Welcome to a very special edition of Fan Film Friday! Today I’d like to give you all a special treat, since it is the season of giving. I recently had the chance to interview one of the leading makers of fan made cinema, Chris R. Notarile. Chris is the founder and CEO of Blinky Productions, his film company that not only produces comic based cinema, but also fan films based of video games and horror, and his own original films as well. So, without further adieu, I’d like to present my interview with Chris R. Notarile!
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself, and just how you came to form Blinky Productions?
I think Dr. Evil said it best- “The details of my life are quite inconsequential. But very well, where do I begin?” I started Blinky Productions officially in December of 2004. I grew up a comic fan and when I started making movies, it only seemed natural for me to want to make fan films about my favorite heroes.
2. Who are your greatest influences when it comes to making your films?
My greatest influences are John Carpenter, Robert Rodriguez, Tony Scott, Michael Mann and Christopher Nolan. Those guys have all influenced my style one way or another.
3. What makes you choose the type of character you’re going to put on film? For example, what made you choose to make a film about Hourman instead of Superman or Spider-Man?
I feel the road less traveled is often the one that should be taken. Why make yet another movie about Batman which will probably be overlooked or over shadowed when you can make the first if not only film about a lesser known character? Its more significant to me and allows me to remain diverse and stand out in the fan film community. I’m not Sandy Collora, I don’t have thousands of dollars to blow on a single mainstream fan film. And the last thing I want is to be stuck in his shadow and constantly be compared to him or someone else. I don’t care for that sort of bickering amongst fans. So I prefer to choose the lesser known characters, the ones that have touched my life and influenced me over the years. I choose to adapt them and I think it keeps my films unique.
4. When making a movie, are you influenced by any particular story arc of that character, or is it a completely original adventure?
That usually depends on the character. My Elektra movie was heavily rooted in the Frank Miller storyline involving her death. Though other films like the Punisher webseries, Halloween Season or Mr. J were completely non-cannon. Like I said, it all depends on the story I want to tell and the mood I’m in.
5. You star in alot of your own films. How do you come to the decision on who is going to play what in your films?
I actually only starred in Mr. J. Everything else is either just a little skit or a cameo here and there. I am a purist when it comes to casting, so I try to cast my actors as visually accurate as possible. The last thing I want is to have a fat guy playing Batman or a blond playing Elektra. The whole point is to making fan films is to be as loyal as possible without over doing it. So When it comes to casting my films, its a combination of talent and how well someone looks the part. And it has to always be both. I don’t care how good someone looks, if they suck, I can’t use them.
6. What got you into comic books, and how did that eventually lead to you making films about your favorite characters?
My dad started me off on comics back when I was five. He collected when he was a kid and still did into adulthood. It was only natural that it would rub off on me. And I plan to one day impart that onto my future children.
7. How long does it take to make one of your films, and just how much fun is it to dress up like a superhero?
That really depends on the scale of the project, but on average, I can shoot and edit a film in less than 24 hours. In fact, most of them were done in that time frame. Though I will admit, certain ones take longer, but that’s usually due to my actor’s schedules. For example, though it’s a 4 part webseries, Escape From New Jersey was filmed over the course of several months. But that was mainly due to schedule conflicts.
8. You have a comic of your own called The Protector. Could you tell us a little bit about that, and how we could find a copy?
The Protector is my original hero. The book is based on a short film I made in 2006 of the same name. The idea behind The Protector, was to bring back the golden age ideologies of comics and remind everyone that not all superheroes need to be full of self doubt, apathy or angst. It’s just a feel good superhero story, nothing more, nothing less. You can order your own copy of The Protector off my website, www.blinky-productions.com, our publisher’s site, www.houndcomics.com/protector.php or you can download it at www.comics.drivethrustuff.com
9. Any advice for aspiring film makers?
My advice to all you bright eyed youths out there is to keep at it. Never take no for an answer and refine your skills till you die. When you’re green you grow, but when you’re ripe you rot. Stay green. And make sure that you never surround yourself with yes men. The last thing you ever want is to believe your own hype.
10. What’s your next comic related project, and when can we see some Spider-Man!
Spiderman eh? Like I tell everyone, you fund it, and I’ll film it. Making movies ain’t cheap, my friend. And doing something like Spiderman is no walk in the park. As for what’s next on my plate- I’m doing two original projects at the moment. The first is futuristic western entitled, American Lawless. The second is an inspirational, alien sci fi drama called, Host. I hope to have them both online before Christmas.
There you have it folks! I leave you this week with two films straight from Blinky Productions. Enjoy and I’ll see you next week for another edition of Fan Film Friday!!
I’m so impressed Tim. With this and BIB, you’re developing your own corner of the SMC community.
Thank you very much Jason! These two things are what make my week. I’ve even got the wife and kids to sit down with me to pick out some of the fan films.
