Top Five Christmas Films/Specials

This year I wanted to do something a little different in celebration of the holidays. So I'm posting clips, or trailers, of my five favorite Christmas films. I'll also be following each with a reason for them. Hope you all enjoy and have a very happy holiday no matter what your beliefs!

- B.Bennett




Coming in at number five we have Christmas Comes to Pac-Land, which originally aired December 16, 1982. While I was only two years old at the time, my parents recorded this special on VHS at some point and it's been a staple every year since. Why? Because I'm a video game nerd, and who doesn't want to learn a cheery holiday lesson from the Pac's?



Number four is the classic A Garfield Christmas Special from 1987. In this one we get several catchy tunes, and a 'bring a tear to your eye' moment with John's grandma when Garfield finds a stack of old letters from her deceased husband. Plus seeing John's brotherly comradery with his brother Doc Boy reminds me so much my younger brother and myself.



My third favorite is Richard Donner's 1988 retelling of  A Christmas Carol, Scrooged starring Bill Murray. Bill FUCKING Murray... need I say more?



Second of all time is the 1974 horror flick Black Christmas, directed by Bob Clark of A Christmas Story fame. Black Christmas is a film I saw at a very young age that left a very dirty feeling with me. A kin to many peoples first viewing of  The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It's one of the few movies that still unnerves me a little.



Rounding out this list is Jim Henson's 1986 TV special The Christmas Toy. Beating out Toy Story by almost 10 years, this film about toys coming to life when the children who own them leave the room later became a TV show called Secret Life of Toys. The special and show can all be seen on Netflix streaming. This film has been a tradition in my family for years.  Not only did I watch it with my parents, brother and sister, but also with my younger cousin Heather who would spend every Christmas night at our house up until I was almost out of high school. It's one I can watch over and over and never tire. Do yourself a favor and see it again, or for the first time. If you have kids, sit them down and start a new family tradition.

Well, that's it for this year. I hope you all enjoyed these holiday bits. Be on the lookout, I'm going to be starting a new addition to this blog called 365 Days of Trailers... where I will be posting a trailer and a piece on it every day for the next year starting January 1st.

Until we meet again!

The Mini-View Featuring Todd Sheets

Todd Sheets, The Prince of Gore, owns Extreme Entertainment.Which is a production company owned and operated by Sheets. Since it began in 1990, Extreme Entertainment has had one true goal: To entertain the audience. The company was created to basically produce Horror and Sci-Fi movies for the video market and it has done so, and continued to grow and prosper. There are a few simple rules with Extreme Entertainment: To treat all people with integrity, honesty and honor… to always complete a film on time and under budget… to NEVER bore an audience but to ALWAYS entertain them above all else… to ALWAYS give 100% for each and every production. And although EVERY film company has a few misfires in their catalogue, for the most part, Extreme Entertainment has been successful in following and staying true to these rules. These are genre films made BY the fans, FOR the fans. Hard work, dedication and commitment – along with buckets of sweat (and blood) and lots of heart and soul have been poured into each production and this trend continues to this day.




http://www.zombiebloodbath.com/
http://www.facebook.com/jackaloperadio
http://www.jackaloperadio.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nightwatch-Radio/209397972457267
http://www.nightwatchradio.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/jedisuperstar


1. Having come from the golden age of the video market, and mom and pop video stores, do you think it's easier for a filmmaker now to self distribute using the internet through sites like Amazon and the aid of social media websites such as Facebook for promotion?


I think it's actually harder in some ways. SO many camcorder Coppollas send out thousands of DVDs a week, that getting distributors to even look at your work is tougher than ever. The web helps in a small way, but if I had not already had my films distributed and had my foot in the door and made a name for myself in foreign markets, I would be in trouble. As far as online distribution, I am not convinced that watching a film on a laptop, a PC or a phone is any good. Sure, some people seem to be OK with it, but I'm not. I need quality. (laughs)


As far as Facebook, it is a good tool but also a pain in the butt because suddenly everyone has become so self-centered and their egos have inflated to epic proportions. We get people tweeting and Facebooking about everything they do, from stubbing a toe to clipping a nose hair. But it is also awesome because we can meet awesome new people, connect with old friends again and have reunions and really promote and connect with your work. It has made putting projects together easier and it has really made communication easier. Like everything, if we use it for good and not evil, not abusing it, it's a great thing! (laughs)


2. Also, do you think with the transition to digital film making over the past few years that it has opened the door to aspiring filmmakers? Or made it too easy for anyone to get into film making?


A bit of both. I was shunned for years for using high-end video and film-looking it, and I was one of the first to use digital... On the plus side, technology is finally here to help us achieve our dreams. It is an amazing tool to try new things and it has given amazingly talented people the ability to get films made that I have loved. So many talented people don't have the financial backing to make a huge production, but the newer technology has given them the ability to get their movies made. At the same time, I am VERY tired of the whole "reality" digital movie thing. Everyone who can grab a camcorder is suddenly making a "movie" with people walking around trying to make the next Blair Witch when the original Blair Witch was a mess of nonsense. I hated it. And I have liked some of them, like REC and REC2 but enough with the walking around with a camcorder crap. Shaking a camera like a damned twitching freak IS NOT STYLE. 


I learned the hard way, getting trashed for shooting on video and for allowing my early crappy work to get distribution... I learned how to make movies by making these mistakes in public... not a fun thing to do. Being told I "should be shot before being allowed to hold a camera" sucks. But I did learn. I bought every book on film, on directing, on producing, I did internships on big budget films and I got better. I started to win awards at film festivals around the world. And no, I am not bragging, I am not a fan of ego and it can make you a monster quickly, but I am making a point... If I had it to all do over again, I would not have allowed that early stuff to get distribution, I would have hid it away like all the other directors do. I would also have done more reading BEFORE I started. So, please, read some books and make TONS of short movies or even small videos and learn what to do and not to do before you release your first movie. Before you send the thing to every distributor in the country. I was told just last week that most DVDs coming in get thrown in a box and they may get watched or they may not, but probably not. No one has the time anymore. Too many grainy, unwatchable "reality" epics have made the buyers pretty tired.


