Get the latest score from Howlin' Wolf Records “DON'T GO IN THE HOUSE”, “HOLIDAY HELL” and “GOOD TID

Superman's: MAN OF STEEL [Photos] Part II

"MAN OF STEEL"
This is an interesting set of photos, not only because I took them... I have some important people from assistant directors to stunt coordinators. One set of photos features the front of a blue building that is actually a filled in street the other is the back side where you can see the street run into the back. I also found an interesting business card on the ground, that features the fake title "Autumn Frost" which film companies will due to keep people away from the set. I am hoping to head back out there again and shoot some more, before they shut down the street to film "Man of Steel".







Breaking "MAN OF STEEL" Movie News! [Photos] Part I

MAN OF STEEL [2013]
ALL PHOTOS TAKEN BY ME
So I am heading home to come to remember I needed to get my license plate sticker before the end of the month, so I head to the town of Plano, Illinois. While I am there as I quickly get my sticker I remember that they are filming the newest Superman film "MAN OF STEEL" in the town of Plano. I make a few quick turns and find myself on the corner of what looks to be a town within a town, and I was correct.  Construction had been going on for weeks and sets were nearly complete, as they crew prepare for the actors to step into their character roles. Now I am not saying I was anyone special walking around this converted town from Plano to Smallville, Kansas, there were townspeople and onlookers like myself.  We all wanted to be part of something for if only for a moment, so when the film gets released we can say, "hey I remember that"

So I made my way up and down the streets staying within the marked areas, staying as far out of these people building the boyhood home of Clark Kent. So I bring you some of those images, so if you couldn't make it to the set and are a fan of the Superman phenomenon. They will start filming at the end of August and at that point will be shutting the town down for several weeks, to keep me and others like me out. Also they will be filming in others areas around the Plano borders, I might have to look around to see some more sets. I was heading home and by mistake found the "Kent Farmhouse", so I am still confirming that this is the home.  I wanted to thank all of the kind people I had met... a special thanks to the cast, crew, and assistant director of the "MAN OF STEEL"







Danielle Harris and Women Filmakers are Among Friends

Help raise some money, to get this
project into production!

(From Site): Scream Queen Danielle Harris steps behind the camera to direct her first full-length feature film, ‘Among Friends’. The screenplay was written by and stars Alyssa Lobit. Lobit also wrote and played the lead character in the award winning film, ‘The Things We Carry’.
Chris Backus, Jennifer Blanc Biehn, AJ Bowen, Brianne Davis, Dana Daurey, Danielle Harris, Kamala Jones, Alyssa Lobit, Chris Meyer, and Tanya Newbould have all signed on to star in the picture.
The script was brilliantly written so that the production cost are low, a good portion of the funds have already been raise, but we're still need to raise a bit of money for our post-production cost.
-Jeremy [iZombie]

21 Questions: Gloria Steiger [Artist]

Gloria Steiger [Artist]
"Creepy Glowbugg"
 Okay you may not know her yet, but you soon will she has some amazing art/design/sculptures just waiting for you to discover. I have been a fan of her and her style of the horror with a smile, a smile you sure will soon get. She is talent, that is all... and she has fun making the creation this makes it more fun for us all.

-Tell us about your career and what you are currently working on or involved with?
I am currently a stay at home Mom of 10 years now. I took this little hiatus to work on my art and raise my son. I think the art has turned out better, but we'll see. I received a gift of polymer clay blocks for Xmas one year, and a year later decided to give it a whirl. How much fun was this? Why had I waited so long? That was about six years ago, and now I have created a little shop of creepy goodness on Etsy, selling my wares. I make all kinds of schtuff including skull inspired jewelry, mini punkin sculptures, and paper crafting embellishments (brains and skullz so far) for the paper crafting horror hounds out there. I also have a alternate hobby of creating unconventional greeting cards. Zombies are my favorite subjects at the moment.

-Is this what you thought you would be doing with your life, what was your first passion?
My first passion was animals (I wanted to be a veterinarian), but once I realized I couldn't handle the heart ache associated with that job, I focused on art. I was always drawing and copying artwork I saw and admired.

 -To whom do you credit your success to, who gives or gave you the most support?
My husband and my friends are my main source of support. My friend Dani, is the one who pushed me to stop admiring other people's art and start creating and selling my own. My immediate family sucks, but my in-Laws and extended family have been quite supportive.
   
-If you could meet or work with [living or dead], who would that be and why?
I would absolutely LOVE to work or just hang out with Jim Henson. He is my all-time hero and mentor. His puppetry and fantastical vision planted the seed of creativity in me that I draw from constantly. I am a collector of all things Henson, from Sesame Street, to the Muppets, to Fraggle Rock, and The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. Dinosaurs was also a favorite from his later works. Just a brilliant man whom I have very strong feeling for even now.

-What would you like to be remembered for 100 years from now? 
Hmmmm. That's a tough one. I swim in the shallow end of life, so I'd like to be remembered for my beauty and my ability to tame and train the wild Zombies of the Apocalypse.

-Who inspires you?
Nature, my son, the music of Voltaire, current artists of the Outsider, Surreal, and Pop art genres.

