The Mini-View featuring James Hawley

James Hawley is the writer/director/scorer/special effects guru on the indie horror film Sewer Chewer, and the upcoming Jesus of Neubla. James currently resides in Oklahoma City with his wife and son. In his spare time he records for multiple dance music labels, travels as a celebrated DJ at various parties and festivals around the globe (Jack Acid, 69 d.b., Pirate Audio, and part of Spiral Tribe), and is currently in works on a a collaboration collection of short films based around urban legends tentatively titled Tales from the Tomb.

For more info on James check out these links!

The official SEWER CHEWER website:

http://www.sewerchewer.net/

James' IMDB page

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0370322/

Small list of 12" and cd releases

http://www.discogs.com/artist/Jack+Acid?

Article on the music genre he is associated with helping create

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_tekno

The group he is mostly associated with in the music industry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiral_Tribe


1. If you could choose three films that you would say have inspired your own film making what would they be?

This is hard because I wanted to be a filmmaker at such an early age.

1.1 Jason and the Argonauts and other Ray Harryhausen films. When I saw his monsters moving about it lit a fire under my ass. When my mom explained stop motion to me, I immediately wanted to start doing my own, which led to my grandparents giving me their old super 8 camera. From there I would go to the library and bookstore and find everything I could on film making. This was the 4th grade. Then I saw the making of Star Wars and knew this was going to be my life someday.

1.2. The original Evil Dead -When I saw this I realised that horror could be done with no money and still be shocking. The fx just blew my mind , everything from latex to stop motion - Junior High


1.3. Early skateboard videos like Future Primitive/ Search for Animal Chin/ Curb Dogs etc by Powel Peralta and Dave Vanderspeck along with other weird art films like Richard Kern and Kenneth Anger - the whole punk video/film thing in the 80's really kicked me into overdrive and inspired my first real film project, a renegade street skating documentary which resulted in my first arrest - high school.


2. For many who do not know, you create your own props and effects. Is this something you started doing prior to doing film work, or just out of necessity?


I grew up very poor and with a vivid over active imagination so I would build my own toys from recycled junk, it began with my interest in giant manga robots, making them from tin cans and cardboard and just continued, eventually the neighborhood kids started asking me to make stuff for them.Halloween was always a diy effort as well and in 3rd grade my mom bought me Dick Smiths Monster Makeup book.By junior high I had become indoctrinated into the cult of Famous Monsters/Fangoria/Star Log and all the other fan/movie mags so I moved into trying to make more intricate props beyond Halloween stuff and in the 9th I got to spend a summer with the fx team of Brewer and Powell who ran the fx dept for VCI films. They did Blood Cult and the Ripper and other video nastys. After my arrest in high school (taking a video camera into a bank and trying to film a skateboarding scene) I cooled it on film and moved into club/music industry and there I applied my prop skills to club installments. When we started doing renegade rave/warehouse events we would theme them and I would make full scale props for the events. By then I realized I could be filming this stuff and making my own movie/videos which is what brought me back full circle to the film/video medium again.


3. Your film Sewer Chewer's score is almost a character in itself, was that something that was planned? Or that developed as editing went along?

Being a major fan of Argento/Fulci and Carpenter, I was drawn by the heavy synth scores in those films. They stand out more so than most scores and run heavily through the movies. Plus I think Heavy Metal, the Wall, Tommy, and other rock operas had influence. I also wanted to do something a step further, and try to appeal to my existing fan base from my music career , I figured they would be the first people to accept Sewer Chewer...that's also why there are a lot of references to Network 23 (that is the name of one of the labels I recorded for).

Plus I think 20 years of performing in front of 10-20,000 watt speaker systems made me a bit deaf.


4. Besides being a film maker you are quite well known in the underground for your music, have you ever been approached or thought of directing music videos?


