Joe McParland
He is the Producer in Paul Mortsolf‘s Rest Stop Dollar Baby Film.
SKSM: May you introduce yourself to our readers?
Joe McParland: My name is Joe McParland. I’m the producer of “Rest Stop”, based on a short story by Stephen King and a founding partner of Seven Faces Films, our production company, located in Inland Empire of California.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become a producer?
Joe McParland: The role of producer, came about wanting to make sure that I was able, along with my co-producer Christopher Shaw… to bring our director Paul Mortsolf’s vision to life. I believe in Paul’s work and talents.
SKSM: How did you become involved in ‘Rest Stop‘ Dollar Baby film?
Joe McParland: Paul Mortsolf, myself and few other friends had known each other for quite some time. We would always talk about the love of film and how we’d love to make movies. We’ll quite a few years had passed, and one day Paul came to me and asked if I’d be interested in making “Rest Stop”, he had explained how the rights were purchased via Stephen Kings people. I was blown away and had never had thought it’d be possible, for a couple of guys who worked at GameStop.
SKSM: Can you tell us about your work in the film?
Joe McParland: Other than my role as producer, I was also Assistant Director. Paul and I had a wonderful time, working with our Director of Photography Anthony Bernard. This was new territory for both Paul and I, we had a great experienced crew and cast to guide us.
SKSM: What was it like to work with Paul Mortsolf on this film?
Joe McParland: Working with Paul, is like being married to a person… who loves film, loves the genre and respects the process. From the time he asked me to be a part of “Rest Stop”, the numerous pre-production meetings to putting the film in the can… it’s been a great collaboration and friendship.
SKSM: Was there any funny things that happened while filming (Bloopers, etc)?
Joe McParland: This film had lots of fun moments, the main thought that stands out… was the rehearsal between Lane Wray (Rick Harden) and Justin Phillip (Lee) during the encounter scenes. We were working in 31 degree weather, in the evening, at the “Rest Stop” location. If humor was firewood, those two kept us warm.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Joe McParland: Absolutely! My favorite Stephen King based film as a kid, was “Creepshow” directed by the late great George A. Romero. My favorite novel of Mr. King is “The Stand”. I read the complete uncut version in my 8th grade year of junior high. The book was so epic, I kept a journal of character names and events to reference back to.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Joe McParland: Since “Rest Stop”, Paul Mortsolf, myself and Seven Faces Films shot a music video, a commercial and web based content. Paul is currently writing a original feature length film, that I’m exited to produce. We plan to bring back some of our “Rest Stop” cast on that picture. More news to come, on that project in he near future.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Something you’d like to tell our readers?
Joe McParland: Thanks for letting Seven Faces Films, talk about “Rest Stop”. I hope anyone who reads this and has hopes of making movies, understands that it is possible! Grab your phone, download some editing software, gather your friends, look around your house for props, use your house as a location and shoot something! Just make! Adios!
