Interview with Marko Mäkilaakso director of Stone's War

By Geoff Bough

We've been following the production of Stone's War and have always been impressed with the trickle of news we hear from the production. Featuring one of the most intriguing storylines of any zombie film, Stone's War is one to keep an eye on. We got to speak to director Marko Mäkilaakso while he is busy finishing post-production in LA. Check it out...

Rev: Stone's War has a very different and interesting storyline, can you tell us a little more about the story and how the idea for the film came about?

Marko: The story for Stone´s War came to me around 2 years ago. A friend of mine in LA, asked me to come up with a horror movie concept, and so I started developing several ideas and one day in a subway the idea of the film just came to me.

In the story we follow group of people whom are enemies bacause of the war, and they have to fight and survive together to beat an even more dangerous enemy. That idea excited me, to put Finns, Americans and russian soldiers to fight the ultimate battle against the unknown enemy. Not many people are aware of the historical events what took place in Karelia during the winter war and continuation war between Finland and Russia. I feld that is was an interesting backdrop for the film.

Rev: I've heard that you wrote the script in only four days, can you tell us about that? Was the story just itching to get out of your head?

Marko: I started writing the script without an outline and 4 days later I had the first draft ready. The story just came together as I was writing it. I’ve always been interested on World War 2 period, so it felt right to me to add horror elements into it and create something new and fresh.

Rev: What prompted you to want to write and direct a zombie film? Was there something in particular that influenced you to want to make a zombie film?

Marko: Yes, I remember seeing Zach Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead remake and I thought it was really damn good. He managed to do a zombie movie with a fresh touch. That inspired me a lot. So, thank you Zach!

Rev: Can you tell us about the casting process? Did you have a big impact on who was cast for the film? What influenced the casting of the lead actors?

Marko: I did have a big impact on the casting process, but of course our sales agent and producers had lot to do with that as well. Mikko Leppilampi, Jouko Ahola, Andreas Wilson and Antti Reini were the only ones I wanted for their roles and I was lucky to have them all.

Samuel Vauramo was a new add to play the part of Kolya, and I chose him after seeing a poster of his earlier movie. I knew he can act and he looked perfect for the part.

Andrew Tiernan came on board in the nick of time. My casting director recommended him to me and I said yes, I would love to meet him. Andrew flew to Lithuania and when I saw him, it took me half a minute to say to him that "you got the part". I liked him from the first moment I saw him, he is good actor and a wonderful person. Mark Wingett came after Andy was signed. It was great to work with him. I was really lucky with my cast; they are all wonderful people and professionals.

Rev: I've heard Andrew Tiernan is one of the most sincere actors in the industry to work with, can you tell us what it was like working with Andrew?

Marko: Working with Andy was great. He and I got along from the first moment perfectly. I loved his approach on his character and even though he didn’t have any time to prep, it felt like he was with us from day one. I can’t wait to work with him again!

Rev: James Van Der Beek's name has been thrown around for the role of Captain Martin Stone as well, can you clarify about that?

Marko: James was originally cast to play Stone, but due to schedule problems we had to let him go. James is a great guy! And I know he would have been a great Stone, totally different than Andrew Tiernan. But when we had to let him go I changed my style on the character of Stone, it fits perfectly now to Andy.

Rev: The film was shot in Lithuania, how have the locations been for you? Was there any particular location that was troublesome?

Marko: We had lot of locations, interiors and exteriors and the schedule was crazy! But we managed to do everything needed on every location. I loved our sets! Everything you see in the film was build, and it gives the film a very cool style.

Rev: I've seen the behind the scenes video and was highly impressed with the effects work on the film, can you tell us about the special effects team and make-up artists working on the film?

Marko: We actually had a very small special effects crew considering the scope of effects in the film. They had such a difficult job everyday to do all the effects needed, but they did it and it looks great! ´The make-up crew worked their asses off also to do the entire make up needed. I didn’t want to do too complicated special make up effects, I wanted a more real look to the zombies than what we’re used to seeing in Romero films etc.

Rev: The film was originally an all Finnish production but then received some alternate funding; did that allow you to take any bigger steps with the production? How has the partnership with LFS, Mediaone and The Little Film Company been for you and your film?

Marko: The film is a Lithuanian-Italian-USA co-production now. And I could never do what I was able to do if this film would have been a Finnish production. So I was very lucky that the first attempt to make this film didn’t go thru with the Finnish production company. LFS studios are great! Ramunas Skikas the CEO, and producer of the film is a very good friend of mine and I just need to thank him and other producers Robbie Little, Barr Potter and Alessandro Fracassi to take a change on the first time film director like me and supporting me on every step of the way. I most likely never will have the freedom on making a movie again which I had making on this film. It was just damn great!

Rev: Do you feel you made the film you initially set out to make with Stone's War?

Marko: Yes, it is very close to what I had in mind. Of course you never get 100%, but this is close enough.

Rev: You've done a lot of very notable work in film and music videos, which of your works do you take the most pride in?

Marko: Hmmm, hard to say, this movie of course is very dear to me. I guess that is the most I take pride in.

Rev: Is there anyone in particular that you draw inspiration from as a film maker?

Marko: Yes, Lots of people. Stan Lee, Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson, Tim Burton, Sergio Leone, Robert Zemeckis, Chaplin etc...

Rev: You have some very ambitious projects already in the works after Stone's War, can you tell us a little more about Wasteland?

Marko: Wasteland is a very ambitious film and the production is moving a long very nice. It’s going to be very unique film and I must say my favorite project at the moment. I can’t wait to start shooting the film!

Rev: You're also in development on a project with Stan Lee; can you tell us anything about that?

Marko: I am re-writing his script at the moment. I really love working with Stan! He is just an amazing guy. I am so lucky to make a movie with him! We’ve planned to shoot the film in 2009.

Rev: Is there a theatrical release date planned yet for Stone's War?

Marko: The Scandinavian theatrical premiere is on August 15th and before that in Lithuania on June 20th. I am sure there are other release dates in other countries, but I haven’t heard about those yet.

Rev: What's next for you and Stone's War? Will you be screening the film at festivals later this year?

Marko: We are finishing the movie at Paramount Pictures at the moment and then the first screening will be held in Cannes Film Festival 2008. I hope everything goes well...

Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us about your film Marko, we wish you and the production the best wishes with the rest of production.

Stone's War Behind the scenes

For More info. about Stone's War, go to:

Stone's War on Myspace - The Little Film Company