The Creative Cosmos of David Matalon: Inside 'Totally Killer'

Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon

“For me, there's always been something magical that happens about watching light pass through the film plane and creating an image."

Welcome David Matalon:

We’re joined on the Starline by writer, director, actor, game designer and sci-fi madman. His latest project is the Amazon Prime movie “Totally Killer”. WGA nominee for best new media. We welcome the Brooklyn ex-pat, David Matalon.

David, let’s go Beyond the Mic. “Totally Killer” has time travel, psycho killer and Kiernan Shipka as your hero. Why makes creating this movie so fun for you?

Kiernan is not the only star as you pull in Olivia Holt, Julie Bowen and Randall Park. When you are writing something, do you have people in mind if it ever gets sold to play the hero and villain? Or are you happy with anyone?

The writers’ strike had your hands tied, unable to promote anything, and not getting paid for any new work. Why was it so important for the writers to strike and what was the one key thing you took away from it?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. (Since this movie was based in the 80’s) What was your biggest fashion mistake from the 80’s?

2. One fact other than there’s a black hole in the center of the universe is your favorite from your son?

3. 1st guitar you ever bought and do you still have it?

4. Best thing about your dog?

5. What movie doesn’t get the love you though you deserves?

6. Favorite Law & Order show?

7. Best class at the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU?

8. Best Dungeon Crawl Classic game you’ve ever played in was with who and will you be making a sequel to Prisoners of the Secret Overlords?

The Back Half:

As critics review your material, how do you utilize their praise or criticisms to improve your next project?

With social media allowing anyone to be a critic, do you feel works today would be judged the same as if they had been released any other time? I.e. if Casablanca was shown to teens today, would they have the same appreciation of it?

What’s one thing, other than your friendship with fellow writer Chris Woolsey, do most people not know about you?

Which subject did you write more of in “The Concise Guide to Sounding Smart at Parties” and which subject did you leave to Chris Woolsey?

Favorite indie film festival?

Hollywood:

Who’s the most talented person in Hollywood right now?

How has Hollywood changed you and how do you want to change Hollywood?

Which character is better than Yoda in Star Wars?

How has your family supported and given you the love you need as you continue chasing your dreams?

You don’t believe in namedropping which is totally anti-Hollywood. Why?

Why has “Totally Killer” changed the way you see moviemaking?

Two Big Questions:

How did the experience of directing, acting and writing help your soul?

What’s the one thing you need to make your next Hollywood dream come true?

The Wrap:

He still has his Gretsch Beast guitar, colored his hair blue in the 80’s and wants you to watch his film “Totally Killer” on Amazon Prime. David Matalon, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.

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