I have a documentary that will be released next year on the local skate scene and a specific area we all skated back in the 80's, a psychotic concrete ditch under a highway overpass. The editing is very music video like with lots of music from Captain Eyeball. I enjoy working with them a lot and we have done one music video and have discussed doing more. I shot a live video for a documentary in 1991 of Flipper and Gwar performing at a impromptu house party that some kids parents had left town and he contacted the band when they were in town, they came and destroyed the house, several hundred hardcore punks crammed int his small house with 2 of the rudest bands ever. Was a wonderful moment to capture and led to a nasty legal situation between me and Geffen Records,(though the bands gave consent, Geffen owned Flippers name and likeness) resulted in Flipper being escorted off my property by the police a year later and the footage disappearing for over a decade. It just recently appeared on youtube actually. Some friends found a vhs dub of it and uploaded it. A lot of the early skate videos I tried to do in high school were all music related, so music video is something I am drawn to, but have yet to really go that direction. The market locally is already saturated with guys with better studios and gear for that. If I do anything soon it will be with bands I am friends with and can be creative with. Hoping a Rat Fink inspired video with Captain Eyeball soon.


5. Lastly, if you could choose one person dead or alive and do a biographical film on them, who would it be and why?

Actually, it would be a small group of people, not one. It would be my family and its been in the planning stages for awhile.The Woodrings and Hawleys have been a staple in the local/regional dirt track stock car/outlaws and off road buggy racing for several generations, going back to my great uncles and great grandfather. My grandmother had 5 brothers, all of them, my grandfather, all their kids, and all their kid's kids have been involved in one way or another. I grew up surrounded in this culture, the men all huddled in the garages at different ones houses every weekend (always switched houses because the wives would grow tired of the grease mess and beer can mountains) rebuilding cars, every few years a different one would become the new driver, the cousins doing off road buggy racing, all kinds of motor madness. I have been wanting to document it from the beginning first car that great grandpa sponsored to the demolishing of the local track/stadium last year, which ended it. There's lots of old 8mm black and white footage of the uncles racing at the high school stadium back in the day (they would let stock cars race on the track on the weekends) to vhs footage at the fairgrounds and tons of pics. This is story I am proud of and need to show to the world. My family did it from the ground up, on their own, no help from sponsors other than my great grandpa donating parts and frames from junk cars in his salvage yard, and they built a racing legacy.



Many thanks to James for being a part of The Mini-View!

The Mini-View featuring Thomas Berdinski

Thomas Berdinski is the writer/director/producer of “Zombie Abomination and Zombie Atrocity – The Italian Zombie Movie – Parts 1 & 2”. This award-winning, two-part, no-budget homage to (and parody of) European horror movies has played conventions and festivals all over the midwest, has been on television on over 40 channels in 20 states on the Midnite Mausoleum TV show (www.midnitemausoleum.com) and has played nationwide on the interactive Internet show “100 Years of Monster Movies” (www.100ymm.com). Both movies were recently named to Fangoria Magazine’s ‘DVD Chopping List’ (May 2010). Learn more about the Italian Zombie Movies at www.italianzombiemovie.com, FACEBOOK: “The Italian Zombie Movie”, MYSPACE: “Italian Zombie Movie”. Learn more about Thomas Berdinski at FACEBOOK: “Thomas Berdinski” or email him at diretto@italianzombiemovie.com. “Zombie Abomination and Zombie Atrocity - Italian Zombie Movie Parts – 1 & 2” are available at www.italianzombiemovie.com, www.amazon.com andwww.indieflix.com and select retail outlets.

1. If you could pick one film that inspired you to get into film making, what would it be and why?

Wow, just one film? Well, since I’ve been making movies on-and-off since I was 8 years old, I’m going to have to go back to the old “Shock Theater” days. I remember we were among the first in our neighborhood to get cable TV, so on Saturday afternoons my friends and I would watch “Shock Theater” out of Chicago. There were a lot of cool public domain movies on this channel, but I’m pretty sure the one that got me going was “Gamera the Invincible”. My effects guy when I was 8 years old was Joe Tardani; and he still is today! He and I caught a snapping turtle and put him to work on my HO scale train board. Not much happened – the turtle was disinterested – but the film making seed was planted… Shortly thereafter, we saw one of Ray Harryhausen’s “Sinbad” movies and got into stop-motion effects. We made a stop-motion movie called “Planet of Death” based on a Robert A. Heinlein story (that I was way too young to understand) and followed that up with “Congo versus Batzork”; a King Kong versus Godzilla sorta thing. We made a bunch of miniature effects movies after that, but the movie that probably made me the zombie-fan-filmmaker I am today was “Horror Express” with Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee and Telly Savalas. This was the first “zombie movie” I ever saw (I was 10) and I was immediately hooked on the genre. We started an ambitious zombie movie based on a huge train wreck that turns the passengers into zombies (and it had some miniature effects that still impress me today!) but we never finished it. To this day, I think I am still purging the demons associated with not finishing that one…

