This A-Profiler we bring you filmmaker Gary King whose feature film debut, New York Lately is expected to be released in 2009. Find out how King got his start in film, what challenges he has faced as an independent filmmaker, and how he consciously focuses on human stories rather than ethnic stories.

Your site URL:
grking.com

What is your ethnicity?
I'm Chinese-American.

When did you love for films begin? Did you always know you wanted to become a filmmaker? Were your parents supportive?
I think my interest in film began when I was really young (around five) and my parents started taking me to the movies. My interest grew even more when my family would make it a special event to head to the local video store and rent movies for my brother and me almost every weekend during the 80's. The cool thing was my parents made it a point to show me the films they grew up on, so I became well versed with movies from the 1940's through the 1960's at an early age. Watching films became a pastime for our family, which created some fond memories that I still hold to this day.

I had always secretly dreamed of becoming a film director, but had no idea how to realistically pursue it. So I never even researched film school or anything of the sort. Once I hit my teens, I took my love for films a step further and really just paid attention to the film language and film as art. I started to take note of directors I enjoyed and their techniques. Little did I know that I was conducting my own informal film school at the time, but I look upon those days as an early foundation of where I draw my inspiration from as I make films.

At first, I think my parents were happy that I was working in the corporate world, but after five years my company told me that I was going to get laid off. Around that time, my parents recognized that my passion lied in filmmaking and not a desk job. Since the "professional" side wasn't panning out, I guess they figured at least I was doing something and not confused about what I should do with my life. Now they are my biggest cheerleaders along with my wife.

You seriously started your film career within the last 5 years but you've managed to work on 4 films with Dismal being released this year and your latest due out in 2009 titled New York Lately. What can you tell us about Dismal and New York Lately? Where can we expect to see these films?
New York Lately is a labor of love because it's my feature film debut. I directed, wrote and produced it on my own with the support of close family and friends. There was no additional production company or studio help at all. It's taken over a year to complete and it feels like such a great accomplishment due to its scope.

The film is an ensemble character piece that follows characters around the city as they live out their everyday lives. It takes an interesting look at different people from various backgrounds and shows that we can relate to them in certain ways, whether we like to or not. My influences come from both American and foreign filmmakers so it's a marriage of those sensibilities, needless to say it's definitely not your typical Hollywood fare.

I spent the past 5 years learning the filmmaking craft, knowing all along I wanted to be a feature film director. It took me that long to gain the experience and confidence where I felt I was ready to tackle on a huge endeavor. I'm very happy with the outcome. I hope it's as special for film-goers as it is for me. We'll find out soon enough. It hits the festival circuit in 2009.

I got really lucky with Dismal. After wrapping production on my own film, I was given an incredible opportunity from Fearmakers Studios to direct a "swamp cannibal" script they had developed. It was great because it's so drastically different from "New York Lately" to say the least. I'm excited to show off the range I have as a filmmaker - who's able to take on different genres.

You've followed in the footsteps of other independent filmmakers by using guerrilla tactics to get a film done. What has been the most challenging aspect of the independent filmmaking process? What has been the most rewarding aspect?
The most difficult part of being a truly independent film is the financial burden and risk that I'm putting myself in. It's basically all or nothing - rolling the dice with the goal being the film getting the exposure I hope it will.

It's funny, one would think my response would be more along the lines of it being hard to schedule or find people, locations with a small budget...but the truth is that's just as hard even when you're dealing with a film with more money and people. It's never easy to make a film at any level.

The most rewarding part was making new relationships with actors and crew, as well as working with people who I already considered friends. Making New York Lately felt more like a family banding together to get the job done than people in it only for the money, because obviously there wasn't any. Everyone was there to try to create something special, hoping that the exposure leads for future success for everyone involved. I felt very humbled that the majority of people involved was there either to support me or the script, that was enough. It was truly an amazing experience I will always remember.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years? What would be your dream project to work on right now?
In the next few years I hope to be a regular feature film director, ideally making films for both studios and independents. My dream situation would be to make films for studios and production companies, then taking time off to make my own personal films every few years. That would be a great life.

Your works don't really focus on Asian American diaspora, which is actually refreshing to see. Do you make a conscious effort of telling human stories rather than focus on ethnic stories?
Yes, actually I did. Not that I have anything against those films, but what I'm more concerned about is Hollywood and its continual stereotyping of minorities. It's starting to get better, but there's a long way to go.

I just wanted to make a film about people from different ethnic backgrounds without calling attention to it. More often than not, if a minority is featured in a film, there's usually another agenda going on and the movie becomes a "message" film, or worse, it's typically an awful stereotype or caricature.

I didn't want to go down that road. I want people to come see New York Lately and simply enjoy the various storylines. The cool thing is they'll identify with some characters more than others, based on the stories and not the color of the skin. To not really address race in the film is my statement -- that it shouldn't really matter.

What can we expect from Gary King in the future? Any new projects in development that you are excited about?
I currently have three feature scripts in various stages of development: a black comedy, a gangster film and a drama ensemble. I'd happily film any of these if the right opportunity presented itself.

I'm also attached to direct a great script called REFLECTIONS (suspense/thriller) next year if the financing comes through, so my fingers are crossed. I'm also starting to get approached by independent film producers about future film productions which is also very exciting.

What do you enjoy doing when you have free time?
Unfortunately, I haven't had much free time as I'd like due to the upcoming New York Lately and Dismal deadlines. When I do have time, I enjoy watching films. Hard to believe right? I like catching up on new releases, as well as some classic and foreign films - to this day watching films for me is the best film school there is. I also try to make time to see my friends as well, but everyone is so busy it's hard. And like you, I enjoy eating.

Advice for aspiring independent filmmakers out there?
I would say do it and see if you like it. Some people realize it's not for them. I know a lot of friends that went to film school and ended up not wanting to make movies.

The only way you're going to know if it's for you is to try to make one. If you find that you love the entire process, then definitely keep at it. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it, because you can. Surround yourself with like-minded and motivated people. Understand that some patience is involved. Things take time. And don't be discouraged from mistakes, learn from them. And most importantly, have fun. Enjoy the journey.

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This issue of A-Profiler is brought to you by Nelson Wong.
Special thanks to Gary King.

Photos used with permission.
Copyright retained by original copyright holder(s).