-How are things different today, than the same day 1 year ago?
Due to medicinal marijuana, I am unable to answer (or remember) your question.

-What is the last song you bought or listened to in your musical device?
"F*ck You", by Cee-Lo or some Terrence Trent D'Arby.

-Last good film you had seen, and the best movie you would recommend to someone asking?
I just watched "Devil" by M. Night Shamalamadingdong. It was okay. I would still recommend the "Hang Over" and "The Legend of 1900". Tim Roth is amazing and such a touching story.
   
-What is the single greatest moment in your life?
The birth of my boy, Gryphon Hunter.

-Favorite Horror Film?
Return of the Living Dead

-Favorite Book?
Either "Geek Love" by Katherine Dunn or any and all Clive Barker, Edward Gorey and Roald Dahl.

-Favorite Song?
"Gloria" by Them (such a narcissist)

-Favorite Film Character?
Kermit the Frog

-Favorite Film Composer?
Bach

-Favorite Thing In Your Home?
my taxidermied Iguana, named Juan

-Favorite First Pet?
My dearly departed kitty boy, Cosmos. Even got my first memorial tattoo for my 'Moso.

-Favorite Coffee Or Tea?
Unsweetened iced tea, please

-Favorite Phrase?
"Just because something is different, doesn't make it wrong" and "You get what you get, so don't throw a fit."

-Favorite Hiding Place [Not that we are looking]?
I don't ever hide. How is Publisher's Clearing House gonna find me?

If you could tell someone something someone told you, "words to live by" what would that be?
"When someone shows you who THEY are, believe them." - Maya Angelou 


Carla Kosak's "Don't Want Your Man" [Making Of]

Carla Kosak's "Don't Want Your Man" [Behind the Scenes]
This is the music video I assisted on about six to eight months ago, and here is the short making of it. I am in for so if you don't know what I look like... there you go.
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Making of Carla Kosak's "Don't Want Your Man" Music Video from Kevin Otterness on Vimeo.

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21 Questions: Amber Bollinger [Actress]

 Amber Bollinger
 Carrie: Zombies And Assholes [2010]

-Tell us about your career and what you are currently working on or involved with?
I take advantage of the "slow season" by crafting my own passion projects. I'm constantly looking for stories to tell and people to collaborate with. I make sure to always have something on my table.

-Is this what you thought you would be doing with your life, what was your first passion?
Perhaps I secretly hoped I would have the balls to be an actor, but I found myself acting like I wanted to do other things.  All it took was a little push from my dad and a little faith and courage.

-To whom do you credit your success to, who gives or gave you the most support?
My family, no doubt about it.  I have an amazing support system.

-If you could meet or work with [living or dead], who would that be and why?
Meryl Streep. I'd like to sit and absorb her wisdom. And Maggie Gyllenhaal. She is brave and she takes really on challenging roles.

-Who inspires you?
Every single one of the Z&A cast! This is a sincere shout-out to Ben, Jacqui, Morgan, Erin, Bryan, Samantha... They're talented, getting out there every day and working hard, booking and making things happen for themselves. That's really inspiring.

-How are things different today, than the same day 1 year ago?
I'd have to say that I'm a lot more grateful and confident today than I was a year ago.

-What is the last song you bought or listened to in your musical device?
I love up-and-coming bands... Fool's Gold is in heavy rotation right now. I also collect vinyl... the last  album I bought was a rare Joy Division record.

-Last good film you had seen, and the best movie you would recommend to someone asking?
'Dogtooth'. Trust me.

-What is the single greatest moment in your life?
I won the state high jump in high school. I worked really hard for years for that title. It was also a great accomplishment for my little hometown, too.

-Favorite Horror Film?
I'm actually a big fan of Korean Horror - Acacia is wonderful! I love the classics like The Shining or Poltergeist or Rosemary's Baby. And I could watch The Other's over and over it's so good.

-Favorite Book?
Please Kill Me.

-Favorite Song?
For the moment, I can't get 'Oh, Bondage, Up Yours' by X-Ray Spex out of my head.

-Favorite Film Character?
Anything Philip Seymour Hoffman.

-Favorite Thing In Your Home?
My records and my record player. 2nd place - my polaroid land cam.

-Favorite First Pet?
Awww... My cat, Kitty. (Pretty original name, I know.) She loved to play fetch and would occasionally bring me a garden snake as a gift.

-Favorite Coffee Or Tea?
Coffee in the morning. Tea in the evening.

-Favorite Phrase?
Our minds can shape the way a thing will be because we act according to our expectations. - Fellini.

-Favorite Hiding Place [Not that we are looking]?
In my bedroom tucked away under the fort I just built.