2. What has been the most humbling moment for you since you have gotten into film making?

That occurred at Summer Tromadance in Indiana last fall. Both of my Italian Zombie Movies were showing. I don’t watch my movies when they’re playing, but I do sit outside in the lobby so I can hear the crowd reaction. Things were going really well – I was hearing lots of laughter – but about 15 minutes in, a guy walked out of the movie and said to the woman at the ticket booth that he hated my movie. I couldn't hear his reasons – I did hear him tell her he thought it was funny – but I guess it just wasn’t what he wanted to see. (Fortunately, he was the exception and no one else left!) When the movie ended and I was thanking the audience for coming a guy pulled me aside and thanked ME for making what he called a “perfect-balance of homage and parody”. He then went on to list the Italian horror movies I’d based it on, even going so far as to tell me the shots I copied from those movies. It was at that moment that I realized why made this movie: To reach those few crazy fans that understood and appreciated exactly what I was trying to do. I think that’s what all creative people are looking for – to connect with that audience member who truly understands them. It was a very humbling moment!

3. Who is a director that you would love to work with together on a film, and why?

I’m not sure I work well with other directors! On a recent shoot where I was the director of photography, I was told by a cast member to “stop directing the director!” I think he was mostly kidding, but looking back, I think directing is so ingrained in my nature that I just start taking over the minute I arrive on set! Assuming I could get over that, a director/producer I truly admire is Larry Fessenden. This guy has made some amazing indie movies including “The Habit”, “The Last Winter”, “Wendigo”, “Automatons”, “I Sell the Dead” and “House of the Devil” to name a few. He has really elevated low-budget indie film making to new creative and technical heights, in my opinion. Yet even with the success of his more mainstream films like “House of the Devil”, he will still experiment and make a crazy art film like “Automatons”. If I had one wish, it would be to somehow watch him work over the course of an entire film; from its earliest concepts to the final release. His commentary tracks and making-of documentaries are awesome, by the way. Perhaps more realistically, I admire several indie directors I’ve met recently including Jason Hoover of Jabb Pictures; who I think realizes some of the best psychotic dialogue you’re likely to hear anywhere (“Spike” and “Polly” are two of his short films), James Mannan for the trick ending on his gothic short “Wanabe”, and Cameron Scott; who has mastered the art of assembling cult movie talent in his soon to be released “Post Mortem, America 2021” (which I am helping to co-produce).

4. On set of your next film, someone informs you that they would pay the expenses for craft services but the menu has to stay the same daily. What 5 foods would you choose and why?

Wow, my cast and crew would really like that because for my last two films all I’ve had for them was rum and diets, beer, military MREs (“meals-ready-to-eat”) and M&Ms! I’m going to assume we are filming in my hometown of Muskegon, Michigan, to simplify things. Mr. Scribb’s Pizza is great but it’s one of those foods that people tend to overeat – which zaps energy – so let’s keep us all energetic and healthy! I’m going to have “Mia and Grace” do the catering. They are a 100% organic, locally-grown food restaurant whose menu changes often due to the seasonal availability of livestock and produce. I’ll assume these foods are all available: Organic, grass-fed, free-range beef burgers, organic, free-range chicken sandwiches, organically-grown ears of corn, organically-grown watermelons and organic, raw Synergy Gingerberry Kombucha to drink! (Okay, they don’t actually carry Kombucha, but I love it so I’m going to make them go out and get it!)

