Ellefson Film’s Dave Ellefson – A Fitz of Horror Q & A

From Left to Right: David Ellefson, Drew Fortier and Fitz of Horror’s Gothic Bob.

Fitz of Horror’s Gothic Bob was able to steal a few minutes of David Ellefson’s time as he takes a brief moment after making rounds in Latin America for his ‘Basstory’. Some of you may know Dave from the super metal group Megadeth, which most would imagine would be an insanely busy venture in and of itself, but Dave has his hands in so many things it’s as if he doesn’t acknowledge the existence of that word. When he’s not touring with Megadeth, he’s touring for ‘Basstory’ or he’s touring with Thom Hazaert under the “More Live with Deth” moniker. That is all in-addition-to keeping an eye on his craft coffee business, writing books and, oh yeah…starting an indie horror production company!

Gothic Bob: Hi Dave, thanks for taking time out of your schedule. Of course you have your music & writing career, you’re in the craft coffee business, along with other personal and entrepreneurial ventures…and now filmmaking. How challenging is it to manage a portfolio like that?

David Ellefson: For me, they are all just part of the same exciting creative journey. As a teenager I would wake up each day and work toward practicing, creating and improving my musical skills. Today, as an adult, I do the exact same thing, just with more opportunity in front of me. It’s all about momentum, and nothing feeds momentum like momentum.

GB: Your legacy in metal speaks for itself. What about the film industry appeals to you, artistically?

DE: The film production company opens doors into the areas of the business. Music has always been a terrific piece of the motion picture industry so it’s an easy segue between the two. The only difference now is the ability to think and express visually, in addition to sonically.

GB: How did Dwellers become the ideal first step into the Indie Horror market?

DE: The creator, Drew Fortier, has been part of my companies now for several years. He’s been a successful songwriter, touring musician and recording artist. So, when he approached me about the film, I was all-ears. To me, all of our businesses, and life itself really, are about partnership and collaboration and Drew’s creative ideas are an arm of our creative force. He fills a very necessary role in the architecture of the EMP-ire.

GB: I understand you and Thom Hazaert make an appearance in the film, can you give us a hint at what your roles are on and off screen?

DE: Yes, we make cameo appearances and it was fortuitous timing that we would film them on the last day of our USA “Sleeping Giants” tour! When you see the film, our appearance and timing are very intertwined to the story line.

GB: Is it your first acting role?

DE: I’ve had other small bit parts, mostly in music videos, but also some other bit parts friends have asked me to participate in. I’m comfortable in it because onstage I go into a sort of “role” that is different than my offstage persona. The creative arena is meant to do that, to help you exhibit another dimension for the listener/viewer.

GB: We’ve seen the trailer, it’s thrilling! Is there an estimated release date?

DE: The final bits are being edited now and will be ready for more film festivals and distribution in early 2020.

GB: Last question is simply indulgent: what is Dave Ellefson’s favorite movie?

DE: I can’t say I have a “favorite”, but a few of my faves are ‘Pulp Fiction’, ‘The Good, The Bad & The Ugly’ and ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’.

Well, there you have it. Many thanks to David and Drew for always taking time out of their busy schedule for Fitz of Horror! Follow Ellefson Films, and their first film Dwellers for continued news…and, of course, us!