Crypt Club Productions Inc.

The Smalls Short Film Fest is Big on Prizes!

2011-07-29T16:26:00.000-04:00

Holy Smokes! There are only 14 days left to upload your short film for The Smalls Short Film Fest. Up for grabs is £20,000 worth of camera equipment rentals (or, 'hire' for our UK readers) from Panavision and £1,000 cash prize that they are offering each of the winners.

All they ask is that your film(s) express creativity and originality. A panel of industry professionals, who are looking for original ideas, inspiring scripts and great execution, will judge the films.

You can enter in either of two categories: BEST UNDER 5 MIN or BEST OVER 5 MINUTES. The awards will be presented in London this September, during the fest when we will also host workshops, screenings and terrific hot-topic panel discussions.

The Smalls welcomes all filmmakers, from the first time director to the seasoned professional. Any country. Any nationality. Any genre. They want you to help make this the biggest and best of The Smalls Short Film Fest ever.

Feeling excited and inspired? Enter your film before the 12th of August 2011.

Click the link below to submit your film today. And best of luck! Heck, if you've completed a film (long or short) you're already lucky. So go for it!

LINKS: The Smalls Film Fest

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3-D Zombies? You Betcha!

2011-06-18T10:01:00.000-04:00

I can't say much about the project yet - something to do with non-disclosure agreements, confidentiality clauses, and death threats from a guy named Jimmy Fish Eyes.

But keep your eyes peeled for a new 3-D zombie feature film "Dead Before Dawn", from Wango Films. Filming gets under way soon, really soon...

And how do I know this? I'm the 1st Assistant Director on the show (smattering of applause).

While I'm barely conscious after a hard night's filming I'll attempt to blog about working with 3-D technology. If you see something like this:

mkniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiivr vr vvvvvvvvv

then you'll know I've passed out on the keyboard.

Wish us luck on the shoot. Then be afraid... be very afraid - and try not to wet yourself.

LINKS:
Dead Before Dawn site
Wango Films
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Tri-City Film Info & Interview

2011-05-26T08:00:00.010-04:00

Don’t let the geographic limitations of the name fool you.

Yes, it’s true that Tri-City Film covers the local indie film scene in the Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge area of Southern Ontario. What isn’t as obvious is that they go beyond their titular borders covering Guelph, and even… (gasp) Toronto! [more on that later]

In fact, as site creator and lead scribe David Briggs points out:

“The point of Tri-City Film is to help connect people interested in local film to what local filmmakers are doing. Anyone producing film in and around these cities is encouraged to contact us and keep in touch. If someone is working on something great, or is putting together a festival or compilation that may be of interest to Tri-City Film readers, then we will certainly cover it.”

The web site is a focal point for local and related indie filmmakers and film fans.

David accepts ideas and submissions for articles, interviews, photos, casting calls, crew postings, film festivals, and “other works that would jazz up the site”. If you’re a creative indie filmmaker here’s your showcase shot.

So, if you’ve got something indie going on, get it on Tri-City Film and see what can happen.

And, while you’re visiting the site, feast your squinties on the interview with yours cruelly [this is the Toronto connection cunningly mentioned earlier]. I hear that David transcribed our recorded interview in vampire blood. Cool. Enjoy.

And keep supporting indie filmmaking – wherever it may be.

LINKS:
Tri-City Film
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits

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Gruesome Hertzogg Lovingly Dissects AAAAAH!!

2011-05-07T09:42:00.003-04:00

I'll keep this brief, because that's what podcaster & film reviewer Gruesome Hertzogg would do.

Instead of posting bloated podcasts full of ego puffery and mindless chatter he posts thumbnail reviews of horror films. He gives you the skinny on a film and a qualified rating out of 10. You get in, get informed, and get out.

So, I was flattered when he offered to review the films of "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits" volumes 1 & 2 one by one. Do they live up to their claim of "All Killer - No Filler". Check out what Gruesome Hertzogg has to say about each film. You can hear his podcasts on Blogger and on iTunes, and follow him on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and IMDB.

Can't wait for the chance to do a long interview, which he also does with horror actors and filmmakers.

Short or long, he's not shy about telling you what he likes. And I feel like Sally Field gushing at the Oscars, "You like me. You really like me."

Fill yer boots and your horror-loving ears...

LINKS:
Gruesome Hertzogg's Podcast
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits
IMDb

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8th Maverick Movie Awards - Don't Call It A Film Festival

2011-04-26T08:00:00.009-04:00

The words 'film festival' conjure up a public event with red carpets, applause, and glamour - at least for some filmmakers. For others, a film festival is a nerve wracking ordeal where the popcorn is topped with flop sweat.

So why submit your film to a festival? Mostly to gain exposure to create a buzz with which to tempt distributors into making a deal. But if you're looking for an alternate route for your film - without the need for tuxedo dry cleaning - there's the Maverick Movie Awards.

But don't call it a 'film festival' because there are no screenings.

I'll let the Maverick Movie Awards' Mission Statement explain:

The Maverick Movie Awards was founded by moviemakers who have been through the glorious highs and crushing lows of the international film festival circuit; from these shared experiences came the calling to create a real alternative to the nepotism, politics, and commercialism that defines far too many festivals and competitions.

Our goal is to help talented moviemakers achieve the recognition they deserve by awarding movies with unique style, exceptional craft, and the power to communicate.

By championing great movies, regardless of origin, genre, or budget, our hope is to re-ignite the spirit of the major film festivals and distribution pioneers by celebrating what they once valued above glitz and glamour...simply put: GREAT CINEMA.

So, if you've made some GREAT CINEMA in the form of a feature film, short film, or documentary you can submit it to MMA through Withoutabox.
Regular Deadline: May 31, 2011
Late Deadline: June 30, 2011
Extended Deadline: July 31, 2011

Fees & submission details are at the Maverick Movie Awards site.

And save your black tie attire for a wedding or a nice funeral...

LINKS:
Maverick Movie Awards
Withoutabox

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Cannibal Cam's Review & Exposé

2011-02-05T12:19:00.000-05:00

At last summer's FanExpo we had the distinct displeasure of having our booth in too-near proximity to a loudmouthed schnook with a mini-bullhorn. Prolonged exposure can drive you to coldblooded, broad daylight, I-don't-care-if-the-security-camera-is-recording-in-high-def murder.

Fortunately, on the other side of the aisle was another fellow with a mini-bullhorn. He was quite personable and entertaining as he lured, cajoled, and threatened people to come meet George Romero's Zombie Nurse. His name is Cannibal Cam. We liked CC. We liked him even more when CC agreed to hold down the loudmouthed schnook while I introduced the mini-bullhorn into a conspicuously inconspicuous orifice on the schnook's person.

Between the waves of crazed and glazed conventioneers we got to talking. CC & I had been Facebook friends for a while, but had never met face to face.

Long story short: CC invited me to do a three-way interview with the friendly Zombie Nurse, and then I slipped him some DVDs to review. CC didn't flinch.

And here's his refreshingly honest posted review. CC begins talking about "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits" at the 1:15 mark.

Enjoy. Then catch his other reviews. CC knows his stuff and ain't afraid to tell you about it.

LINKS: Stupid New Reviews Video
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Texas Blood Bath Film Festival Returns For A Second Helping

2010-11-11T17:00:00.001-05:00

They say that if you love something you should set it free. If it comes back to you then it's yours. If it doesn't come back to you: a) it never was yours; or, b) hunt it down and drag it back kicking and screaming. The choice is yours.

Well, speaking of things that we love that come back, it's time for The Texas Blood Bath 2: Film Festival this Saturday and Sunday, November 13 and 14 at The Texas Theatre
231 W. Jefferson Blvd, in lovely Dallas, Texas. The screenings begin at noon on Saturday and wrap up with Sunday's 8:00 pm show.

There's lots of cinematic gore in store, brought to you by my blood buddy Andrew Rose and DOA Entertainment.

Featured guests include Debbie Rochon, Reggie Bannister, April Burril, and many, many others.

Now, I hear you asking, "Is there an Opening Night Party?" You bet your sweet entrails! DOA wouldn't leave you hanging. The Opening Night Party is Friday November 12, starting at 9:00 PM at Muddy Waters Bar, 4314 Live Oak Street, also in lovely Dallas, Texas. Remember: you must fortify yourself for the onslaught of films ahead of you this weekend.

And, yes, there's also a Closing Night Party on Sunday after the last show - because you must fortify yourself for the onslaught of Monday ahead of you. AAAAAH!!

Details about The Texas Blood Bath 2: Film Festival are available at their website (below).

Tell 'em Mighoul sent ya. It won't get you anything, but the puzzled look on Andrew Rose's face will be priceless.

LINKS:
Texas Blood Bath 2: Film Festival

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Hanging at the BAZAAR of the BIZARRE

2010-10-07T08:00:00.109-04:00

I'm a sucker for cool handmade items.

Mass-production is all right for heavy duty stuff, like refrigerators. But for other things - those that add beauty, curiosity, and fulfillment to your life - there's nothing like the care and attention to detail of an artisan's touch.

And then there's the weird & wonderful. I like when artisans and the weird & wonderful round the same corner and smack into each other. The result is often far more satisfying than a mere chocolate/nut-paste confection.

And that leads me to the Bazaar of the Bizarre.

I discovered the Bazaar of the Bizarre last spring on the recommendation of artist David Irvine. It's a Toronto showcase for artisans, created by Plastik Wrap boutique's Adriana Fulop.

Here's how she describes the now twice-annual one-day event:

If you have not attended the last bazaar and do not know what to expect, you are in for a real treat! It is a marketplace filled with amazing vendors. Artists, designers, craft-folk, publishers, and other independent makers of all things exotic, whimsical, and macabre are assembled to attack all of your senses.

Sounds like my kind of market place.

Last spring we picked up several very cool items, including a pair of skull cuff-links to add some macabre pizazz to a business suit.

Then it hit me: I'm an independent maker of macabre stuff.

So, we have a booth at the next Bazaar of the Bizarre on Sunday October 10th to add some "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits", Cryptwear, and Black Widow Hearse Club swag to the Bazaar's mix.

Scare you there...

LINKS:
Bazaar of the Bizarre
Bazaar of the Bizarre Facebook event page
Plastik Wrap
David Irvine's MySpace page

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NOW AVAILABLE: "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Vol. 2" DVD

2010-10-01T20:36:00.000-04:00

October!

My favourite month of the year is here!

And to celebrate October we're announcing the DVD release of "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits - Volume #2".

It's available right now at our web site: http://www.aaaaah-films.com.

And, as an added bonus, our checkout is now also PayPal friendly!

Why am I so excited?

There are nine-plus reasons.

We're calling volume 2, "More Killer - No Filler". That's right, 'more' because... well, there's more on this disc.

We're featuring 9 - count 'em 9 - great short indie horror films on this DVD, for a total running time of 122 minutes - over 2 hours of terror-inducing cinema - plus Extras!

So, you'll pardon my high adrenaline level.

In alphabetical order, the great short horror films on volume 2 are:

"GNAW" by Frank Merle
"HELL'S HABIT" by Mike Jackaon (also "The Veil" from vol. 1)
"HUMAN NO MORE" by Christopher Alan Broadstone (also "My Skin!" from vol. 1)
"THE KOOKY KASTLE" by Paul Carty
"LEGEND OF THE SEVEN BLOODY TORTURERS" by Conall Pendergast
"OUT OF THE DARKNESS" by Nicholas Rucka
"THE ROOM" by Diego Meza-Valdes
"THE STRAIN" by Mike Doyle
"TRICK OR TREAT" by Oliver Pearce

We premiered advance copies of the DVD at Rue Morgue's Festival of Fear during FanExpo in August. And the response was huge! Folks who bought volume 1 the first time around now snapped up volume 2 sight unseen. Thank you! Your feedback is invaluable!!

It's going to be a full month with promo events. Hope you enjoy all of October as it twists and turns toward a Happy Halloween.

Dim the lights and enjoy!

LINKS:
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits

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New AAAAAH!! Vol. 2 Trailer Unveiled

2010-08-27T08:00:00.055-04:00

Greetings fans of indie horror...

BREAKING NEWS!!

The wait is finally over!

We've got the "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 2" DVD ready to roll out in a month. Stay tuned for more about that right pronto.

In the mean time, feast your squinties on our achingly new trailer.

It features a greatest hits of clips from the nine (yes, nine!) short horror films on volume 2, as well as the fang-tastic "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits Theme" by Adrian Ellis.

If you like the trailer, wait till you see the films themselves. Until then, enjoy this tasty morsel.

To see the trailer a little bigger and clearer you can watch it here.

And - for you eager readers - I'm at FanExpo in downtown Toronto this weekend (Friday Aug. 27- Sunday Aug. 29) with an advance pre-sale box of DVDs and ghoulishly cool CryptWear swag. I might even have some Black Widow Hearse Club gear with me too.

So, if you can't wait for the official DVD release... claw your way to Booth #715 in the Rue Morgue's Festival of Fear section at FanExpo, North Building (Front St. Entrance) of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Scare you there.

LINKS:
FanExpo
Adrian Ellis
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits

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Bill Plympton Doc Seeks Assistance

2010-08-22T07:59:00.002-04:00

Two very cool people are involved in one extremely cool project. Performer & Filmmaker Alexia Anastasio is creating a documentary about renowned, Academy Award nominated indie animator "Bill Plympton called Adventures in Plymptoons!"

Why make a documentary about Bill Plympton, "King of the indie animators"?

Well, here's what some people you probably recognize say about Mr. Plympton and his doc-worthiness.

"Bill is an extraordinary animator. He has an extraordinary mind....He seems to get right to the depth of the human condition." - Terry Gilliam

"Bill Plympton's imagination, and the way that he was able to deconstruct animation....was something I'd never seen before." - Matthew Modine

"I think he's one of the few guys who does what I say people should do, which is your own films....Bill's a great animator." - Ralph Bakshi

"You don't want to meddle with genius...Bill's just amazing." - Weird Al

“Bill has an impossible ability to carelessly marry the absurd with the profound. I’ve always just loved his stuff.” - Seth Green

"Bill Plympton just keeps on creating his amazing cartoons, a true American artist." - John Landis

The film is currently in post-production and needs dinero to get it done.

And that's where you and www.kiskstarter.com come in. Alexia has set a $10,000 donation challenge. If good folks (like you) donate that amount by the deadline then the film gets the money. If donations fall short (by even one dollar!) then nothing happens and pledges are dropped.

If you can lend a hand to help create a lasting documentary about one of the world's great indie animators... just think how cool you'd be too. Every single dollar counts.

The nail biting Donation Deadline is October 12, but why wait to act on a good impulse?
LINKS:
Kiskstarter page
Alexia Anastasio Bill Plimpton page
Alexia Anastasio web page

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Zombie Car Wash - Suds of the Dead

2010-08-18T08:35:00.016-04:00

It's late in the summer and your trusty ride is looking tired & grungy. What do you do?

You can take it to an automatic car wash and let the machine do the work, or you can break out the sponge & hose and do some environmental damage yourself...

OR, you can let the un-dead do your menial automotive beautification work for you.

Sounds like a no-brainer to me... (mmm, brains...)

But where can this magical act transform my wheels into a gleaming object of both transportation and envy?

The Bloods 'n Suds Zombie Car Wash, brought to you by the thoughtful, gentle, and caring ghouls of the Toronto Zombie Walk.

ONE DAY ONLY! Saturday, August 21.

Come and support one of Toronto's top events. And be sure to look your best (beast?) for the cameras from SPACE TV. Yep, they're coming to cover the car wash.

NO CAR? NO PROBLEM. Bikes, Hearses, Wagons, etc. are most welcome! If it has wheels the TZW zombies will wash it.

Here are the details of the TZW's final "fiendraiser" before the 8th annual big event on Saturday, October 23 - more info on that soon. And, thanks for all our past support.

BLOODS 'N SUDS
The Zombie Car Wash in support of the Toronto Zombie Walk

Saturday, August 21 form 1:00pm - 5:00pm

Classic Coin Car Wash
1247 College St. (one block East of Lansdowne Ave.)
Toronto, ON

"You'll feel like a KING/QUEEN (of the dead) when you sit back, relax, and let these hideous flesh eaters clean your automobile in un-dead automaton fashion -- that is, if you can make it through the initial blood curdling fear!"

Car Wash (no blood) $10.00
Car Wash (with blood, full zombie attack) $15.00

Let the un-dead help you come clean so you can ride out the summer in style.

LINKS:
Toronto Zombie Walk page
Bloods 'n Suds Facebook page

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Official Toronto Zombie Walk's Brain Drive Is In High Gear

2010-06-22T11:00:00.001-04:00

[The following information from Thea Munster (a.k.z. The Zombie Queen, She Who Must Be Obeyed - Or Else) is being re-transmitted by us - with liberal editorial content, and only a few nasty bruises. BTW, that is neither Thea nor me in the photo. That's the last zombie who failed to, well, you know... Now he has to eat his brain rations through a twisty straw. Heartbreaking really. But I digress...]

Yikes!! Only 4 months to go before the dead rise and invade the streets of Toronto!!! Yes boys & girls, the official Toronto Zombie Walk is back for 2010.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 23.

It's going to be bigger and better than ever. Will we break last year's attendance estimate of 5,000 undead souls? Come on out and count heads for yourself.

We have some new things this year, including FREE Toe Tag registration.

TZW REGISTRATION

Now, you're probably saying to yourself, "I've never had to register before. What gives?" Or, maybe you're standing there shaking your fist saying, "F*** you. You'll never take me alive (undead?)!"

