“Go forward, have strength in your own convictions, enjoy what you’re doing, and you’ll be fine.” – David Latt
David Latt (@DavidMLatt) is the co-founder of The Asylum, which is the most prolific independent film studio in Hollywood.
In this episode of Deviate, Rolf speaks with David about his path into B-Movies and the beginnings of The Asylum (8:30); independent filmmaking and “mockbusters” (28:00); the Sharknado franchise (43:15); the future of entertainment (1:02:00); and lessons learned throughout his career (1:07:00).
For more information on The Asylum, you can visit their website, www.theasylum.cc
Notable films and TV shows mentioned:
- Sorority House Party (Rock and Roll Fantasy) (film)
- Sharknado (film)
- Killers (film)
- Jane White Is Sick & Twisted (film)
- Transmorphers (film)
- Giant Shark Versus Mega Octopus (film)
- Z Nation (film)
- The Walking Dead (television show)
- Leprechaun 4 (film)
- Death Bed: The Bed That Eats (movie)
- Pulp Fiction (movie)
Notable people mentioned:
- Larry Cohen (B-movie director)
- Henry Hathaway (B-movie director)
- Roger Corman (B-movie director)
- Jeff Kanew (Revenge of the Nerds director)
- Mia Farrow (actress)
- Patton Oswalt (comedian)
- Anthony Ferrante (film director)
- Craig Engler (Z Nation writer)
Other links:
- Mockbuster (movie genre)
- Rolf Potts, “Humor Doesn’t Translate Internationally,” from The Believer
- Tom Shone, “The Glorious Bullshit of “Reservoir Dogs,” from The New Yorker
- Spike, Mike, Slackers, and Dykes, by John Pierson
- C5LA (charity)
- Jimmy Kimmel Live: Mean Tweets – President Obama Edition
- SyFy (TV network)
- Sharknado: The Musical
This episode was sponsored by the Paris Writing Workshop, an intensive one-month course in the artistic heart of Europe.
The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel’s 2017 album Lumber.
Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we’re happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.
