Macabre...ish Cults, Classics & Horrors

John Isberg, Cinematographer & Director of Final Summer

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 01:10:00 GMT

John Isberg director of Final Summer, took time out of his busy schedule, while the set was being prepped, to talk to us. He started making short films in high school and wanted to go to film school but only managed Intro to Film before he dropped out because of the expense and his ADHD. In his 20s he was in bands and during the process of making music videos he became very interested in the cinematography and lighting aspect of it. During the second music video while he was helping the director, it ignited a renewed interested in film. After moving to Champaign, Il and playing in bands and teaching middle school, a movie was being made in town called Consumed (directed by Daryl Wein and co-written, co-produced and starring Zoe Lister-Jones) and John joined the crew as Grip and he loved it, even though his interest was really lighting. [Grip - A grip is a technician who sets up, operates, and maintains the rigging and equipment that supports the camera (i.e., dollies, cranes, tracks, jibs, tripods, process trailers, etc.) and lighting (stands, diffusers, nets, etc.) to achieve the director and cinematographer's desired shot.] After wrapping Consumed he developed depression even in the midst of the euphoria. He had the bug, bought a camera and started shooting music videos for bands around town. Then he interned with a local production company, Shatterglass Studios where he helped on commercial shoots until he went out on his own. This is part one, don’t miss part two coming up soon! Get ready for a physical release of Final Summer in the Fall of 2024! There’s talk of a 3D addition in the release. Keep an eye out!! Find Jon Isberg here: https://www.instagram.com/finalsummermovie?igsh=bjMzNmlha21lNnI5 https://www.instagram.com/swedefilmscu?igsh=MTlhZXN4MXpxODB4Yw== His work: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm6533367/ And find us: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Diane Foster, Director of Easter Bloody Easter

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 02:45:38 GMT

Diane Foster is the director of Easter Bloody Easter and founder of Wallybird Productions. But before she became a filmmaker, she was an actor, singer and dancer. She trained her entire life in New Jersey, where she grew up in Union in a large family. She started performing at 8 and was Little Miss Union and she did lots of regional theatre. Diane later went to the Paper Mill Playhouse in Milburn, New Jersey every Summer throughout high school. Diane went to conservatory for years with Anne Hathaway and after winning an award, she realized, acting, could be a career. She moved to New York and did lots of off Broadway and a stint on Law and Order: SVU. By 21, she was living in LA and after 2 weeks there, she met Robin Antin who created The Pussy Cat Dolls. Diane became a dancer for the live show, Pussy Cat Dolls Live at The Roxy. Prior to becoming a group and it was a revue with 20 dancers. When she wasn’t dancing Diane was auditioning for independent films, her first role she was in a movie called Iowa and a documentary called Dying For Meth, she was 24 years old and Iowa was selected to show at Tribeca. Soon the Orphan Killer franchise began and after the sequel, she moved on to create her own production company called Wallybird Productions in 2018 and so far has 17 projects completed. Easter Bloody Easter was inspired by a play that began in an acting class. So Diane and some other actors (Allison Lobell and Miles Cooper) from the play got together and took the show on the road but then the pandemic put a stop to that. So Diane decided to turn it into a film, Allison wrote the script and she, Diane and Kelly Grant hit the ground running. This was Diane’s directorial debut. Easter Bloody Easter is an indie holiday film with physical effects, lots of hilarious killer bunnies and a monster jackelope. It’s a slow burn that only gets better as you watch it. Plus if you like music, this one has plenty of it. Rocky Horror and Little Shop of Horror Fans, this one is for you! And Diane and Co. has already started working on the sequel. Ms. Foster does not just do horror, she is socially conscious and Wallybird Productions is about giving people opportunity who are too often overlooked, in front of and behind the camera. It’s her contribution to change the landscape of the film industry and you can expect every one of her productions to be diverse. If you like docudramas, keep an eye out for My Home Unknown, in keeping with Wallybird’s dedication to change, this film is an eye opening story about a houseless woman struggling with mental illness. Last but not least, Easter Bloody Easter is out and streaming on itunes, apply play and Amazon on March 26, 2024! There will be physical copies that begin releasing on April 2nd and pre-orders are open! And keep an eye out for the soundtrack. Find all things Wallybird Productions right here: https://wallybirdproductions.com Find Diane Foster’s socials here: https://www.instagram.com/wallybirdproductions https://www.facebook.com/dianefosterofficial https://www.instagram.com/dianefosterofficial/?hl=en Find the rest of us: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Christopher Sheffield, Director of Eigengrau & Bite the Ground

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 23:48:12 GMT

Christopher Sheffield is a filmmaker who’s been in the film industry for 13 or so years, a decade in LA and three in Arizona. As soon as he graduated film school, he hit the ground running as making commercials for a trucking company. But the dream began when he was a kid and received two video recorders, one that could record and one that could actually play the tape. He made shorts with his friends until he realized film school was an option. Christopher or Sheff, saved a lot of his money from making commercials and used that to make his first feature at the end of that year, called Run For Your Life. Sheff has a Youtube channel where he has shorts that he started back in film school called Split Lip. And inspired the name of his first action film called Split Lip. He talks about how a feature fell through and he made a short instead called Welcome To The Sting. It was choreographed and co-produced by Billy Smith. A lead actor, James M. Black pulled a hamstring but the entire cast rallied and made it happen. This great short could one day become a series! Sheff talks about navigating the pandemic and the strike and having to pivot and regroup. Much of his work is examining mental illness and the struggle. Making it tangible and his upcoming film Eigengrau puts faces to mental illness by making them real life monsters. It’s an idea that lingered since he was a child and the concept grew as he approached his film career and his first stab at it was his first project, Run For Your Life. But as the concept evolved and coalesced, it’s culminated in his feature to come, Eisengrau. Which is a German word that means the color of darkness behind your closed eyes. Sheff explains the concept and story behind the film and it’s an exciting story! There are plenty of projects in the works! Keep an eye out for Christopher Sheffield! Support indie filmmakers and check out the campaign for Eigengrau! This might be the only way to get a physical copy so there’s a blu ray pre-order and other perks. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/eigengrau-horror-film-monster-fund/x/29269334#/ Find Christopher Sheffield here: http://www.christophersheffield.com Instagram: sheff_shoots_indie Tiktok: sheff_shoots_indie And find us: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Let Us In Director, Anthony Moran

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:47:33 GMT

Anthony Moran is an independent horror filmmaker out of Detroit. His specific style mixes the counter culture of bikers, with diversity and in the case of his second film, Let Us In, zombies! With Detroit as the back drop. His actors and crew all hail from Detroit and is truly made by the people for the people. He talks about his inspiration for his zombies and why biker culture? The man responsible for those great zombie FX is James Bell, also a resident of Detroit. Anthony also explains who his films are for because are not for everyone. In 2024 he hopes to film another feature called the Evil 1%. If you see Independent American Pictures, you’ve found Anthony! Look for him: on IG: https://www.instagram.com/independent_american_pictures?igsh=MWt2ODQ2dng1ZnU5bw== Support indie films!! And support films made in Detroit! And Find US: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Carlos Is Making A Movie! Duck & Cover!

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 17:45:25 GMT

Our Carlos Ibarra catches us up on his progress of his current project, a zombie comedy horror, Duck & Cover. Some of the struggle, timing and filming in 3 days. But it’s just the beginning, editing is next, coloring, sound mixing etc. A band will even being making music for the short and Carlos will be making a music video for them. The hope was to get it done by Halloween but it’ll get done when it’s done. We also talk about short films and the purpose of them and the opportunity they could create. Challenges and pitfalls that are just a part of filmmaking. But Carlos and the crew are still grinding and if you can help, please do, a pre-order, merch, anything helps. Please support our indie filmmakers because let’s be honest, they’re the one’s bringing us new horrors and they need our support. Support a horror fan in making horror films that we want to see. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/duck-and-cover-post-production-and-distribution#/ Find Carlos here: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ And me, Kimberly: Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Bill D. Russell, Returns To Acting And Finds A Home in Horror

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 17:19:18 GMT

You’ve probably seen this man in the background of movies, tv shows and in a certain Blockbuster commercial, you’re whole life and not realized it. Bill was recently in a horror parody sequel called They Came Back From Somewhere, he was also in Puppet Master: Doktor Death and so much more. Bill tells his story that is one of a blue collar actor, one that also started in Improv in Chicago back in the 80s. He was a bit of a contrarian earlier on but did find some commercial success in the 90s. You might recognize him from a ‘Perfect Store’ Blockbuster commercial, which shows up in the Last Blockbuster documentary as well as in the background of Home Alone. He considers his first feature to be Wildcats, (the movie with Goldie Hawn) where he played a referee. He’s done America’s Funniest People and mystery series like Mysteries Unknown. After a break, when his family came along, he returned to his Improv roots, teaching in 2014. He did some sketch shows in Second City, but because of his contradictory nature, Bill never sought the main stage there, like everyone else who aspired to act. But he was definitely inspired by a Second City success, Harold Ramis and actually auditioned for Ground Hog Day, three times. Bill has a film streaming now called You’re Out, it’s not horror but you get to watch him play a huge a**hole in it! If you like baseball flicks, check it out. He will also be in the psychological thriller, Unseen (directed by Steve Merlo). Plus a slasher flick called Final Summer (John Isberg), check it out!! Bill has quite a few exciting projects coming out. It’s been a winding road but Bill is on his second wind of his career. Follow him on IG to keep up with him. And if you see him at a convention say ‘Hi!’ Find Bill D. Russell on IG @ billxrussell https://instagram.com/billxrussell?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== And find us: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Jill Sixx, director of The Stylist