Indeed. In either case, why should you register for this tremendous grassroots success? Well, success brings new challenges. And this is one way that we can get some stats so we can go for bigger events... As the undead Martha Stewart would say, between bites of brain tartar, "It's a ghoul thing."

And, did I mention there are tasty incentives to registering? Yep. We're going quid pro quo, baby.

Here's how it works:

You register either in advance on-line, or on the day at the TZW starting point with one of several TZW Registration Volunteers with clipboards. Trust me, It's better to register in advance and avoid the line-ups and hassle of a last minute rush.

When you register on-line you'll receive an e-mail with a registration number. Print out the registration e-mail and bring it to the TZW starting point and trade it for your very own keepsake, commemorative TZW TOE TAG. The Franklin Mint ain't got squat on this baby.

Each TZW Toe Tag is numbered and eligible for special prize draws. Flashing your souvenir TZW Toe Tag also gives you the special Zombie Discount at the Bloor Theatre screening following the TZW.

You can register now on-line. Just click TZW FREE On-Line Registration

2010 BRAIN DRIVE IS IN GEAR

Our 2010 Brain Drive has begun! Why? Because this year's TZW operating costs are well over 3,000 bones!! (Ay caramba!)

[By the way, I believe it's called a Brain Drive because zombies need brains to survive, and the not-for-profit TZW needs public support to keep on keeping on. We're like PBS for the ambulatory undead.]

Fortunately, some amazingly generous sponsors have donated a number of fiendtastic prizes. And we've created some awesome prize packs that YOU CAN WIN when you help out The Toronto Zombie Walk.

Brain Drive Tickets are available for a donation of $5, or 3 for $10! We also have a ghoulishly amazing MYSTERY PRIZE - you get a chance at that one for a donation of $2.

To check out the prize pack contents click TZW Brain Drive You can Enter/Donate securely through PayPal.

Fiendtastic prizes include:

*a stay for 2 at a Niagara on the Lake Hotel
*a Flip Camera
*art prints from Christopher Zenga
*jewelry from Jeanie Schlegel
*zombie goodies from Zombies and Toys
*jewelry from The Krafty Kreep
*creepy ghoul basket from Horrors Unlimited
*gift certificate from UV Kitty
*2020 Haunt Calendars by Hector Turner
*merch from Crypt Club Productions Inc.
*passes to Scream Fest
*merch from Black Widow Hearse Club

And much, much more!!!!!

Then, on July 31, 2010 we'll choose random donors to each win one of our seven awesome prize packs. The more you donate to the TZW, the better your chances to take home some sweet swag!

We will be announcing other BRAIN DRIVE events shortly, so keep your eyeballs peeled!!!

CALLING ALL SPONSORS

We are always looking for prize donations for future fiendraising raffles and as giveaways on TZW day events.

Got an idea or something concrete for us? Let us know at info@torontozombiewalk.ca

We are very GRAVE~ful for all your help and support!

[And that's all she wrote.]

LINKS:
Official Toronto Zombie Walk Site
TZW Help The Walk
TZW Registration
TZW Brain Drive

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30 Day Film Fund Raising - Or Else!

2010-05-11T10:09:00.010-04:00

Time and Money. That's all it takes to make a film. Ask my filmmaking friend Mike Flanagan, creator of the awesome film "Oculus".

Well, okay, maybe that's not all you need. You need talent, perseverance, and, among many other things: a way with people. But Time and Money are required no matter what. And I don't know anyone who has too much of either commodity.

So what's a filmmaker to do...?

Enter Kickstarter.com a funding platform for artists, designers, filmmakers, musicians, journalists, inventors, explorers... anyone who has an idea or an endeavour can use it to search for their cabbage patch full of leafy greenbacks.

Mike is prepping "Absentia", his fourth feature film, and his first horror film since the multiple award winning "Oculus" (featured on "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Vol. 1").

He's raising funds in "pledge drive" style, with a project page and both a funny pitch video (you gotta see it) and a scary trailer. If you've seen "Oculus" you know Mike can do scary. For me, the revelation was that Mike can also do funny. Good on ya!

Filmmakers and fund-seekers should check out the project page - AND PRONTO! As of today he's got 25 days left to raise the funds.

If I'm reading the site correctly, unless he raises 100% of his goal by the deadline the pledges go away. You can pledge as little as $5, or go whole hog. Don't worry, you won't be the first to pledge. So far over 80 film friendly folks have put their shoulders to the project's wheel.

Here's a taste of the info about "Absentia":

"Absentia" represents a rare kind of horror movie: one that doesn't rely on gratuity, gore, violence, and cheap shocks. Instead, it operates under the philosophy that if you combine fleshed out, realistic characters with a thought-provoking storyline, and then weave in elements of universal psychological fear, the result is what makes great horror films like "Let the Right One In," "The Descent," "The Exorcist" and "Session 9" possible.

After all, what you DON'T see is always scarier than what you DO....

The film also represents the inaugural feature film of Fallback Plan Productions, a company formed by Justin Gordon and Morgan Peter Brown to give creative opportunities to writers, directors, and actors still laboring on the fringes of an industry that can be impossible to infiltrate. The philosophy is simple ... if you're having a hard time getting your foot in the door, make your own door!

Shot on the revolutionary Canon 5D Mark II, "Absentia" will begin principal photography on June 21, 2010 in Glendale, CA.

Katie Parker (“The Young and the Restless”), Courtney Bell (“Step Up 2: The Streets”), Dave Levine (“Charmed”), Morgan Peter Brown (“Nailed”), and Justin Gordon ("What's Bugging Seth") are attached to star.

Lots more info about the film and the pledge funding model on the site links.

Enjoy. Benefit. And let 'em know Mighoul sent ya...

LINKS:
Mike Flanagan Film
Absentia Kickstarter page
Fallback Plan Productions

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A Haunting We Will Go

2010-04-28T09:00:00.004-04:00

If you're into haunting for fun, profit, or even no-for-profit then you owe it to yourself to come and hang out at the Canadian Haunters Convention taking place Friday May 7 to Sunday May 9, 2010 at the Parkway Convention Centre in Saint Catharines, Ontario.

This is the first Canadian event of its kind - and it's a... wait for it... FREE EVENT! (Why should our Southern neighbours have all the haunting fun?)

So, bring the kiddies. Just be sure you leave with as many as you brought.

To celebrate this inaugural event we're taking a ghoulish road trip of sorts. Some of the members of the Black Widow Hearse Club will gather at the Canadian Haunters Convention to showcase a handful of our club's coaches on the trade show floor.

Not only can you see these vintage beauties up close, but you'll be able to talk to their drivers. Now that's scary.

So, bring the kiddies. Just be sure you leave with as many as you brought.

One of our BWHC founders, Wayne Mallows, is one of the weekend's VIPs. He'll be presenting a practical seminar on "Creating Memorable Characters". Check the event web site for all the gruesome goings on.

Apart from being rather memorable himself, Wayne has a new novel, "Whitechapel Road - A Vampyre tale", that will be available for purchase and autographing during the weekend at his booth (#203), conveniently located near the Black Widow Hearse Club exhibit.

So, bring the kiddies. Just be sure you leave with as many as you brought.

And, of course, I'll be at the hearse display with copies of our fear-bulous DVD collection: "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits", and some creepy cool Crypt Wear...

Check the convention website for all the events & times. There's a whole lot of planned for the weekend. The trade show floor is open to the public. The seminars are paid/ticketed events.

Scare you there on the trade show floor.

Trade Show Hours of Operation:
Friday, May 7 from 7 pm - 10 pm
Saturday, May 8 from 8:30 am - 5 pm
Sunday, May 9 from 9 am - 2 pm

And bring the kiddies. Just be sure you... aw, you know.

LINKS:
Canadian Haunters Convention
Black Widow Hearse Club
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits
Wayne Mallows

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The Romance of Zombie Building

2010-01-29T08:00:00.001-05:00

Need a unique Valentine’s Day gift?

Perhaps something on the creepy, slimy side of the romance meter?

Mom always said she preferred hand-made gifts to store-bought presents.

So here's your chance.

Why not give your boo-loved a ghoulish, hand-made Zombie Puppet in your own disfigured image to remember you by while you're out on the prowl for brains...

Better yet, why not give each other a Zombie Avatar?!

Well, your slurred prayers have been answered.

Matt Ficner presents a Creepy Puppet Project WORKSHOP!

BUILD-A-ZOMBIE!
Saturday February 13th 2010
At Matt’s home studio, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Join in the one-day workshop fun of making your own rod-style zombie puppet.

Participants will be given a puppet rod rigged skeleton base to build up gooey bits of flesh and stretch rubbery skin over. Eyeballs, teeth, tattered clothes and other rotten bits will also be provided!

$350 per participant
SPACES ARE LIMITED!

For detailed directions and bookings contact:
workshops@mfproductions.ca

KEEPING IT CREEPY!

LINKS:
Matt Ficner Productions

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The Paranormal Show at the Paper Mill Theatre

2010-01-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year again. Time to shake off the new year's cobwebs and turn to face the long, dark nights and wonder, "What's out there?"

My close fiend Scott McClelland (Carnival Diablo) has just the thing to focus your other-worldly ponderings: The Paranormal Show is back!

As Scott puts it,

"The Paranormal Show is a Spectacular assortment of Supernatural experiments and a bizarre twist on Sideshow Feats that will make you question everything you thought you understood about REALITY.

Take a trip down the rabbit hole and into a world of the Supernatural, a world unlike your own. Witness experiments that will bend and warp reality, giving you a glimpse into a world where science has no place.

Loaded with audience participation and laughs galore, this show is a unique experience for everyone. Mind-boggling mysteries abound... you may have paid for an entire seat... but you'll just be using the edge of it during the Show!

Join Vladimir Eisengrimm as he attempts to contact the ghosts that haunt Todmorden Mills and unveils Edison's Machine to Talk to the Dead!

Don't miss this astounding show!"

PLAYING THREE NIGHTS ONLY

Thursday January 21st, Friday the 22nd and Saturday the 23rd at The Paper Mill Theatre (Todmorden Mills) in deepest, darkest Toronto, ON.

Doors open at 8pm. The show starts at 9pm sharp!

Tickets are $30.00, available at the door on the evening of each performance.
No Reserved seating, so arrive early to get a good seat!
PARKING IS FREE

The Paranormal Show
at The Paper Mill Theatre
67 Pottery Road (Todmorden Mills)
Toronto, Ontario

For more info, check out www.theparanormalshow.net

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Keep Your Eyes Peeled for AAAAAH!! Shorts on Tonight's "Crash & Burn"

2010-01-14T13:44:00.006-05:00

Tonight's episode of "Crash & Burn" (10 pm EST on Showcase), entitled "Lawyers, Guns & Money", is special for so many reasons. This episode re-unites Enrico Colantoni ("Galaxy Quest", "Flashpoint", "Just Shoot Me") with his co-star from "ZOS - Zone of Separation", Michelle Nolden, as a couple with an extreme approach to marriage counseling.

Without giving away the episode, let's just say that Enrico's SWAT buddies from "Flashpoint" aren't far away. Nuff said.

The series' 8th episode also marks the broadcast licensing debut of not one -- but two -- of the short horror films from "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1".

Eagle-eyed indie horror fans will catch glimpses of Christopher Alan Broadstone's "My Skin!" and Anthony Falcon's "The Ninth Entry" as part of a background montage on Enrico's editing console early in the episode.

If you like what you see and want more indie horror from indie filmmakers check out the collection at www.aaaaah-films.com - now on sale for $9.95.

If you miss tonight's airing check Showcase's show listings for re-broadcasts on Friday and Sunday evenings.

And, keep watching "Crash & Burn" because in episode 10 there's a cameo appearance by a certain 'Twisty Mustache Man' in the opening spot from Protected Insurance. Snidely Whiplash ain't got nothin' on me...

LINKS:
Crash & Burn
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits

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PRETTY SCARY BLOOD BATH FF ANNOUNCED

2010-01-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

Who says Women aren't as scary as Men?

Certainly no one that I know. That's fer sure. In fact, I'd say that Women can be a whole lot scarier than Men.

If you don't believe me you can check out the following for empirical proof on screen.

And in the mean time, have yourself a Happy Grue Year!

PRESS RELEASE: 26 December 2009

IN HONOR OF WOMEN IN HORROR RECOGNITION MONTH, DOA BLOOD BATH ENTERTAINMENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH PRETTY/SCARY PRESENTS: THE PRETTY SCARY BLOOD BATH FILM FESTIVAL.

In response to Hannah Neurotica’s call for the “Women in Horror Recognition Month” in February of 2010, (www.womeninhorror.com) DOA Blood Bath Entertainment will hold The Pretty Scary Blood Bath Film Festival the 27th of February, 2010 from 11 AM to 6 PM at the Studio Movie Grill in Addison, Texas.

DOA Blood Bath Entertainment is also proud to announce the sponsorship and support of Heidi Martinuzzi of Pretty/Scary.net (www.pretty-scary.net), the web community of women of horror, by women of horror.

The Pretty Scary Blood Bath Film Festival will showcase a selection of independent feature and short horror films that have been written and directed by women. These films are to be selected by Dione and Andrew Rose and announced in January of 2010.

Eve Blaack, owner and editor-in-chief of Hacker’s Source, the guide to independent horror, (www.eveblaackpub.com), will serve as the Pretty Scary Blood Bath Film Festival’s Mistress of Ceremonies. Eve Blaack, as a woman in horror, truly appreciates independent horror cinema and has spent countless hours and dollars promoting independent film through the publication of her magazine; The Hacker’s Source.

Sponsorship and advertising opportunities are available by contacting Dione or Andrew Rose at info@doabloodbath.com.

More information can be found at www.doabloodbath.com.

DOA Blood Bath Entertainment is a sole-proprietorship of Dione and Andrew Rose, who seek to provide fans of horror opportunities to view independent horror films through film festivals and special screenings throughout the year.

Pretty-Scary.net is the creation of Heidi Martinuzzi, a film and entertainment journalist based in Los Angeles, California. It is the premier web-community dedicated to the promotion and support of women in horror entertainment.

Contact: Dione Rose
PO Box 643
Farmersville, TX 75442
214-207-9530
Info@doabloodbath.com

LINKS:
The Pretty Scary Blood Bath Film Festival

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'CRA$H & BURN' debuts 9pm Wed Nov 18 on SHOWCASE

2009-11-18T09:56:00.009-05:00

"So, Miguel? What did you do this summer?"

I could tell you, but I'd rather show you. It's on TV starting tonight!

I'm working as 2nd Assistant Director on a new TV series called "CRA$H & BURN". We've got three more weeks of filming to complete our first 13 episodes.

But tonight - Wednesday Nov. 18 - at 9pm on SHOWCASE it's the SERIES PREMIERE!

Gather your friends, loved ones, even your enemies and random hostages to watch the show.

Then, once you're hooked, watch for a cameo by yours cruelly as the "Twisty Moustache Man" in episode #10.

"Cra$h & Burn follows streetwise insurance adjuster Jimmy Burn as he navigates the gritty streets of Hamilton. He is squeezed between the cutthroat corporate culture that is big insurance, the con artists that make a living claim by claim and the city-wide infiltration of organized crime.

Throughout the series, Jimmy must dodge shifty clients, crooked lawyers, backstabbing co-workers and the Russian mob as he fights to keep his job. All the while, fighting to make a life for himself and struggling to grab a piece of the middle-class dream – home, family and security.

Cra$h & Burn is executive produced by Whizbang Films’ Paul Gross and Frank Siracusa, and also Malcolm MacRury (ZOS: Zone of Separation, Deadwood). MacRury also serves as the series creator and showrunner.

The series stars Luke Kirby (Tell Me You Love Me; Slings and Arrows) as Jimmy Burn, the cocky yet charming up-and-comer looking to claim a slice of the corporate pie as an insurance adjuster."

LINKS:
CRA$H & BURN

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Clucking Good Independent Grindhouse Double Feature

2009-11-16T08:00:00.007-05:00

I'm all for promoting grassroots events, like indie film festivals and zombie walks, etc. If it weren't for these events many creative folks would never get their starts, developing their style in the crucible of popular opinion. And audiences would miss a chance to see something different, created by individuals rather than by consensus committees.

I heard about The Independent Grindhouse Double Feature thanks to an e-mail from organizer Matthew Castro. The formula for this recurring festival is to pair something new with something known in order to attract a crowd and introduce it to the new thing.

In this case the known thing is Troma's "Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead", directed by Lloyd Kaufman - which I reviewed last year when it screened at the Toronto After Dark Film Festival.

And the new thing is the premiere of the feature film "Reunion of Terror" from director Michael Hoffman. The director, cast & crew of "Reunion of Terror" will be in attendance for a Q&A.

Also part of this devilish double bill are trailers, a short film, and contests with prizes. I love prizes. All in all it should be a freakishly good time. Take a date and some KFC and dig into the Independent Grindhouse Double Feature.

7:00pm – Midnight
Friday December 11, 2009
Temeku Theater
26463 Ynez Rd.
Temecula CA, 92591

Tickets available at the door for $12, or on-line in advance for $10.
Purchasing your ticket online grants you a chance to win a FREE Indie Grind T-Shirt!

LINKS:
The Independent Grindhouse Film Festival

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“Noche de los Muertos” Films Announced at THAFF

2009-11-03T17:29:00.005-05:00

After Halloween there's one last chance to scream!

Crypt Club Productions Inc and Latin Horror proudly announce the film line up for their co-presentation of the inaugural “Noche de los Muertos” event at the 12th Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival.

"Noche de los Muertos" is a special, creepy late night showcase screening of the best Spanish / Latin American independent horror films. Don’t miss this one time screening.

