Gino Alfonso
He is the filmmaker of Sneakers Dollar Baby film.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Gino Alfonso: My name is Gino Alfonso, I’m a writer/producer director and some times actor
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become a filmmaker?
Gino Alfonso: When I saw Jurassic Park when I was 10 years old.
SKSM: When did you make Sneakers? Can you tell me a little about the production? How much did it cost? How long did it take to film it?
Gino Alfonso: I made Sneakers about 6 years ago, I got special permission from Stephen King to do it as it was not on the list of $1 Babies and explained to his people how much I loved the story and he approved me to do it. It took one weekend to film, cost about a $1,000 to make.
SKSM: How come you picked Sneakers to develop into a movie? What is it in the story that you like so much?
Gino Alfonso: I loved the dark humor in it and it was classic King at the pinnacle of his short story form. It felt very much like a Twilight Zone episode.
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?
Gino Alfonso: I had read an article with Frank Darabont, I believe in Fangoria and he said that’s how he made The Woman in the Room and helped him build his relationship with King to make Shawshank Redemption in my opinion one of the top 10 best King adaptations ever.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when you made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Gino Alfonso: When the main character is in the bathroom and trying to take a crap with the ghost talking to him, I couldn’t stop laughing at the actors sound FXs he made for farting, I know childish but it was hysterical.
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?
Gino Alfonso: I think the internet is an amazing way for young and new filmmakers to get recognized even without going the festival route, there is no excuse not to be creating content. Everything is at our fingertips these days. You can make your brand for yourself younger and younger these days.
SKSM: What “good or bad” reviews have you received on your film?
Gino Alfonso: Some of the sound quality I wasn’t thrilled with but the makeup FXs and visual FXs have been highly acclaimed
SKSM: Do you plan to screen the movie at a particular festival?
Gino Alfonso: We had a few small runs
SKSM: Are you a Stephen King fan? If so, which are your favorite works and adaptations?
Gino Alfonso: Huge fan, I own everything available in print and on film, I own most 1st editions and even some foriegn versions. Stand By Me, Shawshank Redemption, Green Mile, The Mist, 1922, Gerald’s Game, Doctor Sleep (much to my amazement)
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)?
Gino Alfonso: I did not, just Ms. Morehouse who runs the program but she spoke to him on my behalf to get the approval for the rights to Sneakers.
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?
Gino Alfonso: I do, but not as a short. I’m trying to build the track record I need to adapt a novel. One of my dream books is Rose Madder to adapt, though I’m not big on reboots, I’d love to do a darker more true version of Needful Things.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Gino Alfonso: My first feature Compatible is currently in post production which is a horror thriller starring Eileen Dietz (The Exorcist) Ari Lehman (Friday the 13th) Mindy Robinson (Evil Bong series) Elissa Dowling (Automation, Girl on the Third Floor) a film I was an associate producer on and actor called Attack of the Unknown is being released theatrically this summer starring Richard Grieco (21 Jump Street, Night at the Roxeberry) Robert LaSardo (The Mule, Waterworld) and Tara Reid (American Pie) and I’m in development on my next two features but can’t reveal much about those yet.
SKSM: What one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Gino Alfonso: I am an openly gay filmmaker and have been married to my husband for almost a decade.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Gino Alfonso: Thanks for reading and watching King and my work as well.
SKSM: Would you like to add anything else?
Gino Alfonso: Any producers/investors reading this I have dozens of scripts for sale and always looking for financing/partnerships feel free to get in contact on any major social media platform
