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JANRUARY 23, 2001
Ronald Damien Malfi, author of THE SPACE BETWEEN, currently available through Publish America and soon to major chainstores, has also recently co-authored the screenplay SHUDDER with screenwriter/director Dominic P. Guerieri, which will be released this year through 4th Floor Pictures and Tunnel Vision Entertainment. SHUDDER director Ryan Cavalline of the 4th Floor has already completed most of the shooting.Publish America
4th Floor Pictures
Tunnel Vision Entertainment------------------
Sub Rosa says that "GUT PILE hit a major snag this past week. Matt Walsh, who was handling the soundtrack, suffered a computer system crash. Looking at 2-3 weeks before it'll be back up and running, Matt has been forced to back off the project. We'll be talking to some new musicians over the next week and hope to secure someone else as soon as possible. Look for a 1 -2 month delay in our release of this movie."
Delays with GUT PILE will delay the editing of STUMPED (with Debbie Rochon and Roxanne Michaels, directed by Mike Legge). To be safe, we're projecting completion for March of 2001. STUMPED is a part of DARK DESCENT: UNHOLLY FIRE, an anthology of shorts Sub Rosa produced (including "Match" from CJ Young). It will also include some of Sub Rosa's TV work as well as bloopers from movies like Vicious Sweet and Gut Pile. It may aslo contain polished recuts of the shorts from DARD DESCENT #1.
Ron has settled on two scripts he is developing for possible production. More news soon!
Sub Rosa is also developing their studio for more productions - our first development is the creation of "Sub Rosa Studios - MidWest." This division is being headed by Tim Ritter, who is now contracted to exclusively produce and sometimes even direct specific movies for Sub Rosa Studios. The Midwest division will concentrate on "exploitation" product, and already done and available is "Strangled Starlets." Production has already started on the second movie - more news on that soon!
JANRUARY 22, 2001
The following press release came in this morning regarding Andrew Copp's horror masterpiece. I thought I would share. I'm posting the press release in it's entirety, mainly because for some reason the distributors are using my blurb as a selling poing. Weird!!DAYTON, OHIO made film THE MUTILATION MAN hits home video on 1/29/2001!
FOUR YEARS IN THE MAKING!
CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED IN THE FILM UNDERGROUND!
FINALLY AVAILBLE ON HOME VIDEO FROM SUB ROSA STUDIOS!"THE MUTILATION MAN"
- Is an experimental/horror film by first time director ANDREW COPP. The film tells the story of a tormented young man who travels a barren wasteland performing shows of self-mutilation before an adoring crowd. He is doing this to attempt to make sense of his past at the hands of his abusive and murderous alcoholic Father.CREDITS
- The film is Written, Produced and Directed by ANDREW M. COPP entirely in Dayton, Ohio. The film was shot from 1994 until 1997 with editing taking over a year. The film premiered at the New Neon Movies on 6/16/98 to a packed crowd.
- Andrew Copp grew up watching Shock Theater featuring Dr. Creep. Years of watching constant horror films supplied the drive and devotion to create one of his own. He now directs and producers the New Shock Theater with the illustrious Dr. Creep.
- The film features incredible and acclaimed performances from former Dayton actors Terek Puckett as the lead character. Cult director/actor JimVanBebber as his abusive Father and making her film debut Kristie Bowersock as the female lead.
- The film is shot on a variety film stocks and video formats to achieve a multi media breakdown feel.RELEASING INFO
- The film is being released to home video by SUB ROSA STUDIOS out of New Jersey.
- SUB ROSA STUDIOS is the foremost Internet based movie Distribution Company whose website is over one million hits per month strong.
- SUB ROSA STUDIOS is run by fellow underground filmmaker Ron (Vicious Sweet, Strawberry Estates) Bonk and is designed to support the new breed of independent filmmaker.THE MUTILATION MAN is a very important film for the Artistic Community of Dayton, Ohio as well as the independent film scene as a whole. The film has garnered praise among critics and viewers who have the courage to explore its dark and difficult depths. This film is newsworthy because if showcases the talents of a filmmaker that refused to bow to any other needs by artistic and pulled off a feature film quite unlike any other. This is a film that exists on its own terms, without compromise.
REVIEW QUOTES:
"The freshman feature film from writer, director Andrew Copp follows in the extremely large surrealist footsteps of Jodorowski and Arrabal…This is a beautifully shot tableau of physical and emotional pain. All in all a refreshingly thoughtful, deeply volatile work, which offers more than you would expect from the titillating title."
- Steve Pulchalski Shock Cinema"Very intense and disturbing - This movie represents the type of films that got me into the business in the first place!"
- Ron Bonk President of Sub Rosa Studios and director of Strawberry Estates"This is what filmmaking is all about, art! I've waited a long time to see a movie that pushes the envelope of underground cinema. THE MUTILATION MAN more than obliges."
- Allen Richards, B-Independent news letter"(Director) Copp established a dire mood that simply refuses to let go - The howl of THE MUTILATION MAN will resonate loud and clear in the underground for a long time to come."