FEATURE FILM (35mm print):
Guillermo Del Toro's "EL ESPINAZO DEL DIABLO / THE DEVIL’S BACKBONE" (Spain/Mexico, 2001)

“The living will always be more dangerous than the dead. Visionary director Guillermo Del Toro (Hellboy, Pan's Labyrinth) spins a wicked ghost tale set in a Spanish orphanage during the Spanish Civil War.”

Also playing on this fabulously frightening bill:

INDIE SHORT HORROR FILMS:
"Monstrous Nature" (USA, Dir: Jason Cuadrado)
"Not Even Death" (USA, Dir: Monica Winter Vigil)
"Ursula & Spore 2.3" (Mexico, Dir: Carl Jones)
"Encarnada" (Puerto Rico, Dir: Osvaldo Friger)

Prizes and Scary Costume Contest

TICKETS: $12 regular or $10 with scary costume.
Tickets available at the Bloor box office or on-line at http://www.torontohispano.com

DATE: 11:00 pm Friday November 6, 2009
PLACE: Bloor Cinema 506 Bloor Street West (Bathurst Subway Station), Toronto.

Presented by the fiends at the following links:

LINKS:
Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival
Crypt Club Productions Inc.
Latin Horror

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Crypt Club's Manic Fall 2009 Schedule

2009-10-04T09:00:00.011-04:00

Yikes with spikes! October is here already. It just crept up on me while I was preoccupied with September. Sneaky month October is. That must be one reason why Ray Bradbury loves it so.

Fall is the most fertile time of the year here at Crypt Club’s mission (beyond) control. It’s when the seeds we planted earlier start sprouting through the chilled ground’s surface.

If you have a worthwhile event that could use some "AAAAAH!!" factor send me an e-mail and make your case via 'info (at) thecryptclub.com'. We're always looking to expand our sphere of influence...

Mark your calendars or your P-TEDs (personal thumb exhausting devices) and spread the word about our deserving partners’ events & stuff. Remember: what goes around comes around – like a karmic chainsaw blade…

And now, here’s a look at who and what we’re involved with this freakish fall…

CCPI CO-PRESENTING AT THAFF:
Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival's special, creepy late night screening event: "Noche de los Muertos" (Night of the Dead) (Friday November 6 in Toronto, ON)

This event is something new for us - a special screening event to showcase Spanish & Latin American indie horror filmmakers. We're co-presenting - with New York City's own Latin Horror. So watch out. As Edwin Pagan says, "there will be Sangre!!"

We invite filmmakers to check out the submission criteria and then send in their short and feature indie horror films.

SUBMISSION FEE: Free
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Films must reach the THAFF offices by end of day on Friday October 16.

NEW FILMMAKING ARTICLE:
The newly re-vamped Hacker’s Source Magazine (ish #26) – simply THE magazine for true indie horror fans - features an article penned by moi-ha-ha to assist filmmakers in any genre.

You’ll find “4 Fundamental Questions to Ask Before Making Your Film” on page 10. It’s based on my years in the film biz, working on my own indie projects and on union films and TV shows. Dig in and ‘beast of luck’ with your film projects.

BONUS: Now - for a limited time - the entire magazine is available as a free pdf download.

Oh, and there’s also a flattering review of “AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1” on page 51. But enough about me, there’s plenty more to tickle your eyes and mind in the rest of the issue.

CCPI SUPPORTS FILM FESTIVALS:
We proudly support indie horror filmmaking and indie horror film festivals with prize packages and a non-exclusive distribution deal for qualifying short horror films on a future volume of “AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits”.

Shriekfest Film Festival (October 1-4 in Los Angeles, CA)
Here's what festival founder Denise Gossett has to say about this cool multi-fantasy genre celebration:

"Shriekfest is an international festival and screenplay competition dedicated to getting horror/thriller/sci-fi/fantasy filmmakers and screenwriters the recognition they deserve.

What makes our festival unique is that we proactively help the filmmakers and screenwriters by promoting their work to the industry.

We are dedicated to celebrating the art of independent filmmaking without all of the politics!"

Having participated in the festival in 2004, and supported it ever since, I say "Amen to that sentiment!"

Texas Blood Bath Film Festival (November 13-15 in Bellmead, TX)
Andrew Rose is the brain behind this celebration of indie horror. He’s also the producer of the on-line Horror Movie Fan Radio.

"The Texas Blood Bath Film Festival values independent horror filmmakers and fans of independent horror.

If you are a horror fan, we hope to see you at The Texas Blood Bath!

Centrally located for easy access for all of Texas's Horror Fans!"

Just try not to think about that other famous Texas Chainsaw event as you make your way down a dusty road to Bellmead. Go ahead, I dare ya...

Drunken Zombie Film Festival (November 6-8 in Peoria, IL)

Last year we screened two great indie horror films. The films being IT’S MY PARTY AND I’LL DIE IF I WANT TO and the world premiere of ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE. How in the world could we top that? Well we decided if two great indie horror movies were good then a whole weekend has to be better."
"So while it is our second annual screening it will be the First Annual Drunken Zombie Film Festival. We’re taking open submissions for indie horror films. So if you have created an indie masterpiece or know someone who as then be sure to submit. No submission fees!"
"We are teaming with the Peoria Theater to bring this to you. Best part about the Peoria Theater? It’s a Brew and View. Yes you can have some drinks and watch some coeds run for their lives. And this time we’re doing it on the weekend."
"So you out of town folks have no excuse this time. Features and shorts galore. So prepare as Drunken Zombie brings the movies to you!!!!!"

CCPI SUPPORTS ZOMBIE WALKS:
The undead shall rise and walk the earth - at a conveniently staged event - usually with a killer after-party so you can fraternize with your fearsome festering fellows.

Arrive early to these Zombie Walks for a chance to win FREE prize copies of "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1". I'm not sure what they'll make you do to win one, but you must be corporeally present to accept the prize. Tell 'em Mighoul sent you...

Toronto Zombie Walk (Saturday October 24 in Toronto, ON)
This is the full-on edition of the world's original Zombie Walk. Now thousands strong, and growing...

Toronto Zombie Walk - Director’s Cut Edition (Saturday September 12 in Toronto, ON)
This mini ZW was held to honour George A. Romero’s “Survival of the Dead” ad the Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness screening. Worth it just to hear George Romero ask the gathered zombie throng, "Why do you do this?"

The circle (of un-life?) closes as Zombie Walk originator Thea Munster
meets George Romero, father of the modern zombie film, for the first time.

Hamilton Zombie Walk(Saturday October 24 in Hamilton, ON)
Another growing event in The Hammer - with a food drive component. Scaring and caring. Neat. Bring on the Steeltown ghouls!

And on the West Coast:
Comox Valley Zombie Walk (Saturday October 31 in Courtenay, BC)
A newer entry to the Zombie Walk phenomenon. Nice to see it growing on the other side of the Rockies, poised to leap to the Orient where mindless hordes of... oh, wait. Too late. Go get 'em, zombies.

Well, that's it for now. See you in the dark.

LINKS:
Crypt Club Productions Inc.
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits

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Free Issue of Hacker's Source (#26), PLUS: 4 Fundamental Questions Before Making Your Film

2009-09-25T08:30:00.000-04:00

Well, Eve Blaack has pulled out all the stops with the latest issue (#26) of Hacker's Source Magazine.

It's chock full o' good & gruesome stuff. Where to begin?

Oh, did I mention that for a limited time you can DOWNLOAD THE MAGAZINE'S PDF FILE IN GLORIOUS COLOUR FOR FREE at www.eveblaackpub.com?

Well, you can. So go ahead. I'll wait.

The first thing I noticed was the bright, spiffy new layouts. Very cool.

Now that the magazine is switching to a pdf subscription delivery they can spend the money on the look, not the ink & paper. So it's eco-horror-friendly. You don't have to kill a tree to read the hippest indie horror mag around.

All right. Enough false modesty. The second thing I noticed about the magazine is... the stupendous article by Yours Cruelly.

In fact, we've got a double whammy going on in this issue. First, and most surprising, is an article that I wrote and submitted - but that I thought would never be published in an indie horror magazine because it's about FILMMAKING - NOT HORROR. It's called '4 Fundamental Questions Before You Make Your Film'. It's a primer for anyone who has ever thought of making a film or is about to make a film - in any genre.

The second whammy ia a killer review of AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1 on page 51 in the Mini Cuts Short Film Reviews, Thanks for the support and enthusiasm for our little disc. Much appreciated. Have you got your copy yet?

There's also an article about our L.A. based friend, Denise Gossett who founded Shriekfest, the L.A. Sci-Fi and Horror Film Festival & Script Competition. It's a dog eat dog world in L.A., but for us indie horror/sci-fi filmmakers Denise is no bitch. She's a solid champion of the underdog indie filmmaker. Good to see her getting her due in a great profile interview.

And speaking of L.A., there's a wonderful article on a great Angeleno, the dearly departed Mr. Forrest J Ackerman. It's a real thrill for me to be included in an issue that honours one of my inspirations, the man behind Famous Monsters of Filmland - Uncle 4E. R.I.P. Dr. Acula.

Of course, there's plenty more: film & literary reviews, cartoons, interviews, Tiffany Shepis, etc.

All in all, I've got to say: "Eve (and the entire HS crew), keep going. It's getting better and better with each step. And when you break really big don't forget us little folks - or we'll hunt you down..."

LINKS:
Hacker's Source Magazine
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits

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THAFF Seeks Films for New "Noche De Los Muertos" screening

2009-09-12T10:20:00.013-04:00

The 2009 Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival (THAFF) is adding shrieks and scares to its hot cinematic menu with a new late-night horror screening called "Noche de los Muertos" (Night of the Dead) on Friday November 6.

Supporting the THAFF in this special scary screening as co-presenters are two rising entities in the field of horror: Crypt Club Productions Inc. from Toronto and Latin Horror from New York City.

The aim is to showcase the best in Spanish/Latin American independent horror filmmaking so that THAFF fans can get some more red in their salsa.

Spread the word, and send in your feature and short indie horror films. There is no fee for submissions to the THAFF's "Noche de los Muertos". That's right, it's a FREE Submission.

Feature films and shorts eligible for THAFF screening must meet at least ONE of the following requirements:

A film in which either the producer, director, writer, or other key talent is of Spanish or Latin American background.
A film dealing with subject matter that concerns the Spanish or Latin American community.

Please Note: Films not originally in English must have English subtitles. All English language films must have Spanish subtitles. Exceptions may be made for Short Films.

FILM SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Screener DVDs (NTSC, Region 1 or 0) must reach the THAFF office by end of day on Friday October 16, 2009.

SUBMISSION FORMS: THAFF Submissions

ABOUT THAFF
The 12th edition of the THAFF runs November 2 to 8, 2009 following the traditional Latin “Dia de los Muertos” festivities. These festivities, held in Mexico and throughout Latin America, honour the departed with gifts of the departed's favourite food, drink, and music.

The THAFF is Canada's largest and longest-running Spanish/Latin American culture film festival with a spectacular selection of feature film dramas, comedies, and documentaries from Spanish speaking countries.

Come share the culture, excitement and emotion of Hispano-American cinema at Canada's largest and longest running Spanish language film festival: The Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival!

Now with added scares thanks to the new "Noche de los Muertos" screening event.

LINKS:
Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival (THAFF)
THAFF Facebook Group
Crypt Club Productions Inc.
Latin Horror

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Drunken Zombie FF Seeks Films

2009-09-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

I get lots of film festival notices and invitations. But every once in a while there's an eye-popping call for submissions that catches my eye - literally.

I like the concept behind the inaugural Drunken Zombie Film Festival, taking place in Peoria, IL at the Peoria Theater on November 6-8.

Crypt Club Productions Inc. is happy to support this new horror film festival's efforts and wish them "all the beast" for a dark and disturbing future.

Read on to see what got my attention:

Last year we screened two great indie horror films. The films being IT’S MY PARTY AND I’LL DIE IF I WANT TO and the world premiere of ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE.

How in the world could we top that?

Well we decided if two great indie horror movies were good then a whole weekend has to be better.

So while it is our second annual screening it will be the First Annual

Drunken Zombie Film Festival. We’re taking open submissions for indie horror films. So if you have created an indie masterpiece or know someone who as then be sure to submit.

No submission fees!

We are teaming with the Peoria Theater to bring this to you. Best part about the Peoria Theater?

It’s a Brew and View.

Yes you can have some drinks and watch some coeds run for their lives. And this time we’re doing it on the weekend. So you out of town folks have no excuse this time. So mark your calendars! November 6-8. Features and shorts galore. So prepare as Drunken Zombie brings the movies to you!!!!!

Was it the free submission fee or the brew & view that popped our eyes? Let me sip my suds - paid for with the cash I saved on my film submission - while you answer.

Complete film submission details are available on their web site.

Enjoy a cold one in some good company...

LINKS:
Drunken Zombie
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits

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Sneak Previews at FOF Booth #1120.

2009-08-24T09:00:00.007-04:00

For Horror & Fantasy Fans, Fan Expo Canada is Halloween, Dia de los Muertos and Christmas all rolled together under a single, huge roof.

And, once again, Crypt Club Productions Inc. will have a booth (#1120 to be exact) within the show as part of the Rue Morgue Festival of Fear.

Do we have some surprises? You bet your sarcophagus we do...

Swing or lurch on by the Crypt Club Productions Inc. booth (#1120) and say "Boo!".

We'll be showing off our exclusive Crypt Wear, "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1" and screening some sneak peaks of the soon to be released "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 2". If volume 1 was All Killer - No Filler, then volume 2 is More Killer - Still No Filler.

"AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1" is the DVD that was rated “★★★★ of 5 stars” by GOREZONE MAGAZINE

Other horror film experts had this to say about Volume 1:

“...every film offers something fresh and unique to the horror genre...
and had me thirsting for more.” - HORROR SOCIETY

“... some of the best short films I have seen in a while.
This is real film making at it's best!” - HORROR NEWS

“...consider adding this to your horror film collection.
You won’t be disappointed.” – THEOFANTASTIQUE

Indie filmmakers are encouraged to drop off DVDs and a completed submission form(download them here) for future volumes of "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits". We look forward to screening your works.

Canada's uber-fantasy convention runs from Friday August 28 until Sunday August 28 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Tons of special guests will be present from the horror, comics, anime, and sci-fi worlds. Screenings, celebrity & artist interviews, autographs, costume contests, parties, and a huge retailer section are on the bill to make this weekend the fantasy highlight of the summer.

Scare you there.

LINKS:
Fan Expo Canada site
Crypt Club Productions Inc.
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits

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Toxie to invade T.O.

2009-08-09T11:02:00.004-04:00

Dancap Productions Inc. is pleased to announce the Canadian Premiere of THE TOXIC AVENGER, an eco-monster musical comedy based on the 1984 Lloyd Kaufman classic cult film. The Canadian production will take place at The Music Hall (998 seats) on Danforth Avenue, currently undergoing renovations to accommodate the show.

Melvin Ferd the Third wants to clean up Tromaville, the most polluted town in New Jersey (just off Exit 13B on the Turnpike). Foiled by the on-the-take mayor’s bullies, Melvin is dumped into a vat of radioactive toxic waste, only to reemerge as THE TOXIC AVENGER, New Jersey’s first superhero.

Toxie, is a seven-foot mutant freak with superhuman strength and a heart as big as Newark. He’s out to save New Jersey, end global warming and woo the prettiest, blindest librarian in town, in a toxic love story with an environmental twist. THE TOXIC AVENGER features an on-stage rock band and such memorable songs as Thank God She’s Blind, You Tore My Heart Out, Big Green Freak, Hot Toxic Love and My Big French Boyfriend.

THE TOXIC AVENGER, winner of the 2009 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best New Off-Broadway Musical, continues at New World Stages in New York where the show celebrated its 100th performance on July 3.

THE TOXIC AVENGER features music and lyrics by David Bryan (Memphis, keyboardist and founding member of Bon Jovi), and book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Memphis, All Shook Up; Over the River and Through the Woods).

The Dancap Production will feature a Canadian cast and band, and will be directed by Tony Award-winner John Rando (Urinetown, The Wedding Singer).

LINKS:
Toxic Avenger - Toronto Musical

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Michael Jackson's Zombie Revenge / Celebration

2009-07-21T22:36:00.008-04:00

You just knew this was coming at ya!

This weekend, to mark the one month anniversary of the shocking demise of the "King of Pop" [my, how the time and the incessant press coverage fly] there is a Michael Jackson "Thriller" Zombie Walk complete with choreography in Chicago's Wicker Park. There's no official word yet if John Landis, Ola Ray, or any of the Jackson clan will be attending.

Zombie walkers are warned to work on their costumes to prevent any embarrassing 'wardrobe malfunctions'. Wouldn't want to unwittingly expose your brains now, would you? But enough freakish frivolity...

Here's what the event organizers posted on their Facebook page [insert Moon Walk, spin, crotch grab, and a piercing "Eeee-heee!"]

"Saturday July 25th we dedicate this Zombie Walk to the King of Pop "Michael Jackson" This date marks the one month anniversary of his passing and in his memory we will honor him by being the best damn Thriller Zombies we can be!

Remember this walk is to honor Micheal Jackson and one of the Greatest Song/Album and Best Choreographed Dance Ever!

PREPARATION FOR THE THRILLER ZOMBIE WALK:
- Practice the Thriller Dance moves at home or with a group of friends
- You can find instructional video at http://thrilltheworld.com
- Think hard & plan out your Zombie makeup/costume (the Gruesome the Better)
- Think of different way to honor "Michael Jackson" (Signs/Poster/Etc. this walk is for him)
- Promote and tell everyone of your friends to be apart of this Epic Thriller Zombie Walk!

