Et is a movie that still has a special place in the hearts of many of it's fans. When it was released, back in the 80's, it caused a mass hype, that for once was backed up by a movie with some real substance. Many people went to see the movie more than once, and even nowadays there are still many people out there who spend a lot of their time watching the movie and collecting it's huge collection of merchandise. There is probably nobody in this world with a bigger collection than New Yorker Nick Gjoka though. Nick also owns website www.iloveet.com, and he's the driving force behind the ET NYC Halloween parade, which consists of many ET fans riding around New York on their bikes, dressed like Elliott and with an ET in a basket in front of them. The perfect guy then for an interview!
Q: When was the first time you saw ET? How many times have you seen it since then?
A: I don’t actually remember the first time I saw the movie. My mom said she took me when I was a little kid
which if it was in 1982 then I would have been 4 or if it was during the re-release then 1985 meaning I would
have been 6. I've lost count as to how many times I've seen it since!
Q: What is it about the movie that makes it so special to you?
A: Besides being a great movie, It reminds me of my grandfather mostly. He was my only grandfather that I met. I can remember opening up the talking E.T. doll at his house when I was a kid.
Q: Why did you start making a website about the movie?
A: Well, it’s a great movie, why not have a million websites for it! I guess it was also to share my collection with other fans, to meet other collectors/fans.
Q: Even after all those years ET, is still a movie that people love and keep watching over and over again. What do you think is the appeal of the movie?
A: It's just a classic movie. It’s hard to find a film nowadays that doesn’t have blood, sex, killing, etc. It's quit sickening actually as to what is accepted as good film and TV nowadays.
Q: Have you ever seen a movie after ET that gave you the same sense of wonder? Do you even think Hollywood would still be capable of making a movie like that?
A: This depends, probably not. There is something about this movie that still amazes me. Even when I know exactly how they shot that one scene or that this one part is completely fake, it still amazes me. I love it!
Q: Throughout the years, there has been a lot of speculation about a sequel to ET. What would you think if there would have been a sequel? Or is this the type of movie that needs to be left alone?
A: It should just be left alone. There was a sort of sequel book written back then, it seemed more focused towards kids. It was a cute book, all the art was done by Drew Struzan, he is an amazing artist. The story is about how E.T. goes back to his home planet (the Green Planet) a lot of the ride at Universal Studios seems to be based on it.
Q: How did you come up with the idea of ET NYC Halloween parade?
A: Well some friends and I thought of it. I actually just wanted to dress as Elliot and ride around with ET in a basket and before we knew it we had a couple other people with us, doing the same thing, and we are riding up 6 Ave in NYC on Halloween!
Q: How has this parade evolved over the times that you have done it?
A: Well our ET’s in the baskets have gotten much better. Not just colored copies taped onto pillows like the first time. We hand out packs of Reese’s pieces also. A lot of people will remember us from previous years and me from being on VH1.
Q: What are the reactions to the parade from the people that see it?
A: Amazing! It always makes people smile and we can never make it a block without having someone wanting a picture with us. People are always screaming ET! ET! Phone home! Or ET go home. Haha!
Q: I understand that you are a very active collector of ET memorabilia. Can you give an indication of how big your collection is?
A: Haha no. I have yet to find any other ET collector with the size collection as mine. If you collect, please drop me a line. I’ve lost count how many pieces I have and its scary because there is still a lot of stuff I don’t have.
Q: How do you find the new items to add to your collection? Is this mostly through eBay, or do you also go to garage sales and things like that in the hope of finding that one elusive item?
A: It started out at garage sales, flea markets, etc. Then when eBay came around I started to check there all the time. Also friends and family always keep an eye out for me, always trying to find something I don’t have. But being a collector in general (thanks mom and dad) I still have to stop at flea markets and garage sales.
Q: Have you ever played Atari's ET-game? Do you have any idea if the rumors are true that Atari buried millions of copies of the game somewhere in a desert?
A: I’ve played this game only once. I hate to say it but it was dreadful and I think that rumor about the games being buried in the dessert should be true! I actually think I remember recently reading a article about it being true.
Q: You are also active in the film industry yourself. What type of movies do you work on, and what is your job on those movies?
A: I work in the entertainment industry, including TV, film, music, theater etc. I work in the art departments usually. Props, set dressing, costume design. When working with bands, I do tour management and sometimes merchandise.
Q: In closing, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
A: About myself... I'm not good at these parts. I'm 28, I live in NYC, I would rather ride my bike then drive a car. I'm a vegetarian and live a straight edge lifestyle. I like to travel and see the world. I own a huge E.T. collection. Thank you!
You can find Nick's website at www.iloveet.com
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