-If you could tell someone something someone told you, "words to live by" what would that be?
What other people think of you is none of your business. :)

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21 Questions: Anthony Salvagno [Artist]

 Anthony Salvagno [Artist]

Quick and funny story how Anthony and I had met, in my searching for information on "affordable home T-shirt printers" on the internet. I had come across this post about the findings that were found on Anthony's website, where I started asking him questions about his personal experiences on the subject. This started a handful of emails back and forth, which lead to a great friendship... he is a world of talent. I am just very pleased to have internet bumped into to him, right now we are working on a project that he mentions in his 21 questions. We hope to shake the world a little and make your nights more difficult to close your eyes, where you just have to keep looking.
-Tell us about your career and what you are currently working on or involved with?
I'm aspiring to be a top-notch graphic designer, author, illustrator and anything computer art related. I've got so many projects to deal with right now it's almost overwhelming. Currently (and of highest priority) I'm trying to finish my PhD in Physics before I go full fledged freelance, which is a major change of pace. I have a few graphic novels in development, I design print work in my free time for whomever needs it, I want to get into children story illustration eventually, and I'm developing my own website IheartAnthony.com which has taken way longer then I would have hoped/expected. I'm also working with iZombie (you) on a break the mold story that will hopefully knock the world on it's back. Details to come so stay tuned...

-Is this what you thought you would be doing with your life, what was your first passion?
I had no idea I would ever get into graphic design. My first passion was science and astronomy initially. I had a horrible experience with an adviser in that field and so I switched to Biophysics which has been awesome. I started messing around with graphic design about 4 years ago and took to it like a duck in water. People tell me they like my stuff, and I really enjoy producing art so it just seems like a natural fit. With that said, I hope to stay involved in science in some capacity because when you know what I know the world is just different. I have a wealth of knowledge so ask me some questions if you dare!

-To whom do you credit your success to, who gives or gave you the most support?
There are too many people here to list them all. I don't like to think that I'm particularly gifted, but so many people believe that I'm talented enough to do something big that I'm starting to believe it. My girlfriend, my parents, and my younger brother are the easiest to think of. They are always blown away by my talents and encourage me to continue on. Most will probably think that those people are supposed to give me the encouragement but they are the people I depend on the most for criticism and they give me the most valuable insight.

-If you could meet or work with [living or dead], who would that be and why?
I don't mean to sound self centered, but I've always wanted to play a basketball game against myself from five years ago and then talk about all the things I've learned between now and then. I think having that kind of real-time comparison would be invaluable to both my past and current self.

If that's not allowed, then I would like to meet Bret Hart in his prime. I used to be a huge wrestling fan and he is my absolute favorite.

-What would you like to be remembered for 100 years from now?
Taking over the world. That has been my aspiration from birth. I just need to find my Pinky. In all seriousness though, I'm involved in a community of scientists called Open Scientists. We share most/all our research with the world publicly in as close to real time as possible. I'm one of the pioneers in the field and blog about my research frequently. I hope in 100 years people will remember that I was one of the ones who pushed this movement forward.

-Who inspires you?
Everyone. The one thing I have learned that is so valuable to me is that everyone is different and no one is better than anyone else. So I kind of take qualities from others and put them into myself. There isn't anyone who I can't learn from or be inspired by.

-How are things different today, than the same day 1 year ago?
1 year ago I had no clue where I was headed. IheartAnthony was barely a concept. I thought I would still plan on doing research and I didn't think I could be successful in graphic design field. I still have reservations, but I'm ready to take the plunge and face my fears. I know way more about the world around me since last year that it's just amazing.

-What is the last song you bought or listened to in your musical device?
Trey Songz - Yo side of the bed

-Last good film you had seen, and the best movie you would recommend to someone asking?
I just saw Super with Rainn Wilson and it was awesomely violent, funny, interesting, and sad all rolled into one. If you liked Kickass (and I didn't) then this will knock your socks off. Also Black Swan blew me away (those two movies I saw on back-to-back days).

-What is the single greatest moment in your life?
Right now it is the summer I spent in Puerto Rico studying the night sky using the largest telescope in the world (if you saw the movie Goldeneye then you've seen it). It was a blast and a disaster at the same time. If that never happened everything that followed would be different and I might not be talking to you now.

But I'm sure that the greatest moment in my ENTIRE life hasn't happened yet, and I can't wait to experience it.

-Favorite Horror Film?
The Mist, because even with all the odd creatures outside, the real monsters are those caged with you.

-Favorite Book?
I don't read a lot of books, but I read a lot of comics and graphic novels. One of my all time favorites is The Incredible Change Bots by Jeffrey Brown. Very very funny if you love Transformers.

-Favorite Song?
One More Drink by Ludacris and T-Pain

-Favorite Film Character?
Neo, basically he's Superman but the writers don't have to make up powers for him because they stated from the very start that the One could do anything from within the Matrix.

-Favorite Film Composer?
I don't have one. I like all types of different movies and I can't say that there is one person's style of work that best relates to me. But I did wish the Rza did more scores, because I'm a huge fan of the Wu.

-Favorite Thing In Your Home?
My mom has all my old transformers toys, but that doesn't count. So my current favorite thing is my laptop. It is basically my life force. If it ever disappeared I would shrivel up and turn into a raisin. True story!

-Favorite First Pet?
Chico. He is deceased now (sad story on my blog under the Chico tag), but he was the best dog for everything. I used to say he was the best of both worlds. He would cuddle when you wanted and he was super playful when you wanted. I play basketball a lot and he loved the bounciness of the ball and would try and fit it in his mouth. Very hilarious for a little dachshund.

-Favorite Coffee Or Tea?
I actually drink neither. It's all water for me.

