The State Press spoke with Chris Sparling, screenwriter of “Buried,” an upcoming thriller staring Ryan Reynolds. In addition to writing, Sparling also has several acting, directing and producing credits to his name.
The State Press: Where did you get the inspiration for this story?
Chris Sparling: Why does everybody open with that question? I wish there was a cool reason. But originally it was a financial decision. I thought it would only be a $5000 movie at first.
SP: Was it easy to sell a movie that takes place entirely in a coffin?
CS: It was. The people I met with had a great response to it. The producer, Peter Safran, and the director, Rodrigo Cortes, wanted to do the film.
SP: Do you yourself have a phobia of being buried alive?
CS: No, I think it’s a natural fear. I don’t think there’s a single person who would be comfortable. What’s scary about “Buried” is that it’s as close to reality that it could possibly be.
SP: What would you say is your biggest fear?
CS: Sharks.
SP: What was the last movie that genuinely scared you?
CS: The first “Saw” movie scared me. After it I had to check the back of my car. “Buried” is not a horror movie though. It’s more of a Hitchcockian thriller.
SP: Is there a particular genre of film you like to write?
CS: The thriller genre. I thought I was going to write comedy. But thrillers seem to work for me.
SP: Was Ryan Reynolds the first actor you had in mind to play the role of Paul Conroy?
CS: I would like to lie and say, “yes.” But Paul is described as forty-five in the script. But it didn’t matter. What mattered was that we had someone who captured that range of emotion. Ryan is breathtaking.
SP: How did it feel for your movie to get picked up for distribution by Lionsgate?
CS: I had 25 family and friends to celebrate. Just to get into Sundance was a dream come true.
SP: You have been hired by M. Night Shyamalan to write “Twelve Strangers” for the upcoming “Night Chronicles.” How did that feel?
CS: Again, it was incredible. I’ve always considered him to be one of this generation’s best filmmakers.
SP: Do you have any other projects lined up?
CS: In addition to “Twelve Strangers,” “ATM,” which is more of a horror movie, shoots up in Canada in October. I also hope to direct an indie film called “Falling Slowly.”
SP: Is there any advice you can give to struggling screenwriters?
CS: The thing I’ve learned most is to read screenplays everyday and write everyday. It’s about access. Find people who believe in your work and capitalize on them.
“Buried” opens on Sept. 24th in limited release then expands to wide release on October 8th.
Reach reporter at nspake@asu.edu