- Jason Pankoke, Microfilm magazineAndrew Copp can be contacted for interviews or information at the following:
Email topo872@yahoo.com
Snail Mail:
Andrew Copp
P.O. Box 081
Dayton, Ohio
45404-0081Sub Rosa Studios
Apparition Films-------------------
It's that time of year again. Only a few months left until this year's FrightVision festival. Last year I had ball and this year is shapping up to be even bigger.
TICKET PRICES:
ADULTS
$15 Per Day
$25 Weekend Pass at the door.
$20 Weekend Pass by mail. Deal ends March 1, 2001.CHILDREN
$5 Per Day. (6-12 years old)
$10 Weekend Pass
Children 5 and under are free.ORDER BY MAIL, Check or Money Order, to:
FRIGHTVISION Tickets
P.O. Box 547
Ravenna, OH 44266-0547SHOW HOURS:
Friday, 4/6/01
Events run from 6pm - ??Saturday, 4/7/01
Dealer's Room 10am - 7pm
Events run from 10am - ??Sunday, 4/8/01
Dealer's Room 11am - 5pmFRIDAY NIGHT EVENTS AND OTHER EVENTS AND TIMES TO BE ANNOUNCED...
FrightVision presents the "Lost in Space Cast Reunion" with:
BILL MUMY
JUNE LOCKHART
ANGELA CARTWRIGHT
MARTA KRISTEN
MARK GODDARD
BOB MAY
GUY WILLIAMS, JR. (keeping his father's memory alive!)Voyage to the Bottom of Sea
ALLAN HUNT
TERRY BECKERLand of the Giants
DON MARSHALL
DEANNA LUND
DON MATHESONThe Time Tunnel
LEE MERIWETHER
VITINA MERCURI "The alien from the green mist"
CELESTE YARNELLTHE WOMEN OF THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE
PAMELA SUE MARTIN "Nancy Drew Mysteries", "Dynasty" & "Poseidon Adventure
STELLA STEVENS "General Hospital, Poseidon Adventure, The Nutty Professor & Girls, Girls, Girls"
CAROL LYNLEY "Poseidon Adventure", "The Cat and the Canary" & "Return to Peyton Place"GUY WILLIAMS JR. will be honoring his father's memory at FV2001 with facts, demonstrations and stories about his father's role as Zorro & Professor John Robinson on Lost In Space.
Don't miss the sword duel between Zorro (Guy Williams Jr.) and the evil Comandante (Mike Forest) at Frightvision 2001! You may even see Theresa (Barbara Luna) singing part of the famous Tamale Song from Zorro.
MIKE FOREST Zorro Star & Apollo in the original Star Trek series.
BARBARA LUNA The feisty Theresa from Disney's Zorro series, one of the most favorite, if not the most favorite female role in the entire series. Also from the original Star Trek series episode " Mirror Mirror ".Star Trek:
GRACE LEE WHITNEYJACK GRINNAGE
CAROL ANN SUSI Kolchak: The Night Stalker: (By Special Arrangement with Mark Dawidziak of "The Cleveland Plain Dealer")
"SAVINI-THON"
Starring - TOM SAVINI
Special FX Master Screens and discusses his workTHE FOUR GREEN MONSTERS
BEN CHAPMAN The Creature from the Black Lagoon
LOU FERRIGNO The Incredible Hulk
DICK DUROCK The Swamp Thing
FROGGY Sidekick to the GhoulDON STROUD "Mike Hammer" & "The Buddy Holly Story"
VERONICA CARTWRIGHT "Aliens," "Psycho" & "The X-Files"
DAVID NAUGHTON "An American Werewolf in London"
CORTLANDT HULL The Witch's Dungeon Classic Movie Museum Nephew of Henry Hull ("The Werewolf of London"), with rare unseen footage, memorabilia and props from the movie, including seminars on classic horror films.
For more information on The Witch's Dungeon Classic Movie Museum call (860) 583-8306 or Bristol Ct. Tourism at (860) 584-4718BRINKE STEVENS "Haunting Fear" & "Nightmare Sisters"
LINNEA QUIGLEY "Pumpkinhead 2" & "Nightmare on Elm Street IV"
DICK WARLOCK "Halloween's" Michael Myers
RICHARD VALLEY Editor, "Scarlet Street" Magazine (FrightVision's Favorite Magazine!)
TED A. BOHUS Director, Producer, "SPFX Magazine"
ROXANNA MARTIN "Witchblade" & "Tomb Raider". See her at the Comic Corner tables
COUNTESS VLADIMIRA Comic Book Legend, Model, Actress
IVY BLUE Model, Actress
DOUGLAS CLEGG Author of the Nightmare Chronicles and Mischief
STEPHANIE BEATON "The Evilmaker" & "Witchcraft"
AND THE ENTIRE GHOUL CREW
FROGGY
JUNGLE BOB
MAGIC MARK
JEFF THE SICKEY
CAMERA 4
DINKEY THE GIANT PINK FLAMINGO
MR. CLASSIC
JANRUARY 20, 2001
Minneapolis filmmakers Carschool Film-O-Rama, whose debut independent feature film GO TO HELL debuted in winter of 1999, have signed a Home Video/DVD distribution deal with New York-based Troma Entertainment, Inc. Troma will be distributing the film GO TO HELL worldwide, with a video release planned sometime in 2001.GO TO HELL was produced over a five year period by writer-director Michael Heagle and producer Troy LaFaye. Though both originally from Wisconsin, Heagle and LaFaye now reside in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Heagle is a graduate of the film program at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and LaFaye a graduate of the Media Arts Department of the University of Arizona. Made on a shoestring budget, the film shot using talent, crew, equipment and locations from Minnesota and Wisconsin. The film features over 70 characters and chronicles the adventures of tabloid news reporter Dario Dare (Rock and Roll Ray) who, in search of the ultimate supernatural cover story, becomes embroiled in an assassination conspiracy involving a Roman Catholic cardinal and a demon from hell.
