Caught on Tape: The Art of VHS Collecting

If I could use one word to describe myself, it would be 'collector'.

Over the years I have taken on comics, action figures, video game systems, cds, computer games, TROMA films, and other treasures. Yet the one that thing that I have had the most fun with is horror films. Specifically indie and B horror. There has always been this great joy playing treasure hunter at Goodwill's, thrift stores, garage sales, and pawn shops. Experiencing that moment of a rare find and having to share it with someone. Perhaps this is the fulfillment that archaeologists have when sifting through the years of disappointing digs to find that one piece of history that, in their mind, helps piece together fragements of history.

Horror is in my blood. I grew up with it. I sometimes tell a story of the first film I ever remember seeing  as a child being George Romero's Night of the Living Dead at my grandparents house. They were always supportive of my love of the genre having introduced me to such cult films as Return of the Living Dead, A Bucket of Blood, Horror Express, Web of the Spider and so many others. My grandma Bennett gave me my first TROMA VHS, Monster in the Closet. She herself owns two copies to this day.

My mother has always been a fan of the more classic style of horror films, ala. Castle and Hammer films, and having a sweet spot for the more romanticized vision of vampires (Dark Shadows). She has never quite understood mine, or my brothers, love of gore. Saying that gore does not make a movie scary, it only appeals to our sense of disgust. Which, maybe she's right. I truly can not think of an instant where added gore to a film has frightened or terrorized me.

From my dad I have gained the love and respect of the old drive in style horror, he still being a big fan of the great horror host Sammy Terry. Myself, my dad and my brother were no stranger to TNT's Monster Vision hosted by Joe Bob Briggs. They were classic and cheesy films that were timeless to ourselves. My father has always been a hard working man, and I have always respected that, so any time that I had to spend with him in instances like this I treasure.

I remember watching old episodes of The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, The Ray Bradbury Theater, and newer anthology series such as Tales From the Dark Side, Monsters, and Tales from the Crypt as a family growing up. It wasn't uncommon for my mom and myself to spend hours on the couch when I was sick wasting away to these absurd tales. Still to this day there is a feeling of comfort and safety vegging out to any of these shows. Guess it's that feeling of nostalgia.

As I am writing this I feel like I have veered off course of where I was going with this piece, yet to understand my connection to these films I feel like you have to understanding of where it came from. Every story has a history I suppose.

The popularity of DVD has helped so many lost films find their way to accessibility, and so many newer films find a home through social networking. I could sit here and list so many friends of mine who are directors who have used Facebook, blogs, and podcasts to get their names and films out there to people who may not have discovered them otherwise. Yet, even some modern film makers who share the love of VHS and see the market for them have been putting their films on VHS. Bloomington, Indiana's Arthur Cullipher and Kirk Chastain released their film COME on white VHS in a white sleeved box. Thomas Berdinski from Muskegon, Michigan released his films Zombie Abomination and Zombie Atrocity: The Italian Zombie Movies 1 & 2 in a very select number of VHS copies.

Truly not every horror film will ever see its way onto DVD. It's a select niche that most companies are not willing to put the time, effort, and money into. Making an obscure find that much more meaningful. For there are so many out there that are almost lost, perhaps hiding in a closet or in someones basement. Film makers like Todd Sheets (The Zombie Bloodbath trilogy, Dominion, and Goblin), Tim Ritter (Killing Spree, Wicked Games), and the Polonia brothers (Splatter Farm, Feeders) have made cult status via VHS. Hell even so much of TROMA's catalog is still only accessible on cassette.

Collecting VHS as a hobby is a very tedious, often expensive ordeal. Yet places like Amazon.com and Ebay.com are great places to find many rarities at an inexpensive price. It's something I can throw a few bucks at a week and the only thing it takes away from is my space. There are far worse addictions that I could have.

So when you see some goofy looking bastard sorting through the racks of VHS at some thrift store, think of me and smile. Because they might just have a story as well.

Thanks for your time,

Brandon S. Bennett

The Mini-View Featuring Mike Hartman

Silver Bullet Pictures website:

http://www.silverbulletpictures.com/

Mike Hartman's IMDB page:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3650874/

Trailer for Silver Bullet Productions film HEAVY MENTAL released by TROMA:

This week I bring you my good friend Mike Hartman director/writer for Silver Bullet Productions.