THINGS TO KNOW:
- Please do not touch or bother any pedestrians during the Zombie Walk
- Please keep your walk as clean as possible (leave no trash ~ blood's ok though!)
- We will be passing out fliers with route map & instruction day of event
- We encourage everyone to join in the Thriller Dance portion of our walk
- If you don't know the dance moves feel free to dance however way you want and just have fun!

VOLUNTEERS & SPONSORSHIP:
This is a FREE event open to everyone if you would like to Help, Volunteer or Sponsor our event please feel free to contact one of us on facebook or through ::
- Lindsay at Curls3356@yahoo.com
- Martin Malafator at Thriller@custom-vibes.com"

In addition to the walk/dance itself there will be several after-parties. Details are available at the Michael Jackson Thriller Zombie Walk Facebook event page.

I hope that at least one attendee's costume and behaviour will honour the other departed star of "Thriller". And, no, I don't mean Ola Ray's career. I'm talkin' 'bout the man with the wicked yet mellifluous tones: Mr. Vincent Price! Thriller indeed.

LINKS:
Michael Jackson Thriller Zombie Walk Facebook Page
ThrillTheWorld.com

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Calling All Hearse Fans

2009-07-15T15:35:00.003-04:00

In the world of hearse owners there are essentially three breeds:
1) the folks who restore and honour the original vehicles;
2) the folks who customize their vehicles to create their fantasy rides; and
3) the folks who love their hearses, but can't afford to restore or customize their rides.

The first two groups are sometimes critical of each others' approach to the appreciation of professional cars. My own approach is to live and let live. We need both groups to keep up the interest in this beautiful, unique, and often misunderstood class of vehicle.

If you've ever been interested in hearses (and other professional cars) the king daddy of annual hearse events is coming up in August: The Professional Car Society (PCS) International Meet.

This year it's hosted by the fine folks of the PCS Mid Michigan chapter and will take place in and around Flint, MI from August 11-15, 2009.

I was at the Mid Michigan chapter's mini-meet in February and they sure made me feel welcome. Amazing collection of toy hearses too!

So if you're into hearses, and other professional cars (ambulances, fire trucks, etc.) Flint is the place to be to get your fix. I'm still taking apart my 1949 Henney Packard Nu-3-Way hearse in order to restore it. Otherwise, we'd be there for sure.

Here's a taste of the info from the Mid Michigan chapter's website. More info and a full schedule are available through the links at the bottom of this post.

Flint is the birthplace of General Motors Corporation and this meet will be seriously "auto centric." We will visit places like the original Durant-Dort Carriage factory and office, the Alfred P. Sloan Museum of Transportation, historic Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad. We will cruise the Flint River aboard the Genesee Belle. A trip to the Walter P Chrysler Museum and The Packard Proving Grounds as well as a visit to Jimmy Dobson's Firetruck Museum are also on tap.

During the week Flint will also be hosting the "Back to the Bricks" rolling cruise and so on Friday evening we will join THOUSANDS of other classic cars for a downtown cruise-in on Flint's old brick pavement.

Our Concours d'Elegance will be held on the grounds of the Flint Cultural Center near the home of the late GM pioneer Charles Stewart Mott.

Hope you enjoy the show, the cars, and the folks. See you down the road...

LINKS:
Mid Michigan Professional Car Society
Professional Car Society

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Original Zombie Walk Fiendraiser Announced

2009-07-09T08:00:00.003-04:00

The planet's original Zombie Walk - the Toronto Zombie Walk - keeps getting bigger and bigger.

This year they're expecting over 2,500 undead to shamble through Toronto in October.

But with popularity comes red tape. The city is insisting on parade permits, road closures, and increased police accompaniment.

Gotta walk, gotta trek for brains - gotta abide by the rules or become a slammer ghoul. What's an undead soul to do?

Throw a Fiendraising Party! Raise some cash to pay for raising the dead.

The Toronto Zombie Walk Fiendraiser will be at The Smiling Buddha Bar (961 College St. West) on Saturday July 18, 2009. Doors open at 9 p.m.

Bands include:

The Screamagers {http://www.myspace.com/screamagers}
The Raclones {http://www.myspace.com/raclones}
Skullians {http://www.myspace.com/skullians}

Come in Zombie gear for discounted tickets, as well as a chance to win our Zombie costume contest. Raffle prizes include gift certificates from Yonge Street Tattoos, leather chokers and passes to the opening night of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival.

You don't want to miss the flesh-eating event of the summer. Come and partake in the Toronto Zombie Walk's second annual Fiendraiser and help us continue to raise the dead every October.

Tickets:
$7 for Zombies!
$10 for Non Zombies (victims)

Prize packs donated by the following sponsors:

It’s My Party
Creeped Out Canada
Darkside
Anchor Bay Entertainment
The Krafty Kreep
Yonge Street Tattoos
Toronto After Dark Film Festival
Malabar
Spiked cow
2-Mile Jewellry
Burning Effigy Books
Tightrope Books
Creepy Christine
Invader Press
Cry Wolf Clothing
Quirk Books
and, of course, Crypt Club Productions Inc's "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits"

Come, donate, and partake in some good, green fun for a ghoul cause. And bring your friends. These zombies are hungry.

LINKS:
TZW Fiendraiser
Toronto Zombie Walk
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits

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Filmmakers: Take A Dip In the Texas Blood Bath

2009-07-07T21:47:00.008-04:00

The Texas Blood Bath Film Festival is on the prowl for feature & short horror films for their inaugural festival running Friday November 13 through Sunday November 15 in Bellmead, TX. Let 'er rip!

The Texas Blood Bath Film Festival's mandate is to provide indie filmmakers who produce original, creative, and technically superb films an audience whose attention is focused on the screen - not on long lines to get celebrity autographs.

The Texas Blood Bath will honor the filmmakers and the fans - first and foremost.

Crypt Club Productions Inc. is proud to partner with The Texas Blood Bath Film Festival to celebrate & promote independent horror filmmaking.

Through AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits - our feature length DVD collection of great & award winning independent short horror films - we’re pleased to offer international distribution to the winner(s) of the BEST SHORT FILM AWARD.

For more information about film submissions, sponsorship & vendor opportunities, contact: Andrew Rose through the festival web site.

LINKS:
The Texas Blood Bath Film Festival
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits

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HORRORphiles #3 Summer Scream Tonight only in NYC!

2009-07-02T10:30:00.005-04:00

BEWARE! HORRORphiles #2 sold out, so plan to arrive early.

LATIN HORROR, in association with NEWFILMMAKERS, cordially invite you to the NewLatino Filmmakers Screening Series at Anthology Film Archives - "The HORRORphiles #3 - Summer Scream," featuring the work of emerging Latino/a directors working within the genre of horror.

NewLatino Filmmakers is the best and only independent Latino “cinematheque” showcase in New York City -- now in its 7th year! Docs, shorts & features. "Come early, stay late, pay one price."

WHEN: Thursday, July 2, 2009 ~ 6:00-9:30PM
WHERE: Anthology Film Archives, 32 Second Avenue at Second Street, Lower East Side, NYC
PRICE: $6 at box office (general seating)

6-7:00PM - Reception with complimentary RUM & COKE cocktail shots in theater lobby.

7:00PM - Director's SINema Spotlight: narrative shorts program featuring WITHOUT SIN (William Caballero), and three short films by Rue Morgue's Rodrigo Gudino: THE EYES OF EDWARD JAMES, THE DEMONOLOGY OF DESIRE, THE FACTS IN THE CASE OF MISTER HOLLOW; plus first look trailers: THE MINISTERS (Franc. Reyes) and MONSTROUS NATURE (Jason Cuadrado).

8:00PM - Narrative Feature Film: DARK MIRROR (Pablo Proenza)

Following the screenings, Series Director & Curator Edwin Pagán will hold a Q&A with filmmakers in attendance.

ABOUT LATIN HORROR
LATIN HORROR (LH) is the first English-language publication dedicated to the genre of Latin horror and will feature the leading Latin/Hispanic/international "dark creative expressionists" working in film, theater, music, photography, illustration, graphic novels, "dark art" novelas, comic books, literature, and games—from the seasoned masters—to the up-and-coming Latin horrorphile whose work is grounded in horror, the macabre, and gothic arts.

LATIN HORROR will also give you a front row seat into this exciting universe through exclusive, intimate profiles, insightful in-depth articles into the latest trends and developments taking hold in the industry, as well as behind-the-scene peeks at the horrific cutting-edge projects coming your way.

LATIN HORROR - The Official Home of Latin Horrorphiles Everywhere

LINKS:
Latin Horror

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New Distributor Means Lower Price - For June

2009-06-10T15:50:00.011-04:00

The indie horror web grows wider... and we're as happy as a spider at a fly convention.

IndieFlix.com is offering "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1" for direct DVD purchase or 30-day streaming. If you've been holding off, now is your chance to strike.

It's now more affordable to have a scary summer - but only if you pounce before July 1, my fiend.

Until June 30, the "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1" DVD is a mere $9.95 (that's right, less than a sawbuck!) from either IndieFlix.com or our own secure site via www.aaaaah-films.com.

IndieFlix's 30-day stream is a paltry $4.95 - a great way to try before you buy.

What are you waiting for? Act now. On July 1 these prices (like the undead) will rise.

“4 of 5 stars” - GOREZONE MAGAZINE

“...every film offers something fresh and unique to the horror genre... and had me thirsting for more.” - HORROR SOCIETY

“... some of the best short films I have seen in a while. This is real film making at it's best!” - HORROR NEWS

“...consider adding this to your horror film collection. You won’t be disappointed.” - THEOFANTASTIQUE

"All Killer - No Filler!" Discover a feature length collection of great & award winning short horror films by independent filmmakers - including the Director of SAW 6.

These films caused a buzz on the festival circuit - then vanished.

If you saw them the first time you know what we mean. If you missed them then, enjoy them now.

From a dark, cautionary tale (THE CRYPT CLUB with Alison Pill) to gallows humor on the job (GHOST BUSTED); from the grotesque otherworld inspired by H.P. Lovecraft (THE VEIL) to present-day outbreak fears (THE NINTH ENTRY); from the stylishly bizarre (MY SKIN!) and the chillingly macabre (OCULUS) to the dire family survival drama (OLD FRIENDS from the Director of SAW 6).

Dim the lights & dig in for your own private horror film festival.

Act now and get warmed up for the release of "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 2". But I'm getting ahead of myself. That news is worth its own headline.

In the mean time, enjoy volume 1, and stay tuned...

LINKS:
IndieFlix
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits

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New Indie Horror Service: DOA Management

2009-05-08T08:38:00.007-04:00

Whether you're an actor, director, or producer, there's a new company on the horror-izon that will provide entertainment management for indie horror talent.

Andrew and Dione Rose are proud to launch a new business concept for the independent horror industry – DOA Management.

DOA Management will provide “Hollywood Style” management services, to include talent management, casting services, publicity services, production consultation, and other customized services for the independent horror actor, director, and producer.

As the producer of HorrorMovieFans.com Indie Horror Radio on
blogtalkradio.com, Andrew is in tune with the independent horror
industry. Andrew and Dione are fans of independent horror cinema and have a large network of actors, directors, writers, producers, sf/x artists, and media contacts.

Check the link to learn more about this exciting new company and what it can do for your indie horror film career.

Tell 'em Mighoul sent you...

LINKS:
DOA Management

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Panel & Screening Schedule at World Horror Convention

2009-04-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

I'm stoked about guesting at the World Horror Convention 2009 in Winnipeg, MB. Looking forward to meeting some great local filmmakers & horror fans. The WHC runs from April 30 to May 3. I'll be there May 1-3.

In addition to wall to wall screenings of cool horror shorts & features - including past winners of the Tabloid Witch Awards - there will be a daily Filmmaker's Bloc.

The Filmmaker's Bloc will feature 3 horror films (1 feature plus 2 shorts) followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers. Topics will include horror, filmmaking, distribution, and the festival circuit.

Expect a different discussion each time, as well as a vigorous Q&A session during each bloc. Winnipeg is, after all, a top filmmaking town in Canada. So bring it on!

See you there in the dark...

PANEL: Thomas M. Sipos, Los Angeles-based director of the Tabloid
Witch Awards horror film contest & festival, and actor in "The Ancient Law"; Kelly L. Young, Seattle-based writer of "H.P. Lovecraft's Strange Aeons"; and Miguel Gallego, Toronto-based writer/director of "The Crypt Club".

"H.P. LOVECRAFT'S STRANGE AEONS" A Miskatonic University professor combats an evil sorcerer trying to bring back the demonic "Old Ones"to Earth. Based on H.P. Lovecraft's "The Thing on the Doorstep." Directed by Eric Morgret. Written by K.L. Young. Cast: J.D. Lloyd, Erick J. Robertson, Angela M. Grillo, Jerry Lloyd, Peter Anthony Holden. (USA, 78 minutes)

"THE ANCIENT LAW" A magical, evil king kidnaps a young man's bride and child. Thus begins the man's quest. Dark fantasy. Directed/written by Erasmo Romero III. Cast: Jesus Guevara, Anthony Scavone, Jennifer Apon, Thomas M. Sipos, James Rollyson. (USA, 23 minutes)

"THE CRYPT CLUB" Three Goth girls desecrate a cemetery on a snowy night. An old-fashioned spook tale. Directed/written by: Miguel Gallego. Cast: Alison Pill ("Milk", "Pieces of April"), Jessica Greco ("Earth: Final Conflict", "Goosebumps"), Michele Duquet ("Earth: Final Conflict", "Kaw"), Kerry Segal. (Canada, 23 minutes)

The Filmmaker's Blocs are currently scheduled:
Fri. May 1 from 8 pm to 11 pm
Sat. May 2 from 4 pm to 7 pm
Sun. May 3 from 10 am to 1 pm

WHC LOCATION:
Marlborough Hotel
331 Smith Street (downtown)
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

LINKS:
World Horror Convention 2009
Tabloid Witch Awards
The Crypt Club

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Video Piracy - Good or Bad for Indies?

2009-04-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

I'm an anti-piracy kinda guy. I believe that creators have the right to benefit from their work and that copyright infringement is theft.

But for indie filmmakers is piracy bad for your career?

Basic copyright laws were agreed on by many nations to protect a creator's ability to earn a living from his creations so that he can keep on creating. Without that protection creators can't earn a living, stop creating and civilization goes down the dumper. So copyright (literally the right to make a copy of a work or derivatives of the work) is a good thing, in my humble opinion.

The other night I heard an interesting alternate point of view about copyright and video piracy. A filmmaker said he'd be happy to have his work pirated in China because they can't afford to pay for the films anyway - so there's no perceived revenue loss - and it means that his work gets seen by a huge audience.

Ultimately, in this filmmakers' view, he sees a Chinese immigrant coming to North America and, flush with cash, recognizes the filmmaker's name on a film and decides to buy it because he's already familiar with the filmmaker's work.

I had to marvel at this perspective. My first thought was that this is like condoning gang rape because it may lead to love & marriage.

My self-righteous self bristled at the idea that a creator would allow - or even encourage - his work to be pirated for the sake of improving his career.

I know that some artists plan for free and viral distribution of their work to build a profile or lead to potentially greater returns. But that is a planned rather than involuntary release.

What's your take on this?

Can piracy be a form of viral marketing strategy?

And what are the ramifications to the public's perception of copyright and the creators' rights to earn a living from their creations?

Is this a slippery slope for creators?

LINKS:
United States Copyright Office
Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)
Wikipedia entry on 'Copyright'
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Guess Who's Guesting at the World Horror Convention 2009?

2009-04-20T08:42:00.005-04:00

Sure, the World Horror Convention was founded as a mostly literary event. Once a year the scribes who create horrifying works of literature gather together to celebrate with each other and with the fans. But, over the past couple of years, the cinematic contingent of the horror universe has slowly been creeping into the party.

Since last year in Salt Lake City, Thomas Sipos, of the Hollywood Investigator and the Tabloid Witch Awards, hosts the convention's screening room where he presents the best horror films from the Tabloid Witch awards, along with a few surprises. He's lined up more than a dozen hours of scary feature and short film programming for the 4 day event.

This year, since the WHC takes place in Winnipeg there's a special Canuck bias to Thomas' screaming screen's offerings. And justifiably so. Canadian's have been shocking the world since Fay Wray went on that blind date with that tall, hairy, royal guy.

Among the films featured will be my own film, "The Crypt Club", fresh from a fantastic sold out screening at NYC's Latin Horrorphiles 2 night.

Yep. Thomas invited me to attend the Convention as his guest, and I'm thrilled to say that I'll be attending the WHC from Friday May 1 to Sunday May 3. Between screenings we'll hold panel discussions and Q&As on horror films, our own films, and filmmaking. Should be some creepy good fun and (dare I say it?) informative.

I'll be traveling light, but I will have as much Crypt Club and "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits" swag with me as my pack mule can haul. The tough part is getting the mule a coach seat on an Air Canada flight.

So there you have it. Come for the chills, stay for the thrills. Looking forward to meeting & greeting horror fans and filmmakers alike.

The World Horror Convention is an annual gathering of professionals in the horror industry; publishers, authors, artists, musicians, filmmakers, dealers and, of course, horror fans. WHC serves as both an industry insider's networking event and a chance for fans of the genre to get together, meet some of the creative talents in the field, and generally spend a weekend celebrating All Things Scary.

