Rally The Troops! Support Indie Horror

Alrighty, ladies and gentlemen, let’s check out another piece of Indie Horror that needs out support. Let’s check out the short film PAGE ONE!

So PAGE ONE is about Abel, who is a black actor who dies in every single horror movie that he has been in. When the set of a film he is doing is attacked by actually monsters, Abel is way ahead of the game on how to survive. So it’s up to him to keep everyone alive.

This sounds HILARIOUS! According to the video above, the film has already been made but they need your support to pay for the cost of this endeavor. They hope to show this short to other film festivals and hope to find support for a full feature film.

So let’s talk about the Perks! They range from a name credit to digital downloads of he film and production book, and tickets to a comedy show, and an invite to the NYC screening of PAGE ONE!

Check out the link HERE and show your support!

Last Call for The Plague Doctor!!

This is going to be a quick one guys so stick with me here. Please watch the video above to learn more about the film. The director can explain it more eloquently than I can. Just listening to how passionate Emanuele Mengotti speaks about this project. It just touches your heart. Please show your support!

THE PLAGUE DOCTOR is an indie horror film I’ve mentioned before, but this is the last call to show your support! We only have a few days to help this production reach it’s goal of $25000.

Some of the perks are awesome! Jewelry, masks, posters, paper models, a documentary, and a tour of Poveglia Island! You better hurry up and show your support before time runs out!

Check out their indiegogo page HERE

Finally Found Inspiration!

 

Gooooooooooood Morning, Horror Lovers!!! How are we today?

I figured I’d take a step back for a minute and talk about this massive pain in the ass I’ve been struggling with. I’m talking about that bastard known as WRITER’S BLOCK!

I’ve been having trouble getting back into the gory battle that is Horror Writing. At first I thought that it would be nice to take a break and focus on other things. I love you all but I do have a life outside of this blog and twitter. I was focused on finding a job, making sure I had the requirements to go to grad school, helping my mother out with her errands, church, etc. Suddenly I realized that I hadn’t written anything is so long. It got worse when I realized that the flash drive where I stored ALL of my work and been corrupted.

That felt like a punch to the lady nuts! Ouch! I had short stories, novellas, and ideas for novels stored on that thing. I wanted to cry. But I figured that there’s nothing I could do so I left it. I figured that maybe it was an opportunity to start fresh and create some new stories. That didn’t work out either. I just kept thinking about all my unfinished work trapped in a corrupted file. If there’s one thing I absolutely hate, it’s an unfinished project.

Since there was nothing I could really do, I decided that maybe now would be a good time to pick up a book and get lost in it. Damsel Cannibal has often recommended H.P. Lovecraft to me but I never got around to it. So the next time I headed to Barnes & Noble I picked up the first volume of the comic book HELLBLAZER and THE CALL OF CTHULU AND OTHER WEIRD STORIES. I must say I was hooked! I haven’t finished the whole thing yet but so far THE STATEMENT OF RANDOLPH CARTER is my favorite. I also didn’t realize that the ’80s movie REANIMATOR was based off of a Lovecraft story. I have seen that one and I think I’ll review it later.

Anyway, I was reading Lovecraft’s dark tales when all of a sudden I found it. I found my inspiration! Queue “You’re The Inspiration” by Chicago! I realized that while my finished works on my flash drive were gone…I still had the first drafts written down in notebooks. That’s how I like to write. I love taking a pen and putting it on paper. It also allows me to make notes and doodles in the margins. So I pulled out everything I’ve ever written and started marking what I wanted to edit and what I wanted to scrap.

I’m happy to announce that I’m back in the game! I’ve been going back to the short stories that I really loved and giving them the proper attention that they needed. Maybe losing all my work on the flash drive was the Universe saying that it was crap and I could to better. So I’ll be squeezing in time to write and send out submissions.

How about you guys? Have you ever had to wrestle with the Writer’s Block Monster? How do my fellow writers and artists stay motivated?

The Moment I Loved Horror

I was reminded recently of an article from Glamour magazine that was floating around Twitter. This article basically called all us Horror Lover freaks and that we must’ve had a horrifying childhood to love this genre. Check out the article HERE incase you haven’t seen it.

Anyway, I can’t really tell you the exact moment I feel in love with Horror but I can tell you the important moments that I really came to love it.

The first moment was when I was a little girl. There was a show called WISHBONE that I used to love. It was about a Jack Russell Terrier that would reenact classical literature for kids. I learned about stories like Ivanhoe, Pride & Prejudice, The Odyssey, etc. My favorite story, however, was The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. As a kid I loved the story of how a man wanted to separate the animal within but ended up making himself the monster. Don’t we all wish that we could remove the evil within ourselves so we can have peace?