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 19:00:32 GMT

Jill ‘Sixx’ Gevargizian is the director of The Stylist that first showed up as a short, in the 2018 anthology, Watch If You Dare. It was co-written by Eric Havens, who is also co-writer on Call Girl, Jill’s debut film and this year is the 10 year anniversary! Jill talks her secret to success and why she surrounds herself with people who are good at what they do and who are better at it than she is. It’s been her version of film school. She points to her having a good network to source from when thinking about a project and that project’s success. Knowing people like Laurence Harvey (from Human Centipede) who she met at a convention and Tristan Risk (from American Mary) who she met through working with the Soska Sisters, knowing the right people just made it easy to execute her movies. Jill brought her years of experience in her trade as a hairstylist in her film, The Stylist, to make it as realistic as possible. So she created the first hairstylist slasher flick! She talks about other amazing films and franchises that also got their starts as shorts like Saw and The Babadook. Jill’s film career really began with the creation of Slaughter Movie House where weird indie horror shorts are shown. She is producing on a film doing festivals right now (as of Summer 2023) called Black Mold, so keep an eye out!! Check out the Texas Chainsaw Massacre documentary, The Legacy of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Jill is also on that as a super fan and contributor! There are some secret projects coming up including one produced with Ed Sanchez (Blair Witch Project) and written by Adam Cesare (Clown in the Cornfield book), so keep an eye out! Support indie filmmakers! Find Jill at: https://www.sixxtape.com And As usual find us here: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Critters All You Can Eat Director, Robbie Lopez

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 03:49:07 GMT

Robbie Lopez grew up poor and idolized Tom Savini, he always knew he wanted to be an artist. When he was 13 and was accepted into the Tom Savini School of Special FX with a scholarship he was elated but soon, crushed when he realized his family still couldn’t afford the $40,0000. Robbie gave up on that pathway to becoming an artist. But he drew constantly and was supported by his art teacher who kept his art, that he’d thrown away over the years. She even helped him print out his comic strips and had them put in ‘zines that were distributed through the coolest places in town. He was just 14 years old. A year later, Robbie got a letter from Kitchen Sink Press out of San Francisco, an adult comic publication, he became a paid illustrator. He drew comics he wouldn’t have been old enough to buy. Then he took his first check and moved out, his first place he had roommates, two 30 year olds and he drew tattoos for them. That’s when Robbie got into tattooing. He worked for a parlor for a year and later travelled the world tattooing. Robbie’s first feature was about his comic book company, Crude Comics and Cinema. The dream was to make animated movies but it was too expensive and too much effort so he changed direction to features, the first was called Texas Death Trippin’. It was filmed on a road trip and is only the second film created on a road trip, (the other is National Lampoons Vacation) it was a two week trip, with 19 people. He talks all of the trials and tribulations of the film industry including his time working on Troma’s Mulligan’s Monsters series. By his third feature film, it all starts coming together, it will be out on September 26th, 2023! Then another film, Protege Moi will be released in October, plus an accompanying game. Robbie is also going to be making a sequel to Critters 2 called Critters: All You Can Eat! It takes place 35 years after Critters 2. (This is a SAG approved production.) He talks all about who might return from the originals, pre-production, including building crites which is inspired by the Chiodo brothers’ design. And you can be a part of it too! Help us get the funding to get it feature length. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/duck-and-cover-post-production-fund/x/29269334#/ Let’s support our indie filmmakers to get the movies made we want to see. Even if you only buy a pre-order, that goes a long way! Also, our Carlos is on his second fundraiser for Duck and Cover, a zombedy! Click the link and help him out too! Every dollar helps. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/duck-and-cover-production-fund/x/29269334#/ Find Robbie Lopez and his comics and releases here: https://crudecomicsinc.com Critters Instagram: https://instagram.com/critters2024?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== CrudeComicsCinema Instagram: https://instagram.com/crudecomicscinema?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== And find the rest of us: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ and mastodon @https://mastodon.world/@WestReAnimated Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Filmmaker Justin McConnell, director of Clapboard Jungle & The Lifechanger

Mon, 03 Jul 2023 23:22:26 GMT

Justin’s dad would sneak horror movies home for him to watch on his sick days and it sparked the dream. He started making movies at home, remaking horror film scenes complete with physical effects. He talks about meeting his former writing partner, Kevin Hutchison, who was an FX artist, they met as roommates and began collaborating on projects. But after 10 years, how was gone. Now, Justin has a new writing partner, Serena Whitney. And though he’s made horror and thrillers, he has made three documentaries (and a fourth in production), Working Class Rockstar, Skullworld and Clapboard Jungle which are excellent. I highly recommend, Clapboard Jungle is a must see for fledgling filmmakers. And get the Arrow Blu Ray if you like commentary, there’s 26 hours worth, on it. He explains his reasoning for making the documentaries and his format that he uses. Justin also explains that the business is completely different now after the pandemic. He talks his Arrow deal and it shows why it’s important to go to festivals and to submit your films to festivals. And how the right distribution can get your projects in front of the right eyes for future projects. Justin also explains how he filmed Broken Mile on a one day budget. And I wondered if he ever just wants to quit but he explains filmmaking is his calling. It’s tough but it’s all he wants to do. Even his work that pays the bills is still in the film industry for other entities. And in between, he works on his own stuff. And stay for valuable advice for new filmmakers and screenwriters plus his argument in support of shorts and the shorter, the better. And why Justin says they are so important. He also gives important notes for contracts so you still have some control over your work. Justin’s other features are Lifechanger and Broken Mile and check out other works, anthologies he was involved in like Blood, Sweat & Terrors, Minutes Past Midnight and Galaxy of Horrors, you can find them all on Tubi. Support independent filmmakers and keep your eyes open for Justin McConnell’s future releases: It Came From Within, Clapboard Jungle series, Feed The Dark and Mark of Kane. Find Justin McConnell at http://www.unstableground.net And find us: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ and mastodon @https://mastodon.world/@WestReAnimated Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Duck And Cover by Filmmaker Carlos Ibarra

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 06:51:02 GMT

Duck And Cover by Filmmaker Carlos Ibarra Our own Carlos Ibarra is making his 3rd project after the soon to be released anthology, Pendulum, directed by Mitch Wilson. He is half of the dynamic duo of Fill in the blanks productions with Christina Parker. Who’s also introduced in this episode. Carlos talks a little about how he got to this point and what’s next. This project is a zombedy from the point of view of the zombie. He has a fundraiser live at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/duck-and-cover-post-production-and-distribution#/ Let’s support indie horror and support the films we want to see! Get yourself or a friend a blu ray, get a signed one, or do you want something a little different? Like your photo in the movie. Peruse the perks and help Carlos make it to his goal! Thanks so much for your help and please share! Support indie filmmakers! We always say we want to see something different, so lets support something different! And find us: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christina Parker on IG @parkertown Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ and mastodon @https://mastodon.world/@WestReAnimated Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Scott Goldberg, Director of The Forest Hills

Sat, 29 Apr 2023 18:41:28 GMT

This is our first podcast on a train! Scott Goldberg is a writer and the director of The Forest Hills! This feature is not released yet but will be shown at the Salem Horror Fest on April 30, 2023. It’s a werewolf film with an impressive line up of horror alum, including, Edward Furlong, Shelley Duvall, Dee Wallace, Felissa Rose and Debbie Rochon. With Chiko Mendez in the leading roll. Scott talks about how he was able to get Shelley Duvall in the film who was originally supposed to just be a cameo but he got lucky and she’s in a few scenes. Scott talks about the rough beginnings of this film and the falling out he had with a producer. The filming location had to change from Michigan to the Catskills. The film went from having a $20,000 budget to a $200,000 budget as the bigger names were attached. He developed a love of film as a kid with a Vhs camera, filming family moments and recreating iconic horror moments. He was inspired by a Steven Spielberg and is a very technical filmmaker and just enjoys learning the ins and outs of filmmaking. He’s always been an independent filmmaker because he never felt moved to move to New York or LA and work his way up from a P.A. He just wanted to direct. Scott explains that it might be 8 to 10 months before it is seen outside of the festival rounds because it takes a while to secure deals with streamers plus determining if he’ll have to release it himself or sell to a distributor. This will be a different kind of werewolf movie that is connected to mental health struggles. Support indie filmmakers and put The Forest Hills on your watchlist! Find Scott Goldberg: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1546298/ https://instagram.com/scottgoldbergofficial?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= And find us: Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ and mastodon @https://mastodon.world/@WestReAnimated Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

William Watterson, director of Dave Made A Maze

Sat, 29 Apr 2023 15:50:22 GMT

This is part 2 with Dave Made A Maze filmmaker, William Watterson He explains the ending of Dave Made A Maze and what he would change and why. How the ending credits was an homage to the end credits of Buckaroo Bonzai and it was animated and why. His belief that our society is not encouraged to be creative and that people are far more creative than we think. And that people, especially horror fans, do not get nearly enough credit for their creative intelligence. And a lot of his work is about being creative as an adult and coming to terms with it. Bill puts a premium on working in spaces where creativity is the point and creative intelligence is valued. He pitched and was hired on by Universal to make a Tremors but it was not to be. He talks being of service and the struggle to be creative in corporate America. I asked if he’s thought about fundraising and he explains his struggles with that option and i how it clashes with who he wants to be. Bill talks about the opportunities he’s had that fell apart. It’s just the nature of the business. He’s currently working a job he loves with miniatures and stop motion with Mattel. I think Chris and I successfully changed his mind about crowdfunding and we’re excited about what’s to come! Support indie filmmakers and watch Dave Made A Maze!! Find William Watterson here: https://www.williamwatterson.com And find us: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ and mastodon @https://mastodon.world/@WestReAnimated Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Dave Made A Maze director, William Watterson

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 17:59:32 GMT

William had the idea that he’d go into advertising because he could be artistic and make a living. But after a conversation with his best friend’s dad, he decided to be in a band and pursue music. He was in a few bands and life took a different trajectory when he moved to L.A to start over. Because L.A. is where people get paid to be creative. He talks about fighting through decades of disappointments and his insecurities in the entertainment industry. Three bands later, with the help of a friend, he lands a production assistant job. One of Bill’s first jobs in LA was as a P.A. (Production Assistant) for the directors of American Splendor for another movie that was narrated by James Urbaniak. Then he got quite a bit of work as an actor, during all this he started to learn about the movie business. He then made some short films, learning the lessons and thinking about who would be on his team if he made a feature film. But he really started directing and editing on Youtube and he produced, hosted and directed a vaudeville show. All the while he connected with the writer of what would become Dave Made A Maze, Steve Sears. While Bill talks he connects how he played as a child, is how he directs films. It’s a great and fascinating story. He likes to make something cool with his friends, whether he’s directing or not. He just enjoys the act of collaboration and creation and you can tell in Dave Made A Maze! Bill credits production designer, Trisha Gum, with much of the ‘mazification’ of things like blood and how it was presented. And he explains that John Sumner is responsible for making all the puppets and that the most imaginative parts of the film were conceived of when production was all but complete. Bill had an opportunity with the Jim Henson Company and for a new Tremors film but those projects fell through. Let’s see if we can convince him to try for a Dave Sequel. Support indie filmmakers and watch Dave Made A Maze! This is Part 1, follow us for Part 2. Find William Watterson here: https://www.williamwatterson.com And find us: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ and mastodon @https://mastodon.world/@WestReAnimated Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Filmmakers, Don Thacker & Adrian Di Giovanni, Motivational Growth | Part 2

