We asked Danny Wallace, author of Yes Man, Join Me!
and Friends Like These, for an interview.
Guess what he said?
Are you still in the pinch yourself phase?
Its a bit crazy.
And all thanks to the word Yes.
Its quite a humbling experience.
Do you really think this is a once in a lifetime thing?
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In all likelihood, yeah.
I think that rather than get carried away with it and think Yes!
This is what life will be like from now on!
Are you really doing the bungee jump that Jim Carrey challenged you to?
Does the idea of it not make you want to write a quick sequel No Way?!
Did you have reservations as to whether itd work?
And thats what theyve done.
Of course, there are very many differences that have come up in development.
But what I like is that they tend to be quite superficial differences.
Anyway, its not like Ive writtenAtonement, is it?
The approach came through producer David Heyman.
Was it as out-of-the-blue a conversation as it sounds?
Did he add theHarry Potterparty, given that he produced thePottermovies?!
And it probably helped that they had access to extensive clips…
When it comes to the initial conversations, it wasnt quite as out-of-the-blue.
David got a copy of the manuscript before publication, and we knew hed liked my earlier stuff too.
They completely share my worldview and they are thoroughly decent, fair and talented people.
As soon as they showed their interest I knew it was them I wanted to look afterYes Man.
When was the call, and how quickly did things progress from there?
And immediately, things got going.
There was a slight false start, but the scripts started coming through pretty quickly.
When did Jim Carrey get on board, and how did your meeting go with him from there?
I think Jim first got involved in very early 2007.
That was quite a thrill.
Have to ask: youre listed as Associate Producer on the film.
In this context, what does an Associate Producer do?
I think the title has been invented to make authors feel more important.
Did you get to keep the chair?
So it had to be done.
I was wandering about, messing about with people, and then the bar scene kicked off.
I got tips from Jim, and spent a moment developing the character of Man At Bar with Peyton.
I was Steve, a failed chiropractor, possibly gay.
I think that comes across.
Was it good to go back to the book and add on a new chapter?
It was, actually.
And great to be able to say that this chapter is only there because I said Yes.
That would be a bold claim.
But life will get more exciting…
How are the film options of your other books going?
Would you be tempted to write a specific film project?
Perhaps even get another chair.
And yes, Id like to write a decent screenplay.
Its a high-concept comedy.
So well see what happens.
Whats your next book about?
The No Man: Six Months, One Room, Same Pants.
Danny Wallace, thank you very much.
Yes Man hits UK cinemas on 26th December 2008, and our review ishere.
The film-tie in version ofYes Manby Danny Wallace is published by Ebury Press, 7.99
