Corey Mayne
He is the man behind Willa Dollar Baby Film.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Corey Mayne: My name is Corey Mayne, I’ve been into filmmaking ever since I caught the tail-end of Batman 1989 on VHS, particularly horror and sci-fi. I’m an industry visual effects artist who has worked at Sony Imageworks, Pixar and now Vikings at one of Toronto’s leading production companies.
SKSM: When did you make Willa? Can you tell me a little about the production? How much did it cost? How long did it take to film it?
Corey Mayne: We started pre-production a month or so ago, and are slated to shoot in early November. Then there will be about 3 months of post production.
SKSM: How come you picked Willa to develop into a movie? What is it in the story that you like so much?
Corey Mayne: I loved the idea of doing a classic ghost story with heart. I loved how it explored themes of overcoming isolation and persevering for those you really care about. It was very atmospheric and stuck with me after I read 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 wikd guess or did you know it before you sent him the check?
Corey Mayne: Blind luck. I read Willa a long time ago and Barb and I were itching to work together again. So we discovered the Dollar Baby program by chance and Willa was one of the stories I was already familiar with.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when you made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Corey Mayne: Most of the funny things that happen probably aren’t funny to anyone else. They’re pretty moronic or politically incorrect, but that’s one of the great things that happen when you are a part of a tightly-knit team.
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?
Corey Mayne: I understand why that is part of the option agreement and it’s totally fair. We are making this for the fans and they can see it by contributing, we’ll do a password protected premiere after it has run the festival circuit, but I don’t see why it would change in the future. It would pose too many legal issues for Stephen King I think.
SKSM: What “good or bad” reviews have you received on your film?
Corey Mayne: No reviews yet!
SKSM: Do you plan to screen the movie at a particular festival?
Corey Mayne: TIFF, Screamfest LA, Austin Film Festival, whatever we can do!
SKSM: Are you a Stephen King fan? If so, which are your favorite works and adaptations.
Corey Mayne: Hell yes. The scariest book I read of his was also the first — Cycle of the Werewolf.
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)?
Corey Mayne: No, just his agent who was very accommodating. Hopefully when we finish the film, he might spare a few minutes.
SKSM: Do you have any plans for making more movies based on Stephen King’s stories?
Corey Mayne: If you could pick -at least- one story to shoot, which one would it be and why?
I can barely think past this one at the moment, we’re working so hard. One thing at a time.
SKSM: What are you working nowadays?
Corey Mayne: I’m working on Vikings, which is a thrilling historical action/drama with so many talented people involved.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Corey Mayne: I spent my last vacation learning backflips and kong vaults.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to your fans?
Corey Mayne: Production has been so incredibly time-consuming, and it won’t lighten up until we have wrapped, especially since our entire crew have industry day jobs, but the support we are getting from fans this early into the journey has been astounding. It is fuel to keep doing our best and we just really hope they enjoy what we are trying to bring them.
SKSM: Would you like to add something?
Corey Mayne: If they wish to follow our progress and even contribute to the project in any way, they are welcome to visit www.willamovie.com or follow us on Facebook and give us a shout. Thanks!
