A new running feature on the Cherry Bomb blog, we are gong to start running interviews with key personnel on the Cherry Bomb team.  We figured a good place to start… was at the top.  With Executive Producer and Director Kyle Day.

1. How’d you get into film?
When I was 6 or 7 my dad got a Sony Handicam for Christmas and from that point forward, the love affair with film making began. We shot a ton of stuff as kids but things didn’t really get serious until high school when I saved up for my first digital camera and bought some editing software. That’s when it started to develop as more then just a hobby and things have been expanding for the past 10 years.

2. What are the major films inspiring your direction of Cherry Bomb?
The Terminator, Escape from New York, Alien, and Air Bud to name a few. Since we’re shooting a film set in the 80s and we want to artificially create that element of nostalgia, I’m inspired by films from that time period that are dark in tone and feature strong leads who are basically forced into situations where they must either step up to the task or run for the hills. Terminator and Alien are actually perfect examples because the strong lead is female and there are many similarities with Cherry Bomb.

3. What sequence are you most excited to direct?
Definitely the car chase sequence. In fact, this entire film is simply a ruse for me to buy cars and legally smash them up. I’m really looking forward to the baseball field scene as well. I’ve had it shot and edited in my head for about 6 months now so I’ll be happy to finally get it out of there.

4. When Cherry Bomb strikes gold and you get your choice of projects, what would you like to do next?
A romantic comedy staring Sandra Bullock ha ha….
I know that our writer has already come up with some fantastic ideas for a CB sequel but I’ll probably need a break from the CB world for a while, so the next project will just be whatever feels right at that time. There’s a few ideas that I’m mulling over, nothing too tangible just yet.

5. Why was Julin the right person to be the face of this franchise?
Well we stumbled upon her because she looks exactly like how we had envisioned Cherry, so from looks alone, she’s the ideal pick for the face of the franchise. However, its her personality and acting ability that sold it. Julin really portrays the confidence and intensity that I require from the character, so its an excellent match.

6. Have you found it hard to balance your directorial tasks with your producer tasks?
Yes, it has been incredibly difficult. Both positions require a different skillset (creative vs logical) so it has been tough to switch interchangeably between the two. I’ll be happy when production starts and I can focus predominantly on directing, which is what I am most passionate about.

7. What in your mind, separates this film from your average revenge flick?
The average revenge flick is mindless… and ironically, that’s part of their charm- they exist solely as a vehicle for action and destruction. On a personal level, I can respect a film that doesn’t try and change the world, its just meant to be a fun 90 minute outlet. However, what makes Cherry Bomb different is that although we have created a script that is definitely a fun and wild ride, we’re also taking great effort to really bring the characters to life and give Cherry Bomb the depth that other entries in the genre have often lacked.

8. Biggest heartache so far during pre-production?
Rather than being specific, I’ll simply say that the most heartache on my end is associated with anytime I must make a choice between what is best [commercially] for the film and what is best for it creatively. In a perfect world, both of those would be one in the same, but unfortunately things aren’t perfect and difficult decisions have to be made everyday.

9. Most rewarding part of pre-production so far for you?
Pre-production has been a massive pain in the ass but it hasn’t been without its rewards. It’s extremely exciting and fulfilling to see a project of this scale take shape and grow on a weekly basis. I remember when it was simply a concept and now its this living and breathing movie that has a life of its own. It’s rewarding for me to know that I helped it get there. They grow up so quick….

10. Which character do you most identify with? If not Cherry, how do you connect with her character? Does her sex change anything for you? (From the Awesomely Talented Skipper Chong Warson.  Click here to hire him for your graphic design needs.)
That’s a good question.  The character that I identify with the most is in fact Cherry- the gender is insignificant since it’s her perseverence and frame of mind that I relate to.  I see the Cherry character as being extremely driven- she’s willing to put it all on the line to achieve her goal(s) and she will not let anything stand in her way.  Likewise, I have made a lot of personal sacrifices to get this film made and at this point I’ll stop at nothing to see it completed and distributed.  We both get stuck on something and have tunnel vision until that something is finished.  We’re pretty much two peas in a pod… except for the whole “killing men” thing.