Cold Brook: Interview with Director William Fichtner
“Cold Brook” is a new movie by director William Fichtner that focuses on two best friends named Ted and Hilde who work on the maintenance crew at an upstate New York college. When they stop a break in on campus, they become heroes of the local community but they soon find themselves feeling putty for the intruder and decide to help him find his home.
William Fichtner recently discussed the “Cold Brook” movie and more via an exclusive interview.
Meagan Meehan (MM): How did you start making movies and how did you get the idea for “Cold Brook”?
William Fichtner (WF): “Cold Brook” is the first movie that I’ve ever made as a director, writer, producer and actor as well. What really drove this film from the very beginning was my desire to write a story for me and Kim Coates to act in together. I met Kim on the set of “Black Hawk Down” in 2001 and not only did I meet an amazing actor, I also met a friend for life. Fast forward a few years and with another great friend Cain DeVore we began writing the script. I had a basic structure in mind, I knew the tone that I wanted, and then we just let our imaginations fly.
MM: What is it about the characters and plot-line of “Cold Brook” that made it so very compelling to you?
WF: Well, first of all, the story is about a friendship. Two best friends since they were kids. They live next door to each other, work at the same place, and pretty much do everything that a couple of guys in a small town do. I liked the idea of ordinary guys having an extraordinary experience. As we explored this, many surprises caught our imagination, most notably the historical significance of the character Gil played beautifully by actor Harold Perrineau. Though I must say that every actor in this film found that ‘small town’ part of themselves and brought it to life.
MM: Why does the story of the introducer make such s compelling plot point in this movie?
WF: He’s mystical. Our heroes don’t know what to make of him. Ultimately, they are left with the simple choice, how far do you go to help a stranger?
MM: How did you manage the whole filming process — was it tough to get a college to play along?
WF: Not tough at all! Both SUNY Buffalo and SUNY Cortland were very accommodating and welcoming. The most help came from the city of Buffalo and its mayor Byron Brown. Our main set on the college campus is the Art Museum and Exhibit Hall. While scouting I saw the History Museum in Buffalo and inside and out it was absolutely perfect for the film. The city of Buffalo really took care of this hometown boy and gave us that space for all of the time we needed it.
MM: What has the entire distribution process for “Cold Brook” like and, so far, how have reviewers treated the film?
WF: To be honest I’ve only glanced at a few things written about the film, and I’m not sure if we’ve even had an official review at this time. All I’ll say about distribution, and I’ll say it with a smile, is that making the film is not the only mountain that you’ll climb.
MM: What’s your favorite scene in “Cold Brook” and why?
WF: Impossible to answer that question! If we had a scene with every actor in the movie in that scene, then it would be that one.
MM: What other film projects and goals are central to you in 2019?
WF: To finish and work a script that my good friend Michael O’Rourke is writing called “The Genesee.” It is a coming of age story based on true events that happened in the summer of 1968. Soon it will have all of my attention, happily so.