3. What inspired you to dive into film originally? And were there any specific filmmakers or films that helped to aid you creatively?


I made my first Super 8 movies simply because I truly loved movies. I always have. I wanted to make movies. It was my dream. As a kid, sitting in that dark theater, these amazing directors would take me away for 90 minutes, make me forget any troubles for the week, and transports me to awesome places.... it was the best. And I kind of wanted to contribute to that, in the hopes that maybe my movie may one day do the same for someone.


As for influences, I was raised in the Drive In Theater and the local trashy multiplex "Grindhouse" style theater, so I loved everything from Lucio Fulci to Russ Meyer. I truly loved Fulci. Finally got to meet him and it was a highlight. I was inspired by Universal Horror, HG Lewis, Argento and pretty much ALL Italian genre films... Roger Corman, Fred Olen Ray, Ji, Wynorski and the man who gave me my actual start David DeCoteau - it was mind-blowing to have an idol distribute your work. That is why I allowed that early crap to get released - Dave was just awesome. I had some guidance from JR Bookwalter as well. The guy has agreat heart and taught me a bunch. It was tough love sometimes too. (laughs) JR would kick me down, but still teach me how to brush off and get up stronger.


4. You are truly a multi-talented man. You've played director, producer, writer, actor, cinematographer, musician, and in the past few years radio personality with Jackalope Radio. How did Jackalope and your paranormal show Nightwatch (the Largest independent Paranormal Radio show in the world) come about?


I was basically asked to be a part of a small local radio station, I was well known in the area fro making Horror films and they called me the "Horror Guy" around town forever. SO I turned it down about 5 times, then Art Bell, who I consider one of the greatest radio hosts of all time, told me to GO FOR IT. SO I finally decided to give it a shot. The show took off that first few months and it started getting syndicated - now it's on over 400 stations worldwide, number one overnights in Australia (Sydney and Melbourne) and it's even on the BBC. I'm in shock! I am so damned thankful that people like the show and that other stations took it. I think it was perfect timing. A rt was pretty much retired, George Noory was still doing Coast to Coast and I love George, but he didn't do the crazy things that Art did - and Nightwatch hit before the popularity of Paranormal shows... I was one of the few shows in the country covering these subjects and topics and interviewing Horror icons and such. Now the show gets around 2.7 million listeners a week... pretty damned amazing. I still cannot believe it and I am so thankful for this.


As for Jackalope Radio, the old station I was at was basically closing down the production side, the producer Juke wanted out so he could give more time to his band and music... so I had to start doing it all myself. I decided to basically start the network with some awesome friends because I had to pay for the streams and such anyway. It grew within 5 months into this huge thing - one of the biggest online stations around. Now we have applied for our FCC license and are going to broadcast FM as well. We are also simulcast on 2 FM stations in ST Louis and Oklahoma City. Blows my mind - so many great shows - we have amazing music and original ideas... about 40 shows now air on Jackalope Radio. And it takes every second of my time!


5. Over the years, like many Indie film makers, I'm sure you've had to overcome hurdle after hurdle with your films due to budget constraints, weather, time, editing, lack of crew, distribution, etc... For aspiring directors out there, what would you say has been the hardest battle you've faced, and do you have any tips that might help others who may find their selves in the same situation?


I think I kind of answered this one above. Learn you craft, read and practice all the time. Learn about framing and the "line of action" and how to conduct filming. The script is very important - trim it down... make it fast and try not to have people sit around and talk for what seems like days. I hate that. Entertain an audience. NO matter how low budget, find a way to keep things MOVING. Take it seriously, but have fun. When it stops being fun. QUIT. If you want to get rich, go into Insurance or being a Doctor. Be ready to face every nightmare you can think of and don't let it stop you. Be able to think fast on your feet because there will be some situations where you have to make fast decisions and get things done NOW. Never follow the example of so many film guys who develop ego before talent. I say - throw away your ego - toss it aside. A s a director it does you no damned good. Most of all I want to wish everyone massive luck and love on their projects... I am ready to watch some great new Horror flicks - as Tom Atkins says "Thrill Me."




6. What scares Todd Sheets the most?


That reality TV will take over everything. That Rob Schneider will make more movies. That the crummy, insulting and intrusive Patriot Act stay in effect forever. Baptists take over our movie choices. (wait, that is already happening now where I live)


Not much scares me really....(laughs)


7. If you had to pick your top 5 horror films of all time, what would they be?


1. Evil Dead / Texas Chainsaw Massacre (tie)
2. The Howling / The Beyond (tie)
3. An American Werewolf In London
4. The Thing
5. Gates Of Hell (City of the Living Dead)


Runners up: Terror At The Opera, Ju-On, Suspiria, The Fog, Bad Taste, Dr Butcher MD, Halloween

Get ZOMBIEFIED with Todd Jason Cook!

This week I bring you director, writer, actor, musician, skateboarder, and all around bad ass Todd Jason Cook. Todd has directed over 19 films that saw a release between 1992 to present. Before that, he directed four features as a teenager for 'fun and to learn.' He wrote, recorded, and performed 20 albums with his band STAGE DIVE (1996 - 2005). Recently his newest film, ZOMBIEFIED, has been considered for distribution.

http://www.zombiefiedmovie.com/
http://www.screamtimefilms.com/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1410423/

Cook was nice enough to take time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for The Indie Film Revue.

IFR: How did Zombiefied come about? What drew you back into film after such a hiatus?

TODD: Zombiefied came about because I discovered that my film Death Metal Zombies was getting quite a following over the years. They always say it takes 10 years to get noticed and it's a good rule of thumb. In 2005, 10 years after the initial release of DMZ, I discovered by researching the internet that people were having keg parties and screening DMZ weekly, many fans were blogging about it, the amount of bootlegs was even more than ever, so I figured it was a great time to do a new film the way I always wanted to but never could.

So I based Zombiefied on the DMZ concept and wanted to make it super intense, brutal and non-stop, completely abandoning the old style of the SOV (shot on video) dayz.

IFR: How long did the filming process take you? And what can you tell us about the shoot and those involved?

