Geek of the Week: Neal Fischer, Producer of Sushi Girl

When did you first know you wanted to be in the film industry?
I always knew I wanted to be a storyteller of some sort, be it film, TV, comic books, gaming, etc. And now it’s all interconnected anyway, so it’s perfect. I started writing short fiction, mostly fantasy, sci-fi, and superhero stuff when I was in second or third grade. I would also write “fan-fiction” of Norse, Greek, and Egyptian myths, basically follow up stories to established myths. Then I discovered D&D. I also started writing and drawing my own comic books. But I didn’t actually decide to focus on film until I was living in Japan, which had also been a dream of mine since I was ten years old.
So, at twenty-eight, I came back from Japan and moved out here to Hollywood to make that dream come true as well.

How would you describe your journey from the time above to creating Sushi Girl?
I had been working in nearly all aspects of film for nearly 10 years before Sushi Girl came along. Screenwriter, actor, producer, PA, talent manager, casting associate, development executive, etc. So when my buddy Kern Saxton wrote and wanted to direct for a micro-budget, I saw it as a bigger project, and jumped in as producer to finance it, help reshape the script, get a known cast, find the perfect location to film, etc.

Out of your own projects, which would you say is your favorite and why?
Sushi Girl. Because it was my first real film baby. And the entire cast, core creative team, and most of the crew are still like family. In fact, we just did a special screening a few weeks ago and nearly the entire cast showed up. And just yesterday quite a few of my Sushi Girl family came to my birthday party, some from different parts of the state. I am blessed. 

What projects are you currently working on?
There are several projects. I am producing a documentary on the film and martial arts legend, Sonny Chiba, and [it] will go into production soon.  I manage him in the US, so he is on board and excited about it. I am also making a new company with a close friend, and we have several projects currently in the works. We will be making official announcements early next year.   

When do they [your projects] come out?
Some will come out next year, some the following year. Some will take several years to develop, finance, film, go through post-production and then distribute so everyone has access to them.

Where are you originally from?
I was born in California, but was primarily raised in the Midwest, Iowa and South Dakota mostly.

Is there a certain geeky event or film that you are looking forward to the most in 2020?
No. Life now is one massive nerdgasm. One awesome con after another. One great film after another.  Mind-blowing comics, both new titles and old are hitting shelves monthly. [The] same can be said for video games, new table top boardgames, and RPGs… And let’s not forgot where it all started for me – Dungeons and Dragons! So, I am loving life! There is so much to look forward to. And so much inspiring creativity and craftsmanship!

What geeky activities do you partake in?
I dabble in all of it. But my favorites are Dungeons and Dragons, in fact I just had a D&D birthday party… I also run a vampire LARP. And of course, quite a bit of my job also falls into “geeky activities” territory.

What is a challenge you have faced that you think helped better you as a creator?
The beauty of filmmaking is that it is so collaborative. It must also keep up with the times, or even lead it. So, I am constantly learning, adapting, growing, on many levels. But I would say most recently the sudden and unexpected passing of my former boss, Samuel Hadida. I had worked for him for twelve years as Head of Production and Development for Davis Films Los Angeles Branch and oversaw many great films (Silent Hill 2, Resident Evil 3-6, Solomon Kane, Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Lucky Day, etc.) and developed several film/TV franchises (Vampire Hunter D, Golgo 13, Wolfenstein, House of Night, etc.). He was my mentor, one of my best friends, was like family, and one of my greatest inspirations. The loss was devastating. But it also forced me out of my comfort zone, [to] get back on up on my feet, get back to my creative roots, and extra motivated to make him proud of me!

What is your Hogwarts house?
Æsir*. Oh, wait that’s Norse. I’m a Slytherin in the Harry Potter Wizards Unite game, if that counts.

*Æsir: A Nordic tribe of gods

What advice would you give to fellow geeky creatives just starting on their career paths?
Create, create, create. Don’t wait! There are so many ways to get started, from crowdfunding and self-publishing, to just putting your creations online. So, just create your stuff, and figure out how to get it out there as you go along. Obviously, if you know people who are already doing it professionally, ask them for specific advice to help avoid common pitfalls, but ultimately Yoda was right, “Do or do not, there is no try.”