The short and sweet comedy, “KING WAH (I THINK I LOVE YOU),” by director Horatio Baltz, tracks a disgruntled food delivery man through a couple odd encounters with customers. We asked Baltz how the project started, what the biggest challenge was, and a recent film he’s loved…

1) Can you talk briefly about your background, and how you first got interested in filmmaking?

I went to school for design and when I left I started working in design. I hated it. I developed an interest in photography which turned into making little docs which led to more docs and some narrative films. I work as an editor now and it’s fine.

2) What’s the backstory here - what was the initial idea and how did it evolve from there?

I think the idea started from thinking about the messages in the fortune cookies and I built the world out from there.

3) What was the biggest challenge in making this film? And generally what part of the creative process do you enjoy the best, and the least?

I wanted to shoot in a Chinese takeout spot and had no idea how that was going to happen especially since I had no budget. I spent a few days going into every spot I could find around Ridgewood/Bushwick. Every damn one was a hard “No” except for King Wah.

I think it’s all fun and every aspect of filmmaking has its ups and downs. I like shooting but hate schlepping and keeping track of equipment. I like editing but can find it nearly impossible to start on new projects. I dunno I like it all but I also hate it all.

4) What’s a film you’ve seen recently, new or old, that you really loved and why?

Not films but I’m really excited and have been really inspired by Annie Baker’s plays. Her big one is The Flick which is very great but I also really loved John, The Aliens, and The Antipodes. Ethan Coen’s collection of shorts “Gates of Eden” was also really fantastic and had me howling. I rewatched Network after reading the screenplay by Paddy Chayefsky. I love the film but reading the screenplay was an experience unto itself. Simply masterful.

5) What’s next for you?

I just finished a narrative short called Greetings From Margaritaville and I’m waiting to see if it’ll have a festival run. I’m starting a doc short about actors and just shot my first scene 2 days ago

Contact Info:

Website: http://www.baltzphotographic.com

Instagram: @horatiobaltz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/horatiobaltz