Metro Detroit Filmmaker Premieres New Film in Royal Oak

ROYAL OAK, MI — Metro Detroit native David Paulus is the writer, actor and producer of the new film "The Best Thanksgiving Ever! A Detroit Holiday Misadventure." The comedy is inspired by real events from Paulus' Thanksgiving Day in 2008. The Detroit filmmaker took a time out to talk about the film before the Nov. 2 premiere at the Emagine Theater in Royal Oak.

1. What sparked the idea for this film? Paulus: "It's inspired by real events from Thanksgiving in 2008. In 2009, I did a film with Tyler Perry and was having a little success. I met Marlon Wayans, who was very kind, and I asked his advice for an aspiring actor like myself. He said 'If you want a chance of a career in Hollywood you have to write.' He wrote down books for me to read and his email address. In January 2010, I pumped out a script called 'The Camel Jockey.' I also had 'The Best Thanksgiving Ever' idea. With good fortune and evolution, I was able to produce the film and that's how it came about."

2. Where in Detroit did you shoot? Paulus: "Royal Oak, Berkeley, Birmingham, Ferndale and downtown Detroit landmarks to get the environment."

3. Is your Detroit background reflected in your film making style? Paulus: "My speed and flavor is Metro Detroit. I want to identify my career where I'm from in the way Eminem and Kid Rock have. Detroit native Obie Trice contributed to the film and Gerard McMahon scored the film and will be performing songs at the premiere. A film often takes places in LA, New York or somewhere fictitious. Rarely or ever do movies take place in Detroit. When you see Detroit in a documentary, it's economic strife or as a crime capital. That's what people think all Detroit is. We have a good culture and really nice suburbs. I created a mainstream comedy in the vein of 'The Hangover' and it takes places in Detroit. It's nice to deflect negative attention and show Detroit in another light.

4. Have you noticed Detroit changing since moving to LA? Paulus: "I've been out of state for 11 years but I come back frequently. My family and roots are here. I don't think it's changed that much. The restaurant and bar names may have changed but the people are still the same, good-nature wholesome kind. It's no LA or New York. But it's diverse and when people ask what coast I'd live on I say Detroit."

5. What was the filming process like? Assuming hysterical? Paulus: "We had a lot of good times on set and the outtakes are a gas. I collaborated with so many people. J.D. Shapiro, who wrote 'Men In Tights', directed the film. He brought so much to the table.

6. Was there a lot of ad lib with such a funny cast? Paulus: "No. Since I wrote the script and I'm in the film, I was in the position to make sure the script stayed true to the vision I had for the film. This was a very specific style of comedy. It's dialogue-driven. Mel Gibson or Leo DiCaprio weren't there to supersede it."

7. Is "The Best Easter Ever" your next film? Paulus: "I never anticipated to make a franchise but the groundwork is laid and if people enjoy it and we make the money back it cost to make it we're in a position to make another one. I have an idea for 'The Best St. Patrick's Day Ever in Detroit.'"

Want to get in on the holiday misadventures? After the invite-only Nov. 2 premiere, anyone can see “The Best Thanksgiving Ever! A Detroit Holiday Misadventure” at select Emagine Theater locations. Grab your popcorn, Metro Detroiters!

Photo via David Paulus