Mattress Men
The Fun Don’t Stop At The Mattress Shop!
You’ll probably remember ‘Mattress Mick’ from those wonderfully wacky YouTube videos (and the surprisingly catchy slogan that goes with them) but there’s a lot more that goes on behind the scenes, which didn’t make the cut.
In his captivating new documentary, Mattress Men, Colm Quinn depicts the real story of Paul Kelly and Michael Flynn, so we caught up with the two men responsible for bringing ‘Mattress Mick’ to life…
Paul, how did you first meet Michael and where did the idea to create the character ‘Mattress Mick’ come from?
I first met Mick over 20 years ago; he would stand outside his Pearse St. store with a big friendly smile. I remember thinking at the time that one day I’d like to be as happy with my own business. Then I ran into him again a few years back in The Yacht Bar in Clontarf. We got talking and I mentioned that I had recently set up a business in video production. Mick told me his own story and offered me some space, to set myself up. In return I offered to make bizarre videos that would help him fight back and save his business.
Have you always had aspirations to get into film-making?
Yeah, it has always been a dream of mine to become a filmmaker.
How did you begin working with Colm Quinn?
I met Colm Quinn in the BG Café & Deli on Pearse St., a few doors down from Mattress Mick’s. We started chatting, I told him what I was doing and invited him to come see my studio, and that’s where it all began really.
Did you have any reservations about taking part Michael?
Yes I did, I was nervous about putting myself out there because I’d never done anything like this before, but it wasn’t long until I could see the benefits of what we were doing and the positive results it was having on my business.
What was that experience like and how did you both find the process of making the documentary?
Paul: It was weird because I prefer to be behind the camera and I knew if Colm was going to make a film, then I would have to be completely open and honest. I wanted to show people that if I could make something of my life, out of nothing, then they could too and hopefully learn from my mistakes.
Mick: Making the film was a fascinating experience; I had to be myself which was nerve racking, but it was exciting having my time filmed and ultimately being shown to a bigger audience. I enjoyed the uncertainly of where the film was going as I wasn’t aware of what Paul was portraying. The end result is amazing!
Three years is a long time; what are some of the biggest changes you both experienced throughout filming?
Paul: I have secured a contract now, which means my business Shoot Audition can survive for a while longer. My main goal is to one day buy a home so that I can live with my children. I’m in a better place now and day by day I’m moving forwards.
Mick: As the film developed the confidence I had within myself became much stronger. This was important to me as I had gone through a very difficult and emotional liquidation in the past, but now my business is getting stronger week-by-week.
Is there anything you would do differently?
Paul: Yeah, I should have shaved more!
What was it like knowing the documentary was going to be shown at such a well-known film festival and what kind of reaction have you received?
Paul: It was amazing getting to go to Hot Docs in Toronto and I really enjoyed my time spent over there, especially as I haven’t had a holiday in eight years! People loved the film and we got a lot of positive reactions, so I was very happy with all the warm feedback we received. I was more nervous when the film was screened in the Irish Film Institute though, because it’s much closer to home.
What do you think people will enjoy most about the documentary?
Paul: The honesty and openness that is plain to see and how the bond and the friendship that Mick and I share is portrayed.
Mattress Men will be in cinemas, on Virgin Media and on Volta from this Friday, October 7th.
