"Go forward, have strength in your own convictions, enjoy what you’re doing, and you’ll be fine." – David Latt

David Latt (@DavidMLatt) is the co-founder of The Asylum, which is the most prolific independent film studio in Hollywood.

In this episode of Deviate, Rolf speaks with David about his path into B-Movies and the beginnings of The Asylum (8:30); independent filmmaking and "mockbusters" (28:00); the Sharknado franchise (43:15); the future of entertainment (1:02:00); and lessons learned throughout his career (1:07:00).

For more information on The Asylum, you can visit their website, www.theasylum.cc

Notable films and TV shows mentioned:

Sorority House Party (Rock and Roll Fantasy) (film)
Sharknado (film)
Killers (film)
Jane White Is Sick & Twisted (film)
Transmorphers (film)
Giant Shark Versus Mega Octopus (film)
Z Nation (film)
The Walking Dead (television show)
Leprechaun 4 (film)
Death Bed: The Bed That Eats (movie)
Pulp Fiction (movie)

Notable people mentioned:

Larry Cohen (B-movie director)
Henry Hathaway (B-movie director)
Roger Corman (B-movie director)
Jeff Kanew (Revenge of the Nerds director)
Mia Farrow (actress)
Patton Oswalt (comedian)
Anthony Ferrante (film director)
Craig Engler (Z Nation writer)

Other links:

Mockbuster (movie genre)
Rolf Potts, "Humor Doesn’t Translate Internationally," from The Believer
Tom Shone, "The Glorious Bullshit of “Reservoir Dogs," from The New Yorker
Spike, Mike, Slackers, and Dykes, by John Pierson
C5LA (charity)
Jimmy Kimmel Live: Mean Tweets - President Obama Edition
SyFy (TV network)
Sharknado: The Musical

This episode was sponsored by the Paris Writing Workshop, an intensive one-month course in the artistic heart of Europe.

The Deviate theme music comes from the title track of Cedar Van Tassel's 2017 album Lumber.

Note: We don’t host a “comments” section, but we're happy to hear your questions and insights via email, at deviate@rolfpotts.com.