John Lerchen
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?
John Lerchen: My name is John Lerchen. I am currently a student at Columbia College Chicago majoring in film directing. I began making films in the 6th grade and fell in love. I typically make drama/fantasy 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?
John Lerchen: I made Popsy the summer of 2012. Pre-production for the short lasted a few months and we only shot for a few days. Post-production for the film took a few months as well. The film was very low budget and I pulled many strings to get locations/props for free.
SKSM: How come you picked Popsy to develop into a movie? What is it in the story that you like so much?
John Lerchen: I enjoyed the suspense that Popsy created. I read through many SK shorts and just found Popsy to be the best fit for me.
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?
John Lerchen: A friend in Hollywood mentioned to me that King sells the rights to students for a reasonable price.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when you made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
John Lerchen: For the ending of the film we had a road shut down. Hundreds of people had to turn around when they reached our roadblock that the town had set up for us. One woman was so angry she decided to call the police. The police showed up and we handed over our letter from the mayor. We were not bothered again.
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?
John Lerchen: I wish that I could release my film on the Internet to share with others. I however respect Kings wishes and have submitted the film to over 20 festivals instead. A best of Dvd in the future would be awesome.
SKSM: What “good or bad” reference have you received on your film?
John Lerchen: None yet. I have just now sent my film to festivals and critics.
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)?
John Lerchen: I have not sent my Dvd to Mr. King yet. I however plan to sometime soon.
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?
John Lerchen: I currently do not have another SK movie in the works. I do however think it would be great to adapt The Eyes of the Dragon.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to your fans?
John Lerchen: Thanks for following me. I appreciate your support now and in the future.
SKSM: Do you have anything you’d like to add?
John Lerchen: No. Thanks for inviting me to do this.
