Filmmaker Robin Peters at AFM

by Yayoi Lena Winfrey

Dreams are a way of life for filmmaker Robin Peters. The owner of Dreamscape Cinema knows how important it is to have a dream and the hard work it takes to make it come true. At the age of 12, Peters was just dreaming about becoming a filmmaker. But by the time he was 30, his dream came true when he made his first film. Peters has been making movies ever since. With six feature films in distribution, and many more in various stages of development and production, the busy filmmaker vows to never stop dreaming about making more films.

Living in Champaign Illinois, Peters made his 8th annual trek to the American Film Market (November 4-11) in Santa Monica. There, Accolade Award/Indie Fest caught up with the multiple-award winner. Sunning himself by the outdoor swimming pool (with the Weinstein party at a nearby table), Peters nursed a domestic beer while joking about its hefty $8 price tag. In between laughs, he shared his thoughts about what independent filmmakers attending the Market should expect.

“Never take anyone at their word here,” he warned, sweeping his arm to indicate dozens of Market attendees in the area. “They’re all excited and living in the moment. Be careful not to talk shop. Develop relationships instead.”

Peters said he also cautions filmmakers to do their homework ahead of time so they have an idea of which buyers and distributors to pitch their projects to. Someone shopping for horror films is not going to be looking for romantic comedies, and a filmmaker could waste precious time trying to engage such a person, according to Peters. Coming with a plan and sticking to it is his recommendation. He heartily endorses a trip to the Market for anyone aspiring to make films--whether an actor, director or writer--because one never knows who will show up there or what they’ll be looking for.

“Everyone here is hungry,” he stated. “Gary Busey was here yesterday.”

One of Peters’ goals is to bring more Hollywood film productions to his area of Illinois where he is well known for his work. Besides having his films screened at local film festivals, he’s also appeared on various filmmaking panels and is active in the film community there.

The winner of the 2008 Accolade Award of Excellence for his feature film, Act Your Age, and the 2007 Accolade Award of Excellence for his feature film, Disconnect, Peters also discussed both projects below. Accolade: Your films introduce subjects that are very different from one another. In Act Your Age, a young actor discovers what it's really like to grow old. In Disconnect, a young woman wreaks havoc by playing with a phone that can dial into the past and future.

Accolade/Indie Fest: How do you manage to come up with fresh ideas for each new film?

Peters: I have over 100 original (I think) ideas for movie stories that haven't been told yet, and I’ve written over 25 scripts. It is becoming easier, as I think I am very creative and consider it a gift I need to use. I can honestly say I will never be bored. If I'm stuck waiting for someone, I write down a story. God help me if I don't have something to write on!

My ideas have flourished since I was a songwriter beginning in my early 20's. I daydream a lot, and try to think of cool stories.

The idea for Disconnect came from a dream about two girls that found a cell phone and every time they touched it, they called a different time.

I was also frustrated with the doctors surrounding my mom's death, as they never gave me a straight answer (and she had complained that something was wrong before she passed). I then put the two stories together and made it into a thriller with the murder being the twist.

For Act Your Age, I observed a few of my daughters’ friends, and noticed how angry they seemed. I did a lot of deep thinking regarding how I was frustrated in my late teens, and everything in life seemed a Catch-22. I thought that I had mellowed and am happier now. So, what if my protagonist happened to age in one week, all because he was selfish, and put himself in a situation he abhorred--being stuck with a bunch of old people? It made the comedy parts easy to write.

Accolade/Indie Fest: In Act Your Age, you feature well-known Hollywood actor Pat Morita of Karate Kid. How did you get him interested in appearing in an independent film?

Peters: Until his death, Pat was very hungry for a good part--as I think most actors are. It's a shame when roles aren't there for them. He was a treat to work with and brought something unique to the role.

Accolade/Indie Fest: Was that his last film?

Peters: I think he shot another after ours, but ours came out later.

Accolade/Indie Fest: What about Max Gail, who is mostly known for his character Wojohowitz on the TV series Barney Miller?

Peters: Same answer. Max and I keep in touch. He loved what I did with the movie, and told me he's there if I have another role for him (which I do). I only need money and I can make great films. Don't we all?

Accolade/Indie Fest: What’s your advice to independent filmmakers who want to succeed in their own niche market--as you have?

Peters: Tenacity will always win out. If it doesn't, and no one ever sees your films, you will at least have no regrets and be able to look back and say you tried.

Accolade/Indie Fest: How has winning Accolade Awards benefited your career?

Peters: I don't know what the effect is yet. It does create a good feeling for those who helped make the films, and being able to show the awards to distributors and on the IMDB site is a definite plus.

Independent filmmakers would do well to heed the words of Robin Peters. As a successful and seasoned filmmaker, he knows that it all starts with a dream.