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There was a slew of news on the Extreme Entertainment website regarding the growth of the company and the schedule for 2001. The following is taken directly from the website.
"Extreme Entertainment has merged with a few other smaller companies over the last month or so, and they are called: Nostalgia Pictures, Hammerheart Entertainment, Risky Pictures, and Conquest Pictures. The subsidiary companies will produces various media for Extreme, but all of them concentrate on various genres of film production. Hammerheart will also produce various music and theatrical media as well as larger-scale film projects.
"Monumental Pictures to become a part of the Extreme Team. Blake Fitzpatrick, a young director, has merged with Extreme Entertainment. Blake will be directing a producing a line of ultra-low budget gore-filled shot on video features for distribution in various world markets for Extreme. Among his films planned is FLESH EATING FREAKS FROM BEYOND.
"Brian Eklund Project on hold: Due to unforseen complications, Brian's directing debut is on hold, with a start date now uncertain for his Vampire Epic. Also, perhaps directly related to this situation is Brian's recent decision to withdraw as Executive Producer of Extreme Entertainment. Brian and Todd are best of friends and like brothers, and he will more than likely still be a part of the Extreme Team in one form or another in the future, just not in that particular capacity. More on this situation as it develops. As of now, we at Extreme all offer Brian our support and love and wish him the best and a complete recovery.
"An upcoming project from Director Todd Sheets, SCORN is a Gothic Action Fantasy with elements of Sci-Fi and Horror included. The story involves one woman, Clear Gibson, who on her wedding day loses everyone she loved as her entire wedding party is gunned down in a bloody assault. She survives the attack and upon investifgation uncovers a sinister plot that will take her on a downward spiralling journey into the very underworld of darkness, culminating in the creation of a hero for a dark and cynical world.
"Another recent film has been added to the roster called DREAMING PURPLE NEON, to be directed by Todd and produced by Ari Bavel from a script that is being collaborated on by both of them. Other films in the planning stages are: Catacombs 2: In The Beginning, Violent New Breed 2, Wolfsbane and Zombie Wranglers, a comedy about making a low budget undead epic."
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Fangoria continues their series of video releases with WILDERNESS, a British werewolf movie based on Dennis Danvers' novel of the same name and directed by Ben Bolt. The only plot point currently known is that Amanda Ooms stars as a shy librarian who transforms into a wolf. WILDERNESS will debut on video in May. I'll pass along more information, as it becomes available.
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Contrary to the sound its title, NUTBAG: THE MOVIE is not a comedy. This first production from Frightflix Productions is a horror film reminiscent of the popular Italian Giallo genre. Contrary to the sound its title, NUTBAG: THE MOVIE is not a comedy. The movie follows 10 days in the life of a serial killer wandering the streets of Las Vegas. On the Official NUTBAG website, director Nick Palumbo discusses the trials of getting the film made. "NUTBAG was shot in Las Vegas, Nevada in the summer of 2000. We had 63 shooting days under the most difficult conditions, i.e. the hottest summer on record, the cast getting food poisoning, props mysteriously disappearing, actor's flaking, and girls getting freaked out on our sets and walking off. People (thought) we were making a snuff movie and calling the cops. Editing suits (were even) afraid to take on our project, deeming it too controversial. Yes, we had to lie, steal and cheat. Yes, we had to bullshit girls, cops and businesses. Yes, we sold our mothers on the black market for money. Yes, we found out who our true friends are - we don't have any - Jealousy and Greed are far scarier than serial killers."
For more information, please visit the official NUTBAG website.
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Alternative Cinema has just released Morbid Vision Films' AT DAWN THEY SLEEP, a dark and brutally violent vampire epic. Director Brian Paulin says the film "is a story about Angels creating Vampires to kill off the human race so that they may inherit the earth, until the Demon World steps in to put a stop to their plans of domination, for the Demons are satisfied with the way the three worlds coexist."