LINKS:
World Horror Convention 2009 site
World Horror Convention main site
Tabloid Witch Awards site

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New Film Festival Launches

2009-04-07T09:07:00.005-04:00

There's a new film festival launching in Toronto, with a call for entries to indie filmmakers from around the world.

The mandate of the Toronto/GTA Night of the Living Film Festival is to showcase edgy new indie moviemakers in a chain of small independent screening spaces in our beautiful city of Toronto (and area), so their work can be seen in an arena other than the web.

You know, as much as I love watching movies in the privacy of my dark, quiet crypt, there's something about the communal experience of watching a film with a crowd in a darkened cinema that can't be replicated by a giant home theatre set up. If only the kid behind the concession stand would quit snickering at my dead bunny slippers.

For information on submission details, festival dates, venues, etc. you can send an e-mail to Chad.

I'm curious to see what will grow from this seed. Beast of luck. And keep watering it guys!

LINKS:
Night of the Living Film Festival - Toronto
Night of the Living Film Festival - Yahoo Group

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Rare screening of The Crypt Club

2009-03-28T08:58:00.002-04:00

Thanks to the good folks at Latin Horror - especially to Edwin Pagan - "The Crypt Club" is now part of the Latin Horror Horrorphiles #2 screening in New York City.

"The Crypt Club" is an official selection of more than 45 international film festivals, winning 18 awards, including awards for Best Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography (Walter Pacifico), and Best Original Music (Nicholas Longstaff).

The film was retired from public screenings after airing in Canada on the national filmmaker showcase program "Canadian Reflections".

So don't miss this rare chance to experience "The Crypt Club" as it is meant to be seen - in a darkened theatre on a big screen.

LATIN HORROR, in association with NEWFILMMAKERS, presents the NewLatino Filmmakers Screening Series at Anthology Film Archives - "The HORRORphiles #2 - Scaring up a Revolución," featuring the work of emerging Latino/a directors working within the genre of horror.

NewLatino Filmmakers is the best and only independent Latino “cinematheque” showcase in New York City -- now in its 7th year! Docs, shorts & features. "Come early, stay late, pay one price."

So what's playing at the screening? Glad you asked.

In addition to "The Crypt Club" (starring Alison Pill from "Milk", "Dan In Real Life", and "Pieces Of April") there are several other short films including: "434" by Leonard Zelig & Javier Perez-Karam, "My Wife Is A Zombie" by Monica Winter Vigil, "3:52" starring America Ferrera ("Ugly Betty") by Shawna Baca, and "Blood Drips" by Pepper Negron.

Headlining the bill is the Spanish/Argentina co-production "El Niño De Barro" (The Mud Boy) by Jorge Algora. We screened this film to a packed house at last year's Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival.

And - as if that weren't enough creepy Hispanic goodness for ya - they also have a Trailer Spotlight to showcase teasers & trailers of upcoming works by talented Latin Horrorphiles. Que bueno!

Latin Horror Horrorphiles #2
The Crypt Club Official Web Site

Mr. Serial Killer webisodes go on-line

2009-03-25T09:05:00.000-04:00

The first wepisode of Steven Cerritos' "Mr. Serial Killer" is now on-line. And, as Steven told me, viewer discretion is strongly advised. Sure there are cute and cuddly animated bits, but this series isn't for the kiddies. They don't call him 'Mister' for nothing.

For the bold of heart, here's what Steven says of his latest creation:

"Meet the Happy Face Killer! He’s a strange, confused but lovable little serial killer who’s always looking to cause mischief and mayhem! Along with Allegra (his secret, secret crush) and her wacky, silly friends, the Happy Face Killer will discover the importance of cathartic anarchy, love, relationships and existentialism all while having a ton of f-fu-fun!

"Mr. Serial Killer is a disturbing and psychotic web series featuring a group of serial killers, each with different variations of psychological complexities/disorder and perversions. Typical webisodes (the equivalent to television’s episode) will begin with cartoonlike storybook sequences, followed by live action. A typical webisode will run five to ten minutes long. I know that the first webisode has a running time of twenty minutes but that’s the first and last time.

"The web series is catered for the 18-34 demographic and it’s about serial killers, hence the graphic violence, dark, perverse humor, and bizarre characters.

"We’ve taken the unique approach of delivering the web series on a platform with a colorful, cartoonlike art direction because it offers the creators numerous creative possibilities and it lightens the live action’s dark, twisted themes. It also creates for effective contrast when juxtaposing the vibrant, and lighthearted cartoon sequences to the gritty, dark and violent live action.

"Our web series will combine continuing serial drama elements, such as those often found in soap operas or miniseries, while also running individual standalone webisodes that will not follow the web series’ main plot line. Due to these differing types, the web series will be divided into two categories:

“Arc” webisodes will follow the web series’ current plot line. These webisodes will usually consist of the web series’ unique ensemble of characters interacting and creating conflict with one another, while also introducing subplots and secondary characters.

“Standalone” webisodes will either introduce or further develop one of the webseries’ characters. Generally a standalone webisode will give the viewer an intimate look into a character’s bizarre life and psyche.

"Well, where’s the substance? Is this just the equivalent to torture porn? Yes. Yes it is! Hahaha! All kidding aside, there’s more to this than just violence and mere shock value. The 70’s gave us Bundy and Gacy. The 80’s had its Dahmer’s and Ramirez’, while the 90’s had its Wuornos’ and Bernardo’s. Every individual serial killer a direct reflection of what had gone wrong in their society. You see, the serial killer is a modern day cultural phenomenon. As society evolves, so does the serial killer. In many ways, they’re the byproduct of our forefathers’ sins, of their negligence, of their ineptitude, of their ignorance… Today, when greed and gluttony has run amok, when anarchy and nihilism distort our perception on progression, what kind of monster will society deliver to us? Stay tuned…"

So, there you have it. Don't say we didn't warn you.

Mr. Serial Killer webisode
Mr. Serial Killer web site

Madison Horror Initiates Horror Happy Hours

2009-03-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

As if the economy isn't terrifying enough, the Madison Horror Film Festival is working overtime to keep things creepy.

Event organizer Rich Peterson (a.k.a. Freakshow) tells me that starting Wednesday April 1st Madison Horror presents its first Horror Happy Hour.

This is a FREE event. How's that for recession aid?

So, what's there to be happy about? Well, they'll be screening Troma Entertainment's "Redneck Zombies" to celebrate the film's 20th anniversary. Just think of the possibilities for a drinking game during a zombie flick... Every time a zombie growls you take a swig.

In addition to the film screening they'll be playing, live on stage, the ever-popular "Your Life Is In Jeopardy" game show. Contestants can win tickets, DVDs, and lots more cool stuff (some of it from Crypt Club Productions Inc., no less). Can you say, "Alex, the answer is "What is scary good fun?"

The whole Horror Happy Hour event takes place at the Annex on Regent Street in Madison WI. Details are available at the MHFF web site.

Bottoms up! (if that's your thing) And, if not, "Cheers!"

Madison Horror web site

Edgar Allan Poe Is In Print Again!

2009-03-17T08:56:00.011-04:00

Fans of Edgar Allan Poe, Ray Harryhausen, and Marc Lougee have another reason to celebrate. Sure, Marc's short stop-motion animated film "Ray Harryhausen presents The Pit and the Pendulum" is a hit on the festival circuit, and is also available on DVD.

But now, to mark E.A. Poe's 200th birthday (January 19) Bluewater Productions, in association with Hand Made Heroes Film & Television, Ltd, published "The Pit and the Pendulum" film as a glorious 4-colour comic! It hit shelves on February 25.

So where can you get this Poe-liscious publication? Well, you can ask/beg/plead/demand that your favourite comic book haunt order it for you. Or you can order it yourself on-line at Things From Another Planet. And there's always going direct to the publisher, Bluewater Productions.

Here's some background on the film to comic book transition from director Marc Lougee and producer Susan Ma.

Marc says, "Doing a comic was something I've always been keen to try, so we utilized the still images from the stop motion film as 'sequential art' in comic form; the result is a sort of hybrid between the film, a graphic novel and a short story comic. I think it's a very cool-looking way of telling the story with a fresh approach."

Sequential art in comics is a familiar sight for most everyone, but utilizing the images used in the film itself and re-processing them for another type of 'sequential art' made sense to both Lougee and Producer Susan Ma.

Susan adds, "A short film, being what it is, faces limitations in the sense it has much less of a chance of being screened outside of niche markets and events, such as film festivals. There are few real options to see shorts outside the festival circuit (location-based and online), unless you feel inclined to send it off through a distributor or post it online yourself. Many times we've found the film would be sold as a package with a host of other films, which I felt would lessen the impact and the viewing experience."

"As filmmakers, it was important for us to explore the broader potential for our film through comic book publishing, and sought out a smaller, indie film friendly publisher. Thankfully, we found just that combination in Darren Davis and Bluewater Productions, and now with the comic set for release in February, we feel we've got another opportunity to see a broader range of visibility for E.A. Poe's wonderful story, and another means of getting the story into the hands of fans everywhere."

"We're all about making the story of The Pit and the Pendulum accessible to students, teachers and fans of the Gothic genre." says Marc.

"The goal is to get folks to spend more time with Edgar Allan Poe's classic tale, to help see the subtleties in the story and lay groundwork for discussion in class. In the case of students studying E.A. Poe's work, I feel this sort of approach, the combination of films & comics in tandem, may help get kids interested in literature. This is especially relevant as we're in the midst of Edgar Allan Poe's 200th anniversary; what better time to get to know the man and his work than now?"

The Pit and the Pendulum short film

4 of 5 Stars from GoreZone Magazine

2009-03-07T15:40:00.007-05:00

The fiends across the pond are showing some serious UK love for AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1.

Dean Boor of GoreZone Magazine, the 'worldwide No. 1 horror entertainment mag', had a gander at our debut short indie horror compilation DVD and rated it 4 out of 5 stars.

That's pretty cool, and not too shabby when you consider that of 30 home video releases reviewed only 6 got 5 stars (including "Batman: The Dark Knight").

Without giving it all away, Dean loves the idea behind the collection because "it provides a platform for indie filmmakers to release their prized creations." Prized and coveted they are, indeed.

To read the whole review and find out which of the 7 short films is Dean's favourite you'll have to get your claws into the February 2009 issue, #40.

Or you can ask him in person. I hear that he haunts the moors on foggy, moonless nights. Take along a slow running friend and a knapsack.

'appy reading, mates!

GoreZone Magazine

Viva the Latin Horror Revolution!

2009-03-04T12:29:00.006-05:00

Well amigos & amigas, don't say I don't try to broaden your horror horizons. Here's something from my old stomping grounds on the salsa side of the tracks.

Latin Horror, in association with Anthology Film Archives, presents another special edition of the NewLatino Filmmakers Screening Series: "The HORRORphiles #2 - Scaring up a Revolución" -- featuring the work of emerging Latino directors working within the horror genre.

EVENT DETAILS:
Saturday, April 4, 2009
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Anthology Film Archives
32 Second Avenue @ 3rd Street (Lower East Side)
New York, NY

So what is this Latin Horror thing all about?

Glad you asked. Here's what they say about themselves.

Latin Horror - The Official Home of Latin Horrorphiles Everywhere.

Latin Horror is the first English-language publication dedicated to the emerging genre of Latin horror and will feature the leading Latin/Hispanic/international proponents working in film, theater, music, photography. illustration, graphic novels, "dark art" novelas, comic books, literature, and games -- from the seasoned masters -- to the up-and-coming Latin horrorphile whose work is grounded in horror, the macabre, and gothic arts.

Latin Horror will also give you a front row seat into this exciting universe through exclusive, intimate profiles, insightful in-depth articles into the latest trends and developments taking hold in the industry, as well as behind-the-scene peeks at the horrific cutting-edge projects coming your way.

Basta ya. I'm sold, señoras & señores. Viva Latin Horror!

Latin Horror

Can Films From AAAAAH!! Survive Dai's Dissection?

2009-02-23T22:31:00.014-05:00

Dai Green, the Dark Doyenne of DVD Delights at www.HorrorNews.net, dissects the films of "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1".

In the 02/19/09 entry of her "What's the Bloody Deal?" column she selects Christopher Alan Broadstone's "My Skin!" and my own "The Crypt Club" for closer inspection.

So, after honing her verbal blades, what does Dai have to say? Well, now that you ask, here's a self-serving sample:

Christopher did a great job of making this film something that you can watch more than once and enjoy each time you do. With a great script, beautiful camera shots, and a wonderful actor at the helm, this short proves that short horror films are an important, and sometimes even more worth watching, part of the horror film industry!

Can you see me blushing in the dark? That's the kind of praise we're looking for when we select films for "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits".

Thanks Dai for agreeing that what we're doing is worth watching. And I'll never, ever forget that the correct pronunciation of your first name rhymes with 'Day', not 'Die'. (Fifty lashes with a wet cat 'o nine tails)

And what does Lady Dai have to say about "The Crypt Club"? I'll let you enjoy that read on your own. Suffice to say that vivid memories of teen angst play a key role.

Volume two is in the works. Send in your short indie horror films before it's too late...

HorrorNews.net

Double-Dip Raves for AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1

2009-02-15T22:18:00.009-05:00

Okay. I'll admit it. I'm blushing - and that's not easy for someone with no circulation. Master blogger Rob Sullivan liked our "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1" DVD enough to post a great positive review.

In fact, he posted it twice!

First on the Haunted Report site, which features the latest in horror news. Their motto: "If it tries to scare the crap out of you - we cover it."

The second post is on the Behind the Big Screen site, which covers a wider selection filmed entertainment.

Wow! Genre AND mainstream coverage. That's a two-fer I can sink my pearlies into.

In addition to spotlighting several of the compilation's films, Rob points out:

"Just because these are short films - some only a few minutes long - doesn't mean they couldn't be full length features. A couple of them have so much packed into them you'll think you've seen an entire movie in the time it takes to watch the shorter version."

On a cold winter's night it warms both of my cockles to know that we're living up to our own motto: "All Killer - No Filler".

Thank you Rob for noticing that our 7-film DVD packs a whack of value into 110 minutes. And thanks for telling folks - twice.

Haunted Report Review
Behind the Big Screen

Winner Announced in AAAAAH!! DVD Contest

2009-02-05T09:27:00.007-05:00

On February 2 (a.k.a. Groundhog Day in North America) our very own trusty, undead meteorological wonder rodent, Cemetery Sammy, poked his snout from his burrow, sniffed the frozen air and declared a winner in our latest DVD contest giveaway.

Crypt Club Productions Inc., in cooperation with www.obscurehorror.com, sponsored a giveaway of our debut DVD: "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1". Obscure Horror posted an interview with yours cruelly and the contest required entrants to correctly answer a question based on the content of the interview.

Millions of entrants (okay, not exactly millions, but way more than a groggy, chilled groundhog could handle) flooded the contest in-box. From among all the qualified entrants Cemetery Sammy selected a winner: Michele Pineda of Waterville, ME in the US of A. As our dear, departed Uncle Forry would say, "Kong-gratulations!"

The DVD is on its way via Groundhog Express and should arrive in plenty of time for St. Valentine's Day. So dim the lights Michele and cuddle up with your boo-loved for a good night's creep.

In the mean time, Cemetery Sammy's learning to read so he can review his labor contract.

Obscure Horror Interview

AAAAAH!! featured in Toronto Sun

2009-01-31T12:46:00.005-05:00

At last!

I did an interview in September of 2008 for Roger Pierce of BizLaunch for the Toronto Sun's career section on new entrepreneurs. The idea was that, since I deal in spooky stuff, the newspaper would run the article during October to tie into the whole Halloween vibe.

However, the Sun's editors kept bumping the article in favour of stories about single-moms and daycare services. Yawn. Real spooky-like.

But enough bitching and moaning.

The article, entitled Scary Small Business, saw the light of day on Wednesday January 28, 2009. Wish I'd known in advance so I could've salvaged some print copies for my parental units. (Okay, just a bit more bitching and moaning.)

The article is currently available on-line - but I'm not sure for how long. So click to it ASAP before they change the link to something about a dog walking service for the left-handed.

If you've ever considered starting a small business be sure to check out BizLaunch. They provide loads of free information, seminars, links, etc. for anyone seriously considering the entrepreneurial life.

Toronto Sun's "Scary Small Business" Article
BizLaunch

Contest Winner Announced & Contest Reminder

2009-01-23T07:27:00.011-05:00

We have a winner for our December DVD giveaway contest through www.DeadHarvey.com. The lucky stiff is Judson Scott of Los Angeles, Karloffornia! Congratulations Judson!

As I type this our trusty international letter carriers are relaying their way across the continent to deliver Judson's prize in a timely manner. Dim the lights & enjoy!

If you missed out on the December contest, fear not. Check out our January contest at www.ObscureHorror.com.

This contest's prize draw happens on Monday February 2. So enter soon.

Just send your answer to the skill testing question to "contest@aaaaah-films.com" and be sure to put 'OBSCURE' in your e-mail's subject line so the web-monster doesn't pitch it into the junk mail pile.

Beast of Luck!

Obscure Horror's AAAAAH!! Contest

AAAAAH!! Filmmaker's Debut Feature DVD Now Available

2009-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

We are proud as hell that one of our own filmmakers, Anthony Falcon, has just released his debut feature-length film, "99 Pieces".

It seems like only yesterday we saw little Anthony's short film, "The Ninth Entry", on volume 1 of AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits. And now he's grown up and gone all Orson Welles on a feature film. He's the writer, producer, director, actor... Such a talented boy. Brings a tear to my bloodshot eye.