TODD: This film took about 2 years due to Hurricanes, non-stop weather issues and most of the film takes place at night and outdoor. It also has so much action, that there is not so much dialogue in the film and shooting action sequences can take days just for a few minutes. There are a ton of intense action scenes all throughout so that added to the time necessary to shoot.

The cast and crew was the best I have ever worked with...all pros and it made a huge difference cause you really had to be constantly on every detail to pull off a film like that. It was a ton of work but more worth it than anything I have done so far in my 25 year career as a director.

IFR: Where do your ideas come from? And could you tell us a little about your writing process?

TODD: My ideas are usually just my twisted mind, but being a huge fan, I also cannot help but pay homage to my fave horror films at times as well. The writing process was ultra fast for every film I did except Zombiefied. Death Metal Zombies I just sat down and wrote the whole movie in one 4 hour session. Many scripts were written quickly, but Zombiefied being the different beast that it is, took 6 months to a year of ideas off and on. I did not have time to write every day so fit it in my schedule as I could.

IFR: What made you want to get into film making? Are there any specific films and directors that have inspired you over the years?

TODD: Friday the 13th, the original, period. I already was obsessed with film and horror since I saw House of 7 Corpses, but it was the original Friday the 13th film that made me literally start making Super 8 horror films a week after seeing it. I was 8 years old and every single movie I made was a Friday the 13th copy with my childhood touch. I went on to direct my first full length film in 1990 which was a Friday the 13th fan film called Friday the 13th Part 13: The Final Destruction and that was just the beginning.

My favorite film in the entire world is Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter and my ultimate life goal has always been to direct a Friday the 13th film for release some day. As a fan, I would get it right...I was born to direct at least one! 

Favorite directors that influence me: John Carpenter, Lucio Fulci, Dario Argento and George Romero more than any. The Italian films are a big influence style wise.

IFR: Coming from the 80's and 90's SOV era, who are some young filmmakers who you think are paving their way today? 

TODD: I used to distribute most of the films from most of the SOV directors and I always watched the movies that came my way. Chris Seaver used to send me his fan made films and shorts and I watched his style grow over the years to the extent his stuff was picked up by other labels in the future. I was proud of him for always sticking to his style and forming his LBP company.

Todd Sheets and I made friends in the early to mid 90s and hung out, sharing ideas, processes etc. and had thought of working together some day but as things go, we lost touch for a lot of years until Facebook recently. Amazing how one site has brought me back in contact with so many people I miss. I always loved his style of being extreme gore king and going over the top. He made some really fun stuff so he was always a favorite SOV director. I hope he continues onward doing horror.

IFR: For your fans out there, what can they expect as far as rereleases in the future?

TODD: I have another film called Broken that I hope to do some day and that is an actual story of my life, told in part reality mode and part film mode with a total slasher/revenge story wrapped around the true story of my life. I have always wanted to do this movie, but am waiting until the time is right.

My friends have been pressing on me to do it for a decade, but I will know when the time is right. I have already done a teaser trailer just a few months back and we have a FB page for it as well, but it's going to be considered a constant work in progress until I have enough of what I want to edit. It will contain a ton of stock footage since it relies on true actual story-telling of the bizarre and fucked up life I have had and still have as a horror director.

IFR: How do you feel about the whole VHS collecting craze that's been growing over the past few years? On the same note, how do you feel about seeing your films being so sought out and going for such high prices?

TODD: I saw the original VHS boom, the death, and now the revival. I saw my films do well or not so well depending on the title, and now I see the fan base has grown immensely and there seems to be WAY more respect for the SOV style today. There are still plenty of viewers who just don't get it or never will, but now there are many more fans who like the SOV style which is really great to see.

Seeing the movies go for high prices is interesting and strange sometimes, but an HONOR to see that people want them. I have held myself from releasing many of my old VHS SOV films onto DVD for timing and now with Zombiefied coming out in 2012, I felt the time is right for those older unreleased movies to hit DVD as well. Fans have been asking me for a decade on some and I apologize for taking so long but in the entertainment world, timing is everything and I knew there would be a time, I just was not sure when but now I know!

IFR: What is up next for you? Another film? And what about the future of Zombiefied?

TODD: I am currently negotiating a world-wide release for Zombiefied which is the most important thing of all right now. I cannot wait for people to finally be able to check it out as I am most pleased with that film. 

"The Good Friend", which is currently in production, is a giallo-slasher film that I am producing and also acting in and DP on and the film is under the Screamtime Films LLC wing. This film is directed by Marcus Sabom. My first non-horror film from our sister company Galaxy Film Productions will go into production soon as well. This film is being done with the company co-owner and first time director Scott Frank who will be directing a heart warming feature called Carly.

Many thanks to Todd once again. Over the past few weeks I have teased Todd about a 'surprise' that I had been working on. Wait no longer good sir. 

- Brandon Bennett

The Mini-View featuring Joshua Hull

http://beverlylanemovie.com/
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3852825/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/BEVERLY-LANE/170523760833
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Idiot-Gore/159497227425596
http://twitter.com/#!/JoshuaHull


Joshua Hull Father, Husband, White guy. 


Joshua launched ARSONIST PICTURES in 2010 with the office zombie comedy BEVERLY LANE. The film has received attention from Aint It Cool News, Nerdremix.com, Bloodsprayer.com & more and  landed him on Dread Central's "Indie Directors to Watch" list..

Currently he is  pre-production on the follow-up to Beverly Lane, the slasher comedy, IDIOT GORE filming Fall 2011.

"I love to wrestle bears & I'm always on the lookout for the Sarlacc's pit."




1. Your film Beverly Lane is a horror comedy, was that always the plan? Or as you wrote it did it slowly build itself into one?

It was always SORT OF the plan. I always wanted my 1st film to be a zombie movie & I developed multiple zombie films throughout the years. I met Noah East (Andy in BL) & we talked about working on something together. He's a musician & I've always had a love for musicals so...wait. Why are you looking at me like that? Seriously stop looking at me like that. I don't need you judging me because of how legit jazz hands are man!! Where was I? Oh right. So we originally set out to make a zombie comedy cubical musical built around Noah as the office manager. A week later we dropped the musical part & kept the rest. Turns out the one time jazz hands aren't legit would be during a zombie apocalypse. Lesson learned. 