5. Finally. Do you have a 'guilty pleasure' film? A movie that perhaps might be considered uncool, or might get a few laughs from others if they new you had a fond love of.

Boy, I think MOST of the movies I really like would fall into that category! Certainly on the list would be “Lady Terminator”, “Zombie 3”, “Mystics in Bali” and “Erotic Nights of the Living Dead”, but probably my favorite guilty-pleasure movie is by Todd Sheets and is called “Goblin”. To most people, this 74-minute, shot-on-video gore fest from 1993 is probably unwatchable. It’s got zero-budget, bad photography, really bad sound (but good music at times), horrible acting, incredibly cheesy gore effects (often dwelled upon in lengthy close-ups; along with curious shots of hands and feet!), a seemingly endless credit sequence and really, just about every other bad thing you can have in a no-budget movie. But what it ALSO has is an energy that you can’t deny. This is NOT a boring movie; not at all! It’s completely dumb, lacking continuity, heck – it’s lacking a story most of the time – yet you can’t take your eyes off of it; at least I can’t. I played “Goblin” for my prospective cast and crew to show them what we would NOT be making when I started my Italian Zombie Movies, but looking back, in certain ways, it’s what we WERE making; something without a budget, but with an infectious, cult-movie energy. I think anyone looking to make their first low-budget horror movie should seek this one out. It’s almost impossibly flawed, but that mystical energy necessary for movie making is in there, and it may just inspire you to make your movie.

Thanks to Thomas for being apart of The Mini-View!

The Mini-View Featuring Kitsie Duncan

Tonight I bring you Indiana's own Kitsie Duncan. Kitsie is part of Bloomington's Darkrider Filmworks. Having worked in front of the camera as a model for many years, she has more recently made the transition from modeling to acting. You can see her starring in Darkrider's new film Lethal Obsession, alongside another Indiana actor Marv Blauvelt (Sculpture, Beef: You are what you eat, and COME).

To find more about Kitsie:

http://www.kitsieduncan.com/

For more info about Darkrider Studios:

http://www.darkriderstudios.com/

And to pick up your copy of Lethal Obsession, or to learn more about the film:

http://www.lethalobsession.com/

1. Living in Indiana, do you find that there is a lack of film makers working in Indiana? If so, what do you think the state needs to help attract more film work?

Well it's certainly not LA or Chicago, but there are more than you would think. There is a lot of independent talent in Indiana and the Midwest as a whole. I would love to see some bigger production companies come to Indiana though, just as they have Chicago and Michigan. I know that recently Indiana has passed some film making tax incentives, but it is a very small amount and only if your budget is over $100,000.00. Indiana is my home, and I've gotten to know so much of the talent here the past few years, I would love to see more film makers shooting here.



2. Do you think that going from modeling to acting is kind of the next step? Because modeling kind of puts the focus of the camera on the subject, almost playing out a scene.


You have a great point there. It was a very natural transition, modeling is acting in it's own right, especially my horror pin up that I love an adore. Just because your dressed up as a psych ward patient, you have to sell it with your eyes and expressions to make it work. I love doing both, but acting is my passion right now. I am always looking for my next roll, I want to try everything from the psycho crazy lady to the sweet loving mom.



3. If you could pick a director, living or dead, whom you would love to work with. Who would you choose and why?

Of course my husband is my first choice, but oh wow, this is a really tough one! My fan girl comes into play here, I would LOVE to work with Rob Zombie. I am a huge fan of his work and the actors he works with. His characters are so memorable and so distinct. That is why I love his films so much. Honestly my list could go on and on, but I've just been really impressed by his work. But for giggles let me add John Hughes and George Lucas, again pulling my fan girl card ;)



4. Do you think that females in horror kind of get wrongfully labeled because of the roles they choose? It's a genre that has time and time again type casted women as slutty and ignorant.

I think more so in the past than today. I understand women are going to take the rolls they can get, but more an more rolls are for stronger women. Of course your going to have your eye candy in films, and it's completely understandable, men now a days are getting rolls for their striking good looks and amazing builds as well especially in the horror genre (I'm not complaining). I really don't feel that women in horror always live up to that stereo type anymore. I really feel it is a change for the better. Women are stronger in today's day and age and I think it's being reflected in the genre. Sure you're always going to have your not so bright victims. But it wouldn't be horror with out that :)



5. Lastly, if you could give any advice to aspiring young females who are looking to get into acting what would you tell them?