-Favorite Phrase?
"So you just raaaaAAaan." From Forrest Gump.

-Favorite Hiding Place [Not that we are looking]?
Now it's my house, but when I played hide and seek when I was younger I would hide in plain sight and no one could find me. I used to hide standing on the kitchen counter top right next to the entrance. So when the seeker went to the kitchen they would just glance in quickly thinking there was no place to hide.

If you could tell someone something someone told you, "words to live by" what would that be?
My dad used to say "Stay in the positive." Growing up I never cared to much about his words to live by mumbo jumbo, but now I realize that he had some really powerful points. I always look for the good in things, because I realized that by looking for negatives you just surround yourself with negative and life isn't as fun. By staying positive everything around you is much better and life can be lived to the fullest.



Where Will You Be When It All Ends?

A++

The Bunker [2011] - Soundtrack

Howlin' Wolf Records Presents:
http://howlinwolfrecords.com/

The Bunker
Composed By: Robert Feigenblatt
Released in 2011
Limited Edition: 1000

Available:
Intrada, Movie Music Store, Screen Archives Entertainment, and Tarantula Records.


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As I sit listening to the score to "The Bunker" I am reminded classic 70's music to a horror movie on the edge of every corner that I have turned. Now understanding that the score has been released before the movie has come out, I am left to my own devices to what might happen next.  Normally you get a visual on the "what's next", so I drift into my head only imagining what the image from the cover of the cd might bring. So I hope when the film does get it's release at the end of the year, I can put a face to the score and a score to the face.

-Jeremy [iZombie]

The Bunker: Robert Feigenblatt - Composer

Robert Feigenblatt - Composer
THE BUNKER
About Robert: Actor & Composer RobertBorn in New York City in 1957, Robert has called Southwest Florida his home since 2002. A lifelong love affair with the arts which germinated in high school culminated in 2006, with Robert auditioning for and being cast in a community theatre production of “Arsenic and Old Lace“.   Due to a sagging economy, in early 2009, Robert was laid off his job, allowing him to finally devote himself to writing and composing full time.

[2v8]: Tell us about you and your steps to being involved in the music field from performing to composing?

I have always loved film and film music. From am early age, I was one of those strange kids who actually noticed the background score in a movie. I quickly learned that most people do not, after inquiring a few times: "Hey, wasn't that score great in Planet of the Apes?" and the answer was always accompanied by a look that could only be  described as a freshly washed blackboard: "What music?"  Growing up rather poor, I wasn't able to get my hands on a piano until I was 19. And then, my dreams of music and film and theater (I also have a passion for acting) were set aside for work, marriage and 3 children. It wasn't until two years ago, when I was laid off that I decided to take the plunge and compose. Armed with a music program for my laptop, a piano and 5 orchestration books, I took a deep breath and wrote a stage musical, "Ebenezer Scrooge". Because I work cheap, I composed the score, wrote the lyrics and adapted the book. It must have turned out well, it has seen two local stagings in two successive years. I also served as musical director for 'Mame" at a local community theater and have both written songs and incidental music and played piano on stage. My boyhood dream of actually scoring a movie came to fruition thanks to Joe Monks and THE BUNKER.

[2v8]: With score for "The Bunker" getting released by "Howlin Wolf Records" before the film, what effect or impact do you think this might do for the film?

Thanks to Wall and his pack at Howlin' Wolf Records, the CD release of THE BUNKER will definitely help promote the forthcoming home video release this October. Joe plans on offering the soundtrack along with the DVD as a special package deal. The DVD will also include a "making of" documentary featuring yours truly talking about my approach to the film. Although photographically speaking, my best side is when I'm walking away from the camera, Joe and his crew did their best to make me look good.

[2v8]: How did you come to work with director Joseph M. Monks and with his amazing life story, did this effect the outcome of the music for the score "The Bunker"?

Through mutual friends, Joe and I met. Of course we talked movies and music and he told me that his original composer had passed away and that the music he had written was in legal limbo and couldn't be used. I meekly suggested that he might consider giving me a crack at it. I gave him a CD of the "Ebenezer" score. He obviously liked what he heard and the rest is cinematic history. I must admit I was terrified at the prospect for several reasons: It was to be my first score and since Joe is sightless, I knew his hearing would be heightened and my music had to make a solid impact.

[2v8]: How does the collaboration from idea to recording work, especially if you worked close with the director Joseph M Monks?

Armed with a DVD copy of the film (with the original score still in it) I composed about 10 minutes worth and then let Joe hear it to see if what he wanted and what I delivered meshed. We both wanted an orchestral score, no twenty minute drone and a mono-thematic theme that outstayed its welcome. I devised two themes: one for the bad guy and one for Julia (our heroine) and developed them so that the characters and the story had some cohesion. Joe got it, approved of my concept and I ran with it.

[2v8]: What are your thoughts on music companies switching over to only "internet download only", does this hurt the quality and the industry in a nutshell?

I am computer challenged...not a geek at all. And I grew up in the age of vinyl LPs. I miss those splashy jackets and placing the platter onto a turntable and hoping the stylus wasn't going to dig a trench into the grooves. Downloads are so cold and empty. At least with a CD, you still a booklet and a plastic jewel case (when you're lucky) and can hold the physical product in your hands. With the soundtrack market being of limited interest, I hope small run CD pressings will survive.