2. In the film you have genre favorite Jim O'Rear cast as Adam Cadabra, how did you come to cast him in this part?

I wish I had this great story about how it came about but I don't. Basically I was driving through Tennessee & I stopped at a gas station. I went in for the typical slushee action & when I came out my car was gone. The one time I got to Tennessee I get car jacked. 2 days later I get a call from Jim O'Rear. He was the bastard that stole my car! The car that had the latest draft of Beverly Lane in it. He said he read it & wanted to be in the flick. After about an hour or so of me crying on the phone we made a deal. He would give me my car back & in return he would get to be in the movie. That's how it came to be. Movie magic..


3. You also have Mark A. Nash, who has been seen everywhere in the past few years: everything from CSI:Miami to Numb3rs and also in Zack Parker's film Scalene. How did you meet and move on to cast Mark as Scotty in Beverly Lane?

I met Mark at a monthly film meeting we have here in Indiana. I mentioned we were developing this idea for a zombie comedy set in an office & I thought he would be great for the role of the JCVD obsessed janitor Scotty. I sent him the script & he didn't agree with me. He wanted to play the office tramp Susan. I tried to explain to him that the role of Susan just wasn't a good fit for him. That role required certain lady parts. We went back & forth. I even had to email pictures & explain just why it wouldn't work. Then one day he just forgot about Susan & accepted the role of Scotty. 


4. The film has really been garnering some great review and hype over the past year: featuring glowing reviews from Horrorphilia.com, liberaldead.com, and Horrorsociety.com.What would you say has been the most humbling and rewarding moment so far for you?

The generic answer would be everything. This entire journey has been humbling & rewarding. I mean I made a movie! That's something I've been trying to do for years & it finally happened. I will say the reviews have been overwhelming. This is a very small, micro budget movie from the middle of Indiana. Sites that review hundred million dollar movies are reviewing us & loving it! The film has really opened the door & it has people excited about what we're doing over here. I will single out one moment. Our premiere was incredible! We sold out 2 weeks before the showing & had to keep moving to bigger theaters in order to get everyone in. The theater was packed & people were cheering for the film like crazy folk! That was one of the greatest moments in my life. 

5. Lastly, you have the film Idiot Gore up next for you? What can you tell us about this film, what can we expect, and what else is in the future for Joshua Hull?

Ahh yes. IDIOT GORE is the definition of development hell haha! I've been to hell & back with this script but it looks like it will finally be happening in 2012. IG is my love letter to the slasher genre, Halloween to be more specific. It's about a small town guy who isn't exactly the smartest guy in the world but somehow he survives a high school massacre. Fast forward many years later where he is now a hack author & washed up reality star. Things happen & he ends up back home for the 1st time since surviving the attack. Well his past literally comes back to haunt him once he arrives. You can expect one helluva good time with the movie. It's not a spoof so don't expect us to make fun of the genre. It's sort of Behind The Mask meets Tropic Thunder. 

The future is busy! Including Idiot Gore, I have 2-3 other projects on the slate for 2012. I can't really talk about 2 of them yet. I wish I could but details are still being worked out for them. I'm already started to prep another feature that will sort of break the mold & get me away from the horror/comedy for a bit. J. Travis Grundon will be scripting this dark & twisted take on friendship. The slate is filling up & I couldn't be happier. 

You can keep up with everything by finding me on facebook or heading over to beverlylanemovie.com where Beverly Lane is available on DVD for only $10!






Many thanks to Joshua for being in this weeks Mini-View hotspot, and here's wishing him much more continued success in the future.
- Brandon Bennett

The Mini-View Resurrection Featuring Tim Ritter

Tim Ritter is an independent filmmaker and heavy metal enthusiast who has gotten notoriety for writing and directing such films as the TRUTH OR DARE trilogy, KILLING SPREE, CREEP, and most recently, RECONCILED THROUGH THE CHRIST. He is also an obscure novelist, having recently penned THE HAMMER WILL FALL and the semi-autobiographical UNREEL.

TIM RITTER: B MOVIES THAT DESERVE AN "A"
excerpt taken from an article by Phil Hall

True addicts of contemporary B-Movies will genuflect at the mention of Tim Ritter's name. As the creative force behind contemporary horror cult classics including the "Truth or Dare?" trilogy or the grisly features "Creep" and "Killing Spree," Ritter has been terrifying and entertaining audiences with his intense, envelope-pushing approach to filmmaking that liberally mixes pulse-banging suspense with unapologetic violence. If Alfred Hitchcock and Herschell Gordon Lewis had their genes spliced together, the result would easily be Tim Ritter.

Born on a Friday the 13th back in 1967, Ritter was still in high school when he scripted, directed and edited his first feature, a 1984 Super 8mm production called "Day of the Reaper." Shrewdly recognizing the potential of the then-nascent direct-to-video market, Ritter self-distributed his production to video wholesalers and, in the process, helped lay the groundwork for what is now one of the most important facets of the home video market. He followed up "Day of the Reaper" by co-directing the video anthology "Twisted Illusions" (1985) and wrote and directed (albeit without director credit) the first installment of the "Truth or Dare?" series that introduced one of the most indefatigable serial killers to slash his away across the screen, The Coppermasked Madman.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Ritter helmed his own productions (including "Wicked Games" and "Screaming For Sanity") and also served a variety of function on other works including stints as writer, editor, second unit director, narrator, and even "creative consultant." In 1995, he directed "Creep," a horrifying adventure following the crime trail of sibling serial killers. Even in the no-holds-barred world of B-Movie filmmaking, "Creep" cut more than a few nerves and remains a popular cult film to this day.

