Mon, Jan 21st, 10:45pm

Based on the popular comic series from Imperium Comics, six troubled teens and their optimistic youth ministries pastor are returning from a character building retreat when their van is crippled during a raging storm and they find themselves hopelessly stranded in the middle of a remote southern legend: the Trucker’s Triangle.

Timothy Dolan

Where were you and how did you react when you were told you'd been accepted to Slamdance?

I was actually in the middle of writing for my current project and I got a call from the Producer, Jonathan Bogner, telling me that Trailer Park of Terror had been accepted into Slamdance. I was totally pumped. Selected by one of the biggest film festivals in the country? Shut up. I stopped writing and started celebrating. Then that annoying little voice in the back of my head began to chide me, saying, "Why aren't you writing, Tim?", so I put down the glass and started writing again.

How were you able to find financing for the project?

If I was lost in the Mojave I would want Jonathan Bogner there with me. I mean, if he can find water the way he finds money to finance films, I'd set up camp. The guy is amazing.

Why trailer parks?

Mainly because the film is based on the comic book series of the same name. So thanks to the comic book's creators, Chris March and James Dracoules for having the trailer park inspiration. The story also utilizes a bit of the rich tradition of trailer parks that are situated along truckers' routes whose denizens advertise and provide various services for the long haulers. Also, this is a trailer park that's long ago gone to seed and, like any building or location that's been deconstructed by nature and other forces it has become inherently creepy. Not to mention this particular trailer park's history of evil. The name sort of gives it away: Tophet Meadows.

What debt does the film owe to the tradition of schlocky horror cinema? What film or filmmakers provided some influence?

I think to the extent that all horror cinema has established certain indelible and iconic images and expectations in the public and popular psyche, TPOT owes a tremendous debt. I suppose it's a carrying the torch sort of thing. Also, the pastor's name is Gordon Lewis. That ought to tell you something.

What are the most difficult aspects of making a high concept, effects laden movie with little money?

The script started out on more of a grand scale (don't they all?). But, as the realities of budget came into play, the challenge writing-wise became creating scenes and situations that were scary, compelling, and exciting that could be realistically filmed within the financial boundaries imposed. It also was very important throughout all of the script iterations to stay true to the characters: Norma, Marv, Roach, Larlene, Stank, and the whole ghostly crew. In retrospect, I think it all worked toward making Trailer Park of Terror a better movie.


Any other projects in the pipeline?

Hell Phone. And a whole bunch of other stories from here to Timbuktu I want to write. Not enough hours in the day right now.


Steven Goldmann


Where were you and how did you react when you were told you'd been accepted to Slamdance?

I was at home - I think I was watching Countdown with Keith Olbermann! I think I had forgotten that the producer had submitted us - so I was both surprised and shocked. I kept telling him how perfect a festival is was for us - that our film fit - we are an in your face movie and Slamdance is THE in your face fest!!

How were you able to find financing for the project?

Mr. Bogner has the knack jack. He goes out a works it. I've never seen anyone work as hard - maybe the word is tenacious, but he just does not quit and does not take no for an answer. This film is totally put together with indie money.

Why trailer parks?

Well Jonathan and his friend David Tischman discovered the comic books at Comic Con and Bogner gave me and Tim Dolan about 13 or so of the comic books and we came back with our ideas for a movie. So we couldn't get away from trailer parks.


What debt does the film owe to the tradition of schlocky horror cinema? What film or filmmakers provided some influence?

Well I would like to believe that horror fans will feel that I have warn my influences very clearly on my sleeve. I call out Hershel Gordon Lewis in the first thirty seconds of the film so true fans will be set for the throwback journey I wanted to go on. Some of the more obvious ones are Stuart Gordon, Peter Jackson and Sam Raimi as well. Yes there is a real bit of 70s grindhouse here - but a deeper look I hope would find that this a bit of hybrid - the rawness and violence of many current films, and the redneck Southern horror splatter film mixed with the rules of good old fashion Universal Pictures Horror film of the 30s, 40s and 50s. What I mean by that is that this film is an origins story and monster movie where the stars are the monsters and they are what draw you in, and if I did my job well enough you might even care for them and want see them again..and again.

What are the most difficult aspects of making a high concept, effects laden movie with little money?

Time. never enough of it. So you are always flying by the seat of your pants, writing and rewriting on set and praying you got it in the can. We had 18 days. I'm still not sure how we pulled it off.

What were your biggest challenges when constructing the film in post-production?

Funny - post was pretty smooth. The picture fell together nicely - but I wish there was stuff I could re-shoot, stuff I wish we had shot... the filmmakers lament. But all in all it was mostly an underlying anxiety that maybe I'd made a film that was a little too hard to pigeon hole with in the constructs of the modern Horror film genres. It seems to be it's own thing to me.

Any other projects in the pipeline?

Yes, a couple. I am returning to the hills of Appalachia to shoot a gritty crime drama in the vain of Boston based films like Mystic River and Gone Baby Gone called THE MOUNTAIN. The film takes place in the brutal and bloody world of organized crime in the coal mining towns of Kentucky where drugs and guns are the number one export and grass is the number one cash crop. After that I hope it's THE HUMAN FLY - a true story about a forgotten, yet larger then life stuntman/con man who back in 76 and 77 stood on the back of DC9 while it flew some 300 miles and hour. His moments in the sun were fast and furious - Marvel put out 20 comic books about his adventure with the tagline: The Wildest Super Hero Ever Because He's REAL! The script has the kind of adventurous period tone of a BOOGIE NIGHTS and an ALMOST FAMOUS.

# posted by Brandon Harris @ 1/21/2008 08:23:00 PM

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