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INTERVIEWS

Interview: District 9 Screenwriter & Director Neill Blomkamp

by Alex Billington
August 12, 2009

I'm going to be completely honest - this might have been one of the best interviews I've ever done. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to sit down and talk with Neill Blomkamp, the man behind the upcoming sci-fi film District 9 that hits theaters this weekend (go see it!). We talk about everything from how this came together, the five months he spent working on the Halo movie with Peter Jackson, how they pulled off all of the visual effects, both practical and CGI, and how the story developed over time. It's a very in-depth interview but one of the best you'll hear on D9! There are a few spoilers, but nothing big, so don't worry!

Watch my interview with District 9 writer and director Neill Blomkamp:

This interview was shot using my Flip Mino camera in Los Angeles. The story behind how District 9 came together (following Halo), combined with Neill's background, was fascinating to hear. Beyond that, talking about how he pulled everything off with a budget of only $30 million was also incredible. Neill Blomkamp is already one of my favorite directors, and I have a feeling he's on his way to becoming one of the next great directors in Hollywood. If I can suggest anything, it's that you re-watch this interview after seeing District 9 this weekend, because you'll gain even more insight. Thank you to Sony and Neill for the interview!

Explore tags: Hype, Interviews

http://www.atomicpopcorn.net Atomic Popcorn

Nice interview brother!
edward

great interview alex.
http://www.mattgaser.com Matt Gaser

Awesome questions you asked...and amazing answers. Neil really seems down to earth with a zero ego, would be an honor to work with this guy.
jaci

aces!
http://www.paynebyname.com Payne by name

Good interview. He comes across as a fascinating director. I did 'skim' a little through the middle stuff as having denied myself watching the final Distrcit 9 trailer I didn't want any spoilers but the stuff at the beginning about Halo was very interesting. It would be to kick back over a meal a something and really hear about the development that went on with Halo in that 5 month period.
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/2408/blackbabyjesus.gif Crapola

Inspiring guy, I wish there were more folk like him, great interview!
http://www.myskoteket.se Tomb

LOL! "See more at firstshowing.net"
Jimbone

Dude, this is awesome, he seems like such a cool guy, AND it's neat to know that the Halo shorts were done after it's demise. Great job Alex. seriously. good questions too.
http://rhptkfgs.blogspot.com ramez

good work A
Bill Austin

Excellent interview, he is such a natural and i can't wait to see what he doe snext!
Nizar Babul

Watched the interview yesterday before heading to a screening of D9. Can't express enough how much I enjoyed the film. Will be a definite Sci-fi accomplishment. The audiences are in for a real treat. I really dug his docu-style but would've changed a few shots throughout the film. He opts to shoot real close like Mann but I would've uses long lens and shot across a room for a better "invasion of privacy" feel. Great interview by the way. Enlightening how much presence Sharlto brought to his character having never professionally acted before. I really hope he goes on to do more as well as Blomkamp.
JoJo

Everyone respects James Cameron. He really is the #1 sci-fi/action/adventure director out there. Avatar probably won't be Titanic. Hell even James says that. But I hope it makes back all of it budget. With worldwide dvd sales/rentals, video game sales, merchandise sales etc. it will surely bring in a profit kinda like king kong. There were mixed opinion on KK but I loved every moment of it and it did eventually make back its budget.
http://scriptshadow.blogspot.com Scriptshadow

What I love is how much he loves sci-fi! We're going to get so many great sci-fi movies from this guy!
Kuda

Great movie! Feeling was strong