In the twenty-first century, Ritter has turned his attention to creating a variety of new projects, including books and movies. His novels include THE HAMMER WILL FALL (2000) and UNREEL (2004). His latest productions are TWISTED ILLUSIONS 2 (Dexter Deadbeat segment) and RECONCILED, both produced by his new SRU Ventures, LLC distribution company.



http://www.timritter.com/

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0728813/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Deadly-Dares-Truth-Or-Dare-4/263180220366298

http://www.youtube.com/user/truthordaremovies




1. Having come from the golden age of the video market, and mom and pop video stores, do you think it's easier for a filmmaker now to self distribute using the internet through sites like Amazon and the aid of social media websites such as Facebook for promotion?


Yes and no. While it is easier to promote your movie to a potentially large audience using Internet tools, and it certainly beats putting flyers on cars or trying to sell your movie directly to small video stores, there’s just so much information out on the Net now that it’s very difficult to get noticed. There’s so much for people to look at now, so many things competing for entertainment time that it seems very easy to get lost in an oversaturated marketplace. The questions then become- “how do you stand out and get viewer’s attention with very little advertising dollars?” So you end up having to do all the same difficult promotional and hype work even more so. Unfortunately, for horror and especially slasher movies, I’ve recently found Amazon and Youtube to be very restrictive on content- ridiculously so, to the point where they are rejecting your work or banning it for no reason at all. I’ve had a couple of DEADLY DARES videos banned that were very PG-13 in content, but they seem to have these ridiculous standard where even the HINT of violence...the “negative tone” of a small clip where someone is put in jeopardy...is listed as pornography and taken down! Where the MPAA has gotten more lenient on horror movie ratings...the free social sites seem to be getting more restrictive, especially for the little guy. It can be very frustrating- you never know what anyone is going to complain about, and it seems they’d just rather take stuff down rather than even put an age restriction on it.

2. Also, do you think with the transition to digital film making over the past few years that it has opened the door to aspiring filmmakers? Or made it too easy for anyone to get into film making?

Yes, the tools are more accessible than ever. Anyone with the desire to make a movie can buy or borrow a decent video camera and edit your footage on a computer. I think it’s a great thing that anyone who has the desire to create can get the tools easier and cheaper than ever before. That being said, it’s still VERY difficult to plan and execute a low or no budget movie from beginning to end. The same obstacles that were there in the beginning are there now- finding a good cast, locations, shooting schedule, insurance, working around weather, finding the TIME to log your footage and edit it all. While basic editing is pretty simple, getting into the nitty gritty of sound mixes, color correction, ADR, music, contracts, right on into distribution---is still a very tough thing to get through. A lot of people don’t realize how hard it all is until they’re in the thick of it. And distribution- that can take years in itself...So if you’re planning to make a small movie, be prepared to live with it for a few years or more, from concept to distribution!

3. The past few years have seen a huge boom in VHS collecting, be it a hipster movement or general love of the format. Many of your old films have been seen on Ebay and through tape trading websites reaching several hundred dollars. Do you find this flattering and take it as a compliment? Or do you think it's just part of the trend making it hard for true fans to get their hands on your films?

I think it’s awesome that anyone is watching my movies on ANY format! It’s very humbling to know that fans are still watching my stuff and whatever the format, it’s great to me! I am surprised that some aren’t letting go of VHS- the quality and ease of use that DVD has is just so much better to me, but VHS...what can I say? It’s like vinyl records, some people just prefer “the old way” of delivery. Now if we start seeing a return to 8-tracks in music...I might start to worry! (laughs) But seriously, I always say...”shoot your movie with whatever you have access to, whether it be VHS or a RED cam.” Same goes with viewing- whatever your preference! There was a huge resurgence of interest in the original TRUTH OR DARE? when it appeared on Netflix Streaming when they first introduced it---so we were on there at the beginning of the whole streaming thing, for about two years. Thousands more people watched the movie or saw it again, so again, any way you can get an audience these days is good. As far as the inflated prices of VHS and OOP DVDs, it’s interesting...it’s a collector’s market and honestly, if people weren’t actually paying those prices for that stuff, then they wouldn’t ask that much. I’ve talked to many fans that purchased OOP TRUTH OR DARE? copies for $450.00 and up, soooo...as long as people are willing to pay those prices, then they’ll stay that way. All of my movies are pretty easy to find very cheap in the Amazon Marketplace or in Streaming places, so I don’t worry about it being too difficult for fans to find my old stuff if they really want to see it. Now it is harder to find some of the super unrated versions of the old stuff like CREEP and SCREAMING FOR SANITY and a few other titles because they were all released on DVD with different cuts- and in some cases, with scenes missing at the request of retail outlets a few years back. And there were only a few thousand copies of those originals made to begin with, so those are rarities!

4. On a very similar note, many of your films have recently turned up on YouTube and to download for free via Torrent sites over the internet. As a film maker how does this affect you? Do you see at as a positive, showing continued interest in your films after all these years? Or as a negative to the people who are trying to legitimately acquire your films?

Definitely as a positive that there’s still interest in the old movies and that people are still watching after 25 years plus! And it helps to promote the newer stuff I’m doing, hopefully leading viewers into checking out what I’m doing now. I think all artists just have to roll with the technology and we have to realize that not all of us are going to be able to make millions off their work...Especially in the SOV horror movie world with so many niche areas, there’s just so much to choose from. I do my stuff for the passion, because I love doing it, enjoy creating and collaborating with cool people, and feel very much alive when making a project. It’s not for the money, if it comes, fine, but if not...I did it because I had to create!




5. You recently completed your newest film, Deadly Dares: Truth or Dare IV, and had the world premier in Lexington, Ky on the 25th of this month. Can you tell us a little about how this new film came to be, and what the response was like from the crowd in attendance?