Stop thinking about it and do it! Find local casting calls online, search for your area and just do it! I am so happy with my choice, and so lucky to have the support of my amazing friends and family.

The Mini-View Featuring Cory Udler

Cory J Udler is the writer/director of Incest Death Squad 1 and 2. He has also written films for grindhouse legend Ted V Mikels, including Demon Haunt and Astro Zombies M3:Cloned. Udler also works for Full Moon Features and has a long relationship with Troma president Lloyd Kaufman. Udler is currently penning a script he calls "personal" titled The Outlaw, and is currently seeking funding for his next film "Mediatrix" starring Debbie Rochon.

The Incest Death Squad Website can be found here.
http://www.incestdeathsquad.com/Site/HOME.html

1-If you could pick one film that inspired you to get into film making, what would it be and why?

I don't think any ONE film inspired me, actually. I think it was more an era of films, which would be the late 60's and 70's exploitation, grindhouse, drive in movies. Stuff from Ted V Mikels, Bill Rebane, Andy Milligan, HG Lewis, John Waters, etc. Jonathan Ross' "Incredibly Strange Film Show" completely changed my life. Every episode is on YouTube, so go find it and I think you'll easily see how that could warp an 11 year old's mind.

2-Has there ever been another career that you thought you might be interested in perusing: what would it be, what changed your mind, or is there still thought that it may happen at any time?

Well, considering this film stuff is so far from an actual career for me, I work in TV. Not my first choice as I hate TV. My dream, from childhood, was to be a radio DJ, and when I was 17 I made that come true. I spent about 12 years in radio before going back to school, and once I came out, radio was dead. And it's only getting more dead by the day. So, even though some day I would love to sustain myself with these films and by writing I can at least say I was able to do my dream job for 12 years.

3-Film and music have always been tied together. If you could pick one album by any band to be adapted as a film, what would it be?

That's a cool question! I would say Faith No More's Angel Dust album. Or Temple of the Dog. Maybe Shout at the Devil, that'd be pure filth!

4-Do you have a 'guilty pleasure' film? A movie that perhaps might be considered uncool, or might get a few laughs from others if they new you had a fond love of.

Half of my DVD collection is "guilty pleasure". Probably March of the Wooden Soldiers with Laurel and Hardy. Maybe the Police Academy series, or all 3 Smokey and the Bandit movies, and YES that includes part 3.

5-Finally. If you could remake any film in history (imagine that the budget is unlimited): what would it be, who would you cast, and who would direct?

I always said if I could remake something it would be something that wasn't awesome the first time around, so I'd pick Invasion of the Saucer Men, keeping the entire original script but upping the gore and sexuality factor to 11. I'd direct, dammit, and I would love to have Burt Reynolds, I've always wanted to meet that guy. The epitome of cool. Another one I'd like to take a stab at remaking would be "Gator" with him and Jerry Reed.

Many thanks to Cory for being a part of this new series!

- Brandon Bennett

The Return of the Indie Film Revue

That is correct my friends. It is that time. Time when I feel like I have the time to dedicate to this page again. I apologize for the absence, and lack of content updates.

Over the next few weeks watch for the inclusion of a new article titled 'The Mini-view'. 'The Mini-view' will be a short interview of only 5 questions answered by directors, actors, producers, and the like. No set of 5 questions will ever be exactly the same. (Although there maybe one or two that become staples)

Also some of the topics that I will be covering soon will be: Remakes, SOV (shot on video) films, Video Nasties, and VHS vs DVD.

If you are involved in any aspect of film and are interested in submitting an article, doing an interview, having your film reviewed, or have a topic you would like to see me touch on... hit up my email @ diaryofajunkie@gmail.com

Thanks again to the few of you who have been loyal followers. Know that it is greatly appreciated!

Until we meet again,

Brandon Bennett