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 21:42:38 GMT

Filmmakers, Don Thacker & Adrian Di Giovanni, Motivational Growth | Part 2 Part 2 Motivational Growth Director, Don Thacker and Lead, Adrian Di Giovanni, plus an amazing pep talk for aspiring filmmakers out there. Don Thacker grew up, not rich, in Detroit and escaped into films because for him, movies are places you go and experience. Adrian Di Giovanni never thought about why he liked movies, he just did and always has. The theater, for them, is like church. Adrian talks about giving up acting for a career in insurance. The one last part, he had no expectation because he already made up his mind to quit, so there was no pressure. He had one call back after another but still had no idea until he asked and one pivotal and hilarious moment got him that part. Don and Adrian talk about their company Imagos and what they do. Don gives Carlos an epic but eye opening pep talk about being a filmmaker, if you like Alec Baldwin’s speech in Glengarry Glen Ross, you might enjoy it. This episode is especially for all the aspiring filmmakers. This might be one of the most important monologues you ever hear. Don tells the story of how Motivational Growth was not meant to be a horror movie but he found out it is definitely a horror film after showing it in a horror film festival. Adrian explains the difference between the kind of director Don is and Kevin Smith is. And Don explains how much the business aspect of filmmaking impacts the process and the final result. He mentions the film Millenium based on the short story called Air Raid. He explains it’s a great concept but it was changed a ton by the director and they turned a great story into a mediocre film. He’d love to make Air Raid the movie but the business aspect of filmmaking makes the prospect probably unattainable. And how being a working director can also be an impediment to writing. Watch Motivational Growth, it won best foreign feature in The European Independent Film Festival!💥Support independent filmmakers💥 Find Don Thacker and Adrian Di Giovanni at Imagos Films: https://www.imagosfilms.com https://instagram.com/imagosfilms?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= And find us: Carlos Ibarra on Twitter & IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Motivational Growth Director, Don Thacker and Lead, Adrian Di Giovanni

Sun, 02 Apr 2023 18:51:30 GMT

Carlos and I talked to Don Thacker and Adrian Di Giovanni from Motivation Growth. They became such good friends from working together on that film that they are now business partners at Imagos Films. Mr. Di Giovanni is from Philadelphia and was originally in theatre and comedy improv in Chicago and just before he was about to give up the entertainment business for a career in insurance, he took one last audition and read for Ian in the independent horror, Motivational Growth. We talk about what the inspiration was for them going into film. For Don it was tv as a little kid and the story is really intriguing! For Adrian, it was being in theatre, in school. Mr. Thacker originally made and shopped an entirely different script about physics that would have been much more expensive. Don talks about the very unique way he pitched the physics movie. That movie did not happen but the compromise was another much smaller film made of an amalgamation of ideas which turned into Motivational Growth. Don explains the effort it took to make the film and only masterful artistry of an incredible crew could have made that happen. He also explains his inspiration for The Mold and Ian. Don talks about his goal and philosophy about art and how being compelling is the most important thing, any reaction is a win. If you’re still thinking about it later, even if you hate it, it’s a win. It doesn’t matter what it compels. “Art should compel.” Support the arts and support indie films!! Find Don Thacker and Adrian Di Giovanni at Imagos Films: https://www.imagosfilms.com https://instagram.com/imagosfilms?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= And find us: Carlos Ibarra on Twitter & IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

BTS of Erzulie with Filmmaker, Christine Chen

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 14:58:41 GMT

This is Part 2, Behind the scenes of Erzulie with filmmaker Christine Chen. Christine talks about the making of the film, the pitfalls and struggles, the changes that had to be made and what the cast had to suffer because of the weather/flooding. Erzulie was filmed in a swamp and there was constant flooding, freezing water and cold nights. Christine worker on three other features on the same property. The script was written with this location in mind which had it’s pros and cons. Almost all leads on the crew were women and this is the first black mermaid film and first black mermaid horror film. Christine even consulted a priestess to get the makeup right and researched history and culture to honor it as much as possible. Christine also never forgets all those who helped her along the way. And she expects to makes two more sequels. Also, horror is not her the only genre she works with. Look her up, support indie films and women filmmakers. Her links are below. Find Christine everything, here: https://mothtoflamefilms.com https://www.erzuliefilm.com/director https://www.christinewchen.com Find The Rest of Us: Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ and mastodon @https://mastodon.world/@WestReAnimated Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Christine W. Chen Director of Erzulie, Mermaid Horror Film

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 23:09:18 GMT

Christine Chen has always been in film in some capacity since college. She got her start in documentary filmmaking. Also making a lot of shorts, including A Bird’s Nest. She went to grad school at UT and started hustling in the Austin film scene. She then started making films and submitting them to a Louisiana film festival called Film Prize. All shorts have to be made in Louisiana and the big prize is $50,000. So from Austin, Christine moved to Shreveport for a year to work and submit to the festival. While there, she built her team and network. Christine talks about how she eased her parents into her wanting to be a filmmaker. She also has advice for college students who want to go into film. She talks about the difference between a director who earns their way and those who don’t. The reason she made her film, Erzulie (Er-zuh-lee), and how that went from distribution deal to funding. The pandemic has a lot to do with it, of course. She wrote a script in a month that spawned from a short, and it was accepted so now they were suddenly making a feature. It’s quite a wild ride. Plus how they were able to shoot in 11 days despite problems. This is part one… Find Christine everything, here: https://mothtoflamefilms.com https://www.erzuliefilm.com/director https://www.christinewchen.com Find Us: Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ and mastodon @https://mastodon.world/@WestReAnimated Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish Carlos Ibarra on Twitter & IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Bordello of Blood Producer/Writer A L Katz

Fri, 16 Dec 2022 03:05:46 GMT

Part 2: Bordello of Blood came to be. Another movie was supposed to be made in it’s place but the machinations of Hollywood turned and suddenly everything changed. They had a script called Fat Tuesday, a psychological thriller which was changed to Dead Easy. Gil had no interest in directing Demon Knight, so Ernest Dickerson was brought in. And Gil planned to direct Dead Easy afterward, set in Louisiana and got the green light from Universal and while scouting locations for weeks, the plug was pulled and it was decided that Bordello of Blood would be done in it’s place. Then Steven Spielberg started Dreamworks and because of fear of losing Robert Zemeckis, the studio made a deal, which included buying a student script that Zemekis actually cowrote, for a ton of money and they ended up using that script that turned out to be Bordello of Blood. They had 3 weeks to rewrite and start shooting. With the making of this movie, they became pawns to everything. And not in Louisiana but in Canada. And instead of Bridget Wilson they got Erika Eliniak as the female lead. Al and Gil they wanted Robin Givens as the villain but, the boss, Joel Silver, cast, then Sylvester Stallone’s soon to be ex fiancée, Angie Everhart instead. A part written for Daniel Baldwin was replaced with Dennis Miller by Joel, who improved all of his lines and didn’t even want to be in the movie. But he got a million bucks to do it. Bordello was doomed from the very beginning. They were thwarted until the bitter end and by then, Al and Gil’s friendship and business partnership was over. This story is a wild ride, you have to hear it! Find A L Katz https://howtolivebullshit-free.com/ On Mastodon: https://lor.sh/@Alan And his podcast, How Not To Make a Movie Podcast, is wherever you get your podcasts! Remember on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 at NOON PACIFIC TIME, there is a table read of the movie that never was, Dead Easy, for the charity The Motion Picture Home (the MPTF). For retired entertainment industry artists who need help. https://mptf.com/ways-to-give/ Find out more at the link below… https://how-not-to-make-a-movie.com/2022/11/26/the-dead-easy-table-read-for-charity/?amp=1 Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ and mastodon @https://mastodon.world/@WestReAnimated Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Tales From The Crypt Producer & Writer A L Katz

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 20:12:36 GMT

A L Katz’s love of film began as a child in Baltimore with Laurel & Hardy and Groucho Marx. He went to college in Vassar and really learned story telling there. After one audition, he decided he didn’t want to act but write. After a high school friend moved to L.A. to be an agent and Mr. Katz was trying to put together a play in New York, she convinced him to write a screenplay and go to L.A., which of course he thought was ridiculous but he was convinced, won over by the people and the weather, after a short visit. The first week, his agent set up a meeting with the first producer he ever met, Gilbert Adler, in 1985. Who was instrumental in Alan’s move to California and they were good friends for a decade. They co-produced and wrote together on the job of his dreams, Tales From The Crypt. But by the release of Bordello of Blood, their friendship was over. Alan and Gil reconnected 25 years later to create, How Not To Make a Movie Podcast. Where they talk about their work together and have guests they once worked with to tell their stories. Gil was hired by HBO to do something with More Stories, he worked on The Hitchhiker and the 3rd season of Tales From the Crypt that was struggling and was slated to end. Alan and Gil resurrected the concept of Tales from the Crypt. Alan reimagined the Cryptkeeper played by John Kassir and his role in the series. Plus balancing the show with the budget, which priorly was always in a deficit. They corrected it by hiring Gil. And Gil brought Alan on as a story editor. (“You manage the budget by managing the script!”) Alan’s first experience with the show was as a judge for the Cable Ace Awards and he viewed the first 3 episodes of the Tales from the Crypt and he loved them! Since Alan was a DC comic and Mad Magazine fan and he wanted the show to be more black comedy than horror. How it was working with Robert Zemeckis and Joel Silver? How HBO’s ad slogan came out of a screening of Tales with HBO executives? Great stories about MeatLoaf, getting Kirk Douglas for Yellow. And how Bordello of Blood came to be. Another movie was supposed to be made in it’s place but the machinations of Hollywood turned and suddenly everything changed but this story is for part 2. This is a great story from a great story teller!! Find A L Katz https://howtolivebullshit-free.com/ On Mastodon: https://lor.sh/@Alan And his podcast, How Not To Make a Movie Podcast, is wherever you get your podcasts! Also on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 at NOON PACIFIC TIME, there is a table read of the movie that never was, Dead Easy, for the charity The Motion Picture Home (the MPTF). For retired entertainment industry artists who need help. Find out more at the link below… https://how-not-to-make-a-movie.com/2022/11/26/the-dead-easy-table-read-for-charity/?amp=1 Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ and mastodon @https://mastodon.world/@WestReAnimated Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