[2v8]: Best experience working on "The Bunker" and with director Joseph M. Monks?

The overall experience of collaborating with Joe Monks was wonderful. Once he heard my approach, he trusted me to take care of his baby and I felt free to create. As a composer, I couldn't ask for a better working environment.

[2v8]: What will we see next from you?

Currently, I have been cast in two stage plays and am in the midst of rehearsal on one of them. We open in a week. I have also been approached to score a feature documentary on faith. I have been given the first 15 minutes of footage and  have composed around 10 minutes thus far.The film "Why God Quit Talking"  is as far removed from a horror/thriller as one could get and I like that. Although there are worse fates for a film composer than getting typecast, such as not getting cast at all.

[2v8]: Where do you hope with the score release of "The Bunker" will take you or your career?

I'm hoping that the soundtrack release will help promote Joe's film and my burgeoning film composing career. Thanks to the super presentation that Howlin Wolf has done on the CD, I have an impressive sonic business card that I can hand out. Move over, John Williams!

[2v8]: What are some of the worst and best moments in getting your work produced?

I am lucky. I have not suffered any "bad" moments in the creation, recording, dubbing or release of the score. Joe's editor, Eric Valdes championed my contribution from the moment he heard the cues and made sure it sounded and synched up to the picture.

[2v8]: Best advice given to you by someone you used to know, but don't talk too anymore... who, what and why?

The best advice I was ever given was by  fellow film  composer, Terry Plumeri (Scarecrows, Black Sea Raid). He listened to my music and told me I could have a career if I stopped listening to myself and got out of my own way. In short, we impose limits and restrictions on ourselves and that is true. It has taken me 54 years to realize my childhood dream of writing music for movies, but I've done it. Another shining example of an overnight success. Hopefully, future scores will have a shorter gestation period.

Robert Feigenblatt - Home Page
http://www.robertscores.com/?page_id=2

The Bunker: Joseph M. Monks - Director

Joseph M. Monks - Director
"THE BUNKER"

[2vs8]: Personal tragedies in life may hinder most, but not you... you have learned to overcome this. please tell us about your career, hurdles and to finally direct "The Bunker"?

Joseph M. Monks: I started out in comics in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s co-creating a pretty popular underground title, Cry for Dawn. The company broke up, I stuck it out for a while before the comic boom busted in the mid-1990s, and began writing more freelance fiction and day-jobbing with a publishing company in Manhattan. I still kept my hand in the comic book industry, though, because I liked it, and loved the travel, conventions, store appearances and signings. The fans were great. When I lost my sight in early 2002, I got on the phone with illustrator Bernie Wrightson, who I’d worked with on several projects. He’s a frequent collaborator with Stephen King. He and I had been talking about a hardcover, featuring my horror fiction and his artwork. I told Pam, my wife, we’d be ready to publish by that Christmas, and the book came out right on time. In 2003, I fell into a deal where two Japanese publishing companies wanted to get a famous Japanese model into an American-produced TV pilot. The director couldn’t sell them on any of his properties, so he got in touch with me. They bit on a story from the antho I’d published with Bernie, and offered me the opportunity to write the script. The end product was a TV pilot that never aired, but did get produced. From there, it wasn’t that big a stretch to tackle The Bunker, my first feature. Originally, the director of the pilot was supposed to do it, but he couldn’t because of scheduling conflicts. I thought that was going to be a negative. I was totally wrong about it, and I’m glad I decided to make the leap and do it myself.

[2vs8]: What special steps and provisions did you take to sit behind the camera in the director seat?

Joseph M. Monks: Lots—and I mean lots—of research. I wasn’t naive. I didn’t want to produce the kind of movie you buy at horror conventions from two guys who took a videocamera out into the woods and shot their girlfriends running around topless with ketchup and a killer in a clown mask. I researched everything. The camera I would use, the computer editing software. Microphone and lighting techniques. I used to be a pretty decent still photographer, so I knew the lingo, could talk the talk, so finding somebody to take my ideas about the lighting—I built the light rig myself—was a key step during pre-production. I don’t think there was an aspect to film production I didn’t study for months before we scheduled principal photography.

[2vs8]: How do you feel while making the film "The Bunker." Walk us on one of your favorite shooting days?

Joseph M. Monks: Like any production, we had issues the first day. Started about two hours late, had equipment problems, needed to re-light, you name it. But nothing I wasn’t prepared for. Now, Terry M. West, my male lead, is one tough-looking guy. He towers over Saskia Gonzalez (my lead actress). They’ve only met today, and they shoot their first two scenes great. But, the third scene? This one is where Terry really lays into Saskia, going berserk in the bunker set, throwing things, he’s just maniacal. And, before the scene, Terry takes me aside and says, “Joe, I have this line I want to ad-lib.” And, he tells it to me. Now, I have to make a decision. Do I let Terry hurl this blistering ad-lib at Saskia on the first day of shooting? Heck, I have no idea how she’ll react. Will it throw her? Will she freak? Will she change out of costume and tell me, “That’s it, I’m out’a here?” It’s a risk. But I liked Terry’s idea. So I told him, “Do it. And don’t tell her. No warnings.” So, we run the scene, and he goes into his rage, and Boom! He hits her with the line. Like a trooper, she runs with it, hits her cues like the pro she is, and bingo—we had it. First take. My script supervisor is sitting next to me, speechless. Everybody but me and Terry are slack-jawed. But it worked. And it’s one of the highlights of the film. And that’s the kind of thing that makes a day that started out lousy one of the best shooting days we had, because it’s that kind of excitement--something unplanned that gets pulled off flawlessly--that you live for. It’s like a golfer sinking a 60 foot putt on 18 after a horrible round. He wants to play another nine, and he’s going to be out there the next day, teeing off, hunting for that feeling again.