The second moment I really loved Horror was when I was in my tweens. I LOVED watching Buffy The Vampire Slayer! In my house is was the forbidden fruit of television. My mom believed that Buffy was the devil and that watching that show would invite him in. I watched it anyway. What I loved was this badass chick killing monsters, saving the world, and still having a social life. I also loved the makeup of the show! The way the vampire faces changed was awesome for my tween brain. They were creepy looking but in a good way. I also thought that the backstory of the “Fanged Four” was pretty cool. That’s how I love my vampires…completely unapologetic.

The third moment was when THE WALKING DEAD premiered on AMC. My father traveled to Afghanistan for work so we could pay for university. My father and I are really close and I missed him so much. While I was emailing him, I told him about the show and he said to spoil every episode. So every season of THE WALKING DEAD, I would have my laptop out with an email ready. During the commercial breaks I would write everything I just saw and when the episode was over I’d send my message. What we both loved about this show was that it’s not about the zombies, it’s about the survivors. Watching the show you can find a least one character that you can relate to or have your own ideas of how you would survive. My father and I do that all the time. It’s funny how a zombie show was the one thing that my father and I could share while he was so far away.

The fourth moment came to me recently. I watched THE TRAIN TO BUSAN and I was amazed by how well this Korean zombie movie was made. I won’t spoil anything because I’ll write a review for it later. But I will tell you that it had me at the edge of my seat and even made me cry. Not because I was terrified but because I came to love the characters and it hurt to see some of them die. You see, horror movies can bring out a number of emotions if it has the right cast and the right script.

To me the horror genre is more than just boobs, blood, and gore. Although those are entertaining too. If this glamour magazine writer used half her brain, she would know that horror is filled with symbolism and various themes. I think Glamour Magazine needs to stick with the hair and makeup tips with articles of “love your body” right next to the picture of the size zero supermodel.

What was the moment for you guys? When did you love horror? Which moments stuck out to you the most?

 

Goth Art is Underappreciated

So I’m taking a moment to talk about one of my most prized possessions….My gothic oracle cards. The reason why I love this deck of cards so much is because of the artwork. I LOVE gothic art! I honestly can’t describe what it is that I love so much. I think it’s that even dark and sad subject matter can be beautiful. I have some pics of my oracle deck below.

The artist for this lovely set is Victoria Frances. She has published numerous art books so please check out her website HERE

Here’s a few pics for you

 

I really need to order some prints and hang them in my room. So beautiful! Anyway, please check out her art and let me know which is your favorite piece! These ones are my favorites from this deck!

Women in Film & Diversity in Entertainment!

 

Heads up, Everyone! Hollywood is going to be giving a shout out to Women in Film on February 21, 2017.

This isn’t a “horror” exclusive event, rather it’s about acknowledging all the women who put their blood, sweat, and tears into the entertainment industry.

“We are championing Women in Film and Diversity in Entertainment. Our goal is to celebrate with the Los Angeles Genre Film community and create an environment where filmmakers, producers, decision makers, and actors can network, discover new opportunities to grow, and continue to make more meaningful films,” says Michelle Romano, actress, producer and CEO of Roman Media Inc..

This sounds like it’s going to be an awesome party. There’s going to be the red carpet, award show, and then the fashion show. Some of the sponsors include The Independent Cinema Foundation, Breezeway Productions, and ChicArt Public Relations.

Calling Women Of Horror!!

It’s probably a little early to announce this but it’s time for the Women in Horror Film Festival!

That’s right! This festival is all about the ladies and their dedication to the horror genre. This will be an awesome film festival where artists from every avenue like make-up, directing, writing, producing, acting, and music can come together and show that they can keep up with the best of them.

So if you have a film or a screenplay that you want to share with the world, please go to the website HERE and follow the instructions. The submissions to the festival are open! Don’t waste an opportunity to show us what you got.

There will also be awards given out which include Best Horror Documentary, Best International Horror Film, Best LGBTQ Horror Film, and many more!

I’d rather you all check out the website HERE and get your questions answered or go to their Twitter HERE.

I’ll write about this again as we get closer to the festival’s date in September.

How many of you are planning on going? Any of you going to take the plunge and submit your work? Let me know what you think!

Krampusnacht!!

 

Honestly, I really wish that we celebrated Krampusnacht in America. What’s not to like about a Satanic Santa?

From my understanding, Krampus is like the hellish opposite of Santa Claus. The nice fat grandpa we know and love rewards good children with toys and treats while putting coal in a naughty child’s stocking. Krampus, on the other hand, is more about scaring kids straight. He prefers to drag asshole kids to Hell. Just note that it’s customary to offer schnapps where Santa likes milk and cookies.