Well, after I made RECONCILED, I thought I had said and done all that I could in the underground, SOV market. I had homaged all my favorite horror movies, made some original flicks, and had a blast! So I turned to just writing books and scripts for awhile, and unfortunately, I wrote all these really fun scripts for various filmmakers and companies---and none ever got made! That became frustrating. In the meantime, there were some fans and filmmakers always in touch with me- like Matt Hill, Richard Anasky, Mario Dominic and a few others- that REALLY wanted to see another TRUTH OR DARE movie. Then that resurgence of interest in TRUTH OR DARE? came about that I mentioned, and we released a free documentary on the Internet (still on Youtube for the moment!) that got lots of views, especially through Fangoria.com. I ended up doing a lot of podcast interviews and talking to so many diehard fans that knew all about the movie and its sequels- and they had such fond memories of growing up with them and finding the treasured razor blade or Chas Balun box art covers on VHS, and the big question was always...”What about a 4th entry?!?” So the longer I thought about it, I hit upon a very cool story that I liked, one that was very simple to attack from a small budget, using video AS the format that it was intended in the story...and I said, “Why not? Let’s just do this and see what happens!” And as I started, it grew and grew, and we got so many great people involved and contributing to the movie, and it was this three-year-long experience from 2008-2011 that has just been awesome. There’s been ups and downs, of course, trials and tribulations, but at the end of the day, it was just so awesome getting out there and doing something for passion again, using the new HD video toys, and figuring out all this stuff as I went along. And so many friends and filmmakers joined the party, contributing and helping, that I was amazed! Scott Bullock shot some awesome crazy dare footage in Colorado, Richard Anasky let me use his short film remake of the original TRUTH OR DARE in this movie for flashbacks...I got Vanize, one of my favorite heavy metal bands, signed on to let me use some of their songs...I mean, as we went along, things just fell into play and it became more than a movie for me, just an incredible life journey with other like-minded people. Now Dann Thombs, a great indie moviemaker who just has a blast making things, is editing the HD cut and adding more stuff, and of course, Joel Wynkoop sent in some great footage...We just have so much footage, enough to probably cut three different versions, and it just continues to become more exciting with Silver Ferox making us all these great posters, and we’re trying to recreate the excitement of the past, the collectibility of whatever we release with just awesome artwork and pictures. We created all these really cool lobby cards for the theatrical release with excellent stills from the movie that Sean Patterson took, and people just ate em up, we gave them out for free! So we’re just trying for that magical experience- something made by fans, in collaboration with fans, for fans. I think sci-fi and horror fans are the most dedicated, and when you have just a small budget and say “hey, come on out and help us out!” and many of them do- on their own dime- they fly in, drive in from other states, and bring equipment, props, and themselves. It’s so amazing and humbling, and such great collaborating with like-minded people. I think the Internet has helped bring us all together in a way that wasn’t possible before, so in that aspect, the social sites and all are a very good thing!


We recently completed the “Underground Bootleg Cut”, which is essentially a very polished rough cut. We’re still working on the HD cut, and we figured why not have a couple of versions to peddle around? After, this was a movie made by fans, for fans, so let’s start the ball rolling now, on the 25th Anniversary of the original film! So we had the first showing, and everyone was jazzed after seeing the movie, it seemed. There was a definite buzz of excitement afterwards, in good way- people were talking about the movie, some of the gore scenes, the plot twists, so I was happy! You never know how things are going to go, especially after being with a project like this for three years now. I was amazed that some of the simplest gore effects really got people and had them hooting and hollering, so that was very gratifying! Our plan now is to just show the movie in small theaters and horror conventions for six months to a year, also doing a limited edition VHS release, to be followed by the official DVD release. Just have fun with it and hope people enjoy it!

And a couple of bonus Halloween questions.

6. What scares Tim Ritter?

Well, since moving up to Kentucky, tornadoes and ice storms! Mother Nature can be pretty terrifying, and in Florida, it was the hurricane potential. But lately, these big tornadoes are VERY scary and ice storms are so dangerous and inconvenient. You lose power for a few weeks or more and that temperature plummets below 30...it hurts! Give you a whole new appreciation on modern conveniences we take for granted! Gotta RIDE THE STORMS, man...No fun!

7. And lastly, do you have any certain Halloween traditions? Or certain films that you watch every year to get you in the spirit of the holiday?


Oh yeah, in September I watched all the FRIDAY THE 13th movies, followed here in October by all the HALLOWEEN movies. They’re great all year long, but especially in October, with the leaves falling and the whole ambiance of cooler weather and wind, there’s nothing better than Michael Myers fests! I love all the movies in both series and of course, while the originals are the best, I always appreciate the sequels and each year, I have new favorites in the sequel department. And can’t forget giving out candy to kids and putting on a mask to scare them- that’s always fun too!

The Mini-View Resurrection Featuring Eric Stanze

Eric Stanze is a director, writer, editor, and producer who primarily works on independent feature films. He has also worked as an actor, voice-over talent, and 2nd unit director. Stanze began interning on local commercials and music videos at the age of 16. He entered the industry professionally when he was 18.

Eric directed, wrote, shot, and edited the feature film Deadwood Park which received high praise in both Rue Morgue Magazine and Fangoria Magazine, as well as critical acclaim from many additional on-line and print publications. The movie premiered at the 2007 Freak Show Film Fest in Orlando, Florida, where Deadwood Park won Best Feature and Best Cinematography.

Eric directed the controversial and critically-acclaimed film Scrapbook. The movie was named Best Independent Film Of The Year by Rue Morgue Magazine.

Eric directed Ice From The Sun. The movie won Best Horror/Experimental Feature at the 2003 New York International Independent Film And Video Festival.

http://ericstanze.com/

http://www.fearnet.com/blogs/surviving_cinema/index.html

http://wickedpixel.com/

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0822855/

1. Films like SAVAGE HARVEST and ICE FROM THE SUN were originally released on VHS.  What are your thoughts on the trend of VHS collecting that has occurred over the past few years? Do you find it humbling that your early films are still being sought after by these collectors?

I think it's interesting, this resurrection of VHS that is going on, especially since I was in grade school when the video boom began.  Renting piles and piles of VHS tapes from mom 'n' pop shops became a big part of my youth, and VHS represents a huge portion of my horror cinema education.  It rarely occurs to me that anyone would want to own my early movies on VHS.  I tend to think about such subjects more as a fan than a filmmaker.  When I consider something like the independent direct-to-video horror scene of the '90s, it's kind of a jolt when I suddenly realize, "Oh yeah, I was a part of all that."

2. Where do you draw your ideas for your scripts from? And do you have a certain process that you go through when writing them?