[2vs8]: "The Bunker" score is being offered by "Howlin' Wolf Records" before the film is available to the public, do you think this will build more buzz and what were your first thoughts when you heard?

Joseph M. Monks: My first thought was, “We gotta celebrate!” Robert’s score for The Bunker adds a whole different layer to the film. It’s a throwback to when film scores were meant to be an integral part of the film, not just sound filler and stingers and things you only hear when the killer is stalking a victim or a cat is about to jump out of a pantry. I can’t stand that. I wanted music that was, for all intents and purposes—a character, just one  that wouldn’t show up in the cast credits. Robert delivered, so when I heard the score would be released, I thought, “I’m not the only one who recognizes, even without the film, this stuff is *that* good.” It’s definitely going to help promote the film and generate buzz. So will Robert, because I have the feeling other directors are going to be knockin’ on his door real soon, wanting to use him on their projects.

[2vs8]: How did you and composer Robert Feigenblatt come together from the first meeting to the final score piece?

Joseph M. Monks: Robert and I were introduced by a mutual friend. Luckily, we live in the same town, so we set up a dinner meeting, talked film all night, and I decided to give his stuff a listen. The sample clips he played, from his original musical Ebenezer Scrooge to clips from various other work of his, I knew I had the right guy. I think as we worked together, and he played me each piece for each scene, there were maybe three small changes I asked for. Plus, I am no musician. I can try and describe things, and hope a real musician knows what the hell I’m talking about. Robert was like a sniper. I babbled about something I wanted to hear, he came back with something that was just what I’d asked for. Doesn’t matter that I don’t know a bassoon from a trombone, he knew what I was going for. By the time we did get to the final piece? I even knew what a contra-bassoon was. How can you beat that?

[2vs8]: You are being build as the "first" completely blind feature film director... first how does this make you feel and second should it matter because you still have vision, without necessarily seeing it?

Joseph M. Monks: It’s nice to break new ground. I’m proud of that. My film’s gotten great reviews, so I feel I was successful in not embarrassing the whole blind community by producing a cinematic Hindenburg. Because that was always a possibility. Does it matter? I think it matters only in terms of, “Hey, that guy could do it. Why not me?” I’m hoping soon, as I make more films, the blind thing will be less of a story. It’ll be all about the work, and that’s the vision that truly matters.

[2vs8]: What hopes do you think it might be as an "encouragement or bright light" to others who personally struggle to succeed in life?

Joseph M. Monks: If people out there feel that maybe now, because it’s been done, they’re willing to give it a shot? Good.  If that door’s open a little wider because I walked through it, come on. Follow me. Gimme a hand knocking it off the hinges. I won’t lie—being blind sucks. But it’s the hand I was dealt. Some folks have been dealt a wheelchair, or deafness. Doesn’t matter. We play the hand with the cards we get, and we try and make the most of it. I’ve gotten e-mails, people thanking me for being an inspiration, a woman who stopped me at a recent film festival where I received an Achievement in Cinema award, who pumped my hand and thanked me for making her feel that even though things were going rough for her right then, she knew she could go forward and succeed. That people feel that way because they read my story or heard me speak or met me at a convention and it’s obvious I’m just some guy, no different than most, who accomplished something a little bit unique and it helps? That’s fantastic.

[2vs8]: Would you like to be that voice for those who need it?

Joseph M. Monks: When people talk to me about being inspirational, or having that kind of impact, it’s terribly humbling, and it’s always a little uncomfortable. I appreciate it beyond words...but I’m just plugging away doing what I want to do. I’d be beating down these doors and trying to make a go of this even if nobody knew I existed. So it feels awkward sometimes, people saying thanks for something I’d be doing anyway. But I do understand that that’s how it is, so I’m happy that the story is out there, and people can read about what I’ve done, and they can put that to use. Incentive is a beautiful thing. If I can offer some to somebody else, that’s awesome—happy to oblige.

[2vs8]: Tell us about "The Bunker" where did the idea/development come from and where would you like to see it go?

Joseph M. Monks: The Bunker was a failed short story concept, which I tried turning into a comic book script (also a failure), and then a file just gathering virtual dust in a hard drive. It didn’t work for some reason in prose, didn’t lend itself well to a comic, but after I got the gig to write the Flowers on the Razorwire TV pilot, suddenly, I had an outlet for it. I’d been toying with the idea of this wild-child, sort of a Roger Clinton/Billy Carter type, but a kid, the daughter of a New York city congressman about to announce his bid for reelection. She gets kidnapped off the streets of New York as a runaway, so the politician needs to pull out all the stops to try and get her back before the story gets out and a scandal ruins his career. The movie’s more of a thriller than a straight-up horror film, although plenty of horrific stuff happens.