The Sawyer Massacre Filmmaker Steve Merlo|Making A Fan Film

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 01:24:35 GMT

Steve Merlo is here for a second time with the completion his first full feature a fan film and prequel to Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Sawyer Massacre. It takes place 8 years before the original. It was filmed in the Bastrop/Bartlett area of Texas. How long it took for concept to completion? How long it took to film? And the subtleties, set backs and the effort it all took. Steve’s next project and when he’d like to begin marketing and filming. It will likely be based on one of his short films called Unseen, it can be found on his youtube channel, https://youtu.be/T1GyTzZXEQk Find The Sawyer Massacre also on youtube. https://youtu.be/a-GssBcG5fk Find Steve here: Find Steven Merlo on IG @chainsaw_sawyer https://instagram.com/chainsaw_sawyer?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Steven Merlo https://m.imdb.com/name/nm6032504/bio?ref_=m_mn_ov_bio And find us: Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Jason Pargin, Author of John Dies At The End & If This Book Exists You’re In The Wrong Universe

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 00:08:49 GMT

Part 3! Jason gives us excellent incite and advice on our own projects. Carlos, the fledgeling filmmaker and his million dollar movie get’s solid info. His respect for filmmakers and the process of editing and reminiscing about Cracked’s youtube channel and all the effort it took. We talk NDA’s, in light if Chris’ secret project and how you know it’s the real deal and great news. The importance of doing what we live for its own sake and having that be enough. Plus he talks supporting small independent artists especially during this tough time. With a final reminder that it’s the indie artists who need our support not the giant corporations. Jason’s book, If This Book Exists You’re In The Wrong Universe, is out Tuesday, October, 18th 2022! Find all things related to him at https://johndiesattheend.com If you were a Cracked fan, he writes the same kind of articles here, sign up! https://jasonpargin.substack.com And find us: Carlos Ibarra on Twitter & IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and Twitter, IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish Thanks for listening, support indie artists!!

Jason Pargin aka David Wong/Author of John Dies At The End

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 17:23:39 GMT

Part 2 Jason Pargin’s thought’s about social media, the algorithm and it’s impact and how bizarre it all feels to him. He talks about the thinking behind some of his most famous Cracked articles. His ability to conceptualize what might not be obvious to the rest of us and asking tough but honest questions in list form. He answers the question if there will be another movie. Jason talks his writing process and how outlining the book takes as much time as the writing process. He talks his being amazed by Stephen King process, Breaking Bad, Sherlock Holmes and the breadth of George. R. R. Martin’s Game of Thrones and how anxiety inducing it being incomplete, is. His thoughts on sex in stories, his approach and why. Quentin Tarantino comes up lol. There will be more books, find out how many more and why he’s not really a serial writer? There will be no book before he publishes a bad one. We talk about filmmaking and what a pain it can be. His experience with set work for Cracked’s youtube channel and how much effort it took. Books mentioned: This Is How You Lose The Time War, Game of Thrones Find all things related to him at https://johndiesattheend.com If you were a Cracked fan, he writes the same kind of articles here, sign up! https://jasonpargin.substack.com And find us: Carlos Ibarra on Twitter & IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and Twitter, IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Jason Pargin aka David Wong| Author of John Dies At The End

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 15:20:12 GMT

Jason Pargin aka David Wong began blogging his stories in the 90s and then made his stories, now enough to creat a book, via cafepress for fans who wanted physical copies. After years of working temp office jobs and writing on the side, he got an email from Don Coscarelli who had recently found a copy of his book. After ignoring the email thinking it was a scam, he sold the rights and John Dies At The End was created. Three weeks later he got an offer to write for Cracked. With a journalism degree, no connections, no pitching, no book deal, just 13 years of writing online. Then a publishing company contacted him to print the hard cover of John Dies At the End. By the time the film was complete, he was done with his second book, The Book is Full of Spiders which made the New York Times Best Seller List, while working at Cracked. He worked at Cracked for 13 years but wrote part time online, all told, for 22 years. Jason explain what Cracked was for those who don’t know, how it was resurrected and transformed with him and two other people to a staff of over 40, to how it ended for him. And what ultimately happened to Cracked? Why he wrote under the pseudonym, David Wong, for so many years? And how he came up with the name? How social media has changed writing for the worst? But why it’s a necessary evil to even be considered for a deal. Why he is thankful for success later, rather than in his 20s? Part 2 is coming up next!! Find all things related to him at https://johndiesattheend.com Plus his newest book releasing soon, at the time of this podcast 10/2022, If This Book Exists, You're in the Wrong Universe. If you were a Cracked fan, he writes the same kind of articles here, sign up! https://jasonpargin.substack.com And find us: Carlos Ibarra on Twitter & IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and Twitter, IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Peter Atkins-Hellraiser & Wishmaster Screenwriter & Author | Part 2

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 17:39:52 GMT

Part 2 🚨Adult Language 🚨 Peter Atkins, screenwriter for Hellraiser 2, 3 and 4, The Wishmaster franchise plus acting credits in Hellraiser and Nightbreed and many more. Plus published author, his work includes Morningstar, Big Thunder and Moontown. Tired of the same questions interview after interview, so we had an hours long friendly chat. We start strong with Canadian food and geography. And end up talking about Video Nasties, the X rating and Video store/ direct to video era. Generational differences and their approaches to horror and cinema in general and consuming them. How the theaters were when Peter was a child and how movies worked. The 4K backlash online started by Chris. Remastering of movies, the complaints and the decay of films. How he came to write the screenplay with Clive Barker and what the process was. And the only other work he’s done concerning the Hellraiser mythos. How the name Inferno came to be. Where he thought Wishmaster was heading. Making movies the hard way with Clive Barker. Words about the horror author Ramsay Campbell. Plus His views on opinions about bad movies. I could listen to Peter talk about anything so here’s his youtube channel, follow him!! Rolling Darkness Revue https://youtube.com/channel/UCLZZMp6Y5GrOH9yqm-kvyWg And below are his other links. Peter Atkins - @PeterAtkins | Linktree And find us: Carlos Ibarra on Twitter & IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and Twitter, IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Peter Atkins - Author & Screenwriter of Hellraiser & Wishmaster

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 14:52:04 GMT

🚨Swearing🚨. Peter Atkins, screenwriter for Hellraiser 2, 3 and 4, The Wishmaster franchise plus acting credits in Hellraiser and Nightbreed and many more. Plus published author, his work includes Morningstar, Big Thunder and Moontown. Tired of the same questions interview after interview, so we had an hours long friendly chat. We start strong with Canadian food and geography. And end up talking about Video Nasties, the X rating and Video store/ direct to video era. Generational differences and their approaches to horror and cinema in general and consuming them. How the theaters were when Peter was a child and how movies worked. The 4K backlash online started by Chris. Remastering of movies, the complaints and the decay of films. How he came to write the screenplay with Clive Barker and what the process was. And the only other work he’s done concerning the Hellraiser mythos. How the name Inferno came to be. Where he thought Wishmaster was heading. Making movies the hard way with Clive Barker. Words about the horror author Ramsay Campbell. Plus His views on opinions about bad movies. I could listen to Peter talk about anything so here’s his youtube channel, follow him!! Rolling Darkness Revue https://youtube.com/channel/UCLZZMp6Y5GrOH9yqm-kvyWg And below are his other links. Peter Atkins - @PeterAtkins | Linktree And find us: Carlos Ibarra on Twitter & IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and Twitter, IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Martin Bats Bradford-Navigating The Film Industry & Film Fandom Part 2

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 19:38:33 GMT

Part 2 with Martin Bats Bradford We talk about what kind of movies we’d suggest to a person who’s not really into horror. We mention some works of John Carpenter, The Thing, The Fog, Halloween movies, Christine. All iterations of The Fly. We talk about knowing a horror film is really good if you can remove the horror and the story is still entertaining. Like in the case of the Flemish language movie, Cub. Also why Tales From the Hood was a good movie and why Tales from the Crypt and Are You Afraid of the Dark were good anthologies. How genre crossing can really elevate both genres in one movie or anthology. We talk about movies based on comic books like Constantine, V for Vendetta, 30 Days of Night, Blade etc. During all of this conversation, Bats asks what is a comedy that would make a good horror. It came up that someone is developing, Harriet Tubman, Demon Slayer. And how cool it would be for a crossover with Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Slayer or frankly any other historical character in horror. Well also talk about ethereal theft. Bats is working on some scripts and we are impatiently waiting lol. This is a continuation of a great conversation, if you haven’t listened to part 1, check it out, it’s the one just before this one. Martin Bats Bradford has a lot of credits under his belt…Venom, Tales From the Hood 2, Night Teeth, NCIS: New Orleans, Panic, Queen Sugar, Green Book, Star Trek Continues, Containment, American Horror Story and so much more. He’s currently working on Killing It. Youtube - GumboMonster504 - YouTube Tiktok @misterbats_ Instagram @misterbats Podcast - Fly With Bats https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flywithbats-network/id1125801818 And find us: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Martin Bats Bradford, From Film Fan to Actor & Navigating The Business

