Job Q&A
by Eileen O'Reilly
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Peter Kreutzer is a writer, filmmaker and web site designer. One of the original partners of Cypress Films, he worked on an adaptation of "A Child's Christmas in Wales" and "The Sound and The Silence," a biopic on Alexander Graham Bell for TNT. He is presently producing a web site for the new independent film starring Shalom Harlow, called "Cherry."

Monster.com: How did you end up producing the web site for "Making Cherry?"

Peter Kreutzer: I started writing about rotisserie, or fantasy baseball, for ESPN SportsZone, a game based on real stats that you play online with other people. I had been playing for years with friends offline, one of whom became the managing editor of "ESPN Sportscenter," their nightly news broadcast, and another of whom headed the ESPN department that started their Internet service. I had some ideas and I got in touch with them, and they were happy to help me get set up by introducing me to the editor of Sportszone.

Mc: What specifically were you writing?

PK: I proposed going to baseball spring training and doing an online diary. I've done that the last two years. I write about the things baseball fans might see if they could get to Florida for a month.

Mc: For instance?

PK: I write about the atmosphere, the games I see, how the players look, who has gained weight, who seems to have grown old. I travel around Florida from Orlando to Ft. Lauderdale on both coasts for a month.

Mc: How much writing is that?

PK: 30 columns, 30 days, traveling everyday.

Mc: What kind of response did you get from the audience?

PK: Oh, it's great. They can be incredibly critical of my opinions, but there's also a lot of mail asking, "How do you get a job like this?" Despite all the naysaying, baseball is still incredibly popular.

Mc: Back to the film web site...

PK: I've had such a great time writing about spring training, that as I drove around Florida, I would often think about other events I could apply this method to. This daily attention. Film is a big part of my life and when the friends I had produced "A Child's Christmas" with decided to produce an independent film, their first feature as directors, I proposed an online diary about the making of a movie.

Mc: Who is the audience?

PK: Die-hard film people, film students, people in the industry, entertainment buffs, and of course distributors. The idea is to get into the brass tacks details of filmmaking, and to do something interesting and a little out-there to attract attention. Also, whether or not your readers are interested in web sites, there is a lot of info on "Making Cherry" about the different jobs of filmmakers.

Mc: Why are the distributors so important?

PK: Distribution is the only way you get your money back. To make money when you make a movie you have to get the picture shown in theaters and released on video and TV.

Mc: How do you make money on the site?

PK: I get paid a fee for the work I do, but for the filmmakers the site is more about developing an awareness of the film. Their mission has been to make an independent movie the right way. They've spent an unusual amount of time and money rehearsing and prepping the production. They're trying not to let the limited budget get in the way of the movie's quality. I'm documenting that process, and at the same time creating what I hope people find to be a really cool, comprehensive film site with the everyday drama and excitement that comes with filmmaking.

Mc: What resources would you suggest for people who want to build a web site?

PK: I'm using FrontPage, which is the best HTML composing program I know. I taught myself the HTML basics a few years ago, using Hot Dog for a site I did for a company.

Mc: You seem to get involved in projects because they interest you.

PK: I try to, though it doesn't always work out best financially. But I think what's important, especially when you're starting out, is that you have an idea and you do everything you can to make it work. Do it as cheaply as you can, or have to, but put your passion and heart into it and do everything you can to own it when you're done. Make it yours. Even if it's not generating money, think of it as an important project. You could find success that way, and at the worst it will be part of your education. It's too easy to say, "I'm not doing this or that because I'm not getting paid for it," and then the next thing you know a good opportunity has passed you by.

Mc: What are you planning next, another inside look at a film?

PK: I hope this site has a documentary feeling about it. I hope it gives the feeling of being there. I would do this for another film if I found something else to say. Maybe about the way actors prepare for their roles. It would be fascinating to sit in on the rehearsals, something I wasn't able to do on "Cherry." I also have another project about baseball I'd like to pursue. Baseball and the movies seem to be my main poles.