The process tends to change with each project, partly because I learn from past projects, and also because each new project tends to demand a different approach.

I like to explore and challenge myself, so my ideas for scripts are mostly born of my desire to try something new.  I appreciate the adventure of making each new movie, so I write what I'd like to experience and try to pull off as a filmmaker. 

Unfortunately, at the budget level I've been working at, the story tends to be shoved around a little bit - or a lot; as in, you can write whatever you want, but at the end of the day, the story is gonna go in the direction your limited resources dictate.  But that's part of the adventure too - staying on your toes and trying to make those limitations in budget and resources work for the story, instead of completely demolishing it. 

I know I would be a better filmmaker today if I settled into a routine, practiced the same techniques over and over, and just kinda made a string of similar movies - but I have no interest in that.  I'd rather be trying new things all the time, even if that means I make more mistakes.  Also, I think fans of my work would tend to say that's one reason why they're fans - ya never know what to expect, and each new movie will deliver a nice surprise - and feel inventive and intriguing instead of safe and stale.  There is plenty of safe and stale out there.  I'm trying to be an alternative to all that.

3. You're newest film, RATLINE, is more of a gritty grindhouse style film than some of your previous work. Is this something you've always wanted to do? Any specific films or directors who helped shape your direction?

I don't think goin' grindhouse was a priority of mine on RATLINE, but a lot of people have commented on RATLINE's grindhouse vibe.  It comes from my love of not just that kind of film, but of that era.  I consider 1968 through 1982 the peak of American filmmaking.  Obviously, there are many brilliant films made before and after this span, but this golden age, in which I include major studio films as well as indie horror and exploitation films, influenced the tone of RATLINE.  Not because I forced it.  It was just because I let my personal tastes as a film fan kinda color the project.

Story-wise, I was actually thinking more along the lines of doing a very gritty, very adult, and very violent version of an "X-Files" style story.  That's where all the paranormal shenanigans came from.  The crime thriller element probably comes from a wide variety of influences, including giallo films.  And maybe the Coen brothers?  Michael Mann?  Maybe Friedkin's THE FRENCH CONNECTION.  Walter Hill's THE DRIVER.  VANISHING POINT and DIRTY MARY CRAZY LARRY too, perhaps.  I had recently seen Mario Bava's RABID DOGS as well as HITCH HIKE starring David Hess for the first time when we started writing RATLINE.  Hard to say, actually, what fueled me to hit the crime thriller note so hard.

4. As a man who has taken on just about every role involved in film, do you have a certain seat you feel more comfortable in? And what do you find the most tedious and least favorite?

Directing is where I feel most comfortable.  If I had to choose one post, that would be it, and I'd leave cinematography, editing, and everything else to qualified collaborators.  Until recently, I found writing very difficult - mostly due to my inexperience and lack of education.  However, now that I've been at this a while, I've written a decent stack of screenplays.  Half of them are unproduced - and most of those unproduced scripts should stay that way.  That thing they say about writing - that you really have to do it constantly to get good at it - well, it's true.  So now, finally, I feel comfortable as a writer and I'd consider that my second most desirable position.

I really have done a bit of everything - from producing, cinematography, and editing, to acting, special effects, location sound, grip and electric.  I don't find any of it tedious, really.  I enjoy being on a film set - but I feel most comfortable doing what I’m most experienced at, so directing, writing, producing - that's where I'd rather be.  Can I function as your best boy grip on a low budget shoot?  Sure.  But I won't do the job as well as someone who works G 'n' E consistently. 

The only position that I dislike and don't want to do again is assistant director.  I AD'ed a short film once and I hated the experience, but maybe my unhappiness was specific to the circumstances of that shoot.  I don’t think I did a very good job, and I have not been interested in doing it again.

Also, as a side note: I've directed 2nd unit or FX unit on small films that I was a producer on, just to get the project completed more efficiently - but the first time I directed 2nd unit for other producers was on STAKE LAND, and I enjoyed the experience tremendously.  I definitely would not mind more 2nd unit directing gigs being thrown my way.

5. You've been working in film since the early 90's, which saw the peak and fall of the home video market. With sites like YouTube, Amazon, and social networking sites like Facebook being key in marketing do you think it is easier or harder for film makers to market their product to a potential audience?

It's much easier today, absolutely.  In the 90s we had these things called magazines, printed on a strange non-electronic surface called "paper" (pronounced "pay-per") so film reviews, director and actor interviews, and other film buzz moved very slowly.  Today, it's all available instantly, and horror fans all over the world are internet-connected, so "word-of-mouth" travels super-fast too. 

Marketing is easier, as is distribution.  In the old days, smaller distributors had to jump through a million flaming hoops to get Blockbuster or Best Buy to pick up a few copies of your movie.  Meanwhile, the big studios struck deals with the rental chains and retailers that dictated how many units of each of their titles would be visible to shoppers, and how few other films would be displayed on the same and nearby shelves.  The independents were choked out, even if they managed to claw their way onto the retail shelf at all.  Today, Blockbuster is dead, the Best Buy stores are ghost towns, and everything is purchased or viewed online.  It levels the playing field.  You can find a little indie film on Amazon just as easily as you find a 200 million dollar major Hollywood film: just type it in the search box and click "go". 

Bonus Halloween Questions

6. What scares Eric Stanze?

The major thing that upsets me is anything medical.  I hate hospitals, I am scared of doctors, and any discussion about the most common and mundane medical issue will get me woozy.  I can put blood-soaked, horrifying violence into my movies and enjoy every moment of it - but if I overhear someone discussing appendicitis or something, I'll probably pass out.

 

7. Over the years we have seen so many remakes in the realm of horror films. If you could, with no budget constraints and the cast and crew of your choice, what film would you love to remake?

Mario Bava's KNIVES OF THE AVENGER would probably be my top choice.  Actually, half of his filmography represents enticing remake opportunities.  I'd also be interested in taking a cult horror film from the 80s, something kinda campy, and remaking it very intense, shocking, and scary.

Many thanks to Eric for being a part of our Halloween special!