Silver Bullet Pictures an independently owned, digital production studio based in Metro Detroit. Formed in 2002, Silver Bullet Pictures prides itself on producing creative, challenging projects that appeal to a wide audience. Silver Bullet Pictures has produced multiple forms of media including short and feature length films, television programs, commercial media, and live media events. The Silver Bullet Team is composed of some of Michigan’s best and brightest filmmakers. Mike Hartman, president and founder has been the driving force behind Silver Bullet Pictures. His vision, to produce high- energy, creative independent film projects in the Metro Detroit area is what sets SBP apart from other production companies. Mike is an experienced writer and director with a resume that includes multiple short form and feature length film projects, television projects, and live media events. Some of his recent projects include his current role as director of the Detroit based television program, Wolfman Mac’s Chiller Drive-In, and as writer/director/producer of the feature length film, Heavy Mental. Heavy Mental is now in worldwide release and is distributed by Troma Entertainment Inc.

1. If you were to watch the first film you worked on, then to travel back in time to talk with your past self, is there any advice you would tell him? Anything you would do differently?

I would tell myself to spend less time trying to be an actor (its been 17 years and I still cant act) and more time trying to get woman naked in my films.

2. What have you found has been the hardest part about promoting your own films?

It has been a little tricky to launch a full scale promotion beyond our local reach. With social media like Facebook, myspace. etc it has become a little easier to get the word out but were always looking for ways to travel and screen our films outside of Michigan without going broke.

3. If you could pick any director/writer to 'remake' one of your films: who would it be, which film, and why?

Yikes! I hate remakes but to answer this one I would say: any one of my movies and I would pick the highest bidder to remake it then I would use the money to make a new. movie

4. If you could choose just one film to watch over and over for the rest of your life what would it be and why?.

Terror Firmer (1998) Troma. its the funniest, most entertaining, and inspiring movie i have ever seen and I already do watch it over and over now!

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?

(Laughs) With all the shit I talk about remakes I would be crazy to even try to answer this one!

Thanks to Mike for being a part of The Mini- View!

- Brandon Bennett

The Mini-View Featuring Jessica Cameron

Jessica Cameron was born and raised in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada and moved to Toronto to study fashion at Ryerson University. After finishing her degree she moved to Ohio to work as a fashion designer and in her spare time she decided to try an acting class. The acting bug bit, and Jessica has since made acting her full time career. In the two short years she has been acting, she has already been involved in cast in a number of roles for music videos, TV shows and feature films. Most recently she will be playing Princess Areola in the feature film Potpourri directed by Elliot Diviney. She just wrapped on the feature film Resurrection, directed by Jeff Burr.

Jessica's IMDB page:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2781723/

Mr. Hush Official Page:

http://www.mrhush.net/moviemain

Potpourri Official Page:

http://www.potpourrimovie.com/

Watch for Jessica in Mushroomhead's song Soul is Mine from the Saw VI soundtrack:

1. Looking back in your life, was there a moment you realized you wanted to become an actress? Or perhaps an actress or film that maybe inspired you?

I knew that I loved acting the moment that I took my first class. It was just such a challenge. But I knew that I wanted to make it my career after I auditioned for the feature film The Dead Matter. The audition was at Precinct 13 studios and I got to audition for the director (Ed Douglas), producer (Gary Jones) and a few others. Gary was reading the stage direction and actually lost his place, which I took as a great sign. They had me do a bunch of improve, and then my "horror film scream", once I was done they were all on their feet clapping. I knew in that moment that this is what I was meant to do.

When I was on the set those feelings were further developed - there is simply no place I would rather be then on a film set.

2. In the film Resurrection your character, Lenore, was a waitress. For those who do not know, you yourself made a living waiting tables as well. Would you say this helped prepare you for the role? Also, do you think waitresses and waiters use a certain amount of acting when dealing with customers?

It totally did! I often try to draw on my own personal experiences to make my performances richer and deeper. I think it helps to make the charters feel more seamless.

I waitressed to pay for college and although I did enjoy it, I understand the mentality that career waitresses have. So I used that to fuel my characters motivation in those scenes.

(laughs) It's funny you mention waitresses acting. I think some do more then others. When I was bored I would pretend to be someone else completely different. I would tell the customers a different name, answer their questions totally different then what the reality was. I created complex characters and played them out to keep myself entertained. And yes - I did get caught a few times. Once a customer came in and asked if "Julia" was working, of course the manager explained that there were no waitresses named Julia....