The "99 Pieces" DVD is stacked full of goodies, including:

Director Commentary
How 99 Pieces Got Made
Teaser Trailer
Theatrical Trailer
Bonus short film: "Quin's Run"

The DVD is available right now to own or rent through a gazillion outlets, including Amazon, Best Buy, Blockbuster, Netflix, Sam Goody...

Visit the 99 Pieces page on MySpace for details on how to get your grubbies on a copy.

Ah, they grow up so fast...

"99 Pieces" on MySpace

Contest for (Horror) Lovers

2009-01-08T22:53:00.006-05:00

We're barely into the new year and already looking ahead to St. Valentine's Day. Yes, that special day when you get to curl up with your favourite other and think monstrous thoughts.

But what to do on that magical evening to get in the mood?

Well, for horror lovers this year it's easy. You can turn down the lights, get close and watch a free copy of AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1, thanks to the fearsome folks at ObscureHorror.com. They've got more reviews on obscure and hard to find horror films than you can shake a stick insect at.

For your chance to win the free DVD visit their contest page. You'll find the answer to the skill testing question in plain site within the interview with yours cruelly.

Then send an e-mail with the answer to contest@aaaaah-films.com. Be sure to include the word 'OBSCURE' in the subject line so the web-monster knows no to trash your response.

The contest draw takes place during the Winter Feast of the Rodent Shadow - I mean, Groundhog Day, February 2, 2009. That way the DVD will arrive in plenty of time for a happy St. Valentine's Day. Awwww, so romantic...

Enjoy the interview & the horror reviews - and beast of luck.

ObscureHorror.com

Madison's Bordello of Horror Live/Dead Podcast

2009-01-06T20:11:00.006-05:00

The Madison mad-caps Freakshow and the Harlots of Horror are at it again, with wild revels in the middle of January. Don't they know how freaking cold it gets in January in the Mid-West?

If you're in the frigid vicinity, the Bordello of Horror launch party will take place at The Annex in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday January 23rd @ 8 PM CST. If you can't be there - or don't want to brave the sub-zero - you can catch it from the comfort of your internet console via live broadcast on the Bordello of Horror Video Channel.

The live/dead webcast will feature the world premiere of the new mocumentary "The Zombeatles: All You Need Is Brains". I wonder if Yoko Oh-NO will make a guest appearance?

There's also live music and the Mid-West premiere of "Jessica Rabid", starring Elske McCain.

Good time? Sounds like a starving zombie (no-brainer) to me.

You can get more details at the Madison Horror Film Festival's web site.

Bordello of Horror

New GoreZone Forum

2009-01-03T00:15:00.003-05:00

Happy Grue Year!

Still got the sugar jitters & nausea from too many holiday sweets? Good news. The official GoreZone on-line Forum is up and running and is THE place to spill your guts on all things horror!

So put that rusty bucket away and and check out the growing community of like-minded horror fans at the GoreZone Forum. (Shades of zombie group think!)

Remember to contribute responsibly. Don't drink and post.

GoreZone Forum

Horror Society presents B-Movie Madness

2008-12-20T13:24:00.003-05:00

If you're in Chicago on Saturday January 17 you'll want to check out the Horror Society's B-Movie Madness.

They've done the indie film festival thing before, and they're doing it again. Bigger, badder, and bolder. Hey, it's a B-movie festival. I think a little alliteration is allowed. At least all the film titles don't start with a 'b'. That would be just too much fromage.

Anyway, here's what they have to say:

We are back with a new Indie Film Festival. This time it’s… B-Movie Madness!!

Our first festival was to shock and awe Chicago with some of the best underground, extreme horror you can imagine. Well I think we shocked a few people, but this time its a bit different. On Saturday, January 17th at the Portage Theater we will be showcasing some of the best Indie B-Movies and Horror Comedies around. Our lineup includes….

Better Off Undead
The Driller Killer
The Stalking Hand
It’s My Party, and I’ll Die If I Want To

Four of the best and most original horror comedies. Each with a little special something… The feature film, It’s My Party and I’ll Die If I Want To, will feature a “Choose your own adventure” version of the film in which you the audience will be able to participate and choose how you want the movie to play. Not just the ending, but the whole movie. Its truly an original idea for a horror movie, and hell any movie for that matter. We will be having giveaways and trailers throughout the festival!

Vendors and sponsors are invited to contact the Horror Society for details.

Sure to be a blast and a half. What better way to spend a frosty night in the windy city?

Horror Society's B-Movie Madness

Fiendly Contest Reminder

2008-12-19T12:36:00.009-05:00

Just a fiendly reminder to enter Dead Harvey's DVD giveaway contest before the end of December.

The holidays and the weather are surely foremost on your mind, but take a quick second to visit Dead Harvey and enter the contest. Then you can enjoy the holidays and ignore the weather.

And, who knows, you might come away with a cool prize to kick start 2009. How swell would that be?

Beast of luck.

Dead Harvey

Horror Society wants more AAAAAH!!

2008-12-18T14:24:00.002-05:00

The Horror Society has just posted a review of "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1" - and it's another severed thumb up!

In addition to talking about several of the films on the collection the reviewer writes:

I tell it like it is and I will say this, Miguel Gallego of Crypt Club Productions Inc. and producer of this compilation sure picked some winners! I watched all 7 shorts, varying in running times and themes, and was extremely satisfied with every one.

This compilation truly was enjoyable to watch, each film covering different themes and styles eloquently, and had me thirsting for more. I do hope that Crypt Club Productions Inc. continue this trend and put out more quality compilations and let these shorts see the light of day (or should I be saying the dark of night???) for fans of the horror genre to enjoy.

Gosh! I'm blushing crimson. Well, at least it helps to keep me in the holiday color scheme of things.

I'm happy they love the collection and that they're already looking forward to the next volume. Who am I to disappoint? Fortunately, we're already working on volume 2. If you haven't already sent in your short horror, thriller, or dark fantasy film... go to AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits for details.

In the mean time, pick up a copy of this great collection of short indie horror films to make the long cold winter nights just a bit... chillier.

And to all a good fright!

Horror Society site
AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits site

Three Severed Thumbs Up

2008-12-08T11:57:00.011-05:00

When it rains it pours. And I'm thanking my personal deity for that.

Within a week I've received links to three top-knotch reviewers praising AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1. Each of these three worthwhile sites post some heavy duty articles about horror and the fantastic.

From the wilds of Utah, John Morehead at TheoFantastique gave AAAAAH!! a solid recommendation, and he touched the soft spot in my corroded heart by setting the review next to his remembrance of Forrest J Ackerman. Coming from a member of the venerable League of Tana Tea Drinkers his review carries a lot of Nile water for me.

Also today, Jill Cooper from Killer-Works.com in Chicago & Toronto posted her review of AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, along with a trailer and links. I appreciate that she touched on each of the collection's seven films to demonstrate the variety of horror films that we're showcasing.

Dead Harvey from Vancouver weighed in last week with a review and a lengthy interview with yours cruelly. And they're running a contest giveaway with the answer found in the text of the interview. Check it out ASAP to get your entry in on time.

Happy reading.

TheoFantastique review
Killer-Works review
Dead Harvey review, interview, and contest

Forrest J Ackerman - R.I.P. Monster Man

2008-12-07T20:45:00.008-05:00

Although I'd known for a while that he wasn't well, it still came as a shock when I read on-line (thanks Joe Moe) that Forrest J Ackerman died at age 92 this past Thursday night.

For those who don't know, Forry (4e, Uncle Forry, Dr. Acula) was the ultimate horror/sci-fi fanboy collector, an inspiration to thousands, and an influence upon... millions(?). He claimed to have coined the term 'sci-fi', and, as a literary agent, represented some of the genres greats, including Ray Bradbury.

Probably Forry's greatest influence came as the amiable, enthusiastic, and pun-prone editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine (1958-1983). That's where I got to know of him. His writing was direct and engaging. He knew that kids of all ages would be reading the magazine, and he never talked down to his readers. As noted in one of Forry's obituaries FM was the first serious but not solemn genre magazine. The punning made it charming and gave it an air of innocence - despite the illustrated monstrosities between the covers. And, oh what covers! Those Basil Gogos paintings have become icons themselves.

FM #101 was my first issue, the one with Captain Marvel on the cover. We were on a summer vacation driving to Northern Ontario. I was already a rabid fan of the Universal Studios' monsters, and here was a magazine that featured them. Horror heaven. Standing at the magazine rack, looking at the Fang Mail page with a photo of a kid in monster make-up under the banner "Wanted" More Readers Like (kid's name here)" I realized that I wasn't alone in my obsession. There were more of us out there. All of us united by our fascination with monsters and horror films, and linked together through this magazine, whose beating heart was Forrest J Ackerman.

Many years would pass, with FM threading its way in and out of my awareness. After Star Wars all the genre magazines focused on sci-fi much more than horror. Can't say that I blamed them, although I did resent it.

Many of Forry's fans got to meet him at a horror or science fiction convention, or at his home (the Ackermansion and, later, the Acker-mini-mansion). His house, filled with his immense collection of sci-fi & horror literature and memorabilia, was regularly open to the public for personal guided tours & Q&A sessions. I wish I had met Forry in person and experienced that fabled collection. I had several opportunities to visit him while I studied in L.A., just a few blocks from the Ackermansion, but Forry was never at home when I came calling. During several trips back to L.A. I would check in and learn that Uncle Forry was away at a convention. So, several near misses and no cigar. The best I could do was leave a note or card.

I do have an autographed 8x10 photo of Forry sporting his Dracula cape and ring. He mailed it to me on request. The inscription reads, "Here's lurking at you, Miguel!" It's framed next to a photo of me standing at his Ackermansion gate beside the sign: "4SJ of KARLOFFORNIA". That's as close as we ever got.

During one unsuccessful visit I left a DVD copy of The Crypt Club in a bag hanging from his front door knob. Tribute to a man who I never met, but whose contagious enthusiasm for the monsters affected the course of my life.

So, on one hand, I'm sad that I never got to ask Forry about Bela, Boris, or Vincent, or that I'll never see Forry's wondrous collection of film memorabilia. On the other hand, I'm glad that he and his collection will live vividly in my imagination. Can the dream of heaven ever measure up to the reality of heaven?

I thought it might be cool to post this missive in Esperanto, which Forry knew. I don't know Esperanto, so the translation would be a fair chunk of work. It could be our final private communication. But then I remembered how Forry's writing in FM made me feel part of a community, part of the joke being shared. So I'll limit my Esperanto salute to Forry by saying, "Dankon, Uncle 4e!" You'll be missed, but not forgotten.

Forrest J Ackerman on Wikipedia

Dead Harvey Review, Interview & Contest

2008-12-03T09:36:00.008-05:00

So, what does Dead Harvey have to say about AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits? (Do you honestly think I'd let you know about it if he hated it?) If you assume that because Harvey is dead he has nothing to say you're grievously mistaken. He's quite talkative. For example, here's what he has to say about himself:

"Dead Harvey is a resource for both independent horror filmmakers and fans. We hope to keep people informed of new developments in the industry, as well as bringing attention to new and worthy independent horror films and film festivals."

Not bad for a guy with severe rigor mortis. Hardly saw his lips move.

The Dead Harvey site is stuffed (STUFFED, I tell you) with information, articles, interviews, resources, reviews and more. I don't know when he sleeps. Harvey must have died of exhaustion.

Anyway, D.H. just posted an interview with me where we talk about stuff other than AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits. Sure we talk about the DVD (can't miss a chance to do that), but we also discuss the indie horror scene, indie filmmaking struggles, and more. Riveting reading to be sure.

And that leads us into the CONTEST! (Yay! Free stuff!)

In a bold move D.H. is running his first ever contest. The answer to the skill testing question is buried in the interview. Sneaky, eh? Well, the answer can be found not that far into the interview. We're cruel, not sadistic. Simply e-mail the answer to D.H. and his decaying hand will pick a winner at the end of December.

And what does the lucky contest winner get for his/her/its trouble? Visit Dead Harvey and see...

Dead Harvey blog site

Short Horror from Jude Mire

2008-11-25T11:00:00.001-05:00

My friend, Chicago horror writer Jude Mire, just sent me a link to his short story "The Job At The End Of The Block" that is now on Horror Bound Magazine On-Line. Congratulations!

It's a nifty little tale that will keep you guessing until the end just what kind of job our hero has accepted at the end of the block. Curl up and enjoy.

Horror Bound Magazine is a literary magazine primarily for horror fiction, however, we also feature dark fantasy, noir, thriller and slipstream fiction. To submit your work for consideration please review our submission guidelines. We feature short stories, poetry, art, book reviews and interviews with the top talent in the field today and more!

Horror Bound Magazine

Free MindFlesh screening on-line

2008-11-24T10:41:00.005-05:00

It's been a while since I heard from my UK friend Robert Pratten of Zen Films. We met at a Boston film festival and have kept in touch ever since. Okay, we're not best buddies and don't text each other hourly, but he's a cool guy and a talented filmmaker. I was impressed with his first film, "London Voodoo".

His second film, "MindFlesh", is now available on DVD. It's adapted from William Sheinman's book "White Light". Think "Hellraiser" meets "Species". Here's Amazon.com's description:

"MindFlesh is about obsession. Specifically, the obsession of taxi driver Chris Jackson who believes a goddess from a parallel dimension is walking the streets of London. This obsession is destroying the natural order of the universe and Guardian extraterrestrials threaten to kill Jackson's friends if he doesn't relinquish his fantasy.

Jackson, played by Peter Bramhill (Human Traffic) enlists the help of parapsychologist Frank Verdain played by Chris Fairbank (Batman, Alien3, 5th Element) to unravel the secrets of the mind and the universe. Only his Buddhist ex-girlfriend played by Lucy Liemann (Bourne Ultimatum) understands the power of the mind."

That's good news. BUT HERE'S BETTER NEWS:

Robert e-mailed to let me know that thanks to a hook up with the Twitch on-line movie site you can watch "MindFlesh" for free for three days only: December 12, 13, 14. That's a 72 hour window to tune in and trip out to "MindFlesh". Mark your calendars.

Here's the text link to cut and paste into your browser:
http://twitchfilm.net/site/view/mindflesh-is-coming/

or you can access it here: MindFlesh link on Twitch

Enjoy! And Happy Horror-Days!

Zen Films site

TWiG Interview - Indie Filmmaking: What you need to know

2008-11-23T11:43:00.004-05:00

Just had a lengthy phone interview with Pierce "The Punk" Derks from This Week in Geek (TWiG). We spent about an hour talking indie filmmaking, everything from finding financing through to distribution strategies. Really good questions. And I'm told my responses were none too shabby either.

The interview podcast will be posted on the TWiG site in December. Watch (listen?) for it and groove on the other interviews already posted. These guys are seriously deep into gaming, films, comics - all things geek. Yes, geek is the new black. Try and keep up, eh?

I'll let you know the podcast posting date & exact URL as soon as I get the word. Over and out for now.

TWiG site

Award Winners for Multiple Festivals Announced

2008-10-27T13:17:00.008-04:00

Well, we tried something new this month and sponsored awards for the Best Short Horror Film at several film festivals. The submissions rolled in and the competitions were fierce at each of the festivals.

First up was Shriekfest in Los Angeles. It was another great year for this pivotal West Coast festival that is a launching pad for indie filmmakers. Congratulations to the Best Short Film award winner: "Kirksdale" directed by Ryan Spindell , and to the Best Super Short Film award winner: "Eel Girl" directed by Paul Campion. The top photo shows (l to r) "Kirksdale" lead actor Joshua Mikel, director Ryan Spidell, and festival directos Denise Gossett & Todd Beeson.

At the Sharp Cuts Guelph Indie Film & Music Festival the Best Short Horror Film award went to "Ray's Big Day", a stop motion animation film commissioned to honor the legendary Ray Harryhausen, directed by Marc Lougee. The photo shows the festival's judges Ryan James Connors (L) and Rob Keyes (R) flanking Marc & me as I present him the award at the closing gala closing.

Meanwhile, at the Madison Horror Film Festival in Wisconsin, the best short horror film award went to "Initiation" directed by Stephane Beaudoin. This film also won an award for best cinematography ans the Audience Choice award. Sweet! Great turn out for this new Mid-West festival, which boasted several films from Canada, the USA, and Europe.

In addition to winning a sweet prize pack of AAAAAH!! swag, the winning films will be offered a distribution deal to appear in an upcoming volume of AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits.

Congratulations to all the winners, runners up, and filmmaker participants. The big winners were the audiences who got to see & enjoy your works.

Where will we turn up next? Stay tuned - and keep supporting indie filmmaking.

Shriekfest - The Los Angeles Horror/Sci-Fi Film Festival
Madison Horror Film Festival
Sharp Cuts Guelph Indie Film & Music Festival

Madison Horror AAAAAH!!wards

2008-10-17T12:21:00.004-04:00

Horror in the Mid-West USA is alive and kicking with a brand new horror film festival in Wisconsin - the Madison Horror Film Festival, Saturday October 25th at the Orpheum Theatre Stage Door in, you guessed it, Madison, Wisconsin.

It's a one-day 12 hour marathon of indie horror films & festivities, with special horror industry guests, vicious vendors, an appearance by Freakshow & the Harlots of Horror, putrid prizes & gruesome giveaways.

To get you in the mood there's a pre-festival party at Inferno on Friday October 24 with a horror film costume contest. Sounds like THE hot ticket for a chilly fall weekend. Get your freak on and check it out. I wonder if anyone will go dressed as a dreadful dairy product, or changeling cheese-head?

So why am I telling you all this? Well there will be some jaw-some indie horror films screened. And Crypt Club Productions Inc. is proudly sponsoring an award for the Best Short Horror Film, which includes a submission invitation to be part of an upcoming volume of AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits.

