schink: No
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?
Peter Schink: God! There are so many! I’m still anxiously awaiting “The Mist” someday. I really love “The Boogeyman” I think that might have been the first King story I ever read and it kept me awake for years after that. In my new house I can’t see the closet door when I sleep. I like it that way!
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything else you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Peter Schink: Hopefully we’ll be coming to a festival near you soon. Track us down!