Insofar as where I’d like to see it go, I’m realistic. It’s a pretty decent debut, especially for a microbudget feature, forget about the blind thing. So I know it’s not Citizen Kane, but I think if it gets in front of the kinds of people who like indie films, subscribe to IFC, and don’t expect to see AVATAR every time out, it’ll find its audience and be enjoyed.  All I’m hoping for is that whoever watches it comes away saying, “That was worth my time.” or “I had fun.” That’s enough for this outing. Next time, with a larger budget and more tools to work with, I hope to really raise the bar. But for now? So long as folks have a good time and see it for what it is, that’s enough to make me happy.

[2vs8]: What is next, what is your next project?

Joseph M. Monks: Two of my screenplays are currently in development. Commodity Films, who’s distributing The Bunker, is working with me on a screenplay entitled The Crate, which is also not a straight-up horror film, but more of a gritty, urban fantasy. I think that one’s a heck of a lot more accessible than The Bunker, so it would be a nice follow-up piece, as it’d appeal to a much wider audience. The other film is entitled Casey’s Attic, and that’s more of a rollercoaster-ride horror film, in the vein of some of the classic ‘80s fright fests. Supernatural goings-on, teenagers in danger, high school angst, and a lot of blood. That project is something Commodity Films and Sometimes, Dead Is Better Films are both working on, and seeking financing for.

[2vs8]: When you were younger something someone told you... that you still remember, but it was a creepy not good memory?

Joseph M. Monks: Early on in high school, I got lucky. My 9th grade English teacher had all sorts of problems with me as a student. She hated the fact that I liked to use semicolons—and knew how to use them properly. All she wanted was to teach the trite, boring, four-paragraph essay, Hemmingway’s short, choppy sentence structure, and that was it. We did not get along. Eventually, she dropped me from advanced English, and I wound up in a class with a real pro. A HS teacher who could have been a professor at any college. After the first week, she calls me up after class and says to me, “What the hell are you doing in here?” That was Marjorie Harris, who I dedicated my first book to, because she became my mentor. But during that period prior to me getting booted, I got sent to a guidance counselor because what I liked to write was horror. Today? I probably wouldn’t even have graduated, some frightened teacher would have called the cops on me long before I sniffed a diploma. But anyway, this one guy is talking to me, trying to decide if I’m a psycho, and he hits me with, “You know, when you spend time looking into the darkness, the darkness looks back into you.” At the time, I’m what? 14? I had no idea he was paraphrasing Nietzsche. I just thought, “Wow, that’s pretty cool.” But later? Yeah, it did seem like a creepy kind of warning. And I’m sure that’s what he was trying to convey. “Stop doing what you’re doing. This horror thing is no good.” Luckily, I didn’t listen. I love the genre. Doesn’t mean I sit around the house morose and maudlin, listening to old Cure CDs and The Smiths on rotation. (Though I love both bands and am a huge fan of gothic music). I have a good time with it. I like scaring people. I’m no different than the engineer who designs a thrill ride for an amusement park. I just prefer using dark fiction to do it instead of a 70 MPH adrenaline jolt. I owe a lot to Marge Harris for recognizing I wasn’t a nut job, and had potential. She made me believe there was a future in this, not just a forest worth of trees being sacrificed to the god of Smith-Corona for my work. I still remember the creepy feeling of the Nietzsche line I was fed in high school. I’m just glad I found it motivational more so than allowing it to turn me away from what I knew I wanted to do with my life. 

Joseph M. Monks - Director [About]

Joseph M. Monks
Director
(Information from: http://www.joemonks.com)

ABOUT:
Joseph M. Monks was born in Queens, New York on February 21st, 1968, and while he no longer lives in the state, he will always consider himself a New Yorker.

His family upped and left for the ‘burbs in 1977, and Joe rooted himself in Valley Stream, NY, where he began a pursuit of two rabid passions: hockey and writing. Joe began writing when he was nine and has not looked back, particularly in recent years. Undaunted by the loss of his eyesight in 2002 (the result of Monks’ long-time battle with diabetes), the then-33 year old author completed his first anthology of original fiction, Stuff Out’a My Head, released in December of the same year.

Joe continues to write original short fiction, in addition to branching out into the world of screenplays and filmmaking.

Despite blindness and surprising many, Joe returned to the comic book field, where he got his start as co-creator of the cult phenomena horror title Cry For Dawn. Shrugging off the inertia of his ex-partner and continuing to be a driving force in independent horror, Joe released a spate of successful comic book titles including The Night Terrors, NightCry, Tales of the Dead and several one-shots.

Joe’s recent comic endeavors have included Gory Lori, a modern day zombie apocalypse series illustrated by Jeff Salisbury and Mike Koneful, and the horror anthology Zacherley’s Midnite Terrors, featuring the television horror host of the same name. In addition to getting the opportunity to work with The Cool Ghoul, Joe has enjoyed his experiences working with such legendary talents as Basil Gogos, William Stout, fantasy artist Ken Kelly, and others.

