Film Name: Tales from the Great War
Director: Andrew Elias
Writer: Andrew Elias
Starring: Annabella Rich, Martin W. Payne, Tessa Wood, Peter Tilley, Terence Mountain
The Western Front, 1916. During a night-time raid on a deserted German trench, the fates of four British soldiers collide.
In a new interview leading up to the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival, I got a chance to ask writer-director, Andrew Elias, a few questions about what we can expect from the film Tales from the Great War.
Tales from the Great War will be showing at Horror-on-Sea at 8 pm on Saturday 21st January
Q. Your film Tales from the Great War has been selected to play at the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival. Can you tell us what we can expect from the film?
A. What you’ll get is a non-linear narrative, a lot of dubious historical interpretation, a little bit of comedy and a sprinkling of animation.
Q. What were some of your influences when writing the script for Tales from the Great War?
A. The main influences were first-hand stories, the WW1-based stories by Arthur Machen (such as The Angel of Mons), the 80s comic strip from Battle, Charleys War, and the works of Max Beerbohm.
Q. What were some of your influences for the look and style of the film?
A. We tried to draw from art from the period, especially the works of Walter Sickert, and also tried to do what Peter Jackson did in They Shall Not Grow Old in reverse in some parts.
Q. Did you make any changes from the original script during filming?
A. Too many to mention! The script was constantly evolving/changing during filming, but the main baulk of the original script is still there. The actors contributed their own input into certain scenes, which is great. Some of the actors didn’t know they had lines until they turned up on set.
Q. You also make an appearance in the film as Old Dice. Can you tell us a little bit about your role as old dice?
A. Old Dice is an old career soldier, who has been largely forgotten by his superiors. He just trundles along getting into whatever situation he’s thrown into in a quite matter-of-fact way.
Q. When writing the script did you write the character with you in mind to play the role?
A. I did. I thought I could capitalise on my facial features, and it was one less actor to have to deal with. Not that dealing with actors is bad, it just limits potential issues if I can play a role myself.
Q. What were some of your favourite moments during filming?
A. All the locations were great, so spending time at those was a dream. Having Terry Mountain come onboard was also great, and he kept as regaled with his stories of the industry in the 60s and 70s. Working with such a great bunch of supportive talented folk was lovely.
Q. Did you experience any issues during filming?
A. Overall it wasn’t too bad. Had some issues with casting, and had to cut a couple of scenes, but otherwise, it wasn’t too bad.
Q. What makes Tales from the Great War stand out as something different in the horror genre?
A. I mean, I think it’s probably more of a Thriller than an out and out Horror, and I hope it will stand out because of the nature of the narrative and how the narrative is told.
Q. What do you hope people take away after watching the film?
A. Don’t make deals with the Devil!
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. Our next project, The Vampire of Cripplegate, is in pre-production.
Q. If someone was looking to write and direct their own film what advice would you give them?
A. Just go for it with whatever you have at your disposal…don’t procrastinate, as the perfect conditions will never happen. Also, don’t expect anything of anyone, and then when people help you out or come through, it’s always a pleasant surprise.
Tales from the Great War will be shown at Horror-on-Sea at 8 pm on Saturday 21st January. You can purchase tickets and merchandise for the festival on the website here
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
