Q&A with Zeke Zelker
Zeke Zelker’s latest film InSearchOf won the first edition of From Here to Awesome last fall. Recently, Zeke released his film in a number of college markets and took in more than 12,000 from a single screen. Over the next six months Zeke and his team will take the film to over 80 college and universities.
What’s your background?
I grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania where my summers were spent playing in an amusement park that my great grandfather founded. In fact my first job was as a clown selling balloons. I never would have imagined that the park would be my film school, particularly as a producer. I studied finance and economics in college, working my way through school with jobs in restaurants, on my way to Wall Street, until I learned to hate the money industry. Because of my finance and entertainment backgrounds I was asked to produce a friend’s film. I knew nothing about the film industry so I read any book I could. My friend got cold feet and I fell in love with the film business.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently releasing the feature film InSearchOf in exciting, new and interesting ways. InSearchOf is an unconventional drama where one hasty decision can force good people into severe circumstances.
I am also developing two new feature film projects, a documentary and wrapping post on a doc about the Dalia Lama’s visit to Lehigh University.
How do you approach filmmaking?
I approach filmmaking in various ways depending upon my role. When writing I generally think about the script for at least a year before I commit anything to paper. When I do decide to start writing I create my characters by detailed description of who they are, what they like, what they do and what they want to achieve. This way it makes my writing a hell of a lot easier because I know how my characters would react in any situation. When directing, I draw every angle based on how I see the film. When I work with actors I will not direct them to do something that I would not do. I believe in rehearsals, am very upfront and will not tolerate attitude. As a producer when reading a script I immediately think of who the audience is and how to market the film to them. I also like to cut the fat in production. I don’t like middle management. I do not do this alone! I have an amazing team that I work with from concept through distribution, Matt Blum, Nick Luciano and Kyle Kapetanakis.
Where are you in the process and explain your next steps or goals for the project?
I am attempting to implement my business plan that I wrote last year in terms of releasing InSearchOf. The stage I am at right now is putting the film out there in ways that people would not expect. We have also implemented an affiliate program that is taking shape where fans of the film can sell InSearchOf and get 20% of the gross profits.
Biggest thing you wish you knew before you started and that you’ll definitely bring to your next project?
That people really, really fear sex. I didn’t think it would have been this tough releasing a film about sex. It would have been easier releasing a porn film because then people would know what to expect.
What are you working on next?
I’m probably going to be working on a comedy that is far bigger than anything I have done to date. I’m writing the script but will be looking for another production company to partner with. I will most likely not be directing, instead focusing on producing it.
What are some of your favorite films and / or directors?
My favorite film is Cinema Paridiso followed by Citzen Kane, Casablanca, Rocky, and Splendor in the Grass. My favorite director is Elia Kazan, favorite producer Robert Evans. I get the most inspiration by roaming around a museum, walking the streets, or hanging out at bars. It’s amazing what people tell you if you are approachable.
To follow Zeke’s journey with InSearchOf and beyond catch him as he blogs about his experiences on the NEW BREED.
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