Recently had the privilege of viewing a sneak preview of a new movie titled “Deadline” in Atlanta, Georgia. This film takes place in a small town in Alabama in 1993. The movie is filled with mystery, tragedy, triumph and some good old fashion laughter. It takes you on a journey through an array of emotions and gives you insight into the human condition even in the 21st century.
When I view films, I look for them to do three things for me; entertain me, intrigue me and leave me wanting more. “Deadline” is a film that met each of those criteria and it made me want to know more about the man who directed this project. Today, I had the awesome opportunity to speak with the Director of this film, Mr. Curt Hahn of Filmhouse and here is what he had to say.
KF: Good afternoon Curt. How are you today?
CH: Fantastic, thanks for asking.
KF: So, I understand you have been in the film business for more than 30 years. Can you tell our audience how a young man from New England got into this business?
CH: I always loved movies, and when I heard about a new film school funded by Walt Disney called California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) I jumped at the opportunity. It was a tremendous learning experience with working filmmakers as the teachers. We actually made movies, which is by far the best way to learn.
KF: Tell us how your Production Company, Film House got started.
CH: Film House started in my spare bedroom and gradually grew to be the largest production company in our part of the country by being customer-focused; asking more, “What can we do to make our clients successful?” as opposed to asking, “What can we do to make ourselves successful?” It’s funny, but it seems the more we focused on making our clients successful, the more successful we became.
KF: I know you’ve worked with some great talent such as Eric Roberts who is one of the main characters in your latest project, “Deadline”. Can you tell me who are some of the more memorable actors that you’ve had the pleasure of working with?
CH: I loved working with all the actors on “Deadline”, the best known being Eric and Steve Talley. Being in Nashville, we’ve had the opportunity to work with a number of music stars like Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, Amy Grant, Reba McEntire and Isaac Hayes. I’ve also directed Candace Bergen, Kate Jackson, Janine Turner and my all-time favorite, Teri Garr. In some ways, Shaquille O’Neill was the most impressive. I’m a big guy (6′ 4″) and Shaq made me feel like a little kid.
KF: Curt, tell our audience what they can expect from the movie “Deadline”.
CH: “Deadline” is a story of redemption and healing, for a small Southern town and the people who live there. It’s inspired by a true story of an unsolved and uninvestigated civil rights murder. Almost twenty years after the fact, an ordinary citizen learns of this murder and decides to do something about it. She reaches out to a big-city newspaper and two intrepid reporters get on the case. Audiences say the movie “Deadline” most reminds them of is “To Kill a Mockingbird”. It’s a great honor to have called to mind such a classic movie.
KF: I had the pleasure of viewing the film in Atlanta, Georgia, but can you tell our readers what other cities you will tour this year?
CH: We’re having a series of benefit premieres across the country to introduce “Deadline” to the world. We’re touring to over 45 cities and having a “Deadline” premiere in each one, usually hosted by the local newspaper. We don’t know of anything that’s ever been done on this scale for a movie before, but we love meeting our audience every night and think this is absolutely the best way to build grassroots support for “Deadline”. The complete tour list is at www.DeadlineFilm.com/Premieres.
KF: When will the movie “Deadline” premier nationwide in Theatres?
CH: “Deadline” premieres nationally on Friday, April 13th, as the premiere tour is winding up.
KF: It’s obvious you are a talented Director who has lived out your life’s dream, but what advice can you give aspiring film directors and producers?
CH: Only work on the films that you’re truly passionate about. As a producer-director, a feature will take two years or more of your life. Make sure that you’re ready to pour your heart and soul into it before you begin. Make meaningful movies, and you’ll have a meaningful life.
KF: Does your production company typically welcome ideas from the masses for new projects? If so, how can the world connect with you online?
CH: We have a submission process and prefer completed screenplays that are ready to go into production. We’re only interested in the kind of inspiring, uplifting stores you can read about at www.Transcendentllc.com.
KF: It has been an absolute honor to speak with you today Curt. Thank you so much for taking time out of your very busy schedule to share your passion with the world. I wish you much success with this latest film and I can’t wait to see what other wonderful projects you have on the horizon.
CH: Thank you and check out our next project at www.JubileeMovie.com.
