Mar 6 2008
Reading the synopsis of your film, I recall someone referring to how apparent your appreciation and respect for your dad really shines through the entire movie. Do you feel the narrative took over during the course of filming?When we started filming, we thought it would be political documentary from a young point of view, fun and youthful. But we also did it for what happened in 2004’s election. You know, because ‘as Ohio goes so goes the nation’, and ‘you can’t get elected without winning Ohio,’ how it’s a swing state and all of those things you hear. That was going to be the focus of our film. But more and more, as we were going about things and watching footage, we realized CNN could’ve done a much more impartial version of that film, and maybe done it even better. But no one could have made this personal film that we created from my family's angle. We gradually realized it was that angle we had found. It was not our original intent to make this a story of family, of growing up in politics.
There are a couple of focus points in the movie, actually. The backdrop is politics and the political questions, particularly about Ohio. How the stakes are huge. How that election will have an impact on the current election, but that’s all just the backdrop. It's important, but the heart of story is personal. It is about family and being in a political family.
You seem a lot like your dad to me. The few times we've met, he comes across as very forthright, friendly, warm, and personable. Did you get a new appreciation for him, making this movie?
When I was younger, I didn’t really get to appreciate what dad did. Now that I’m older, seeing how he interacts with people one-on-one and in large crowds, I’m really proud of him. That was one of the best parts of this experience, gaining a new appreciation on a different level and seeing a lot of his strengths. I see a lot of myself in my dad: we both like to joke around, be the life of the party at times. We didn’t butt heads much. In fact, John and Spencer were shocked at how well we get along as a family, they were like, “Hey, we need some drama!” I do love and admire and respect my dad, but as much as I do, we never wanted the film to be "The Lee Fisher Story." That’s the total opposite of what we wanted. We just wanted it to be honest, truthful, and funny, and warm and I think my dad is a lot of those things. It’s just an honest, real, thing – it shows good and bad, at times.
What’s next on the agenda, Jason? Have anything planned to keep from having to get that “real” job you mentioned? More directing, or performing?
I’m always thinking of things, ideas for other documentaries. Although I don’t see myself as a documentary maker the rest of my life. I’ve always seen myself more as hosting, working in front of the camera. I don’t know. My dream job hasn’t been invented yet, I don’t think. Definitely I’m interested in television and film, staying in this business. I get really excited by it and enjoy it. Though I have to say I like production in front of a camera much more than post-production work and editing. Editing is the hardest part for me, for sure. I’m lucky. I’m comfortable on stage, on camera, and on film. I get fired-up by it. Put me in an editing room, I’m just a nervous wreck! Spencer is actually an editor; he edits commercials and all kinds of things. John, I think he’s kind of the opposite of me: I love being on camera and he hates it. He likes being behind the scenes and enjoys post-production.
Right now, we’re working down to the wire, building titles and graphics. I’m very excited about the festival, but frantic, trying to get everything done in time for it. When you premiere, this is how it goes. The film we submitted months ago to the festival was a very polished rough-cut. The film itself hasn’t changed. We’ve changed some of the order of scenes, musical choices, that kind of thing, polishing. When it premieres Tuesday (March 11 at 730pm) the only people who have seen this exact version will be myself, John and Spencer. So that’s a little scary.
After the movie premieres on Tuesday night, I believe we’ll be having a question and answer session. I'm really excited about all of it.
Are you planning on staying in Cleveland for some period of time?
Well, I’ve been in New York for the last year because that’s where the best opportunities and resources are. Really, that’s a shame, but it’s true. I’d like to stay in Cleveland, though. Beyond this, I’ve always wanted to go to LA and I do have family out there. I’m friends with Ivan Schwartz, head of the Cleveland Film Commission. He’s trying to increase this type of work in Cleveland, trying to make it so all these talented people don’t have to leave to have a successful career in this business. I’m all for it. Think of all the people who eventually became huge in the entertainment industry that originally came from this state but have defected. It would be nice to keep some of that talent here. So I’d love to stay in Cleveland, but until there are more opportunities…it’s hard to say.
I will say one thing, I want to be living in Cleveland when Lebron leads the Cavs to the NBA Championship. I’m a huge Cavs fan and I’m hoping he’ll bring us to the promised land.
When do you think that will be? And when it happens, do we have your word on staying in Cleveland? You do know this is going to be in print and all.
[Laughs]. Sure. I don’t know when it will happen, but I’m hoping it will, and I’ll stay in Cleveland when that happens.