Morbid Vision Films
Alternative Cinema-------------------
Sub Rosa Midwest unleashes their first exploitation title, STRANGLED STARLETS, this movie is more fetish in nature than what was originally intended, but the majority of the earliest releases from this new division will lean in that direction. "Our goal is to bring as much money into this division of the company as soon as possible," explained Tim Ritter. "And fetish titles are fast, easy money. Gradually, as the budgets increase, we will phase more and more away from the fetish angle and more towards a 1970's exploitation feel, something more reminiscent of the old Harry Novak or AIP productions." Tim, along with co-producer Ron Bonk, actually had little input on this new project, instead co-footing the bill for the production with Ron and turning all reigns over to a newcomer to the scene - Kentucky resident Sebastian Kult. Sebastian, who answered one of Tim's local ads for production help, wrote, shot, edited and produced Strangled Starlets. But that doesn't mean that Tim's imprint isn't felt on the final project. Instead of taking on the daunting task of a whole full-scale production his first time out, Sebastian dug into Tim's old video shelves for inspiration and added help! "Much of the footage was actually taken from Tim's older work," explained Sebastian. "Some scenes may look familiar from movies like 'Wicked Games', 'Creep' and 'Screaming for Sanity'. But you'll see these scenes in a whole new way! There was a lot of extra footage that Tim never used, so it's all brand new to the fans. Also, there was whole scenes Tim had never used, anywhere! So I was very excited to be able to bring these to the screen for the first time anywhere for his die-hard fans!" In addition, Sebastian shot some brand new footage for the movie in order to bring the whole project together. "I'm very happy with it, being my first movie. It was a good way to start, and I appreciated Tim's advice making it. He's a great teacher and I hope to one day create movies that equal his level of filmmaking." Sebastian is currently lending a helping hand to a new Sub Rosa Midwest Production - but for now, that movie, and its title, will remain under wraps!
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Tom Savini has recently returned from working on WEB OF DARKNESS. Tom plays a vampire by the name of Rogue. The film also stars Brinke Stevens as a vamp named Intensity. On Tom's website you can find a photo of Brinke in full make-up.
Another of Tom's movies is in the can. CHILDREN OF THE LIVING DEAD should see a release sometime soon, if the rumors of a new ending being filmed aren't true. Not much is know of Tom's character other than he plays a guy named Hughes and gets to do a little ass kicking, a la Sex Machine in From Dusk 'Till Dawn.
Last year I had the pleasure of attending FrightVision, a wonderful convention taking place this year in Cleaveland, OH. Tom had such a great time last year that this year he's decided to hold his second annual Savini-thon at this year's show. At the Tom's website, fans will have the chance to vote on which of his movies they would like to see screened. Those in attendance will have the chance to hear Tom give a play-by-play commentary, think a live DVD commentary and you get the picture. This year's FrightVision is on April 6-7. Tom's event will be Saturday evening.
The Official Tom Savini Website
FrightVision
JANRUARY 16, 2001
The January Southern Ohio Film Makers Association (SOFA) mixer is Tuesday, Jan. 16 starting at 8 PM. The mixer is at Habits Cafe, which is located at 3036 Madison Rd. in Oakley (Cincinnati).-----------------
MADNESS INCARNATE!!
On Friday, January 26 - Saturday, January 27, starting at 5:00 PM (an hour earlier this year), A&O Film Board will once again host their annual 24-hour B-movie marathon at the McCormick Auditorium in the Norris University Center, Northwestern University 1999 South Campus Drive in Evanston, Illinois. Feel free to contact Justin Vader at j-vader@northwestern.edu for questions or requests, or call 847-491-2381 for more info.
Tickets: $15 advance, $20 at the door. Free parking aplenty in the two-tier garage at the start of the drive.
Started in the early '80s, this marathon is something I look forward to every year. The features are a satisfying mix of regular favorites that are shown every year, many flix I've never seen on a big screen, at least a few that I've never seen at all, and some not-on-video rarities that hardly anybody's seen since they were released. Plus many shorts and the traditional WIZARD freakout rituals (ya gotta be there). The McCormick is a fairly modern, comfortable theater, not a crackerbox but not a barn. Most films are in 16mm prints, but this year the program has been expanded due to the acquisition of a new 35mm projector.
Hands are stamped at the entrance, so you can come and go at will, except for a few later hours when the Norris Center is locked and you'll have to be let back in - although you'll still have access to vending machines and such. A commemorative t-shirt will be available again this year designed by artist Mitch O'Connell, as has been the case the last couple years (they look great, they help support the cost of film rentals, and they're cheap - get 'em while they last).
There are 3 or 4 regular intermissions, including a longer breakfast break when the adjoining cafeteria reopens in the morning. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and (non-alc) bevs. Some folks even have pizzas delivered! Also, if you plan to stick thru 'til the end, it's a good idea to bring a blanket, a spare shirt, and toiletries. A schedule is available at the entrance, so non-die-hards can pick their slot to grab a nap, either out in the lounge or just anywhere you want to stretch out.
The atmosphere - well, it's kind of like a big slumber party on the Satellite o' Love. Some say the B-Fest was one of the main inspirations for MST3K (some of the writers are from Chicagoland), as wiseguys try to out-smartass each other and many hilarious interactive skits are performed for the amusement of all. I doubt if Siskel or Ebert will be there, but you should be!
Here's the latest B-Fest line-up as of 1/13. There are usually last minute substitutions.
Reform School Girl - Early '50s classic "expose" of teen chicks behind bars
Greaser's Palace - weird hippie Western religious allegory
Blood of Dracula - vampire in a girls dormitory
Solarbabies - after the Apocalypse, teens play roller laser tag hockey
What is Communism? - Ritualistic regular short attraction
Wizard of Speed and Time - Ditto
Plan 9 From Outer Space - Ed Wood's magnum opus. "This is the one they'll remember me for."