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 17:46:12 GMT

You’ve seen him everywhere even though you might not know his name… Meet Mr. Martin Bats Bradford, he’s known his entire life that he would be in the entertainment business and it started with church. He is classically trained in communications and theatre in Dillard. And his education and hard work is a testament to his popularity and extensive work history. Mr. Bradford explains what college does and doesn’t teach you about the entertainment industry. He’s been in American Horror Story, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, Containment, NCIS: New Orleans, Tales from the Hood 2, Venom, Night Teeth, Killing It and so many more. He also did quite a lot 48 Hour Film Project that you can see on his youtube channel. We talk about representation in film, black people, poc and disabled people in horror and the Wakanda effect. The different ways different cultures tell stories and how important it is for those stories to be told. We chat about his favorite performances and favorite people to work with. Samuel L. Jackson, Mikel Jenkins, Cathy Bates, Craig Robinson, Rell Battle etc. What kind of character he would never play. Which actors and directors he’d love to work with. Who gets him star struck. Martin talks about the economics and politics of filmmaking and how it impacts actors and their pay. Stay tuned and follow so you don’t miss part 2 Find Martin Bats Bradford: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm5243717/ Tiktok @misterbats_ IG @misterbats Youtube: GumboMonster504 - YouTube And find us: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Horror Author, Dennis Freeman: Fang Bangers: Nocturnal Emissions

Mon, 30 May 2022 21:35:15 GMT

Dennis is a horror fan and writer who has been writing since he was a kid and has published in publications such as Deadlights and Shotgun Horror Magazine. He has written Brother’s Last Call, The Terrorverse and Fang Bangers: Nocturnal Emissions (all available in audio book format) and is working on new shorts and installments and possibly screenplays. The trials and tribulations of not just writing but publishing and submitting works to publications and marketing as an independent horror author. Older works verses newer work reception and the mine field that are customer reviews. It’s not all book talk though, we talk a little Jordan Peele, a little Walking Dead and Demoni etc. Find Dennis on IG and tiktok @terrorversetv. Support horror authors and find him on Audible! https://www.audible.com/author/Dennis-Freeman/B074MGG47M?ref=a_pd_Fang-B_c1_author_1&pf_rd_p=df6bf89c-ab0c-4323-993a-2a046c7399f9&pf_rd_r=H8JYKXST0XTWFJZD5XXJ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish And if you’re looking for solid, regular book reviews (not just horror but she reads plenty of horror) on IG look for @skuzaconniereads

A Prequel to The Original Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Sawyer Massacre

Wed, 25 May 2022 13:17:16 GMT

With Musician and Filmmaker, Steve Merlo who decided to create a fan film prequel to the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Being a fan of just the original, he wanted to see more story in that vein and with the feel of that time period. After years of working on the screenplay and finally working on the film, it will be complete this summer, August 2022. He explains to us the rules of making a fan film. Find out the struggle and pitfalls of making a movie today that is set in the 1960s and why he felt cursed during filming. This prequel is set 8 years before the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, so if you are a fan then you might like this one. It will debut on the big screen in Austin, Tx and tickets are available here https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-sawyer-massacre-horror-tx-chainsaw-fan-film--2#/ This is the final campaign for this film, so get tickets, merch, physical media and more from the link above. Support the arts and indie filmmakers! Find Steven Merlo on IG @chainsaw_sawyer https://instagram.com/chainsaw_sawyer?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Steven Merlo https://m.imdb.com/name/nm6032504/bio?ref_=m_mn_ov_bio And find us: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__ Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Cherokee Creek & Roseblood BTS with Filmmaker Todd Jenkins and Billy Blair

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 05:29:51 GMT

🚧Warning: Swearing, raunchy 🚧 Todd Jenkins and Billy Blair are veterans in the film industry but this is Todd’s directorial debut. Find out how Todd got into the movie business, where he and Billy met and why he decided wanted to make his own Bigfoot horror movie, how much of a head ache this film turned out to be and what it took to get it finished. The nightmare wasn’t over after production though because after being number 3 on iTunes for weeks, the worst thing that could have happened, did. The reason he struggled to get the movie shown on streaming services and also why he went to blu ray and he explains that wild intro and exit on it. ( more detail on Part 1) Billy and Todd talk about all of it, including why radio shows worry about having them on. It is a series of chaotic tangents about how they met, how they are in so many movies together and how Cherokee Creek came together. Todd’s talks about his work on his first fan film Roseblood - A Friday the 13th Fan Film (Directed by Peter Anthony), a sequel that begins 11 months after Friday the 13th Part 7. Check out the entire movie on youtube. Look for them in Infamous, Apocalypse Road, Cherokee Creek and Todd is also in Knucklebones! Billy is also in Machete and beats up Sean Patrick Flanery in Mongolian Death Worms. And look for Billy’s band, Love Sick Drug! You can find Todd on IG @todd_jenkins_official and on FB @ https://www.facebook.com/ToddJenkinsActor/. Find Billy on IG @billy_blair_official and http://www.billyblair.com And as usual find us: Carlos Ibarra at fillintheblanksproductions.ca and on IG @jekyl6669 Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Cherokee Creek: Behind The Scenes with Filmmaker Todd Jenkins and Billy Blair

Sun, 25 Apr 2021 13:35:24 GMT

Todd Jenkins and Billy Blair are veterans in the film industry but this is Todd’s directorial debut. Find out how Todd got into the movie business, where he and Billy met and why he decided wanted to make his own Bigfoot horror movie, how much of a head ache this film turned out to be and what it took to get it finished. The nightmare wasn’t over after production though because after being number 3 on iTunes for weeks, the worst thing that could have happened, did. The reason he struggled to get the movie shown on streaming services and also why he went to blu ray and he explains that wild intro and exit on it. Billy and Todd talk about all of it, including why radio shows worry about having them on. It is a wild ride! Look for them in Infamous, Apocalypse Road, Cherokee Creek and Todd is also in Knucklebones! Billy is also in Machete and beats up Sean Patrick Flanery in Mongolian Death Worms. And look for Billy’s band, Love Sick Drug! You can find Todd on IG @todd_jenkins_official and on FB @ https://www.facebook.com/ToddJenkinsActor/. Find Billy on IG @billyblairii and http://www.billyblair.com And as usual find us: Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Knucklebones: Director Mitch Wilson. Why Make A Director’s Cut & Movie Rights. (Part 3)

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 14:22:55 GMT

Part 3 He’s a native Texan and gamer that went off to LA and sold his first script a month later! He has written and sold quite a few scripts, some got made, some didn’t but you may recognize some of his work, like Wheelmen on Netflix. Mitch almost got a horror icon on his film but illness got in the way and we talk about his all time favorite franchises and that he’d love to do a remake of one of them, plus his dream choices for leading man and lady in a feature. There’s also talk of a potential mashup between Knucklebones and another slasher that was released around the same time. Mitch gives some tips for new filmmakers, plus what else he had going on. He explains why films are so different from streaming platforms to physical medium? The changing landscape of horror and viewers changing habits, especially during the pandemic. As well as why a director may have no idea what the final cut may look like? We also talk about that one time he acted in a movie and it had Edward Furlong in it! Who sponsored the movie (Knucklebones) and which youtuber happened to be in it? He talks about his FX team and what an asset many indie actors are because of the many hats they wear and why he works with many of the same people, such as Todd Jenkins and Tom Zembrod. There are so many more exciting projects to come! Look for his Blu Ray release that includes all the good cuts that he originally wanted in but were left out of the streaming version. Expect more gore and faster pacing and don’t forget to watch the extras! You can find Mitch Wilson on Instagram @knucklebonesmovie. Twitter @knucklebonez and get the director’s cut blu ray here ➡️ knucklebones.org. You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish As always, support the arts and watch movies!

Knucklebones: Filmmaker & Writer Mitch Wilson (Part 2)

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 12:45:01 GMT

He’s a native Texan that went off to LA and sold his first script a month later! He has written and sold quite a few scripts, some got made, some didn’t but you may recognize some of his work, like Wheelmen on Netflix. Mitch shares some movie making mishaps, how he funded Knucklebones and why indie film crews are so great! He also gives some tips for new filmmakers, plus what else he had going on. He explains why films are so different from streaming platforms to physical medium? As well as why a director may have no idea what the final cut may look like? We also talk about that one time he acted in a movie and it had Edward Furlong in it! Who sponsored the movie (Knucklebones) and which youtuber happened to be in it? Look for his Blu Ray release that includes all the good cuts that he originally wanted in but were left out of the streaming version. Expect more gore and faster pacing! You can find Mitch Wilson on Instagram @knucklebonesmovie. Twitter @knucklebonez and get the director’s cut blu ray here ➡️ knucklebones.org. You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG and Vero @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish As always, support the arts and watch movies! Film/Series Mentioned: Chopping Mall, Beetlejuice, Boggy Creek, The Final, Jimmy & Judy Note: ADR - Automated dialogue replacement (ADR) is the process of re-recording dialogue by the original actor (or a replacement actor) after the filming process to improve audio quality or make changes to the originally scripted dialog. (Dubbing) DP - Director of photography or cinematographer (sometimes shortened to DP or DOP) is the chief over the camera and light crews working on a film, television production or other live action piece and is responsible for making artistic and technical decisions related to the image.

