How did Tapporalli 2020 get started?
-In spring 2002 we realized that Tuskavisio is economically in very bad shape. That gave me an idea to create feature length film which would help us to balance our economics. At the time I saw "The Running Man" and that gave me an idea for the story of Tapporalli 2020.

Sources of inspiration?
-The Running Man, Mad Max -movies. The comedy side took its inspiration from Naked Gun type of movies and car movies from 70’s.

Actors?
-At the beginning it was clear that Ville Pokki would do some roles for this movie. He has magnificent ability to take the role, we all remember Pokki as being Hullu-Heikki in the movie. Also it was pretty clear that Jari Nieminen would contribute also. His biggest role was trucker Teuvo Harha. Because the limitations of budget I was forced to act all the rest roles and even do all the female roles.

The most difficult roles?
-Veli-Pekka’s role absolutely. This character wasn’t only superficial but also very deep. The self exploration, psychology and young mind made it very challenging. Also I can think Hullu-Heikki’s character to be very challenging because of his very nonhuman mature. It’s a hard task to achieve, but Pokki managed to present that better than well.

Are there similarities between your own life and Veli-Pekka’s?
-Always when actor steps into his role, there is possibility of such mixture. But I would not like express my point of view about how realistic this movie represents e.g. my family or Veli-Pekka’s philosophies.

What do you want to say with this movie?
-There’s nothing I want to say. There will always be people who try to seek for some symbolic, hidden message. Really, in this movie there’s no message, it’s all about entertainment in form of action. But I won’t deny that there could be people who can find messages from about virtually anything, also from this movie. Nevertheless this is all about entertainment and that’s what it’s made for because I know it sells.

Sequel?
-Actually I was asked as early as before the premier about if im planning sequel for this movie. At this point I wouldn’t see that very realistic, although not impossible either. Maybe someday. Maybe.

Next project?
-Its more likely to be another movie. After comedy show "Saariset" I know I don’t want to do that kind of daily TV-show anymore. It’s very hard work and too repetitive. In the movie there is always a new story, new sets, characters, actors, ideas, events, etc. The next movie could be something about space or robots. Also some kind of car racing movie has being in my thoughts after Renny Harlin’s Driven which were total flop. Now I would have chance to do that kind of movie in a proper way.

Johannes Rojola 2002


Complete interview available on Tapporalli 2020 DVD.


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