Erie International Film Festival - No Solicitors
On a quiet suburban street there’s a house like any other where the Cuttermans are model citizens within their community. Lewis Cutterman (Eric Roberts), a highly respected brain surgeon, is happily married with two beautiful children who run the family business.
A visit to their home by a hopeful solicitor turns into an invitation to dinner; except dinner takes a macabre turn. The solicitor soon discovers that the family business is to farm out internal organs to needy patients.
But, it gets worse.
Interview with Writer/Director John Callas
Watch No Solicitors on Tubi, Vudu and Prime Video
Why did you make your film?
I was having lunch with a friend from Warner Bros. and he asked why I seemed upset. I explained that over my door bell is a sign “No Soliciting” (In the States Soliciting is a term for someone who is selling something and doesn’t mean an attorney) but they keep on ringing my door bell. He sits back and then says – why not write a story and kill them. I liked that idea and took it from there.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
There is a real story about real people who happen to have a very dark side. It has all the elements any horror audience would want plus some laughs, and message abut consumerism
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
For one thing – The family, Norman Rockwell types, break the mole of horror expectations. It addresses privacy (personal and universal theme) and the waste of our resources. Bottom line? Don’t judge a book by its cover.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
That is a loaded question – There are 3 films that are made in any process – The first is the draft of the script (even if it is a locked version). Filming takes the story in directions that are unpredictable (2nd story), then there is the editing where other issues and challenges come out (3rd story). My cast and especially my script supervisor realized early in filming that I was open for changes and suggestions as long as they were in line with the theme and high concept of the film.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Excellent – Won best Director at one festival and Best Feature at another – I remember sitting in a screening at a festival and this guy turns to me and asks – “You wrote this right?” (he has a huge smile on his face) – I said “Um, yes.” He shook my hand and said “You’re a sick mother but I love this film.” What do you say to that? The film will be released on Jan 2, 2018 and will be available at Wal-Mart – Barnes & Noble, Target and Amazon (Amazon is taking pre-orders at a discount).
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
No – It has assured me that what I intended found its way onto the screen. I am thankful for all the feedback from cast/crew/friends/ etc in making the script the best it could be before shooting. My script super gave me a suggestion that propelled me into an extensive rewrite so that certain elements were given away too soon.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
Spreading the word of this growing cult classic. I think horror fans are the most loyal and honest viewers out there – If they like it, then it is a hit. But you have to be honest with them because they have seen it all.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Journalist/Publicist/Social media guru.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
To set a new standard whereby there are 5 girls in the woods half naked being chased by a guy with a weapon. Been done to death. I intended to give the horror audience a “story” that makes sense and the short amount of nudity is not gratuitous but part of the film story. Another words there is a reason for the nudity not just to show a naked body.
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
“Do you think that ringing a bell on someone’s home that has a do not disturb or No Soliciting” sign should have consequences?”
Would you like to add anything else?
This dark comedy is for you, the horror audience. I want the experience to be everything you could hope for and not predictable. Shock, horror, fear, and laughter should be part of the experience watching the film.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
Currently I am involved in 2 film project and 3 novels – The film projects are” “Lightning Strikes Twice” (naval picture I adapted from a New York Times bestselling author) and “Christmas voices” (inspired from a Christmas Dickens style Christmas Village my wife creates every other year – It has a page on Facebook so you can see all the pictures of the village). The novels are: “No Solicitors” based on the film – “Christmas Voices” (A cross between “It’s A wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol,” and “When The Rain Stops.” (Journey I took at the age of 12 due to childhood traumas – Dad died 10 days after my 3rd birthday...then the trouble started.)
Interview: December 2017
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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
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“No Solicitors”
On a quiet suburban street there’s a house like any other where the Cuttermans are model citizens within their community. Lewis Cutterman (Eric Roberts), a highly respected brain surgeon, is happily married with two beautiful children who run the family business.
A visit to their home by a hopeful solicitor turns into an invitation to dinner; except dinner takes a macabre turn. The solicitor soon discovers that the family business is to farm out internal organs to needy patients.
But, it gets worse.
Length: 1 hour 38 minutes
Director: John Callas
Producer: John Callas & Felissa Rose
Writer: John Callas
Key cast: Eric Roberts – Beverly Randolph – Kim Poirier – Felissa Rose
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nosolicitorsthemovie/?ref=bookmarks
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month? – Purchase on Amazon – Wal-Mart – Barnes & Nobel – Target (and there will be more soon).