Beast of luck to all the indie filmmakers. Give 'em Hell!

Madison Horror Film Festival

Congrats to Jill & Jude

2008-10-12T23:28:00.005-04:00

It was a match made at a horror convention and it paid off today with a wedding at a haunted attraction.

A year and a half back Killer Works' Jill Cooper & I were hanging out at the World Horror Convention in Toronto. There she met Jude Waltermire, a writer fellow from Chicago.

Bim bam boom - a little over a year later the wedding invitation arrived in the mail. Wow! Who'd have thought such things could start in the midst of all that death and decay?

Family and friends gathered in Chicago to witness the wedding, and partake of a fabulous wedding cake that featured the bride and groom carrying a bloody axe and a dirt encrusted shovel - partners in crime. Congratulations! Hope you get away with it... and live scarily ever after.

Killer Works

AAAAAH!! Sponsors Sharp Cuts Fest

2008-10-12T22:58:00.006-04:00

I'll be at the 2nd annual Sharp Cuts Guelph Indie Film & Music Festival this week for the Friday Fright Night screenings. Crypt Club Productions Inc. is sponsoring the award for the best short horror film. Come on out to see the films. Winning entries may receive a distribution offer to appear on a future volume of "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits".

The awards & swag will be handed out at the gala on Saturday night. Details are at the Sharp Cuts web site. See you there.
Sharp Cuts Guelph Indie Film & Music Festival

Shriekfest says "AAAAAH!!"

2008-09-29T20:34:00.006-04:00

We're always on the look out for ways to promote indie films & filmmakers. So we're really pleased to announce that we've partnered with our good friends Denise Gossett & Todd Beeson in L.A. to sponsor the award for the Best Short Horror Film at Shriekfest 2008.

Get an early Halloween fix at one of the west coast's premiere horror film fests. It's a real treat for filmmakers who attend to feel really welcomed by a festival.

Shriekfest 2008 starts Thursday, October 2 with a gala opening party and concludes after three jam packed days of films & screenwriting competitions with a wrap up blow out on Sunday October 5. Some screenings are already sold out, so check into it pronto while there are still seats available.

Winners of the Best Short Film award will receive, in addition to the festival's award, a hefty swag bag from Crypt Club Productions Inc., and a possible distribution offer for inclusion in an upcoming volume of AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits.

Best of luck to all the filmmakers. We look forward to seeing your craft work on screen as we cower beneath our seats.

Shriekfest - The Los Angeles Horror/Sci-Fi Film Festival

"You Can't Say That On Radio!"

2008-09-11T11:35:00.018-04:00

Well, maybe not on normal radio - but this is HMF Indie Radio coming out of Texas on the word-wired-web.

I'll find out soon enough what I can & can't say on radio as I've been invited to talk live about horror stuff on HorrorMovieFans.com Indie Radio hosted by director & actor Parrish Randall.

The whole rootin' tootin' no-holds-barred critical/intellectual/visceral shebang takes place Sunday September 21 at 8:05 pm (EST) for about 45 minutes. My thanks to show producer & indie horror fan Andy Rose for the invitation.

I'm sure the conversation will turn [okay, it will be steered with locked arms] toward the new release of AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1. Andy was among the first to order it so he could do his homework before the air date - and to bring his family closer together [see previous blog post].

If you want to be part of the live show the Call In Number is (646) 716-7438.

For fans of the long-running HorrorMovieFans.com Radio show this program is the second show that they've developed and it focuses solely on independent horror films.

All right! The indie film movement is growing. Soon we will take over the world...!

And then we'll be able to say whatever the [*&^#!] we want on the radio. Pardon mon Français.

HorrorMovieFans.com Indie Radio
[http://www.blogtalkradio.com/HMFRadio]

"It's Alive! It's Alive!" - And Available Now to bring your family closer together.

2008-09-05T11:04:00.010-04:00

Long time coming, but well worth the wait.

"AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1" DVD is now available to buy on DVD.

Click here (not on the ad photo) to buy your very own copy right now.

It's okay.

Go ahead.

I'll wait.

(dum dee dee dee dum...)

There. That didn't hurt a bit, did it?

Now you can bask in the warm glow that comes from supporting independent filmmaking. (Thank You)

And in a few short days you can bask in the frightful chill coming from your DVD player as you turn down the lights and enjoy a good night's creep. (You're Most Welcome)

For those of you still undecided (yes, I see you over there avoiding eye contact) here's some more information to sway your clicking finger.

The DVD is crammed full with 7 terror-ific short indie horror films (52 film festival awards between them all), totaling about 110 minutes, including trailers, a special short greeting from yours truly, and more...

Since we filled the disc with the films (keeping the digital compression to the barest minimum to ensure the highest image & sound quality) we're providing a DVD@CCESS link to some SECRET WEB CONTENT.

We'll be posting exclusive bonus goodies about the films and filmmakers on a Secret Page at our web site.

Link directions are included in the DVD case - and it works on both PC & Mac platforms.

For more info and persuasive arguments for purchasing volume 1 of this fang-tastic short horror film collection please visit our web site.

Go on. I dare ya. What's the matter? You chicken? Gonna get your mommy to buy the disc for ya? Well, okay. Uh, that works just fine for me. Tell her, "Thank you." And remind her to get extra copies as Halloween gifts for the cousins. She'll thank you. And isn't your mother's love & gratitude worth everything?

While you're saying "you're welcome" to your mom (I'm sure she'd appreciate a hug too), remember to tell all your friends about AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits - and how we're bringing families closer together.

Thanks a bunch for reading this far & for supporting independent filmmaking.

AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits Store

Did you win our Grand Prize Draw?

2008-09-01T07:10:00.003-04:00

During our Festival of Fear appearance we promised a prize package to one lucky person who visited our booth and entered our draw. Hundreds of folks filled in their ballot and said a little prayer as they handed the delicate slip of paper - representing their fondest dream of winning cool stuff to watch & wear - to our friend Jill, who gently took the paper from their hopeful fingers and mashed it into the ballot bowl with all the others.

After the convention, we put these hundreds of entries into a black sack - along with some broken glass and discarded medical sharps to enhance our enjoyment of the selection process.

After much blind digging and yelping, our shredded mitts pulled out the entry belonging to our grand prize winner. Fortunately for us (and the draw contestants), we used blood-proof ink in the pens for the draw ballot and we were able to read the winner's name, e-mail, and T-shirt size.

Kong-gratulations to Brendan Rowe! Shortly, he'll be receiving a hefty package containing T-shirts, DVDs, and assorted swag (including the notorious K-W syringe pen) from AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, The Pit and the Pendulum, and Killer-works.com. Enjoy them all in good health.

Who says dreams can't come true?

And now we're off to the ER and then a manicure. Giving hurts so good.

Wrapping up our first FOF

2008-08-25T22:28:00.007-04:00

Well, it was a hell of a weekend. We beat standing for hours on the concrete floors and didn't once reach for the back pills! The three days flew by thanks to the parade of fine, funky folk strutting their stuff as they stalked the aisles searching for their fetish trophy.

Reception was awesome for our new DVD, still-smoking-from-the-duplicator [that would be the 'AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1' DVD for the chronically inattentive]. Seems lots of people want to know more about the great indie short horror films that slip under their radar and disappear beyond the horizon. Thanks to everyone who bought a copy as we made our convention debut.

The brand new discs will be available in September through our web site & shortly from other fine retailers.

You know, you don't get through one of these conventions without a helping hand from many folks. If you'll indulge me I'd like to thank some unsung folks for their kindness, good humour, encouragement, and generosity. They include my stalwart boothmates, Marc Lougee and Jill Cooper, who kept the cool banter & hot coffee flowing. There are my immediate neighbours, Alexia Anastasio (Salome) [pictured] & Kevin Sean Michaels (Vampira the Movie) who couldn't have been sweeter or funnier respectively. I hope the cheetah found a place to stay.

Thanks also to the carnivorous folks from The Butcher Shop across the aisle who must have heard our growling stomachs over the din and crossed the aisle to share a box of Tim Bits on two separate occasions. Good on ya, mates! The Rue Morgue & convention staff were super cordial and helpful, especially Lisa Russell at Showtech.

Louis at Merch Guy pulled our chestnuts out of the fire and delivered some wicked looking Cryptwear shirts. Thanks for the technical assist and perseverance. That's the artwork for the back of the work shirt that I'm wearing in the photos. We're debating whether to offer the shirts for sale on-line or keep them as a personal appearance exclusive for conventions and festivals. Whatcha think? Let us know via e-mail.

Then there's Paula Watters at The Source Shop for busting her hump sourcing [get it?] our swag items for us. The Crypt Club key chains are on their way to becoming coveted collectors items for discerning drivers & key keepers.

Thea, Adam, and Rory from the Toronto Zombie Walk offered us some brains [don't you go there] and handed out fliers for us as they ambled about sizing up people's cranial capacity. March on you crazy, hungry, undead-type people.

And I'd really be in the dog house if I didn't mention my childhood friends Daryl & Derek Pullen, who dropped by to say "Hi" and stayed to anchor our load out from the bowels of the convention centre. Thanks a million.

One of the weekend's more pleasant moments was a visit from Kevin Greutert, who's back in Toronto working on the mix for SAW 5. He's edited all of the SAW films and his short film, 'Old Friends' is on our new DVD. It's the film he showed the producers of the SAW films to land the directing job on SAW 6 next year. Guess he's just checking up on how the new disc is doing. I'd better not piss him off or I'll end up on the cutting room floor - literally.

All in all, the FOF was a great debut for AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, Volume 1. We'll be back at the FOF next year, so watch for volume two by then...

AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits store

Working the FOF booth

2008-08-23T08:05:00.002-04:00

Friday at the Festival of Fear. First day jitters quickly pass as the crowds stream in and saunter up and down the merch-laden aisles. It's a typically slow day for vendors as many multi-day pass holders are just browsing, getting the lay of the land so they can raid their ATM's on Saturday or Sunday and swoop by on a buying run.

Even so, we got a lot of interest in the new AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, volume 1 DVD. Sales were made, postcards handed out, the patter was perfected as the afternoon passed. And hanging out and chatting with my boothmates (Marc Lougee & Jill Cooper) fills in the gap in the ebb and flow of the crowd. Hey, simply people watching with all the colorful costumes is a full time job here. Good first day.

Saturday is the iron man event. The show runs from 10 am to 7 pm. Nine solid hours of pitching & promoting while standing on a solid concrete floor. Yay! I hear the chiropractor's convention is here next week. Maybe I can book an advance session.

AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits - Links Page

Hangin' at the Festival of Fear

2008-08-22T07:37:00.004-04:00

Well, the load in yesterday went better than expected. Being new to the whole convention thang it's interesting watching how the pros load in. It's a military operation. Stuff comes in and goes directly to it's spot. No fumphering about with decisions. Trial and error has taught them where to put thing for maximum efficiency & impact. Very cool.

Seeing some friends new and old setting up. There's Thomas Gofton & his crew from the Sharp Cuts Indie Film & Music Festival in Guelph, and Scott Lefebvre working with Fearwerx just down the aisle. Should be a fun time if we get the Nerf football sailing over people's heads as they browse the merch laden aisles.

Of course, I'm sharing the booth with my buddies, Mad Marc Lougee (The Pit and the Pendulum) and Thrill Kill Jill Cooper (killer-works.com) so you know it's going to be non-stop blah bjavascript:void(0)lah on curious topics.

If you're coming to the show head to Booth 1216 and say "Hi. Pleased to meet you. May I have my complimentary Crypt Club sticker?". To which I'll say, "Likewise. Of course." Just like civilized horror fans. then you can check out the newly arrived AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, volume 1 DVDs. They still have that new car smell. We're just up the aisle from the Rue Morgue set up.

If you're not coming to the show, WHY? (We'll only accept signed notes from a certified health practitioner.)

See you there this Friday to Sunday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, Booth 1216. Stay scary.

AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits

AAAAAH!! DVD Pre-release Debut at Toronto's Festival of Fear

2008-08-14T09:49:00.002-04:00

Before it hits the mean streets our new DVD "AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits, volume 1" will be available at our Crypt Club Productions Inc. booth (#1216) at the Rue Morgue Festival of Fear National Horror Expo, August 22-24 at the Metro Convention Centre in Terror-onto.

This is the largest Horror Event in Canada. If you're not there you're nowhere.

Drop, crawl, or hop by to say "hi" and pick up a DVD, some stylish Cryptwear(tm), and other goodies. And remember that all of our Lurch Merch makes a truly thoughtful Halloween gift for your boo-loved. When you scare enough to send the very best.

We're sharing a big booth (did I mention it's #1216?) with our friends Marc Lougee (The Pit and the Pendulum) and Jill Cooper (www.Killer-Works.com). Talk about a trio of terror. We promise not to bite - unless there's a financial incentive.

Still need more reasons to visit? Okay. The three of us are pooling a bunch of cool stuff (shirts, DVDs, posters & more...) into a basket for a REALLY BIG SWAG DRAW.

And, you never know who else might be paying our booth a visit. See you there.

AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits
Crypt Club Productions Inc.

AAAAAH!! Vol. #1 film selections announced

2008-08-13T10:56:00.005-04:00

The loooong gestation period is over. Thanks for your patience as we got our debut disc together. You can just see the head of the press release peeking out now.

Crypt Club Productions Inc proudly announces the films selected for AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits - Volume 1.

AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits is a new feature length collection of award winning independent short horror films coming to DVD in September 2008 – just in time for a very Happy Halloween.

“ALL KILLER – NO FILLER” This is the good stuff. The short horror films that caused a buzz on the festival circuit - then vanished. If you saw them the first time you know what we mean. If you didn’t, you can enjoy them now - for the first time.

From a dark, cautionary tale (THE CRYPT CLUB - with Alison Pill from PIECES OF APRIL) to gallows humor on the job (GHOST BUSTED); from the grotesque otherworld of H.P. Lovecraft (THE VEIL) to today’s outbreak fears (THE NINTH ENTRY); from the stylishly bizarre (MY SKIN! – with Tony Simmons from HUMAN NO MORE & CARNIE) and the chillingly macabre (OCULUS) to the dire family survival drama (OLD FRIENDS - from Kevin Greutert, editor of the SAW films).

We’ve resurrected these great short indie horror films. Turn down the lights and dig in for your own private horror film festival.

FEATURED SHORT FILMS (alphabetical order):
- THE CRYPT CLUB (23:00 Canada) Dir: Miguel Gallego
- GHOST BUSTED (3:00 USA) Dir: Vance Null
- MY SKIN! (13:00 USA) Dir: Christopher Alan Broadstone
- THE NINTH ENTRY (5:00 USA) Dir: Anthony Falcon
- OCULUS (32:00 USA) Dir: Mike Flanagan
- OLD FRIENDS (14:30 USA) Dir: Kevin Greutert
- THE VEIL (12:00 Canada) Dir: Mike Jackson

DVD INFO: Available September 2008 - Horror/Drama - 110 Minutes Total - NTSC - All Region Disc - Color - English - 4:3 Letterbox - Dolby Digital Stereo - Not Rated (Some strong visuals, language, and mature themes. Not recommended for infants or the infantile.)

SPECIAL FEATURES: Play Options: Play All (Festival Order); Individual Film Selection - Chapter Jumps - Trailers - Greetings from creator Miguel Gallego - Subtitles: English/Spanish - DVD@CCESS link to Secret Web Content.

AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits is produced and distributed by Crypt Club Productions Inc.

AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits
Crypt Club Productions Inc.

Calling All Zombies! Lend a severed hand, a foot... whatever you can.

2008-07-05T13:08:00.006-04:00

The Toronto Zombie Walk has exploded from a handful of ambulatory dead into a village-sized mob.

So what's the rub?

Well, the TZW's directors are now faced with escalating costs and yet they want to keep the creepy annual event independent and free of corporate sponsorship. (What could be more frightening than a mob of corporate sponsored zombies?)

So, the 6th annual Toronto Zombie Walk needs your help!

Please lend a severed hand, a foot... whatever you can to ensure the TZW stays free and fun.

How can you help? Glad you asked. Support the 2008 Toronto Zombie Walk Brain Drive.

Here's the dope from the TZW web site for smart, generous folks (living or undead) who want to be a part of a truly grassroots horror event without a corporate agenda:

"The ever-increasing size of the undead horde has forced us to apply for a permit with the city. To cover the associated permit and advertising costs, we have a limited number of 2008 Brain Drive t-shirts for sale!

"The proceeds from each shirt sold goes directly to the costs of running the Zombie Walk only - we are not doing this for profit - any funds over the amount required for the permit will go towards the Zombie Walk After-Party! All prices include shipping to anywhere in Canada or the US and all applicable taxes."

I've got mine. Rumour has it that wearing a Brain Drive T-shirt wards off the undead, pesky in-laws, and feelings of guilt. Remember: they make great a gift for your boo-loved.

Thanks for reading. I'll see you at the Toronto Zombie Walk on Sunday, October 19th. I've been drafted for blood duty. Happy happy. Joy joy. Walk on!

2008 Toronto Zombie Walk

Interview on TheoFantastique blog.

2008-06-25T23:58:00.009-04:00

Well, thanks to my burger buddy Marc Lougee I was invited to do an interview with John Moorehead for his wonderful TheoFantastique site. It's a "meeting place for myth, imagination and mystery in pop culture", dontcha know.

John asked little old me some pretty heady questions about personal influences, myth, folklore, fairy tales, and why I consider Walt Disney to be a master of horror.

Yes, that's right. Uncle Walt is a horror meister. He could spook you as easy as Bibbity Bobbity BOO!

