Robert X. Golphin Speaks With David Ayer

DAVID AYER, CREATOR OF “TRAINING DAY”
In a Reelblack exclusive, Robert X. Golphin (Filmmaker/Actor/Author) had a one-on-one interview with Training Day scribe, David Ayer. This film earned Denzel Washington his second Academy Award, this time for Best Actor.

Ayer was recently in Philadelphia to promote his directorial debut, the feature film, Harsh Times starring Christian Bale (Batman Begins), Freddy Rodriguez (Six Feet Under), and Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives). The film is two hours of extreme testosterone driven drama and action. The story focuses on two inseparable friends in South Central whose loyalty to each other is tested by the violence and crime that plagues their relationship.

THE SCRIPT:
Ayer explained that the script was originally conceived ten years ago as part of the Sundance screenwriting lab. But he never had aspirations to actually enter the twisted world of filmmaking. Prior to discovering his talent, he served in the United States Navy. After discharge, he wrote navy stories and opportunity soon knocked. His mentor, John Wesley Strick (The Glass House) gave him his first big break as a Hollywood script doctor. He also wrote several screenplays before eventually penning Harsh Times.
“(The) hardest thing to do is take things that are scripted,” said Ayer, “But have it be as real as possible. (It’s good) if you’re afraid of what you’re writing.”
Despite his screenplay’s gritty realistic tone, it did not get made. ‘Training Day’ proved to be his breakout creation. And when Christian Bale did not score a role in that film, he asked Ayer if there was anything else he’d written. Ayer gave him Harsh Times, and the rest as they say, is history.

HARSH TIMES vs. TRAINING DAY
Ayer admitted that both Harsh Times and Training Day share some similarities, but is adamant about the difference in themes. “Training Day is about corruption,” he said, “Harsh Times was about friendship.” Both films take place in seedy parts of Los Angeles. Both films have two male leads driving around the city getting into lots of trouble.
THE MONEY:
Ayer believed in his project so much that he put up his own money to produce it. “(It was) a stupid thing to finance the film myself,” said Ayer, “Never spend your own money. (It’s) an incredibly risky thing to do. (My) family and friends were concerned over me spending the money. I put my wife through a lot.”
CASTING:
Ayer admitted that Eva Longoria was not his first choice for the role of Sylvia. “I was gonna cast a Mexican girl,” he said, “But my wife said why do (they) always have to cast Mexican as Latina (Eva) is just really smart, sharp, intelligent, professional. Like Sylvia, the character she played. Real stone cold professional.”
THAT’S A WRAP!
Harsh Times was shot not on 35mm, but on Super 16. The amazing 24-day shoot utilized two cameras to acquire as much coverage as possible. Many of the challenges faced by this first time filmmaker are much like what a student filmmaker and/or independent filmmaker encounter when producing their feature film projects.
Ayer’s other screenwriting credits include S.W.A.T., Dark Blue, The Fast and the Furious, and U-571. Look for our Ayer interview on Reelblack TV.
Harsh Times is currently opens in theaters everywhere on Friday November 10.

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Robert X. Golphin is a Philadelphia based filmaker, writer and actor. He recently published his first novel, ABANDONING ADAM, whic is available through his website, www.robertxgolphin.com.