In what feels like ages since Love Story had its triumphant world premiere at Auckland’s Civic Theatre, Florian Habicht’s heartwarming blend of fact and fiction set in the Big Apple has finally made it to DVD. Busy working on a film about English band Pulp, Habicht took the time to look back on Love Story, answering a few questions about the film, his dad and how he came to be making a feature for Sheffield’s finest.
FLORIAN HABICHT: Feeling really good thanks. I’ve just got back to London from filming in Sheffield. Was a very rich and spontaneous week. Lots of magic. Have become close to Sheffield. Sleep levels are low.
Love Story is coming out on DVD soon. Does it feel like ages since you were in New York shooting it?
Yeah it does, especially that we are in the middle of a new film. I’m collaborating again with Maria Ines Manchego (DOP Love Story) and Peter O’Donoghue (Love Story editor / co-writer) and a new team member, UK producer Alex Boden. It does feel like a while since making Love Story, but NYC feels a lot closer now.
What are some memories that stand out from that time for you?
Psychics, walking around the streets every day with a video camera in my bag, the crazy NYC heat wave, love – fireworks – love – fireworks, finding the winter hard, beautiful friends, the Love Story breakfast scene, spending the night in a Brooklyn hospital after getting bed bug poison in my eye, Harlem, Tompkins Square Park, a homeless man wanting to kiss me at the traffic lights…
Not this guy
The premiere of Love Story at the Civic was a really cool way to open that year’s Film Festival. Can you remember much of the night? It must have been quite overwhelming.
One of my first cinematic experiences was seeing The NeverEnding Story at the mighty Civic when I was a child. I loved it. Having Love Story screen in the same cinema was special. I felt lots of love from everyone that night, and I guess that’s one of the many reasons why I make films.
What are your thoughts on the film now that so much time has passed since you made it?
I still like it.
Are you still in touch with Masha? What’s she up to?
Last time we spoke she was studying hard, living in the country side and auditioning for a Bruce Willis film. That was last year.
Is your Dad still giving you advice?
Yes!
Has he been helpful for this Pulp film you’re working on?
He worked with many celebrities and musicians in London during the Sixties (photographer for Top of the Pops) and gave me some classic advice that I wish I’d filmed for this project.
What is this Pulp movie anyway, and how did you end up making a film about one of my favourite bands?
Pulp are one of my favourites too. Love Story screened at the London Film Festival at the end of last year. That’s when Jarvis and eventually the rest of Pulp saw the film and invited me to make a film about Pulp, Sheffield and their concert at the Sheffield Arena on 8 December 2012. We had cups of tea in Soho and the ball for the film started rolling very quickly.
Have you gone out dancing with Jarvis Cocker?
No, but I’ve watched him change a car tyre.
When do we get to see the finished film?
Next year i think. Kia ora!