Gorgo
Gavotte - Annoying French dwarf short
War of the Colossal Beast - sequel to Colossal Man: this time it's WAR
Sweet Smoke and Buried Treasure - Two dirty little adult shorts
Invasion of the Bee Girls - Always great buzz for this silly B-Fest fave
Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold - always bet on black
Wild in the Streets - teen president outlaws adults
She Creature - in Hypnovista!
Undertaker and his Pals - digging up customers in this black horror comedy
Atomic Submarine - Navy versus Unidentified Underwater Object from space
Mystery of the Leaping Fish - silent drug comedy short
Assassin of Youth - will marijuana destroy civilization
Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed - Hammer mad doctor sequel
Mothra - fantasy classic of the giant moth goddessChicago Psychotronic Film Society
JANRUARY 13, 2001
I didn't name RADIO FREE STEVE, the Best Underground Film of 2000 for nothing. You cats in California are in for a treat. Coming up next week, there is a special, limited engagementRFS will be making its West Coast premiere at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival this weekend. The first night's show has already sold out, but the festival has added an additional matinee screening at the Lumiere Theater on Monday, January 15th at 3:00pm. The screening for Tuesday the 16th at 9:20pm also has tickets available.
Here is the current schedule:
West Coast Premiere!
Saturday January 13th, 2001 8:00pm (sold out)
Tuesday January 16th, 2001 9:30pm
Bohemia Lounge's Digital Theater
1624 California St. - San Francisco*JUST ADDED*
Monday January 15th, 2001 3:00pm
Lumiere Theater (no tequila)
1572 California - San FranciscoSEATING IS LIMITED so go to this URL to reserve a ticket: SFIndie.com
Some tickets will also be available at the door for all the screenings, but the safest bet is to order online.
The evening screenings will be followed by a FREE AFTERPARTY at the adjoining bar with complimentary snacks, refreshments and schmoozing courtesy of the festival! The filmmakers (?!) will be present for questions and public stoning.
And if you really can't make it to these screenings and/or you have an aversion to fun and excitement, copies of the movie are available for free rental at the following San Francisco video shops: Le Video, Lost Weekend, Leather Tongue, and Aquarius Records. A video copy is also available in Austin at I Love Video. But I promise it'll be infinitely more fun to watch in the theater with a crowd and a few shots of the nastiest tequila available, so please feel welcome to join us at the festival!
There's an abundance of absurdity at our website about the movie and the characters involved. If you get a chance, point your clickers towards: http://www.radiofreesteve.com
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ROCK SAVAGE
Since there is still some time left before the Cinema A Go-Go, I wanted to resend this out. I hope to see many of you there, or at least many of your films. The Cinema A Go-Go is the only festival totally endorsed by the lists and myself. Notice there are no entrance fees for your films.
Rock Savage says he "wants to let everyone know that the Cinema A Go-Go 2001 will be on Sat, March 10, 2001! I will be showing some of my films, BUT I want to give some exposure to my fellow B-Films-makers! So if you want to expose yourself (no pun intended) you can send me a short film (15 min). Why short? Well, the fest will be from 5:00pm to 11:00pm! Last time it was all day & that was too much! What was I thinking? Also if you live in the area (Baltimore or Metro area) I will let the Filmmakers who are showing their stuff to have a table & sell some of their movies. Space is limited so you must let me know ahead of time if you plan to come! So send your film BEFORE Feb 1 (unlike the vote counting there will be NO extension of the deadline!)" There will be a general admission fee for $7.
Here is where to send you film, on VHS tape only.
Savage Film Group
Box 4011
Capitol Hts, Md 20791If you have any question e-mail Rock at rocksavage@erols.com
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This week's screening for the Washington Psycotronic Film Society is 23 HOURS. Every Tuesday night at 8:00 PM the WPFS screens the wildest videos in town. Collections of shorts, clips, trailers, and cartoons are always shown in addition to our featured film. A $2 donation is requested at the door, and gets you a lucky ticket to win one of several suitably psychotronic door prizes sure to amaze your friends! Lucky Bar is located at 1221 Connecticut Ave. (between M and N St. NW, south of Dupont Circle).
Carl Cephas, WPFS describes 23 hours on his website. "This knock-out local indie film features some local talent who do their own kick-butt stunts. It's about a man who, at 3 in the morning, suffers a black-out and wakes up at 4am. The kick in the head is...what happened when he blacked-out and why are people chasing him?" To find out for yourself, what happened, you'll have to check it out.
"Also, don't forget that the WPFS will be hosting a mini-film festival on January 30, 2001. "It will be an open-house event for all short filmmakers with works under 30 minutes. All films must be on standard VHS. We will accept submissions thru the mail and on the night of the show.
Our address is:
The Washington Psychotronic Film Society
Box 65955
Wash., D.C. 20035."Please add proper info/items if you would like your tapes returned. The event will start at 8PM at:
Lucky Bar
1221 Connecticut Ave N.W.
Washington, D.C. at 8pm."This festival will also be a memorial for our founder, Melanie Scott."
