The 3 a.m. Screenwriter is proud to present the third Insiders Interview.  Today we present a different kind of Insider, DIY writer/director Gary King, whose blog An Indie Life is one of the best out there.  In his own words:

“Gary King is a contemporary DIY American filmmaker whose work is known for powerful performances with an emphasis on a strong, visual style.  He has written, directed and produced several critically acclaimed feature films as well as award-winning short films.” – An Indie Life – About Gary King

Gary has four feature films under his belt and a fifth in post production, the musical drama How Do You Write A Joe Schermann Song.  His feature debut came in 2009 with New York Lately, an ensemble drama critically-acclaimed by the likes of the Independent Critic, Row Three, and Associated Content.

Fearmakers hired Gary to direct the grisly horror film Dismal, which has been picked up by TimeWarner and Comcast On-Demand and will be airing on Showtime starting September 2, 2010 (first showing 1:15 a.m.).

They again hired Gary to direct the Strange Stuff Productions action/comedy zombie flick Death of the Dead, which premieres September 4th at Horrorfind Weekend in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania with Gary and star Christina Rose in attendance.

His amazing drama What’s Up Lovely has been called called ‘experimental and imaginative’ by the Independent Critic and ‘a splash of surrealism, like a Salvador Dali or Vincent Van Gogh painting’ by the Entertainment Corner.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Gary King:

For those who don’t know, tell us a bit about yourself & how you got interested in filmmaking?

Gary:  I always wanted to make films as a kid so I'd actually play "making movies" with my brother and friends.  We actually made a few films on Super-8 growing up -- my very first film I did was "Moby Dick".  But it wasn't until about 4 years ago that I made the decision to truly pursue my passion full-force.  It was tough to walk away from a good-paying corporate job and into the land of the unknown.  It still is scary navigating the indie film world and all its uncertainty.

It's pretty surreal to look back to see where I started (having no formal training at all) to where I am now.  We know making films isn't easy....so I realize that I'm truly lucky to have made 5 feature films since moving to New York (from Northern California).  I really admire filmmakers like Soderbergh and Woody Allen who can crank out at least one film a year...and I casually joked to friends about wanting to do the same.  I also realize I still have a long way to go though to match their caliber.

In my limited career, I've met and worked with so many talented people both in front of and behind the camera.  I wouldn't be who I am if it weren't for their talent and support.  From all these experiences, I'm looking forward to what's coming next.

You’re the first Insider we’ve had who works outside of the Hollywood system.  What led you to this DIY path?  Do you ever see yourself doing a studio movie?

I'm primarily DIY by necessity and not by choice.  But there's a great freedom in that -- of having creative control over your project.  And depending how you look at it, the lack of funding can be a great motivator to get the creative juices flowing -- or a roadblock because you can't afford to shoot your amazing idea in your head.  Most of the time I prefer to look at the glass is half full - but there are times I wish I could afford X, Y and Z.

The main reason I took this path is I had no formal film school training when I first began.  I just took it upon myself to learn the full cycle of production - to see what I enjoyed the most.  After completing a few short films and learning what to do (and what not to do) I felt ready to write, produce, and direct a feature.  And through online networking and luck, the Fearmakers producers saw my work and hired me to direct their project DISMAL .  We had such a great experience they brought me back to direct their action/comedy zombie film DEATH OF THE DEAD.

I'm definitely interested in doing a studio picture and being a "One For Them, One For Me" type of filmmaker.  I've been a director-for-hire on a few smaller-scaled productions and am attached to direct a wonderful supernatural thriller starring a famous TV star (pending the funding, of course).  It's been a great ride that I only hope I can take to the next level.  The studio film is definitely one of my goals.

What advice would you give unproduced screenwriters looking to connect with DIY filmmakers?

Probably the thing they hear from everyone else.  Write, write, write.  Network, network, network.

Put yourself out there.  I've connected with many screenwriters on Facebook and Twitter as well as film festivals and my film screenings.  A blog with some sample writing would be great as well.  Also be prepared for some filmmakers to be too busy to read your material unless they're actively looking for a script -- don't take that as a knock against your talent.  Just keep hustling. 

Great collaborations can definitely come about simply by letting others know that you are ascreenwriter.   Always be willing to work to shape your story to fit the director's vision.  I always remind writers that the end product will be the filmmaker's interpretation of the story -- and if they don't want that then they should perhaps consider directing their own script to maintain the original vision.  It can be hard to let go of something, but I've learned the smart (and working) screenwriter is able to do so.

What role has social networking played in your career, and how important do you think it is for unproduced screenwriters, directors, etc. to have an on-line presence?

Social networking has been a major component to my career.  A few years ago I didn't have much of an online presence and didn't believe one needed it.  But seeing how our society is so online-driven and information-hungry -- it only makes sense now to put yourself out there.  Of course, each person should only share as much as they're comfortable...but you have to give yourself that opportunity to be discovered.

For many famous filmmakers, they may not need as much of an online presence due to the fact that they are already a brand (and have a PR machine behind them).  However, at the DIY level, I believe it's important to brand yourself in some way.  Whatever you feel are your strengths -- take them and focus on letting others know about them.  Share them.  Learn from the feedback and response to see what you like and don't like about doing it.  Some filmmakers may choose not to engage and have some other means to get noticed, but the great part about social networking is the only cost to it really...is your time.  It's all just sitting there waiting for you to utilize it for your needs.

An on-going thread that started with my interview of producers Joke and Biagio and continues with a piece Tyler Weaver is writing for the 3 a.m. Screenwriter is the importance of screenwriters to start producing their own content.  Do you have anything to add on the subject?

I think this is probably one of the best ways to go.  Until you reach a certain level,  creating projects on your own is great for not only seeing your work come to fruition, but also for networking.  One can also learn by seeing how your writing translates to the screen -- finding that things on the page don't always work in the practical world of a film shoot, or the writing style you used affects the pacing when actually performed by actors.  You're always going to learn something from every project.

I do think writers should try both producing and having their work produced -- to see which process they prefer.  I've seen some writers be fine with letting go of their material as they're strictly in the game to make the sale, while others hold on to their script like a baby with not wanting to change very much.  Both are fine.  But it's good to know who you are -- and what you want -- early in the game.

With How Do You Write A Joe Schermann Song? in post production, what will be next for Gary King?

We're extcited to begin editing for this musical and have released our first teaser trailer.  I'm developing both Part 2 and Part 3 of the Loneliness Trilogy (What's Up Lovely is Part 1).  I have titles and story lines for each feature already, but just need to find the time to flesh them out and share them with the actors.  Mark DiConzo, who I worked with previously on NEW YORK LATELY and SCHERMANN SONG) will be involved with Part 2, while Jenn Dees will return for the final installment.

I'm also developing another film project with Christina Rose (who plays the lead in DEATH OF THE DEAD and SCHERMANN SONG).  We've been talking about several ideas and just have to nail down the one we feel is ready to go.  I can tell you that whatever it is, it will be a genre that I haven't done yet which excites me to no end.

I'm actively taking meetings with producers about directing their projects and have some exciting things I can't really share just yet.  I also enjoy reading scripts that come across my desk from screenwriters that I hope to collaborate with soon.

The 3 a.m. Hypothetical:  It’s 3 a.m. and you find yourself awake. What are you doing?

Staring at my computer:  writing, editing and/or networking -- while trying not to eat something.

Many thanks to Gary King for joining us and answering our questions.  If you want to learn more (and you should!), Gary's blog is called An Indie Life, one of my favorites.

As Always, Keep Writing