Knucklebones: Behind The Scenes with Writer and Filmmaker Mitch Wilson (Part 1)

Wed, 24 Mar 2021 17:40:55 GMT

Behind The Scenes with Writer and Filmmaker Mitch Wilson (Part 1) He’s a native Texan and gamer that went off to LA and sold his first script a month later! He has written and sold quite a few scripts, some got made, some didn’t but you may recognize some of his work, like Wheelmen on Netflix. Why Mitch transitioned to filmmaking (still writing!) and which Academy Award winning special effects artist made it possible for him to make Knucklebones?! He is responsible for the practical effects in such screen gems as Chopping Mall and Beetlejuice! We talk about the movies inspired him to make Knucklebones? Will there be a sequel and what’s coming up next?! Plus all the amazing people who helped him put it all together. And now he’s back with Blu Ray release that includes all the good cuts that he originally wanted in but were left out of the streaming version. Expect more gore and faster pacing! You can find Mitch Wilson on Instagram @knucklebonesmovie. Twitter @knucklebonez and get the director’s cut blu ray here ➡️ knucklebones.org. You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG and Vero @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish As always, support the arts and watch movies! Film/Series Mentioned: Chopping Mall, Beetlejuice, Jumanji, Wheelmen, For We Are Many, Silence of the Lambs

Pandemic Productions, Shoe String Budgets & Nun-imosity/ BTS with Elaine Chu

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 19:18:21 GMT

Part 3 BTS (Behind The Scenes) with Elaine Chu Interesting thoughts on where all these new productions came from during the pandemic. If Elaine could choose, which production company (MonkeyPaw, 824 or Blumhouse) who would she choose to work with and why? What Elaine created during the pandemic. Why sometimes a shoe string budget is the best budget? How it’s different directing a film that you’ve written versus one written by someone else? Ideas for new filmmakers, the market and use for horror shorts, plus platforms for submitting them. Oh and why has Elaine is been chastised by a nun. Movies Mentioned: The Purgation, Birdemic, Sharknado • Elaine Chu is the director of The Purgation and also worked on Excision. She shares with us how she came to be a film maker and what that entailed. How long it took from start to finish and other than time, what it cost her and if it was worth it. What else she’s been doing and working on and if there will be more horror films in the future. I also outed Carlos as a future film maker and she shares some valuable information. Do you make the movie to make yourself happy or the audience? Plus good ideas for future filmmakers and their work, short form film and why you should absolutely work for free when you’re just starting. And who Elaine would love to work with. The difference between movies for horror fans and casual viewers, as well as horror film critics and general film critics. There are lots of Purgation spoilers in this series! Find Elaine on tiktok and IG @helloelainechu and https://m.imdb.com/name/nm4334949/ You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG and Vero @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish As always, support the arts and watch movies!

Feature Sacrifices & Diversity in Film, BTS with Filmmaker, Elaine Chu (Part 2)

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 12:32:47 GMT

This is Part 2, Behind The Scenes (BTS) with Film maker Elaine Chu. Exactly what it took, timeline to make the movie, commitment and sacrifices. If film school is necessary and what you’re trading by not going. Diversity in film and filmmaking and how it makes movies better. Elaine Chu is the director of The Purgation and also worked on Excision. She shares with us how she came to be a film maker and what that entailed. How long it took from start to finish and other than time, what it cost her and if it was worth it. What else she’s been doing and working on and if there will be more horror films in the future. I also outed Carlos as a future film maker and she shares some valuable information. Do you make the movie to make yourself happy or the audience? Plus good ideas for future filmmakers and their work, short form film and why you should absolutely work for free when you’re just starting. And who Elaine would love to work with. The difference between movies for horror fans and casual viewers, as well as horror film critics and general film critics. There are lots of Purgation spoilers in this series! Movies mentioned: The Purgation, Excision, Turbo Kid, Candyman, Jordan Peele’s Twilight Zone Find Elaine on IG @helloelainechu and https://m.imdb.com/name/nm4334949/ You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG and Vero @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish As always, support the arts and watch movies!

Behind the Scenes with Filmmaker, Elaine Chu. Director of The Purgation

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 17:56:22 GMT

This is Part 1, Behind The Scenes with Filmmaker Elaine Chu. Elaine Chu is the director of The Purgation and also worked on Excision. She shares with us how she came to be a film maker and what that entailed. How long it took from start to finish and other than time, what it cost her and if it was worth it. What else she’s been doing and working on and if there will be more horror films in the future. I also outed Carlos as a future film maker and she shares some valuable information. Do you make the movie to make yourself happy or the audience? Plus good ideas for future filmmakers and their work, short form film and why you should absolutely work for free when you’re just starting. And who Elaine would love to work with. The difference between movies for horror fans and casual viewers, as well as horror film critics and general film critics. There are lots of Purgation spoilers in this series! Movies mentioned: The Purgation, Excision, Turbo Kid Find Elaine on IG @helloelainechu and https://m.imdb.com/name/nm4334949/ You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG and Vero @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish As always, support the arts and watch movies!

Filmmaker Patrick Johnson: BTS Staying True To Your Point of View & His Next Feature (Part 4)

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 14:23:37 GMT

This is Part 4 and final episode with Patrick Johnson to wrap up our 2 hour chat: Carlos, Chris and I had the great pleasure of talking to Patrick Johnson, the director of 47 Hours To Live, She’s Crushed (Crushed) and Amber Heard’s first film SideFX. This was such a good conversation and he starts from the beginning, the winding road to filmmaking. From an offer to make 50 bucks from a man in a van to being inspired to distribute by a guy known as Half Head Fred. Taking films to festivals and how that went. Directors who lost their mind, entire crew walk out during projects, crazy producer and over ambitious projects with no budget. Plus what happened when Patrick finally got a good budget to make a feature film and the lessons he learned about culture and industry relationships. And why, for him, intent matters and why he’d rather offend you with his movies than get no response at all. This story was quite a ride! He also has something new in mind in the works and we hope to talk to him again! If you are a low budget horror fan, check out his flicks...She’s Crushed, 47 Hours to Live, SideFX and (comedy) The Highschooler’s Guide to College Parties. Note: Other movies that were mentioned was Excision, After Dark, Hereditary, Yummy, Uncut Gems As always, thank you for listening! And a massive thank you to out guest, Patrick Johnson, director of SideFX, The Highschoolers Guide to College Parties, She’s Crushed and 47 Hours to Live. You can find him here https://www.holditnow.com/phone/links.html. You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669, https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/ Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor__ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG, Twitter & Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish As always, support the arts and watch movies!

Crew Morale, Relationships in the Industry & Picking Your Battles BTS w/ Patrick Johnson

Thu, 11 Feb 2021 13:21:21 GMT

This is Part 3: (BTS is Behind The Scenes) Carlos, Chris and I had the great pleasure of talking to Patrick Johnson, the director of 47 Hours To Live, She’s Crushed (Crushed) and Amber Heard’s first film SideFX. This was such a good conversation and he starts from the beginning, the winding road to filmmaking. From an offer to make 50 bucks from a man in a van to being inspired to distribute by a guy known as Half Head Fred. Taking films to festivals and how that went. Directors who lost their mind, entire crew walk out during projects, crazy producer and over ambitious projects with no budget. Plus what happened when Patrick finally got a good budget to make a feature film and the lessons he learned about culture and industry relationships. And why, for him, intent matters and why he’d rather offend you with his movies than get no response at all. This story was quite a ride! He also has something new in mind in the works and we hope to talk to him again! If you are a low budget horror fan, check out his flicks...She’s Crushed, 47 Hours to Live, SideFX and (comedy) The Highschooler’s Guide to College Parties. Note: Other movies that were mentioned was Excision, After Dark, Hereditary, Yummy, Uncut Gems As always, thank you for listening! And a massive thank you to out guest, Patrick Johnson, director of SideFX, The Highschoolers Guide to College Parties, She’s Crushed and 47 Hours to Live. You can find him here https://www.holditnow.com/phone/links.html. You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG and Vero @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish As always, support the arts and watch movies!

BTS w/Patrick Johnson Getting into Blockbuster & Making of 47 Hours (P2)

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 04:07:57 GMT

This is Part 2: Carlos, Chris and I had the great pleasure of talking to Patrick Johnson, the director of 47 Hours To Live, She’s Crushed (Crushed) and Amber Heard’s first film SideFX. This was such a good conversation and he starts from the beginning, the winding road to filmmaking. From an offer to make 50 bucks from a man in a van to being inspired to distribute by a guy known as Half Head Fred. Taking films to festivals and how that went. Directors who lost their mind, entire crew walk out during projects, crazy producer and over ambitious projects with no budget. Plus what happened when Patrick finally got a good budget to make a feature film and the lessons he learned about culture and industry relationships. And why, for him, intent matters and why he’d rather offend you with his movies than get no response at all. This story was quite a ride! He also has something new in mind in the works and we hope to talk to him again! If you are a low budget horror fan, check out his flicks...She’s Crushed, 47 Hours to Live, SideFX and (comedy) The Highschooler’s Guide to College Parties. Note: Other movies that were mentioned was Excision, After Dark, Hereditary, Yummy, Uncut Gems As always, thank you for listening! And a massive thank you to out guest, Patrick Johnson, director of SideFX, The Highschoolers Guide to College Parties, She’s Crushed and 47 Hours to Live. You can find him here https://www.holditnow.com/phone/links.html. You can find Carlos Ibarra on Twitter & IG @jekyl6669 and https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor__And me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok and https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish As always, support the arts and watch movies!

Behind The Scenes with Filmmaker Patrick Johnson

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 11:52:34 GMT

Carlos, Chris and I had the great pleasure of talking to Patrick Johnson, the director of 47 Hours To Live, She’s Crushed (Crushed) and Amber Heard’s first film SideFX. This was such a good conversation and he starts from the beginning, the winding road to filmmaking. From an offer to make 50 bucks from a man in a van to being inspired to distribute by a guy known as Half Head Fred. Taking films to festivals and how that went. Directors who lost their mind, entire crew walk out during projects, crazy producer and over ambitious projects with no budget. Plus what happened when Patrick finally got a good budget to make a feature film and the lessons he learned about culture and industry relationships. And why, for him, intent matters and why he’d rather offend you with his movies than get no response at all. 🎬This is only episode 1, stay tuned for the next one!🎬 This story was quite a ride! He also has something new in mind in the works and we hope to talk to him again! If you are a low budget horror fan, check out his flicks...She’s Crushed, 47 Hours to Live, SideFX and (comedy) The Highschooler’s Guide to College Parties. Note: Other movies that were mentioned was Excision, After Dark, Hereditary, Yummy, Uncut Gems As always, thank you for listening! And a massive thank you to out guest, Patrick Johnson, director of SideFX, The Highschoolers Guide to College Parties, She’s Crushed and 47 Hours to Live. You can find him here https://www.holditnow.com/phone/links.html. You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG and Vero @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish As always, support the arts and watch movies! Even if I say I don’t like it.

