James Renner
He is the man behind All That You Love Will Be Carried Away Dollar Baby Film.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
James Renner: My name is James Renner, and I’m a freelance writer/director living in Cleveland, Ohio. Recently, I’ve had several articles published in a weekly magazine out here called, “Scene”. My favorite piece so far has been the story from March about three local police officers who chased a UFO into Pennsylvania in 1966. I also work on films and commercials when they come to town.
SKSM: When will you make All That You Love Will Be Carried Away? Can you tell me a little about the production? And how long take it to film you think?
James Renner: I recieved the rights to All That You Love…in August of last year. Since then, I’ve been trying to secure financing for the project. We actually had an investor who pulled out a day before we started shooting. I had to end up putting most of the expenses on a credit card. But, we did start shooting April 19th, and it went very well. Better than I could have hoped, actually. Now, I have to begin the editing process, and eventually work with the composer from Cleveland State who will write original music for the piece. His name’s Mike Bratt.
SKSM: How come you picked All That You Love Will Be Carried Away to develop into a movie? What is it in the story that you like so much?
James Renner: All That You Love… stands out from King’s usual writing in some way. First, it has no supernatural element, no monsters. It’s a simple story about a traveling salesman, and his search for purpose. Alfie Zimmer, the central character…the only character really, is just such a cool guy. He’s very funny, even if his intention is to kill himself.
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?
James Renner: I’ve been checking in with King’s office twice a year since I was 17. I found his office number while I was doing research for some high school paper.
SKSM: How does it feel that all the King fans out there can’t see your movie at the time when it’s ready? Do you think that will change in the future? Maybe a video release would be possible?
James Renner: I don’t know if there will ever be a video release, but there are other ways for fans to see these dollar babies. Hopefully this will land in some festivals, and of course there’s the internet. I don’t want to make a profit. I just want to make something King will really like.
SKSM: Did you have any personal contact with King before making the movie?
James Renner: I met him once at a reading in Princeton. I didn’t go there, I just crashed the reading. It was so great to hear him in person. He’s got a wonderful stage pressence and a terrific sence of humor. He looked up at the top balcony and said, “I think I saw some pieces of plaster falling from underneath you guys. Good luck up there” or something like that.
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?
James Renner: I would be happy to direct any future King story. They’re all wonderful. I have my favorite, but I’m not about to spill those beans.
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?
James Renner: Trust ka.
