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Interviews

Here you find feature Interviews of both the accomplished and rising film industry community. Writers, Directors, Actors, Producers...and more. Interviewed by our IIE staff and also contributing writers. If you have an article or submission

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APRIL 06 Interview:

SOLOMON MORTAMUR'S, "IT CAME FROM TRAFALGAR"
by Jacob Sanders

When it comes to independent film making, there are some set things that you must know before wondering down that rugged path, that might disrupt your creativity. First, you must accept the fact that you may, and often do, fail. Your film may not turn out the way you expected. You may have to scrap the entire thing months into production. You probably will have to pay for equipment, cast and crew out of your own pocket, along with a million other details that you wouldn't even imagine to happen until you are smacked in the face with them. These are just some of the hardships bestowed upon one when completely composing your own film.

It's not all gloomy though. As the fact of Solomon Mortamur's It Came From Trafalgar. No, not Trafalgar Square. Trafalgar, Indiana, a small farming community outside of Indianapolis. Mr. Mortamur set out to do something that would capture the essence of true film making, while not holding back anything that his utterly original mind could conjure up.

It is not often that a film that is not even complete, or released yet, for that matter, to have already reached cult status, (Actually, this is the first I've heard of it) but this is what has happened. And quickly, too. With a cast ranging from actors who portrayed Eddie Munster to Leatherface, this feature has spilt over with talent and ambition. Solomon, right now extremely busy with editing and completing this film, was gracious enough to give me a little foreknowledge of this classic to come. Here is what he had to say.

JS: What was the inspiration for It Came From Trafalgar?

SM: I was tired of watching Hollywood movies. All they know how to do anymore is spend money and remake something that was already fine.To start with. Hollywood is kinda like pop country music. Boring and lacking Originality. What is so interesting & Horrorific about somebody with a lot of money and a refrigerator full of food making a film?

JS: What did you want to do different with this film that pulls away from the norm?

SM: Make it worth watching time and time again.

JS: How long have you been working on this project?

SM: Almost 5 years. As with all films, money is the problem. I hate it when all I hear is film geeks complaining about, needing funding for their film. Who cares, go get a job. Work and raise the money yourself, I do side jobs and everything you can imagine. Pay your own way is the only way. No boss. No rules. No regulations. No babies.

JS: What struggles did you find while conducting this entire film that you weren't prepared for?

SM: Everything was a struggle.

JS: Tell me about the originality of the cast and how you when about getting them?

SM: I have an all star, all legend, cult classic cast!! I wanted my favorite music and Horror people. I contacted Hank Williams III, Rudy Ray Moore, J.P. Richardson, Conrad Brooks , Brinke Stevens, Linnea Quigley. Linnea is a sweet heart. She introduced me to Gunnar Hansen, Edwin Neal, Bill Hinzman, and Kenny Miller and Jim O'Rear, who introduced me to Butch Patrick. I am working on a couple more as we speak.

How did I get them? Well I work horrid jobs and raise the money myself. As the film keeps growing and drawing fans… More people are joining in the madness.

JS: What qualities do you feel each cast and crew member had to offer that would really set this film apart from others?

SM: Each cast member is a legend in their own right. They are all brilliant, explosive, and outrageous. They make this film, outta this world. They are all truly inspirational to me. For all these people to come together and do this film, for a guy who grew up as a pig farmer to get to work with these wonderful people has been hard work and a blast all at the same time. My crew is another thing. There really isn't a crew. I have a few friends that help when I spend money, but other than my wonderful wife and a couple a guys… Cam , Brutis and Earle. Without them I would be really behind.

JS: What have you learned from making this film that will help you on your next venture?

SM: No more 5-year projects!!

JS: It has been rumored that you are still holding auditions for added scenes. Are there any surprises you have up your sleeve?

SM: There has been no press for a year because I have kept everything I'm doing, a secret. And yes, something major is taking place as we speak.

JS: How many total cast members are there? Extras included.

SM: Over 500 and counting…

JS: I know that you are now in the editing stage. When do you plan on releasing it?

SM: Hopefully, June/July 2006.

JS: Where can/will it be seen?

SM: As of right now, about 25 theatres in the US and there are several places all over the world requesting to View the film. It will be going on tour, who knows what will happen. The film is outta control and it has been very hard trying to control the insanity living in a mobile home and living off hot dog buns…

JS:What are your future plans?

SM: I just got contacted to do a series of short horror films for an upcoming dvd release..
You will be able to get it on my website: www.itcamefromtrafalgar.com

Trafalgar has a compilation soundtrack cd coming out very soon with over 30 of the best independent underground bands. The soundtrack will be available from all of the included bands websites. Check it out. My main plans are focused on finishing my epic film, It Came From Trafalgar. And try to have a little fun here and there.

Closing: Filmed in five states, including the woods behind Hank Williams III's home in Florida, this picture is sure to enlighten and frighten people alike. Solomon seemed to be a little candid and vague on a lot of things. Not because he is hiding anything, but I believe he really wants to surprise people. And that he will do. I am sure of it, because once this masterpiece is unleashed, these people won't know what hit them. I mean, hell, with aliens raping people with farm equipment, how can you go wrong?.. Yeah, that got your attention.

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