Discussing Indie Horror and How We Rate Movies

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:03:36 GMT

I watched a movie called 47 Hours To Live and considered it a one watch and said I didn’t care for it. The filmmaker, Patrick Johnson then commented on that post. Yep. (So what do you do when you embarrass yourself and tell a filmmaker you don’t care for his movie?) Chris and Carlos also watched the film after I posted my synopsis and part of today’s episode is our discussion about that film. And we wondered if that filmmaker would come have a chat with us. Mr. Johnson also offered another cut of the film to watch as well and I took him up on that offer. We also talk about how we rate movies, what our expectations are and what constitutes a good movie. These are all our personal opinions and taste. We’re just fans just like you. Other horror movies we bring up other than 47 Hours To Live. Open 24 Hours, Splinter, Stay Alive and Thankskilling. Back to the question...what do you do when you embarrass yourself on a post and the filmmaker responds? Well I invite him on my podcast!! And an invitation has been extended to Patrick Johnson and we shall see if joins us for a chat. As always, thank you for listening! You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG and Vero @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish As always, support the arts and watch movies! Even if I say I don’t like it.

Horror Fandom/ Horror Collecting

Sat, 19 Sep 2020 16:17:43 GMT

Here with me for this chat is with horror fan and author, Christopher Thompson! He is a passionate Hellraiser fan and horror collector. He has been both for 2/3 of his life and he is from Canada. This was extra special because we did this the week of his birthday. We talk about how and when he started collecting, the brands he began with which are no longer in business. What his most coveted collectible is and why Hellraiser? There will be more chats with him coming up, so be sure to follow so you don’t miss out. P.S. We struggled a little bit with connection so bare with us. We made it work! Find Christopher Thompson on IG @ theauthor_ and FB and of course, find me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG @macabre_ish

First Time Working on a TV Series & The Allure of Serial Killers

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 15:04:39 GMT

Talking with David Skaggs about his first acting gig on Fifth Hollar and how that happened. Plus the pitfalls of living in a small southern Kentucky town when all you want to do is make horror movies. Also why we enjoy serial killers and their stories. This is the first of 3 installments. And as usual, find me, Kimberly on IG @macabre_ish and macabreish.com. Find David on IG @daddyswag2014 and on Facebook (David Skaggs).

Dark Tower Series!

Sat, 05 Sep 2020 21:54:13 GMT

Jay and I talk about Stephen King’s The Dark Tower Series, it’s intersection with other books and movies. How awesome a series would be, on par with LOTR or Harry Potter. The excitement about Andre Øvredal’s new project. Also see my new Mordred on IG @ macabre_ish or macabreish.com!

Cult Classics, Poverty, Cigarettes & Porn

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 23:40:32 GMT

This is a continuation of the cult classic conversation that veered into music and childhood. Explicit language. Find Kimberly at www.macabreish.com and IG @macabre_ish. Find Duke on IG and Twitch @thinwhitedukeofnewyork. Thanks so much for listening! Follow for more and forward to anyone you think might like it. Until the next one...

Cult Films and What Makes Them Cult Classics

Sat, 22 Aug 2020 00:26:37 GMT

Cult films and thoughts about how they became cults and classics. We talk about all cult classics of all kinds of genres but mostly horror. Explicit Content and Language. Find me, Kimberly at www.macabreish.com and on IG @macabre_ish. Find Duke on Twitch and IG @thinwhitedukeofnewyork Follow for more and share with anyone you think might enjoy. Thanks for listening! Until the next one...

Disturbing, Graphic Horror & Serial Killers

Sun, 16 Aug 2020 19:00:38 GMT

Conversation about disturbing, graphic horror that stays with you. Serial killers and movies about their stories. Find Kimberly at macabreish.com, @ macabre_ish and Twitch.tv/macabreish and Duke @thinwhitedukeofnewyork on IG and Twitch.tv. Warning: This episode is explicit.

Hellraiser Everything with Christopher Thompson

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 17:33:46 GMT

This is the summary of all summaries about the Hellraiser franchise. The characters, actors, creator, concepts and more. If you weren’t really interested in Hellraiser before, then Chris may change your mind. And as usual you can find him @theauthor_and @talesfromchristopherthompson on IG and find me, Kimberly at www.macabreish.com and on IG @macabre_ish. Thanks for listening!

Name These Horror flicks!

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 15:47:43 GMT

Name These Horror flicks! Today we are trying to figure out some movie titles based on clues on two different posts on Instagram...Describe A Movie You’ve Been Struggling To Name, Maybe We Can Help.. So I figured out about half of them but was stumped on others, so I thought I’d bring the questions to Carlos and Chris to see if we could work it out. And if anyone listening is struggling to find movie names, head to the website or IG listed below. Also if any of these clues sound familiar to you and you know the name, let us know and/or tag us on instagram. This question will be asked ever so often and we will keep this topic going and hopefully get them all named. Plus we talk reasons why some movies may be, sadly, lost to history. Once again thank you for listening! You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG and Vero @macabre_ish... https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Must See Christmas Horror Flicks!

Fri, 25 Dec 2020 00:26:43 GMT

It’s Christmas Eve and we want to share with you our Christmas horror picks!! From all time favorites, phenomenal anthology episodes to Vinegar Syndrome releases, foreign favorites and gory holiday indies! Some are streaming and some can only be had via independent company site and we’ll tell you where to get them. Have a Scary Christmas and have a Happy Horrorday!! 2020 is almost over y’all!! Once again thank you for listening! You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG and Vero @macabre_ish.

The Stand Miniseries, Old vs New vs Book

Sat, 19 Dec 2020 02:37:39 GMT

We talk about part one of the first Stand remake, relative to the 1994 version and the book. What’s new, what’s unchanged and what’s true to the book and what could be coming up. Once again thank you for listening! You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG @macabre_ish.

Fascination with Serial Killers and Movies Inspired By Them

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 20:09:47 GMT

Are ongoing conversation about serial killer films, new and old plus what’s streaming. Plus people’s fascination with serial and spree killers and what the fascination is about. Stay tuned for the next episode which is a continuation and heavy on Macabre...ish Life so stay tuned. Once again thank you for listening! You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG @macabre_ish.

Stand Alone Horror Sequels and Our Obsession w/ Franchises

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 13:38:35 GMT

Why we’re not thrilled with oddballs in a series’ like Halloween 3, Hellraiser 3 but then why we love serialized entertainment? The shelf life of movies and which medium is supposed to be the best and what companies had the supposed better or worst discs? Why people are still using gaming systems as a dvd/blu ray player instead of a dvd/blu player? Oh and remember the red ring of death and why we don’t buy the first generation of anything? Once again thank you for listening! You can find Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl669, Chris Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG @macabre_ish.

Unfortunate Titles & Stand Alone Sequels

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 04:12:41 GMT

We talk about horror films with bad titles that have little if anything to do with the movies and make the movies impossible to find. Also we talk about movie sequels that do not fit in with the franchise and those they may be good stand alone movies, they may have been bad for the franchise. Plus Night Wolf and Corona Zombies were mentioned in conversation, you can find the synopses or blurbs at macabreish.com. And as usual, find Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and me, Kimberly at macabreish.com or IG @macabre_ish. Thank you so much for listening!

Separating The Person from The Character

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 16:29:38 GMT

We talk about seeing our favorite characters as just people, acting in their professions. Carlos’ view on watching movies made by or with problematic people. And other funny randomness! Let’s take our minds off of the election for a few minutes. Find Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor_ and Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyll6669. As usual find me, Kimberly on IG @macabre_ish and macabreish.com. Until the next one!

Halloween Hangout!

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 00:43:46 GMT

Carlos, Chris and I talk mask envy, haunted houses and never watching Joe Bob Briggs show. And the inexplicable realization that Elvira was turned down for one. Plus stories of plundering and pillaging (ok, not really!) theatre’s and video rental stores for movie marketing materials! And as usual find Carlos on IG @ jekyll669 and Chris @theauthor_. Find me Kimberly at macabreish.com or IG @ macabre_ish. Thank you very much for listening!

Nostalgia, Obsolescence and Growing Pains in Mediums

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 17:23:41 GMT

Christopher Thompson and I talk about the resurgence of nostalgic mediums such as vinyl and VHS. The unfortunate downsides to digital copy and censorship. Growing pains in media...the battle between Blu Ray, HD DVD and DVD. And how all roads seem to lead to porn. Find Chris on IG @theauthor_ and as usual find me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG @macabre_ish. Thanks for listening! Know anyone who might enjoy it, pass it. Thanks again!

Horror Fan Turned Prospective Horror Film Maker

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 11:11:57 GMT

Carlos Ibarra wants to make a movie! We talk about pitfalls and pathways forward. Project Greenlight and 48 Hour Film Project possibilities and the obsessive hell that is perfection. We’ll keep you posted on the journey! Find Carlos on IG @ jekyl6669 and as usual find me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and on IG @ macabre_ish. Until the next one!

For the Love of Demons with Carlos Ibarra Plus The Art of Movie Archiving

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 15:21:01 GMT

In this episode we talk about keeping the collection organized and what we use to do that and Carlos favorite app to keep it all straight. Great demon movies and why aren’t there more of them. The argument for the 25 minute movie rule for iffy movies and why a lot of negative movie reviews are negative at all! Find Carlos on IG @ jekyl6669 and as usual, find me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and IG @macabre_ish. Stay tuned for Carlos’ next episode where he talks about his aspirations to make movies! Oh and there is some swearing in this one so, Beware The Swears!

Bad Movies, Blu Ray & Horror Mag Aficionado Carlos Ibarra

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 13:44:22 GMT

We are continuing to talk about bad movies and why you can’t watch all movies with all friends. Bad movies as they relate to casual watchers and horror fans. Carlos’ argument in defense of Blu Rays and horror history in the form of horror magazines. Find Carlos on IG @ jekyl6669 and as always, find me, Kimberly at www.macabreish.com and on IG @macabre_ish. Did you guys know that Carlos wants to make a horror film?! In the next episode, we’ll talk about that 20 year dream. Stay tuned!

Talking Cataloging, Collecting & Bad Cinema w/ Film Collector/Reviewer, Carlos Ibarra

Mon, 12 Oct 2020 16:52:04 GMT

I’m talking to Carlos Ibarra about our differences in how we review and post about movies and why. Our approach to movie watching and how he keeps his vast collection catalogued. Plus how we handle ‘bad’ movies. Stay tuned for more convo with Carlos! Find him on IG @jekyl6669 and as usual, find me. Kimberly at www.macabreish.com and IG @ macabre_ish

Should We Watch Films by Problematic People?