3. Before breaking into acting you attended Ryerson University in Toronto studying fashion, is this something you have been able to use when working on films? Or perhaps another element that has yet to go untapped?

It has. I am very particular about how my clothes look and fit so I ALWAYS bring some of my own wardrobe with me, just in case it is needed. Wardrobe really helps me to set the tone of my character, so I use my knowledge to my advantage. I have an incredibly large wardrobe too so that helps a lot! Sometimes if my character gets to wear a crazy outfit I will ask if I can be in charge of creating it, with the films approval of course. On the set of Potpourri I played a princess in an alternate world, and in one scene had to have this totally trashed princess dress. It was so much fun to create this dress and then destroy it!

4. Celebrity crushes, we all have them. Can you let us into that pretty head of yours and divulge who yours may be and why?

Celebrity crushes.....I have to admit I do have a few. Here's a taste!

Christian Slater - I LOVE a bad boy and he has this amazing charm about him. I have also been greatly impressed with his career and acting skills. I find him very dashing.

Sheri Moon Zombie - What can I say...she is breathtakingly gorgeous and so talented. I was enamored with her in House of a 1000 Corpses.

Ryan Reynolds - hes Canadian and single...need I say more?! Also I love his witty sense of humour. That is a BIG turn-on for me, wit and humour! His amazing body also does not hurt either....

5. Finally, as many young actresses who have came before you and been faced with it.... There has always been this marriage between horror films and sex, what is your stance on nudity in film?

You are 100% correct, there is.

Since I am wanting to work on all types of films, I have decided to not do nudity at this time. I do A LOT of implied nudity (Pasties and underwear), and have worked with a body double for "faking" it. I have no judgement to other actresses that do nudity - it is just not what I am interested in doing at this time in my career. Its a hard balance for any actress to make. Nudity can really help your horror career but it can also hurt your career in other genres. At the end of the day it comes down to what are you comfortable with.

I am actually very comfortable naked (as any of the people on the sets that I have done implied nudity for will attest to) its just not right for my career at this time to show more. Perhaps one day....

Thank so much to Jessica for taking time out of her busy schedule during this Holiday season to agree to do a Mini-View!

- B. Bennett

The Mini-View Featuring Brandon Slagle

Brandon Slagle was born just outside of Austin, Texas to Larry Slagle and Suzette Jacobs, who divorced when Brandon was five years old. Inspired as a teenager by such legends as Marlon Brando, James Dean, and Montgomery Clift, he never took anything lightly and never expected any hand-outs. Coming from a strong work ethic as well as well as an extremely rich cultural and diverse ethnic background, he has been able to make amazing things come from very little, and has begun to leave his mark on the film world. Gaining cult status from a number of "b" horror films and genre-based convention appearances, he refuses to be completely satisfied - always looking for the next great role, the next amazing opportunity, and the next chance to do something that hopefully will prove a little more "interesting" than the prior one was.

Check out Brandon's IMDB page for his film work:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1761677/

Brandon's own personal blog:

http://brandonslagle.blogspot.com/

Facebook page for Brandon's new film VIVID:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vivid-the-film/150705361624430?v=info

1. You have had the chance and the pleasure of working with so many names in the world of indie film, I would imagine that's quite a humbling feeling. Are there any legends in film that you would love to work with? If so, whom?

Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Lance Henricksen (who I keep running into - so perhaps it's a sign??), Daniel-Day Lewis, Sigourney Weaver, Ellen Burstyn, and I guess I will include directors such as Ridley Scott, Darren Aronofsky, Francis For Coppola, Martin Scorcese, and Ben Affleck, who has become a freakin' dynamite director.

2. Looking at your career in film there isn't much you haven't done behind or in front of the screen. (acting, producing, composer, directing) Is there a place you haven't gone yet? What is the next step for you?

More of the same really. I want to continue developing my own projects now, especially with as well-received as 15 Till Midnight and Song of the Shattered have been so far. That of course, doesn't mean that I will only be doing my own things.

I suppose though, a more direct answer would be to eventually direct something that I am not an actor in. That will come in time...

3. If one were to look through your acting credits they would notice everything from comedy to science fiction. Yet horror seems to be the genre you are most known for. Would you say this is by choice, or by demand?