And, of course, I managed to slip in some Crypt Club and AAAAAH!! news as well.

I invite you to read the complete interview, but I warn you: pack a lunch.

John said I could be as verbose as I wanted. Being Mr. Gullible Gallego, I took him at his word - and his editor quit!

I'm really looking forward to getting to SLC, Utah to have a serious face to face, mano a mano chin wag with the venerable Mr. Moorehead.

Check out his blog and find out why. Muy cool.

'Saw 6' Director is part of AAAAAH!!

2008-06-04T09:56:00.005-04:00

He has edited the Saw films from 1 through 4. As I write this entry he's here in Toronto cutting together Saw 5. After that, it's been announced that editor Kevin Greutert will direct Saw 6. Whoo-hoo! Congratulations!

And now, I'm proud to say that Kevin has signed with Crypt Club Productions Inc. to release his short horror film, 'Old Friends', on volume one of our upcoming compilation DVD AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits.

This is the short film that Kevin made to prove to the producers that he could wield a Saw... heh, heh, heh.

So, invite some 'old friends' for an evening of dark entertainment. Coming this summer.

New Voices In Fiction Interview

2008-06-02T09:23:00.003-04:00

An interview I did a couple of months ago for the on-line magazine New Voices In Horror has just been re-posted on the newly re-tooled New Voices in Fiction web site. Now, in addition to publishing new horror fiction, the freshly re-christened site accepts works of general fiction.

In the Special Guests Interview NVF founder & moderator David "Doc" Byron asks me about my taste in horror and about the soon to be released AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits DVD. (Yes, really. We charge NO FEE to submit short horror films.)

Thanks for the scintillating virtual chat, and best of luck with the new format. Give 'em Hell, Doc!

Killer-Short Film Contest Announced

2008-05-15T10:53:00.005-04:00

Put on your creepiest comfy shoes and get set for the Killer-Short Film Contest.

This is a contest for all of us horror fans & filmmakers with an embarrassingly short attention span. Our friends at Killer-Works.com have announced an open call for entries with a no excuses submission deadline of September 2, 2008.

We want to see your micro-short horror film or your trailer for a horror film (actual or invented). Films can be as short as 30 seconds, but no longer than 3 minutes. And to sweeten the cauldron, there are awards and promo opps for selected filmmakers.

So screw in your thinking caps, blackmail your friends, and get filmmaking. Your micro-opus isn't going to film itself.

Full contest details are available at Killer-Works.com's Extras/Contest web page. (Void were prohibited by censoring governments. Yikes!)

THAFF Live TV Interview

2008-05-13T10:00:00.001-04:00

I've been working with my friends at the Toronto Hispano-American Film Festival (THAFF) helping them re-vamp the website, establish a Facebook group, and generally getting the word out about their 11th edition, which runs Thursday May 15 to Sunday May 25. Films from 11 countries, 18 premieres. Should be lots of fun.

On Monday festival founder Daniel Irrazabal is scheduled to appear live on a local current events show. At the last minute he can't make it and asks me to take his place. The festival's programming director, Alejandro Pereira, picks me up and off we go to the SUN-TV studios.

What a blast! Live freakin' television! Okay, it isn't Saturday Night Live, but it still had the potential for disaster.

Fortunately everyone there is pretty calm and welcoming. Segment Producer Ainka Jess makes us comfortable. Johanna makes sure we have liquids and are wired us for sound. Alejandro & I go over some notes and wait for our turn on the couch.

The host, Chris Van Vliet, comes out to chat and go over some of the questions and make sure he knows how to pronounce our names. And then, before we know what hit us we're on the couch doing our tag team answering routine. And then it's over.

I can't wait to see a copy of our chat to remember what the heck I said. I sure hope it made sense.

Denver HorrorFest Highlights

2008-04-21T09:02:00.010-04:00

First, I must send a gargantuan "muchas gracias" to the staff at HF for treating us with such grace and hospitality. Kathy, Brad, Kristin, Lisa, Debbie, Carol and her daughter (frankly, I'm super embarrassed that I don't remember her moniker) you all rocked my Casbah!

When I wasn't gawking at the constant parade of super heroes, storm troopers, and assorted aliens I got a chance to hang out with some pretty cool filmmakers such as the Minnesota monster magnates from Not For The Squeamish Productions, the fearsome foursome from Random Creatureface Films, the Tromatized team from Bizjack /Flemco Productions, and my travel buddy Marc Lougee, whose film - The Pit and the Pendulum - wowed the fans.

Also present were scads of actors. It's pretty cool to hang out in the green room and see Star Trek's Nichelle Nichols and Nana Visitor. But the real action was on the convention floor with soon to be famous actors like December 2007 Tromette of the Month Scarlet Salem, and the multi-faceted Jed Rowen.

Plenty of horror film fans (in & out of costume) stopped by too, like Harry Marlow, Jarred Efird and Justin Marlow. And then there were the just plain curious folks who stumbled into the indie horror film dungeon only to spin on their heel and head back to the safety of a sci-fi costume party.

A bonus treat for me was finally meeting the finely coiffed gentleman in the photo, Zachary from the Denver Hearse Association. He made time from his busy schedule planning the second annual Denver Hearse Con (May 9-11) to say hi and introduce me to some of his fellow hearse aficionados. When I get my hearse on the road I plan to point its chrome cormorant hood ornament in the direction of a future Hearse Con.

All in all a packed weekend of meeting and greeting and getting the word out about the upcoming release of AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits on DVD.

New AAAAAH!! Logo & Tees

2008-04-14T23:51:00.006-04:00

The new AAAAAH!! logo is back from Rue Morgue magazine's Ghoulish Gary Pullin - and it's both a beauty and a beast!

This is our first venture into an exclusive line of 'Crypt Wear' (TM). The old school EC Comics inspired horror vibe is there along with a little extra bite. The question of what is scary and elemental came up and I think Gary nailed it with those fangs coming at you out of the dark. Merci boo-coup, Gary.

So, in honour of the new logo and its comin'-at-ya approach, we're doing up a limited mini-batch of special, prototype glow-in-the-dark tee-shirts at Merch Guy that we're taking to Denver this weekend.

If you think the new logo looks good here, wait till you see it in the flesh...

Heading to Denver's HorrorFest

2008-04-12T19:05:00.006-04:00

Next weekend (April 18-20) I'll be hanging out at HorrorFest in Denver, and unveiling the new Ghouish Gary Pullin designed AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits logo tee-shirts!

And these ain't just any old black cotton tee-shirts. They glow in the dark. "Oooooh. Scary, kids." So turn out the lights, Sadie - and let 'em rip!

My friend, filmmaker Marc Lougee, is presenting and paneling at the convention and I get to tag along and do some reconnaissance work for the conventions that we'll be attending as retailers later this year.

I'm looking forward to connecting with fellow horror filmmakers and horror fans to see what they think of the new AAAAAH!! logo.

I also plan to connect with some of the local hearse hombres & hembras from the Denver Hearse Association. I've long admired their web site and their bravura casket coach moxy. Pity I won't be around for their Hearse Con during the second weekend in May. Just gives me another reason to return to a city I've yet to visit.

Should be a whole lotta fun in the mile high city.

The Pit and the Pendulum movie
HorrorFest at StarFest in Denver
Denver Hearse Association

New AAAAAH!! Logo Coming...

2008-04-11T23:22:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been a while coming together, but the snowball's rolling downhill and gaining momentum.

We've got Ghoulish Gary Pullin, art director for Rue Morgue Magazine, slaving away in a secret crypt to 're-vamp' our logo for AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits. Going for a retro horror, EC Comics vibe. All the better to eat you with, my dear.

Stay tuned as we'll announce the unveiling of the new logo here.

In the mean time, check out the current website and logo. Soon it'll be history...

www.aaaaah-films.com
www.ghoulishgary.com

Nash the Slash's Birthday Bash

2008-03-29T23:46:00.007-04:00

Nash the Slash, Toronto's "serial sonic psychotron", celebrated his 60th birthday in fine style. The festivities at Stratenger's on Queen Street East featured quite amusing presents from friends & fans (the rude talking parrot was a big hit), birthday cake - and the release of a new Nash CD, 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Nash'!

It's a follow up of sorts to his 1984 album of cover songs, 'American BandAges'. The new CD features Nash's inimitable cover versions of songs by The Who, Pink Floyd, Gordon Lightfoot, Iron Butterfly, and more...

I was thrilled to re-encounter the One Man Bandaged and have him sign my poster from a live performance of his score to the classic silent horror film 'Nosferatu'.

Now I want to know, "When is Nash's soundtrack for 'The Lost World' coming out?"

Until that happy dark and stormy night I'll just have to be satisfied with the new CD and the promise of Nash's live performances this summer at The Black Swan, just up the road from me on the Danforth. Can't wait.

Nash The Slash

TCC to Screen at World Horror Convention

2008-03-25T20:42:00.006-04:00

Just got the word from Thomas Sipos at the Hollywood Investigator's Tabloid Witch Awards that The Crypt Club will be part of a special screening at the 2008 World Horror Convention. The convention takes place March 27-30 in Salt Lake City, UT. The film is part of "The Very Best of the Tabloid Witch Awards (2004-2007)".

We were honoured when we won a Tabloid Witch Award last year. We're doubly honoured to be considered among their best films. And now we're triply honoured to be part of the World Horror Convention weekend. Someone please get all this honour off me. I, I... can't... breathe... gasp!

If you attend, I'd love to hear reports of how the screening went.
World Horror Convention 2008

Interview in NVH Magazine.

2008-03-24T19:26:00.004-04:00

A couple of weeks ago the folks at New Voices in Horror saw my AAAAAH!! web site and asked if I'd mind doing an interview for their new on-line magazine. Well... okay. I'll do it.

And I'm glad I did. Their site features horror stories by new writers, and the odd interview with us horror filmmaker types. Good folks and spooky tales for a dark and stormy night.
Miguel's NVH Interview

R.I.P. Ben Chapman (The Gill-Man)

2008-02-21T20:12:00.007-05:00

Peacefully, and surrounded by his family, Ben Chapman - the man who embodied the Gill-Man on land in the classic 1954 film The Creature From The Black Lagoon - passed away shortly after midnight on February 21 at Tripler Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.

A favourite on the horror con circuit, Ben enjoyed meeting fans of all ages. His autograph and intricate written dedication on posters, photos, and books were truly special and cherished by fans and collectors.

Aloha, my friend.
www.the-reelgillman.com

Paranormal Show article on K-W.

2008-02-17T10:01:00.003-05:00

The Paranormal Show opens an extended run at Toronto's Diesel Playhouse. I attended the press preview show to report on the eerie happenings for Killer-Works. Plenty of audience participation and good spooky fun. Scary, kids. Scary!

The show stars Scott McClelland as Vladimir Eisengrim and features the beguiling medium Theodora in a dramatic presentation of paranormal feats.
Killer-Works article

PlayDead Cult article on K-W.

2008-01-07T18:43:00.003-05:00

PlayDead Cult started as a funky, Toronto t-shirt design studio. Their slogan is "for the black collar worker". So it was easy to do a profile of owners Stu & Bean for my friends at Killer-Works.com. PlayDead Cult does more than t-shirts, but their hand-drawn hearse tee is my current fave. Can't wait to wear it once I get my hearse back on the road.
Killer-Works article

Paris Catacombs article on K-W.

2007-11-12T19:45:00.004-05:00

It's one of the most popular destinations in the City of Lights, but you'd never know it from the lack of publicity.

In December 2005 my wife & I were in Paris to celebrate her birthday. After a delightful lunch at the Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower we took the Metro to the Denfert-Rochereau station. Crossing the street we entered a black door and descended into the Empire of Death.

Nothing says "I love you" like holding hands while strolling past 6 million stacked up skeletons. The things she does for me!
Killer-Works article

TCC & Workshop at Kitchener festival.

2007-10-28T13:21:00.007-04:00

The Crypt Club was invited to help kick off the inaugural 10.22 Media Short Horror Film Festival in Kitchener, ON.

As if that weren't honour enough, Festival Director Eddy Velasquez [top photo, on left] asked if I could present a workshop for indie filmmakers based on my years of filmmaking experience which spans indie, studio, and network productions.

How could I refuse? Especially since my friend Marc Lougee [bottom photo, on right] would also be presenting an animation workshop based on creating The Pit and the Pendulum. The weekend was a hoot.

We videotaped the resulting info-laden, tip-crammed 2 hour workshop, entitled Indie Production Planning: Getting Your Day.

With a little time and fancy editing the workshop will be soon be available in book and DVD formats.
10.22 Media Short Horror Film Festival

Toronto Zombie Walk article on K-W.

2007-10-25T18:56:00.002-04:00

Sometimes you have to go undercover to get the real dirt on a story. This time I donned whiteface and a red riding coat to become a zombie ring master. That's me in the photo with TZW founder Thea Munster - before the carnage began.

You don't really lead a herd of more than 1,000 undead. You just get in front of them and stay out of their way.

Great fun was had by all - except those who were eaten along the way. (burp!)

Lots of surprised looks from Toronto residents as a tidal wave of zombies swarmed the streets en route to the Bloor Cinema for a special zombie screening.

This year Toronto. Tomorrow... the world!
Toronto Zombie Walk
Killer-Works article

At the Toronto After Dark Film Festival

2007-10-20T12:43:00.003-04:00

It was a week of dark chills and thrills as the second Toronto After Dark Film Festival swept the city. I was at many of the screenings and events to wave the AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits banner.

Our ad in the festival program drew enquiries from fans and filmmakers alike. Seems a lot of folks just cannot get enough horror in their diet.

The TAD festival's films came from around the world and showcased a diversity of horror genre visions.

Part of the fun in attending is supporting fellow filmmakers. Mark Lougee's stop motion animated short film The Pit and the Pendulum wowed the crowd as the opening film for Uwe Boll's In the Name of the King. [top photo, from left: Marc Lougee, Miguel Gallego, festival director Adam Lopez, Uwe Boll]

And then there's the chance to meet Troma Films' head honcho Lloyd Kaufman for a chin wag, and a thumbs up photo op. [bottom photo, on left] His film Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead is a crowd pleaser with a message (don't tell anyone) and a catchy theme song.

Looking forward to next year's festival.
Toronto After Dark Film Festival

TCC Wins Tabloid Witch Award.

2007-10-03T18:34:00.001-04:00

The Hollywood Investigator's managing editor Thomas M. Sipos announced the winners of the 2007 Tabloid Witch Awards, including my own The Crypt Club as Best Dramatic Short Horror Film.

Sipos hailed the film as "a welcome return to classic, ghostly horror. A morality tale set in a creepy cemetery on a snowy night."

This year's Hollywood-based festival demonstrated the worldwide appreciation of horror films with winning entries from England, New Zealand, Argentina, Canada, and the USA.

This is the 18th award for The Crypt Club, which is an official selection of over 45 international film festivals.

This award places The Crypt Club in some pretty good company as Mike Flanagan's Oculus and Christopher Alan Broadstone's Human No More are both past Tabloid Witch Award winners and AAAAAH!! Indie Horror Hits participating films.

The premiere screening of this year's award winning films will be at the Santa Monica Public Library on October 27, 2007, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The screening is free and open to the public on a first come first seated basis. There will be a filmmaker Q&A.
2007 Tabloid Witch Awards

Carnival Diablo article on K-W.

2007-10-02T14:19:00.001-04:00

On September 15, I was at the 15th Anniversary performance of Carnival Diablo at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario. I'd heard about this show for years, but was never in the right place at the right time to attend one of their macabre performances.

Finally, we coincided. And I was pleasantly surprised that a dear friend of The Crypt Club - Hearsella's mom, Thea - is now part of the Carnival Diablo troupe. Small (twisted) world, indeed.

I wrote my thoughts on the performance and the state of the disappearing carnival sideshow for the latest Killer-Works newsletter. Enjoy, and remember to tip your server generously.
Killer-Works article

The Crypt Club screens at SharpCuts.

2007-09-21T13:12:00.007-04:00

The first SharpCuts - Guelph Indie Film and Music Festival featured The Crypt Club as part of its Friday Fright Night line-up. I was on hand to introduce the film and answer post-screening questions. Also screening that night were local filmmakers and festival organizers Thomas Gofton (Mind's Eye) and Nick Montgomery (Summoned) [top right, left & right, respectively].

The three-day festival included world premieres and filmmaking workshops. Florida's own Alex Ferrari (Broken, Cyn) presented several insightful workshops for eager filmmakers and cinephiles. [Bottom photo, filmmakers from left: Thomas Gofton, Marc Lougee, Gabriel Teran, Alex Ferrari, Miguel Gallego]

Organizers plan a bigger, better event with increased industry sponsorship for 2008.
SharpCuts

JTR Walk article on K-W.

2007-08-31T16:59:00.006-04:00

This time, instead of being the subject of a Killer-Works article I'm the author of a special Friday edition piece.

Regular newsletter subscribers have the chance to score a prize package by guessing the reason for this irregular edition, dated Friday, August 31. The main clue is the article's subject matter: a review of the the most celebrated of London, England's Jack the Ripper Walking Tours.

You may have been a winner if you guessed that today, August 31, is the anniversary date of the murder of Mary Ann (Polly) Nichols, believed to be the first victim of the notorious Whitechapel killer (a.k.a. Jack the Ripper).

Last February my wife & I did the tour, hosted by world famous Ripperologist and author of The Complete Jack the Ripper, Donald Rumbelow [pictured, left]. Little did I know then that I was doing research for an article. Always pays to take notes and photos.http://www.londonwalks.com/
London Walks
Killer-Works article