Winner of the American Gunslinger Contest --
Robert Cochrane!

The question I get asked most about my meeting with Stephen King is: "Is he really as dark as his books?" Oh yeah. Even darker. The old spookmaster made his entrance wearing a Boston Red Sox t-shirt (with a Kingdom Hospital pin attached) and blue jeans. He proceeded to make direct eye contact and shake everyone's hand before finishing by (I love this part) introducing himself.

Watching the short film I made from "The Gunslinger" with him but an arms length away (close enough for me to tap his shoulder with each cut and ask: "What'd you think of that?" -- fortunately I didn't) was nerve-wracking to say the least. His warm approval and appreciation of it made my heart soar. I was told he said, "We've got a real filmmaker here."

As a longtime and proud CR (first blood: Pet Semetary, age 12), I know that Stephen has affected (and perhaps infected) my life and, therefore, my art. I have more recently felt that we are connected in some cosmic fashion (which, I suppose we all are at some level). However, I believe my connection with Stephen is on the all too rare and beautiful plane of art (supported by life, rather than vice versa, say thankya).

I strongly believe he and I have further collaboration to share beyond the two short films I have done from his work ("Luckey Quarter", from "Everything's Eventual" being the other). What will those be? If Ka wills it, they shall make their appearance known to us all soon enough, say thankya.

-- Robert Cochrane