Interviews

Lauri Hope Lauri Hope (Associate Producer)

Turtle Bay: How did you become involved with Gotham Cafe?

Julie called me because we had a mutual friend, Chuck House, who recommended me for the job of Post Production Supervisor. I had just finished a job that I had been working on for 4 ½ years and her call came just at the right time.

Turtle Bay: Are you a fan of Stephen King?

I’m a HUGE fan of Stephen King’s! Stephen King started my love of reading. The best thing about Mr. King’s books is that you feel connected with his characters from the very beginning and then he takes you through the most bizarre situations with them. He is the consummate storyteller.

Turtle Bay: Though originally brought on as Post Production Supervisor I hear that you ended up taking on many roles vital to this production. You were such an asset you even ended up with an Associate Producer credit. Tell us about that.

I was just happy to be able to help where I could. A lot of things happened that could have really set this production back but the Producer, Julie Sands wouldn’t give up or compromise the integrity of the project. I guess that kind of spirit rubs off and I was happy to be there.

Turtle Bay: What does a Post Production Supervisor do on a production?

A Post Production Supervisor will handle the different processes the film will need to go through after they finish shooting. It will go through processing, telecine, down-conversions, editing, music composition, sound editing, online edit assembly, licensing, color timing, etc. Each of these processes will need to be initiated and followed through in a timely process. We will have several elements like D5’s, DV’s DAT’s and more that we will have to track at all times. There are other elements like EPK’s (electronic press kits), trailers, behind the scenes, etc. that will also need to be made.

Turtle Bay: How did you get started in this business?

I started working at ISS (Independent Studio Services, Inc.) who supplied us with the props. Both my daughters were born there and Gregg Bilson, Sr. let me bring them in to the office to nurse them before it was popular to do so. For that I will always be grateful. Now, I’m more on a technical side of the film industry. I am still working with extremely talented people so it creates a nice balance.

Turtle Bay: I know that you are Bob Hope's niece and have many wonderful memories of him. Can you share one with us?

I don’t know how to pinpoint one time that would be more memorable that the rest. Can you imagine sitting at the dinner table with Bob Hope? It’s like asking “what is your favorite joke?” Family gatherings were hilarious and the great sense of humor has not skipped any generations. “Thanks for the Memories” Uncle Bob.

Turtle Bay: What were some of the memorable things for you about working on Gotham Cafe?

The most memorable things about working on “Gotham Café” would have to be getting to know Julie, our Producer, whom I admire for her intelligence, indomitable spirit and passion for the film. The whole crew was so talented, it was a pleasure to work with each and every one of them. I wouldn’t exchange this experience for anything.
 

  "Lunch at the Gotham Café" © Stephen King
Used by permission. All rights reserved