I’ve seen some videos on youtube about past Krampusnacht festivals and it looks like so much fun! One of the things I observed is that this is a family celebrated holiday. We have children hanging out with a goblin-like creature. I can’t see the average yuppie parents approving of this holiday. Their precious snowflake children would piss their pants. Yeah, we have Halloween but I think it’s lost it’s scariness. Is that even a word? Anyway, I’d definitely be that parent who would bring my kid to this as a fun way to introduce them to the amazing world of horror.

Is there anyone here who celebrates Krampusnacht? Are there any cities in America where this is a thing? What do you guys think? Would you take your family to this festival?

Murder Ballads…Gotta Love Them!

Ok…By now you know my love for the brilliant work of Terrance Zdunich. If not, you really need to get with the program and check out his work. Ever hear of Repo! The Genetic Opera? How about The Devil’s Carnival part 1 and The Devil’s Carnival: Alleluia?

You won’t regret checking these out.

Anyways, during The Devil’s Carnival: Alleluia Tour, Zdunich announced that he had a new project in the works called American Murder Song. Along with Saar Hendelman, this show is a collection of original murder ballads by Zdunich and Hendelman. That’s right MURDER BALLADS! Who knew songs about murder would be so much fun to listen to.

Sadly the American Murder Song Tour is over but the music is available for you to enjoy on itunes, Amazon, and Google Play. So far I’ve enjoyed most of the music, but my favorites have to be Sweet Rosalie, Unwed Henry, Mary, and Lullaby. Some of these song are funny, hauntingly beautiful, and creepy as fuck. I mean that in the best sense.

Find out more HERE, on Facebook, and on Twitter

If you were lucky enough to attend the Wake in your town, please let me know! I really want to know what it was like live!

Women In Horror 2016!

Yes indeed! It’s Women in Horror Month. The wonderful time where we get to appreciate women who contribute to the horror genre.

Last night in London, Jonathon Hughes(British gamer and Horror Enthusiast) put on a special night of  showcasing horror films made by women from across the globe. This special even was called “United In Blood”. Hughes has said,

“It has always been an ambition of mine to promote independent films. I have also wanted to make ‘Women in Horror Month’ truly relevant here in the UK, so what better way to do so than to host a night in honour of the ‘Femmes Fatales’ of the independent horror scene.” 

God bless you, Sir! Anyway, Damsel Cannibal and myself were unable to attend this shindig, but we were able to get our hands on a short film directed by Patricia Chica titled “Serpent’s Lullaby”.

This is a beautiful film about loneliness, loss, and love. One thing I do enjoy about horror is that it can make you feel more that just terror or gross you out.

“Serpent’s Lullaby” is about a mysterious and wealthy woman and how she may know the reason for the disappearances of infants in a small town. Through her eyes we see her loneliness and sorrow as she covets over what other women have and what she will never obtain.

I hope you have a chance to catch up on Women In Horror now matter the format. Also keep your eyes out for the following films also featured at “United In Blood”!

•Kitty Kitty by Blair Bathory An Independent Short Horror film that utilises all practical effects and a creature suit to share the horrific fate of a girl who lies to get what and who she wants.

•Vintage Blood by Abigail Blackmore. At a quirky vintage shop, owner Izzy must cope with a curse that threatens her boyfriend’s life.

•The Paper Round by Katie Bonham. A psychological short horror that uncovers the gruesome reality behind a continuous cycle of events.

•She by Chelsey Burdon. SHE follows a young couple who share a loveless and dispassionate relationship; no communication, affection or indication of attachment.

•Seize The Night by Emma Dark. Renegade vampire assassin Eva has escaped from a secret bio-research compound. Hell bent on revenge she learns a terrible secret that may force her to unite with the devil she knows in order to defeat the greatest of all evils.

•INK by Andy Stewart. A man takes the path of least resistance (and cost) in an attempt to turn his body into a work of art.

•El Gigante by Gigi Saul Guerrero. A sadistic family captures a Mexican man who was crossing the Mexico/US border illegally.

•Gimp by Kate Shenton. Black comedy about a gimp, a dominatrix and an alarm clock.

•Call Girl by Jill Sixx Gevargizian. In one man’s attempt to exploit his date night via video-chat, he ends up sharing something far more disturbing. Some people like to watch. Do you?

•Dys by Maude Michaud A strange disease is plaguing the city. Hoping to escape contamination, Eva and Sam, an estranged married couple, are forced to barricade themselves in their apartment despite the palpable tension between them. Now forced into isolation in their small living space, they struggle with their own frailty in a world that can only offer the worst horrors imaginable.