The Deadbolt and David Schwimmer of Run, Fatboy, Run
March 27, 2008

A couple of weeks ago leading up to the release of actor David Schwimmer's directorial debut Run, Fatboy, Run, The Deadbolt's own Brian Tallerico played host and MC to an exclusive Run, Fatboy, Run event at the Apple Store in Chicago where over one hundred fans turned up to greet the film and the former Friends star. At the event, Schwimmer discussed several of the film's screen clips and what fans can expect from the movie that stars British comedic hooligan, Simon Pegg.

While The Deadbolt's content editor and member of the Chicago Film Critic's Association (now turned new movie MC), Brian Tallerico, helmed the event on behalf of Schwimmer and the folks at New Line Cinema and Picturehouse, attendees not only got a cool sneak peek at Fatboy, but they were also given interactive access to the casually dressed and laid back Schwimmer (leather jacket and hoodie) via a candid Q&A following the discussion.

As for how the event went down, our own Brian Tallerico shared his thoughts from the podium perspective, "The audience was very well-informed and asked great questions. I have to say that I was impressed by how focused people were on the film. Interestingly enough, no one unleashed a barrage of Friends questions. Instead, it was all about Run, Fatboy, Run, which obviously reflected a high level of interest in the film. The questions were all smart and well thought out. Chicago's a great town for filmmakers to visit and promote their films. It was a fun event and a clever choice on behalf of the studio."

Luckily for us, the following day our own Brian Tallerico got some one-on-one time with Schwimmer, who talked about the challenges of opening day weekend and going up against bigger films:

THE DEADBOLT: It was interesting last night when you spoke a little bit about being just physically unable to challenge box office titans like Pirates of the Caribbean because of your screens, your marketing, and your profile. So, knowing that, what are your expectations for a movie like this one? What's your best-case scenario?

SCHWIMMER: Best-case scenario is per-screen average - how many people actually show up to pay for a ticket in each theater - is really good, is really high, so that it gives the distributor enough confidence to keep it out in theaters. There's no way we're going to be the number one, the number two, or even the number three movie that weekend. You can't look at the opening weekend numbers. We can't compete with the big movies. But the best-case scenario is to have a track record and have word-of-mouth spread and that we have something like Juno or Big Fat Greek Wedding success. They started really small with very few A-list actors but became a word-of-mouth hit. That's the best-case scenario. Worst-case scenario is we just get swallowed by every other movie opening that weekend and we don't do very well per-screen average, we don't market it right, or publicize it right, and it just goes away after making no money opening weekend and it goes right to video. I have to say that, personally, I'll be really bummed if that happens, but I'm also really proud that the movie has MORE than made its money back. It did so well in England and on video there. In that way, I feel relieved that, on paper, it's a success no matter what happens, but it's a matter of pride. Of course, I want my own country to embrace the work that I'm doing.

For our complete one-on-one with David Schwimmer, run this way for our full interview.