The Washington Psycotronic Film Society
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The fine folks at B-Horror.com have created a companion webring to the wildly popular B-Film webring. This one is genre specific for the horror fans and filmmakers out there. It's not part of Yahoo! Webring, so you don't need to join Yahoo!
Those interested in joining just need to click on the link below for more details. webring
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Evilarab Productions, in conjunction with Extreme Entertainment, will extend the Christmas Evil sale through the month of January. "Catacombs," Todd Sheets' tribute to Haunted House movies is in full release as is "Zombie Bloodbath 3," the final installment in the controversial zombie series. Each film lists for $20, but during this special sale both films can be purchased for $25 plus S & H. Inquire at evilarab@worldinter.net.
In upcoming news, Extreme Entertainment is in postproduction of "Say It Again," Todd Sheets' comic romp through graduation night. This one is the action packed, laugh-a-minute story of two seniors who find trouble at every turn. Jen Davis and Phil Wymore star in Extreme's finest effort yet. Look for a late Spring release.
On deck is "Lords of Chaos," Todd Sheets' adaptation of Michael Moynihan and Didrik Soderlind's shocking expose' of the Black Metal scene. "The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground" follows one man's ascent into the murderous Black Circle through arson, random killings, and heinous acts of sexual depravity. The soundtrack includes music from many of the bands at the heart of the scene: Mayhem, Slayer, Venom, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Cannibal Corpse, Dismember, Dark Throne, Emperor, Cradle of Filth and more. Look for a late 2001 release.
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Jeffrey Buckles dropped me a line earlier in the week to fill me in on his new projects. "They star Conrad Brooks and they are titled OUTERZONE and TOIL AND TROUBLE TALES. We started shooting the spring of 1998, which was when I was introduced to Conrad Brooks by my good friend John Stone during a convention. I had Conrad come back in the fall for the shoot. He plays the storyteller, the Zone Keeper in OUTERZONE and the lead part in the TOIL AND TROUBLE TALES, Mr. Odyssey. He kills off people to own their business. The two stories are based on The Outer Limits and the Twilight Zone. Each telling of odd and strange happenings. The two productions had a total of ten actors, all of which are great people to work with and a lot of fun went with the productions. I still have some scenes to finish up and add them to post production. We have improved a lot from (our) first movie, DEVIL SOULS.
"At this time my web site is not finished but keep a eye open for it, we should be finished soon. Go to www.lb1entertainment.com. E-mail us at horr0r@hotmail.com to let us know how you like the site and if any one would like to be in my next film."
(ed. note: look for my upcoming interview with Conrad Brooks on www.B-Independent.com)
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Rounds Entertainment will see their next release, CARNAGE ROAD, hits the video stores in March 2001. Directed by Rounds Entertainment founder Max Cerchi, CARNAGE ROAD is a throw back to the slasher films from the early 1980's. In the Nevada desert, a group of college students on a photo assignment encounter Quiltface, a mutilated, machete-wielding madman whose face is stitched together from the faces of past victims. For an advanced look, head over the official Rounds Entertainment website.
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Truancy Films reports that their documentary IN THE FLESH, an examination of the New York strip scene featuring interviews with Amy Lynn and Ashlyn Gere, will be re-released on March 6, 2001. The release will be through EI Cinema and their Seduction Cinema label.
Truancy Films
EI Cinema
Seduction Cinema-------------------
Twisted Illusions, Inc., has a breakout year set for 2001. Here's just a sampling of what to come from these great guys. The following information was taken directly from the Twisted Illusions homepage.
JOEL D. WYNKOOP has completed directing and starring in FALL OF AN ACTOR. It is currently in postproduction and should be completed sometime this year, hopefully by summer 2001. In this movie, Wynkoop plays a B-movie star that is so washed up he resorts to murder to get his next part!
The sequel to 1997's "Ransom" episode from Brimstone Productions' ALIEN AGENDA series has wrapped shooting. Star JOEL D. WYNKOOP and director TIM RITTER reunite in this exciting follow-up, which is currently in postproduction. There are digital effects being added to the footage as you read this! The new segment is called "Monsterman" and Cope Ransom must battle a demonic heavy metal singer and the aliens as well. Look for a release in mid to late 2001. Kevin Lindenmuth is producing and editing the new alien series, called ALIEN CONSPIRACY, this time around.
Tim Ritter is continuing work on his novel writing. He states that the market is "incredibly tough to make a dent in", but he will continue to put together the written word and hopes to see something published within the next few years. "Even if you get a deal, publishers are backed up at least a year in some cases on their release rosters," Ritter recently noted. If something solid is ironed out, we'll make an announcement here!!!
2001also sees Tim Ritter possibly overseeing some all-new productions at SUB ROSA STUDIOS. Ritter may assist other filmmakers in creating some specialty niche programming and we'll keep you posted here on it all. The movies will start filtering out in March 2001. It is unknown at this time as to whether Ritter will write and direct any new material for this venture. Scenes and outtakes from the vast Twisted Illusions library of raw footage may also be incorporated into some of the projects. This venture is still in its infancy.