It is both by choice as well as demand. I grew up reading Fangoria of course, and used to frequent the Mom & Pop video stores and collectible shops looking for rare and obscure genre films (back before everything was on DVD and you had to search for rare workprints and laserdisc bootlegs...).

So naturally, the horror genre was something I was drawn to when I started actually getting cast in films (which wasn't instant...figuring this out takes years and discourages a lot of people - for example I'm in my mid-30's now and have been auditioning since I was 15). Apparently I was doing something right since I kept getting cast in genre films.

Of course, this isn't necessarily the end-all for me. I also grew up on classic films (Citizen Kane was a huge influence on me) and I idolized Marlon Brando, James Dean, and Montgomery Clift - so to be bluntly honest, horror is not the only thing I want to do, say what you will about that statement.

4. For those who do not know, you were quite well known in the music scene as the front man for the metal band Die Section. You have also worked as a composer on several films now. If you were asked to compile a soundtrack for a horror film and had access to any 12 bands, what would this track listing look like?

I would list them, but they would probably all be Industrial bands which most people may or may not have heard of - (or have they?) - and I don't mean to more synth/hardcore techno-derived Industrial that seems to be all the rage these days, but stuff like Frontline Assembly (who more people know by their alter-ego project, Delerium), Godflesh, Skinny Puppy, Rabbit Junk, and the like.

5. Lastly, what does Brandon Slagle do in his down time? You seem to be one of the busiest actors in indie cinema. What keeps you entertained when you are not working?

In short - looking for more work and developing more projects...this is all-consuming, which a lot of people don't seem to realize...or want to realize...

Many thanks to Brandon for taking time out of his busy schedule to be a part of The Mini-View!

- B. Bennett

Attack of the Killer Lunchbox (and Other Novelty Items)

This week I would like to welcome a guest blogger, my good friend and author J. Travis Grundon.

Attack of the Killer Lunchbox (and Other Novelty Items)

by J. Travis Grundon

We all remember the first horror movie that freaked us out and gave us nightmares. For some people it was the original Night of the Living Dead, for others it was Alfred Hitchcock's classic Psycho or the tide thrashing terror of Jaws. For me it was probably A Nightmare on Elm Street.

As a kid I was afraid of the dark and I had a very overactive imagination so most scary movies kept me awake at night and made me pull the covers over my head. I was sure Freddy was going to kill me in my sleep, but as I hid under a blanket I thought about Michael Myers walking into my bedroom, Gremlins or Chucky popping out of my toy box or some hideous monster creeping out of my closet.

Nowadays I think back on those sleepless nights and laugh at myself. I also laugh at the people who still find Freddy, Jason and other movie maniacs scary. In all honesty they've all become jokes.

Everyone has seen how Wes Craven's dream stalking slasher, Freddy Krueger, has devolved from a horror icon, into a wisecracking, broom riding bitch. don't see how that's Scary, but more importantly I don't understand when it became so cool.

I thought Freddy, Jason, Chucky and these other freaks were the bad guys. Why are we rooting for them?

I personally don't understand how a accused pedophile/serial killer is the sort of thing people would wear or want their children to wear on t-shirts, hats and lunchboxes. At some point it becomes ridiculous, then it becomes pointless. Freddy and other “scary movie” icons have stopped being scary. I know I can't take the character seriously when I see a kid in hockey mask, and Freddy glove every Halloween. Now adults and kids have action figures of these same characters. It's lame and it's destroying the horror movie genre.

This gorror trip Horrorwood is on has been credited to the moral decline of the human race and other stupid shit, but really it seems to me that “filmmakers” have to raise the bar with gore and shock factor, because they can't scare us anymore. If they did our society would only embrace it and put it on a t shirt or make the monster into a Halloween costume too.

Maybe we have let our morals slip. I for one find films like Silence of the Lambs and American Psycho to be the last of the scary movies, because nothing behaves and consistently and rigidly as a human on the path of destruction. I think, humans are the last monsters left. Nothing a person can do in a movie will shock me, but it will keep me awake at night, because it could really happen!

Put that on your t-shirt or lunchbox and sell!!!

J. Travis Grundon's Top Five Horror Films

1.Session 9

2. American Psycho

3. Attic Expeditions

4.Silence of the Lambs

5. I Spit on Your Grave (original)

J. Travis Grundon has served as an editor and contributor on Forrest J Ackerman's Anthology of the Living Dead and Call of Lovecraft. His book Eclectic Collection is a feast of fiction, that illustrates his love, and craft of short stories.