In 2003, one of Joe’s short stories, “Chance Meeting,” was optioned for adaptation to the screen by Japanese publishing powerhouse Bunkasha in tandem with DK Publishing. Joe was offered the opportunity to take a stab at the script for the short, , which was to have been used as a television pilot in Japan. The script was green-lit and produced, though the producers decided to take the property, starring supermodel Matsuo Otani, and release it as a stand-alone DVD instead. Accompanied in the hungry Asian horror market by a hardcover photo book, it was a runaway success. The adaptation of the story (which appears in Stuff Out’a My Head), received critical acclaim in the Far East and has done so in the United States as well, notably after it screened at the New York Horror Film Festival. The experience of working in film (Joe not only wrote the script but has a slightly larger-than-cameo role in the pilot) has pushed Joe on a path towards fulfilling another long-time goal, that of directing his own feature film. With The Bunker, Monks is seeking to break new ground once again.

Joe lives in Southwest Florida with his wife, Pamela, their dog, Luna, two black cats, Midnite and Shadow.

The Bunker [2011]


Bring On "The Bunker"

Storyline: Julia, better known as Jewel to her friends and family, is a teenage runaway who is unwilling to live within the rules and boundaries set by her parents. She has run away once before, and her father's connections have kept that quiet. This time, however, an election cycle is about to begin and the scandal of a runaway daughter has congressman Robert Jennings desperate. Desperate enough to have half the NYPD out quietly looking for his daughter, and desperate enough to pay privately to have her found and brought back home. The problem for those looking for her, though, is that she is no longer on the streets, and is instead imprisoned in an underground bunker, having been kidnapped by a sadistic serial murderer. Jewel knows exactly how much longer she has left to live, but will it be long enough for anybody to find her? Written by Joseph Monks

Make Them Die Slowly [1981]

Make Them Die Slowly [1981]
http://cheezyflicks.com


A.K.A: CANNIBAL FEROX one of the best Italian Horror movies of all time!


A small group of anthropologists take to the jungles of Colombia to study the culture of a small indigenous Columbian tribe - a tribe of primitive peoples with a controversial, cannibalistic history. When they arrive however, they find that a local band of drug dealers have moved into the area, and have taken to using the naive natives to harvest the cocoa leaf for them as slave labor. After a while, the natives are tired of being tortured and worked, and turn on their masters - as well as the hapless anthropologists - filling the screen with gruesome splatter in the process!

Cheezy Flicks Entertainment Presents Make Them Die Slowly: Starring GIOVANNI LOMBARDO, RADICE LORRAINE DE SELLE, DANILO MATTEI, ZORA KEROVA. Executive Producer ANTONIO CRESCENZI, Original Music By ROBERTO DONATI , Cinematography By GIOVANNI BERGAMINI, Film Editing By ENZO MENICONI, Production Design By GIUSEPPE BASSAN, Production Manager VITO DI BARI & EVI FARINELLI, Produced By MINO LOY & LUCIANO MARTINO, Written & Directed By UMBERTO LENZI.

My Opinion:
I can say only one thing, worst movie ever... now I don't mean worst in bad, I mean disturbing. So the gore is there, the animal modulations is there and the cannibals... what else might you need? I cannot tell you, but do not go making those cooky cannibals mad remember they don't forgot the bad things you may have done. Is it torture or revenge? You will have to decide cause I never ever plan on watching this again, ever.
:)
-Jeremy [iZombie]

Midnight Movie - Soundtrack


Howlin' Wolf Records Presents:
http://howlinwolfrecords.com/

Midnight Movie
a film by Jack Messitt

Composed By: Penka Kouneva
Released in 2010
Limited Edition: 1000
Available: Howlin' Wolf Records


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I am a fan of this film from Jack Messitt and really have become a huge follower of Penka Kouneva, she is a great talent. I think of the work she has done from this score to all of her projects/works and think how can such a nice wonderful woman scare me so much. It could be the time of the day, I found myself jumping a little at key moments. Now you can take my word for it and believe me for examples "First Kill" or "Josh Fights The Killer" are some great tracks. Wall Crumpler I am glad you were able to bring this score to the surface, of course with the help of all your minions.

-Jeremy [iZombie]

Midnight Movie: The Killer Cut!

 Knock... Knock... Someone is at the Door...
Oh No, I think I have been "Midnight Movie'd"... the darkness is closing in and and it's starting to spin... maybe a nice glass of cold lemonade.

Truth be told, I am truly excited to let you all know that a re-cut of the film "Midnight Movie" is coming this June called "Midnight Movie: The Killer Cut". Jack Messitt got the opportunity to re-work this movie, to make it more flowing in story, look and feel. I will tell you more about later this month, but I really wanted to talk more about the interviews that many of the cast were able to [so kindly] submit.  Also an updated interview with Director Jack Messitt and Film Composer Penka Kouneva, well okay they took part in my "21 Questions" as I am sure you all have read over the last month.

So I am happy to be able to bring all this to you my loyal readers, friends and followers... so please look below and look deeper into the "Midnight Movie" as I have.

Thanks,
Jeremy [iZombie]