Bill Cassinelli (a.k.a. Webmaster Bill) will continue running the TWISTED site in 2001 and also has several projects of his own in the works. He will also be collaborating with Wynkoop and Ritter on any future ventures, and we'll keep you posted on it all here. Cassinelli is polishing up that horror/comedy script that he's been anxious to start production on...
There are no plans for a fourth TRUTH OR DARE installment. The famous copper mask may be seen again in some of the Sub Rosa MidWest Productions, but there are no new movies planned in this series right now. It appears that SCREAMING FOR SANITY will be the final word on the franchise. There is also no sequel to KILLING SPREE in the works at this time, despite die-hard fans' insistence that there is.
DVD UPDATE: A couple Twisted Illusions classic movies may be released on DVD in late 2001. The possibilities include CREEP, KILLING SPREE, and DIRTY COP NO DONUT. Keep your eyes open for details over at the Sub Rosa Studios B-movie web site: www.b-movie.com
DIRTY COP 3 has been put on the back burner at this time. It is unknown as to whether or not there will ever be a third installment. If there is, it's definitely a few years down the road, according to our sources. Check out the link below on THE RETURN OF THE DIRTY COP and get the exclusive scoop!
The Official Dirty Cop Site
Sub Rosa Studios
Brimestone Productions
Twisted Illusions, Inc.(ed. note: read the great interview I recently held with Twisted Illusions founder, Tim Ritter at www.b-independent.com/articles/timritter.htm/)
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Gary Whitson from W.A.V.E. sent me a line earlier in the week regarding an upcoming film. "It's called The Edgar Allen Poe Murders and will allow us to do an adaptation of The Tell Tale Heart and possibly a couple other Poe short stories. It's essentially a murder mystery set in the present in which the victims turn up dead in the same manner as in Poe's short stories. It's not going to be a typical W.A.V.E. movie since it's much more a murder mystery than a slasher movie. But it will have its share of shocks. Hopefully, anyone who likes Poe, will like this. And we're looking for actors and actresses who would like to be involved in this. They can contact me via e-mail if they are interested.
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Rising genre actor, Jeff Dylan Graham (a.k.a. Andee Agony), checked in regarding the winning year he just completed and what 2001 holds in store.
"2000 turned out to be a big year for me, I completed roles in over ten films! I traveled quite bit and worked with many cool people.
"Post-Production is underway on THE HOUSE THAT SCREAMED 2, a film by the Polonia Bros. and Jon McBride. Check me out in this film, I'm one of the stars of it, I play "Sykes". They are also in post-production on another film I am in called DWELLER. Go rent the first HOUSE THAT SCREAMED at Hollywood Video or other outlets. It has done very well in video stores.
"I'm still working on my band's debut album, but it should be set for release by early spring. I'm the lead vocalist, and musical genius Aaron Egnor of the popular industrial/goth band Martyr Complex is the programmer. Our name is CYBER INFANT DEATH SYNDROME. We plan a U.S. tour sometime in the summer!
"I have many conventions booked this spring and summer. Stop by and see me.... I'll be selling lots of merchandise.
Fantasm
April 12-15th, 2001
Crowne Plaza
Atlanta, GA.Pittsburgh Comicon
April 27-29th, 2001
Pittsburgh Expomart
Pittsburgh, PA.GothCon 2001
March 16th-18th, 2001
New Orleans, LA.Luna Revolution
June 29th-July 1st, 2001
Civic Center
Savannah, GA.DragonCon 2001
August 31st-September 3rd, 2001
Atlanta GA."The New Year will also bring many, many more projects. I will be … working with Polonia Bros. again, and with David Decoteau and Full Moon, as well as many others."
Jeff Dylan Graham
Andy Agony
Full Moon Pictures-------------------
In the current issue of MICRO-FILM you'll find a piece on Ross Hagen, b-movie actor. I'll be honest, I didn't know who he was and skipped the article. Earlier in the week an e-mail came in from the webmaster of Ross' new, online fan club.
"The site is at www.rosshagen.com and it contains instructions for applying to our club -- basically just e-mailing us with some info. The site contains an extensive interview with Ross, a detailed biography, info on his current project, HELL, a modern version of Dante's Inferno, his film school, an expansive database on Ross' films, and a list of fan club members.
"Although Ross is best known for his acting -- he has appeared in almost 50 movies -- he has also served as producer, director, and writer on various films. In the mid-1960's, when actors couldn't get roles unless they had agents but couldn't get agents unless they had film experience, Ross and his friends defied the Hollywood system and made their own movies. After spending 20+ years making his own movies, Ross (with his wife Claire) created a film school, which gave students hands-on experience in every phase of filmmaking, from writing to directing to editing to marketing. Although Ross is now in his 60's, he has been very busy over the last 7 years, appearing in over 15 films and writing his most recent script.
"Besides our film database, the main strength of our website is our 4+-hour interview we conducted with Ross several months ago. In the interview (and now on the website) Ross told us many stories from his career, including lots of inside info on his films, and shared with us his views about a variety of subjects from filmmaking to human nature. After meeting with him, I went from being a fan of his characters to being a fan of the man himself."
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The following are excerpts from a press release regarding a 35mm remake of Kevin Lindenmuth's ADDICTED TO MURDER. (Thanks Mike S.)
