It looks like your had a descent budget for “In God We Trust” and “Gulp”… You even shot on Panavision cameras right? How’d you scrounge up all that dough?

I convinced panavision to basically give us the package for free. I raised the money for my short films using a variety of methods. On my first short film, I created a calendar company that distributed desk calendars to all the dorm rooms at USC. We sold ad space on them and the revenue went to the film. In God We Trust was funded by a jewelry company with my ex-girlfriend. H@ was funded by Fox Movie Channel. Gulp was funded by Ford. Consent was made on the tail of a commercial I directed.

What made you decide to adapt a book for your first feature?

I fell in love with this particular book because it was hilarious and never apologized for itself. After reading it for the first time, I couldn't think of anything that better exemplified what I wanted to say as a director.

What kind of challenges did you have in writing a feature
length screenplay?

In this case, it was tough to cut hilarious scenes that had no place in the finished movie. Whenever you do satire, tone is imperative. Anything that didn't fit was cut.

How was working with author Christopher Buckley?

Wonderful. I called him the day I got the job to ask for his blessing. What began was a wonderful friendship. I sent him a few drafts and he sent me back his notes.

You’ve had a lot of festival exposure with your short films…
Did that exposure help you with Thank You for Smoking?

Of course. Festivals like Sundance and Toronto gave me legitimacy as director and got my work seen.

Where there any big challenges in finding funding for the film?

Sure. No studio wanted to make TYFS. It took four years to find David Sacks, one of the creators of paypal, who funded the film with his company Room 9.

Was it difficult to get such a great cast together?

Surprisingly no. I still can't believe the cast we drew. I think people simply responded to Christopher's great dialogue.

Did anyone need any convincing to take a role?

I had a three-hour lunch with Sam Elliott in which we discussed the morality of his role.

What were your biggest problems in production?

Production was surprisingly smooth. We shot the whole thing in 35 days and never went over budget or over schedule.

What kinds of things did you learn with your first feature?

The importance of great actors who can completely embody the written character and bring them to life.

Was finding distribution difficult? Or were you fighting off hungry
distributors at Toronto?

There was a bidding war at Toronto. It was incredible. I'm just thankful that the film has the best distributor in the business. We couldn't be in better hands than Fox Searchlight.

Was signing your first big distribution deal a bit intimidating?

No. It was a relief.

Did you receive any tips from your father on your film?

Yes. He said trust your screenplay and keep it honest.

What are your influences as a filmmaker?

Kubrick. Payne. The two Andersons. Kevin Smith

Your first feature is out there in theaters … Has it even hit
you yet? What are your thoughts about it?

I'm living the dream. I went to the theaters and bought a ticket to my movie the other night. I'm over the moon.

What would you like people to take away from TYFS?

I'd like people to laugh - it's a comedy. If people take away a libertarian message as well, there's nothing wrong with that.

What’s next for Jason Reitman? Any new projects on the horizon?

Watch the blog - http://thankyouforsmoking.typepad.com . Lots of announcements coming up. New company. New movie.

What kind of advice would you give to new filmmakers?

Go to as many film festivals as possible and try to figure out what kind of short film would breakout within that market.