-  Brandon Bennett

The Mini-View Resurrection featuring Thomas Berdinski

Happy Halloween one and all!

As a special treat, and to mark the return of The Indie Film Revue I am bringing you a few new Mini-View's with directors whose work are generally in the realm of horror. So I hope you and enjoy!

Here is wishing you all a very spooky Holiday! Enjoy and please spread the word!

- Brandon Bennett

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 FangoriaMagazine’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 and www.indieflix.com and select retail outlets. And more recently his short film "The Giant Rubber Monster Movie," was included on Jabb Pictures 'The Collective' (A collection of 10 short films by 10 directors on one subject). For more info on it, and the soon to be released 'The Collective Vol. 2,' check their website http://www.jabbpictures.com/. Finally, to stay up to date on everything Thomas has going on check out : http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Cult-of-Moi-and-Vous-Film-Producioni-Company-LLC/157669997630032


1.Your films, The Italian Zombie Movie Parts 1 & 2, have been all over the place the past year: conventions, film festivals, and even allowing horror hosts (such as Midnite Mausoleum) to spin their take on them. What's next? And are there any plans for a third installment?

We've been promoting IZM since it came out on DVD late in 2009 and have attended dozens of conventions and film festivals and have had it screened at dozens more. Horror hosts from all over the country have been incredibly supportive, and let's not forget all the bloggers, podcasters, reviewers and the great horror fans fans who've reviewed (and almost always really enjoyed) our crazy homage to European horror. It's been an absolute blast for us! As the convention season in 2011 comes to an end, we've moved into pre-and-post production on two more movies – both of the horror/sci-fi/comedy variety. IZM 3 is on my radar for sure, but there are some casting situations that have held us back on that one so we're going to make a new short and a new feature first.


2. 'The Giant Rubber Monster Movie', your addition to Jabb Pictures short film collection 'The Collective', has been screening all over the place as well. How did the film, and your addition to 'The Collective' come about?


The film came about when Jason Hoover of Jabb Pictures contacted me and a slew of other indie filmmakers he'd met over the past year about the concept of ten filmmakers each making shorts with the same theme on an anthology DVD. I'd long wanted to pay homage to the Japanese giant monster TV shows I grew up with – Space Giants, Spectreman, Johnny Sokko and so on – and the theme that was agreed to by the filmmakers just happened to fit it! We shot the whole thing in about a month and I honestly couldn't be happier with it. The best part was it allowed me to collaborate with my favorite horror hosts on cameo roles: Marlena Midnite, Robyn Graves, Roxsy Tyler, the Count and Countess Gregula and, of course, the evil Dr. Sigmund Zoid. Dozens more horror hosts let me use pictures of them in an important sequence where Dr. Zoid chooses a monster to destroy the Earth! I have such good memories of that whole experience; especially working with my Italian Zombie Movie cast and crew again and the horror hosts!


3. Over the past couple years VHS collecting has become increasingly trendy. Perhaps because of the rarity of certain obscure films, the love of the artwork, the familiarity, or just a hipster movement that has seen a huge rise in the cost of these films. As a fan of horror, and obscure films yourself, what do you think of this movement?

I am of two minds on this... I love that the old “lost” shot-on-video movies are being recovered and rediscovered, and call me old-fashioned, but just like when albums disappeared in favor of CDs, and CDs are disappearing in favor of downloads, the artwork shrunk when VHS went to DVD (and Blu-ray cases are smaller still) and art-less movie downloads are on the rise! I know, less packaging is better for the environment, but I LOVED the box art! DVD and VHS cases are 80% of the artwork in my home! I think most would agree the picture quality of DVDs and Blu-ray discs are better than VHS, but darn it – I miss the artwork! Give me a DVD in a huge VHS case and I'd be happiest!

4. Who, in your eyes, are some of the most promising up and coming film makers in the realm of indie cinema?

Well, I don't know if he's still and up-and-comer but Larry Fessenden (“House of the Devil”, “I Sell the Dead”, “The Off Season”) is an amazing producer and indie filmmaker who I admire greatly and would love to meet at a convention some day. Of my personal acquaintances, I really enjoy Christopher Mihm's (“Monster of Phantom Lake”, “Attack of the Moon Zombies”) and Christian Grillo's (“Booley”, the upcoming “Deer Crossing”) work a lot and have high hopes for my friend Cameron Scott's upcoming epic “Post Mortem, America 2021”. I could go on and on – I've met so many indie filmmakers who's work just needs to get out there!

5. Being a film maker who has worked basically on no-budget for his films, do you have any tips or helpful advice for aspiring filmmakers?

Too much for one interview – LOL – but I'll try this one. When you're the filmmaker making a low-budget movie, always remember one thing: YOU are the person everyone else is looking to for leadership. Your actors need you to direct them, your technical people need your advice, the guy writing your music needs your critiques. Everyone involved in the film truly needs you so you need to be the last man standing every day. You can't be the one to give up first on a shot or take or a scene. Do it until it's right! You can't appear depressed or disinterested in anything you're working on. You, the filmmaker, are the the heart-and-soul of the movie. The minute you grow weary, everyone around you will lose the energy to continue. Eat right, get lots of sleep, take a Vitamin B complex! Never give up and your movie will be the best it can be. If you expect someone else to supply the energy or the leadership, you will probably be sadly disappointed.

Bonus Halloween Questions

6. What scares Thomas Berdinski?

To this day, the movie “Ghost Story” (1981 with Alice Krige and Fred Astaire) still makes me jump and send chills up my spine!

7. Do you have any Halloween traditions? Or perhaps a favorite memory of the holiday as a child?

My favorite Halloween memory – oh that's an easy one: When I was 11 years old, Jeff Bromley (star of IZM and GRMM) and I were taken by our Mom's to a midnight showing of “Night of the Living Dead” at the very indie theater where IZM premiered all these years later. Our Mom's had NO IDEA what NotLD was, it was the scariest thing ANY of us had ever seen! Both Jeff and I had zombie nightmares for weeks, no months, no years, okay, I even had one last night!

Many thanks to my good friend Thomas for being a part of today's celebration of Halloween here on The Indie Film Revue.