ADDICTED TO MURDER 2001
A new look at a cult movieIn 1995 the direct-to-video feature ADDICTED TO MURDER was released, one of the first micro budget movies to be distributed through Blockbuster Video. It was also widely publicized in the world's biggest horror magazine, FANGORIA as well as many horror magazines around the world.
Story: ADDICTED TO MURDER deals with the relationship between age-old vampires and serial killers, particularly the relationship between two vampiric sisters, Angie and Rachel and their sociopathic progeny and just why they are attempting to create more vampires...
The synopsis:
What happens when a serial killer encounters someTHING far worse than himself, someTHING that may be responsible for the killer he is?
What makes Joel different is his special childhood friend, a woman named RACHEL…a vampire named Rachel. From the forests of Michigan to the streets of New York City, Joel tries to recapture this strange relationship in his adult life. When he meets ANGIE at a suspiciously named bar called "THE HUNGRY" he finds someone like his lost love, for ANGIE isn't human either. But as his health starts to fail and the killings start again Joel begins to question his life—and his death—and exactly what the vampire is up to. The more he is drawn into the vampiric vortex the more he becomes aware of his own horror.
Yet sisters Angie and Rachel aren't the only ones pulling the strings, for the must answer to the being that created THEM long ago. And the repercussions for transforming unstable humans into serial killers and other vampires cannot go unpunished...
And that's where the story begins...
Scripted by John Raymond, the new millenium version of ADDICTED TO MURDER takes themes touched upon in the previous movies and culminates them in a brand new storyline with a different perspective and new characters never before seen in a "vampire movie". It will again be directed by Kevin J. Lindenmuth.
BIOGRAPHY: JOHN RAYMOND
John Raymond spent 4 years as a principle cast member on F/X=The Pet Dept..Live TV, writing mostly comedy and was up for a writing position on Saturday Night Live in 1985. He was always watching shows like The Outer Limits, The Prisoner, and Twilight Zone while growing up so he was exposed to some of the best examples of Sci-fi and Horror writing available at any time in the past or present. These were his models for later writing endeavors. John says "When the British comedy invasion took place I was continually immersed and ate up everything that was available. I even wrangled an audience with Dave Allen and recieved advise and critiques from him. Being "the Thinking Man's Comic",I patterned my style and presentation after his own-sketches written on more than one level of thought."
"When Kevin gave me the assignment to write a short werewolf film for Brimstone, I decided that given the budget constraints, the script had to be as tight as possible, with few sets, and it had to play out as reality. I was told it could be comic in nature so I decided to create a hybrid that has never been attempted before; a Horror/Black Satire film. The trick is to write a story that gives you the creeps one min. and has you laughing hysterically the next, then slams you back to overwhelming horror before you know it. The characters also have to be real. You have to know them in your experience-see them in your friends and acquaintances. That makes it even more frightening..
BIOGRAPHY: KEVIN J. LINDENMUTH
Writer/Producer/Director Kevin J. Lindenmuth has steadily been making genre features for the past ten years. After graduating with a degree in Film/Video Studies from the University of Michigan in 1987, he moved to New York where he has worked, in varying capacities, on everything from industrials to commercials to features to image videos for the fashion industry. Following his debut feature in 1991, the well-received VAMPIRES AND OTHER STEREOTYPES (re-released under the title HELL'S BELLES by E.I. Independent Cinema in '97), he has since produced thirteen features, the most notable being ADDICTED TO MURDER, which was among the first micro-budget movies EVER to be widely distributed through the Blockbuster Video chain. This movie paved the way for wider distribution—and acceptance—of features produced directly for the home video market.
Not content with solely producing/directing features on the East Coast, he has founded an informal collective of like-minded independent filmmakers from across the country. The talents of these individuals can be seen in THE ALIEN AGENDA and CREATUREALM series, produced 1997-1998 and most recently the ALIEN CONSPIRACY series and BLOOD OF THE WEREWOLF to be released in 2001.
The film WALKING BETWEEN THE RAINDROPS is his first dramatic feature. The documentary, CARING FOR THE CAREGIVERS (on Cancer caregivers), produced by his wife Audrey Geyer, was recently picked up for distribution by Films for the Humanities.
In addition to filmmaking, Kevin Lindenmuth has recently written a book, published by McFarland and Company, entitled MAKING MOVIES ON YOUR OWN: PRACTICAL TALK FROM INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS, which is now available at bookstores (amazon.com., et cetera). A second book, THE INDEPENDENT FILM EXPERIENCE will be published in mid 2001. A third book, dealing with b-movie actors, is nearing completion.
WHY A 35mm Remake of ADDICTED TO MURDER?:
Given the success of the video version it only makes sense to give this idea the budget it needs to be fully realized. Here's what some of the reviewers said about the first movie and why there should be a bigger budget:
If an extremely small movie can be so successful with minimal marketing and budget and garner favorable press in dozens of genre magazines that its target audience reads it only follows that ADDICTED TO MURDER will be that more successful with great resources of behind it.
With the success of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER and ANGEL now is the time for the vampire.
Addicted to Murder
Brimestone Productions