His other work can found in the Silven Trumpeter, the Tecumseh Review, Scars, Paracinema, Twisted Dreams and The Monsters Next Door magazine. Other works include stories for Help - An Anthology To Benefit Preditors and Editors, Concrete Blood: Dark Tales of the City, and Toe Tags 2.

The Mini-View Featuring Michael Kenneth Fahr

Michael Kenneth Fahr, known for the films Brainjacked and The Uh-Oh Show, graduated from the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota, FlL with a BA in illustration.

"I did some plays in college: The Poet and The Rent, I played the factory owner. And 2 original plays: The Perfect Man i played two parts, the mob boss and the flasher. Daylight I played the demon king. I studied improv for a year. I did all the theater and improv stuff before i did anything on film. Film is very different and it was a learning experience not to look at the camera when its a few inches from my face. I also feed off the audience when i would do a play and that aspect wasn't there with film. I don't think one is easier then the other, they are just different. I grew up and lived in Connecticut until I went to college in Florida. I am currently working on my film reel. I love horror films and am happy to have done a handful but I'm most proud of Wicked Backwards, written/directed by Michael T Morgan, because its a serious drama. One film I would like everyone to keep an eye out for is Victimized, its a suspense thriller that i wrote, directed and starred in. its now in post prodction and i will be going back for pick up shots and reshoots soon!"

Michael's IMDB page:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2859567/

Check out the website for Brainjacked:

http://getbrainjacked.com/

Here you can view the trailer for Victimized:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYoTQHrjARU

1. How did you get into film? Was it something you actually wanted to pursue?

Well I actually got into acting while I was in college with the drama club. During my summers, I took some acting classes to see if it was something I could do. I liked it and continued to do theater and study Improv. I didn't have any film experience until I auditioned for a small company in MA. That audition was seen by a film student that I knew and he ended up casting me in his project. The feature film was never finished but that was my first time being on a film set and it helped me adjust working on film instead of the stage. After that I worked on a few other indie projects and one thing kind of just lead to another. So yes it is something that I have pursued!

2. If you could work with any actor/actress and any director on a film, who would they be and why?

One director that I really want to work with is Tim Sullivan. I enjoy his films, they are really well made and I would love the opportunity to be directed by him. There's a lot of Hollywood actors that I would love to work with but I have to work on getting my SAG card first. I can tell you that I would love to work with someone on a comedy or an action film though!

3. What would you consider your greatest achievement since getting into film? Is there a certain moment, someone you have met/worked with, or just a feeling you have gotten?

I don't think my greatest achievement has happened yet. I don't want to think I've already had it because if I have where do I go from there? I have had a lot of great moments and one particular instance that I'm proud of is playing Charles in Brainjacked. Which by the way is on dvd now! When I auditioned for the film, I thought I did awful. I figured there was no was I was getting cast in that and then a few weeks later the director called and offered me the part of Charles. The reason I liked playing Charles so much is because when I watch the film, I don't feel like I'm watching me, I don't feel like there is really a trace of Michael in him

4. On the opposite end of the spectrum. Has there been a moment that you thought maybe this was not the place you needed to be in life? And if it's not too personal, could you elaborate?

That's a loaded question for me. (laughs) There have been so many times where I have felt I wasn't in the right place with my life. But the only thing you can really do is listen to your inner voice and when you follow it, you will be where you should be. Remember not everything is going to happen the way you think it should but as long as you keep moving forward you will always become closer to your dreams.

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.

I don't know if some of my favorite films are a guilty pleasure or not. I really like Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Psycho Beach Party and Sunset Blvd.

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

Ten Films I can not turn away from

The other day I was thinking about some of my favorite films, and films that I have to watch if they are on. Below I have listed in order those films, the year they were released, and their director.

10. Tales From the Crypt (1972) directed by Freddie Francis

9. Vernon Florida (1981) directed by Errol Morris

8. Sewer Chewer (2009) directed by James Hawley

7. The Goonies (1985) directed by Richard Donner

6. Cannibal! the Musical (1993) directed by Trey Parker

5. Labyrinth (1986) directed by Jim Henson

4, Eraserhead (1976) directed by David Lynch

3. Clerks (1994) directed by Kevin Smith

2. Fight Club (1999) directed by David Fincer

1. In the Mouth of Madness (1995) directed by John Carpenter

- B. Bennett