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 16:04:29 GMT

Christopher Thompson and I talk about the struggle of deciding whether or not we should continue watching movies created, contributed to or distributed by people who are accused of or guilty of doing bad things. From alleged predators to anti-Semitic people. Why or why not? The conversation gets pretty serious. What do you think?

Horror and Toy Nostalgia

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 19:44:20 GMT

How about some more laughs this Sunday! Christopher Thompson and I are nerding it up and geeking out over our shared love of horror icons, vintage toys and lunch boxes. It’s silly and funny! It’s good to laugh again! If you know a vintage toy fan or collector of fine lunch boxes, pass this link on! As usual, thank you for listening. And find Christopher at on IG @ author_ and @talesbychristopherthompson. And find me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and on IG @ macabre_ish.

The Nostalgia of Horror on Tv with Christopher Thompson

Sat, 03 Oct 2020 12:05:18 GMT

Christopher Thompson is back and we talk about our love of horror crossovers. The nostalgia of horror on commercial tv and the surprisingly obvious reason why vintage adult movies copied regular movies. Thank you for listening! Find Christopher Thompson on IG @ theauthor_ and @talesbychristopherthompson and as usual, find me, Kimberly at www.macabreish.com and IG @macabre_ish.

Animal, Snake Horror and Snake Skin Footballs with Marty & Dayna

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 15:06:05 GMT

Dayna and Marty are back with more horror chat! Talking animal horror, Lake Placid and Anaconda that leads to talking about a real snake hunter, Ryan. Finally pandemic impact. Find Ryan, Feel the Burm is his company, on IG @ feel_the_burm_ and FB. And of course find Dayna on IG @ loveandlattice and Marty on IG @lordf1aco. You can find me, Kimberly at www.macabreish.com.

Slug, Roach and Water Horror with Dayna & Marty!

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 14:26:56 GMT

Dayna is a pastry chef and Marty is an artist on their off time and Dell & Amazon employees by day. Dayna is a novice horror fan and Marty is the veteran! We talk about favs, The Thing, American Werewolves and Water horror plus gross slug horror and the best bug horror I’ve ever seen and so much more. Find Dayna on IG @loveandlattice and MartyB on IG @ lordf1acko. And as always, find me, Kimberly @macabre_ish and www.macabreish.com.

Deloreans and Creepshow with Christopher Thompson

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 20:35:04 GMT

What do Deloreans and Creepshow have in common, other than they both are in this episode? Not much! But all roads lead to horror with horror fans. And it just happens we are both fans of pop culture as well as classics and horror film. Both make for another fun episode. As usual, find me, Kimberly at macabreish.com and @macabre_ish on IG and find Christopher Thompson @theauthor_ and his professional page @talesbychristopherthompsonon IG

Talking Demons & Demons 2 with a Horror Newbie

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 23:22:11 GMT

Discussing the experience with someone who was never a horror fan and what they thought about Demoni. Plus, his voices are hilarious and on point! For movie synopses/reviews, go to macabreish.com!

The Blade Cuts Deeper director Gene Dolders

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 21:06:56 GMT

Gene Dolders’ love of cinema began as a bonding activity with his Mom (though he ran out of the theater a couple of times!) and during the era of the video nasties, his brother acquired a copy of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and that, to this day, is one of his favorite films, including Nightmare City by Umberto Lenzi. He started writing scripts very young and by 15, he had the format down. Originally Gene wanted to be a special effects artist but amended that because he couldn’t draw or model clay, so he pivoted to camera work.

Unable to get into film school, Gene headed to college and with help from his multi media instructor, he landed his first job at a video production company. There he worked as a camera man and editor. After a while, because of his love of Asian cinema, he move to Hong Kong for a year and taught English and the year in Hong Kong turned into a decade of moving around Asia. There he did some camera and post production work while still teaching English. It wasn’t until 2016 that he returned to England.

He started his company Barbra Green Digital in 2018. And while his full time job is cinematographer, he started with a few short films and then he was ready for his first feature, The Blade Cuts Deeper, co-written by him and his friend Alex (AJ Ballard). The film was made over a week with a lot of favors, some good location deals and a low 5 figure budget.

Gene talks about submitting his film to festivals and tells the story about how he got distribution. He also talks about working on Blood Stream as the director of photography and also having his own segment. So keep an eye out for that anthology!

Carlos, Gene and I were in fan mode toward the end talking about documentaries such as Mancunian Man and horror movies such as Shelby Oaks, The Dark and the Wicked and Predator Badlands. We also talked about indie filmmakers taking chances and the guerrilla marketing of the 80s and 90s and how it helped build horror fandom and film success.

This is another fun one and if you haven’t yet, support indie filmmakers and watch The Blade Cuts Deeper! And maybe leave a review.

Find us:

Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and

https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Gene Dolders:

https://bgdigital.org

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8969674/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

J. Horton, director of The Apex Predator Club & A Hard Place

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 21:29:28 GMT

Director Jason Horton has a life long love of film and he and his Mom bonded over them. Instead of sports, he was into cinema. He’s from Indiana and he had a rough start, he did substances, joined a band and dropped out of school. But Jason eventually regrouped, got his GED and after getting an offshore job at 24, with his brother, he saved up enough for college. Jason went to the University of New Orleans, he wanted to be a lawyer but changed his mind after checking out the film scene and seeing the opportunity, he joined the undergrad film program, instead.

After graduating in 2003, Jason directed his debut feature, Rise of the Undead. He and a friend pooled their money and made it happen. He got a distributor and while they didn’t make any money, Rise of the Undead, did make it on to the shelves of Blockbuster. This was the era of Katrina and so Jason moved from New Orleans to LA. He hoped that opportunities would be plentiful and that because he directed a movie and it was in Blockbuster, he would be a shoo-in but no, it was hard. He was back to working at Starbucks again.

After a while, he did get something in the film industry, his first gig there was as a behind the scenes videographer. And through those connections came opportunities. Jason’s next project was an anthology called Edges of Darkness. It also made it to Blockbuster with a huge dvd release, it did better than the first one. But once again, Jason didn’t see much in the way of profit on it. He was still working full time at Starbucks.

It wasn’t until around 2012 when Monsters in the Woods was released that he finally quit Starbucks for good. He was instead, directing, editing, doing camera work etc. for other people. It still wasn’t a lot but it was industry work.

After a while, Jason started directing documentaries just as the movie business started taking a turn and the movie on demand (MOD) model was no longer as lucrative as it once was. Movies that were once making 6 figures on Amazon, were now lucky to make, five. So for 4 or 5 years, all he made were documentaries.

He’d outgrown the micro budget film model and wanted to get back to narrative filmmaking and so he found crowdfunding. His first campaign made $80,000 for a film called Craving. The experience was so good that he did it again for A Hard Place. The next one, he collaborated with the Mahal’s to fund his monster movie, The Apex Predators Club.

Jason talks about what has made his career, building community through the work and returning to conventions. And then he talks his most ambitious project yet, The Apex Predators Club. It’ll be out next year, 2026, keep an eye out!!

To find J. Horton’s filmography:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1862032/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

J. Horton's youtube:

https://m.youtube.com/@JHorton

And find me, Kimberly:

http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Filmmaker Adam Deyoe, director of Dead Season & Decade of the Dead

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 23:55:06 GMT

Part 2

After Dead Season, Adam and Enzo, started making cartoons (Oishi High School Battle) and it was one of the biggest shows on youtube, at the time, with billions of views. And it ran for 3 seasons for Smosh. Then they got the band back together for Yeti 2! When it was time to start work on Decade of the Dead, it was rough and expensive from the beginning with a quarter of the budget going to cøvid protocols. Adam co-directed Decade of the Dead with Fairai Branscombe Richmond, in the jungle, in 100 degree heat, wearing essentially, hazmat suits. And it was miserable.

Decade of the Dead took 8 years from start to finish, it began as a Dead Season series and evolved into a sequel. One of the potential options for a location was at the facility of a Hawaiian cult but that fell through and so they settled on Oahu, then people started getting sick. Including their Producer who was so ill he was put on a respirator and then production was canceled. So in the mean time, Adam went back to writing and made a short in honor of a disabled friend he lost. And his producer, Brian Spicer (Briscoe County Jr.), he made 3 movies and when it was time to film Decade of the Dead again, he doubled the funding and gave Adam access to his equipment house.

And as awesome the extra infusion of funding was, Adam couldn’t be away from his kids and quit the production. He was supposed to be replaced by his co-director Fairai, who’s native to the island. Unfortunately, they would lose their funding if Adam quit so he had to gut it out.

Adam and Fairai shared the movie, two A units shooting in tandem, everyone pounded out the production, essentially two movies, one action, one horror, made at the same time. Adam barely slept or ate for a month and a half. It was brutal but they made it happen. A point of pride is all of the FX were practical, all of the explosions etc. is real.

To add to the already grueling production was extortion and if they didn’t have a native Hawaiian on their crew, it would’ve been worse than they got. Oh and a tropical storm blew in while they were filming on the water. It was all bad.

Ok, not all bad. Some of Decade of the Dead has sets from movies you’ve seen and will probably recognize because they were abandoned and used by other productions, including this one.

While waiting to make his next film, Adam is making a retro video game based on Yeti A Love Story, an adventure game and nod to Monkey Island, a full circle moment. And since his day job is in visual fx and animation, he’s right at home.

So many of Adam’s friends who were in his indie low budget Yeti films, are pretty successful right now and you’ve likely seen their shows. From Joe Mande (Hacks, Parks & Recreation) to Adam Malamut (Universal Basic Guys) all started in the Yeti films and at least some of them, want to make more.

Decade of the Dead is full of easter eggs so keep an eye out while you’re watching (now on Tubi) and while you’re there, check out the prequel, Dead Season and Yeti: A Love Story if you are a fan of low budget, adult horror.

Adam mentions a long list of names, movies and series, find them on my website in the linktree below. Thanks so much for supporting indie film and this podcast!

Find Macabre…ish Cults, Classics & Horrors Podcast wherever there are podcasts.

https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Find Adam Deyoe:

https://pro.imdb.com/mobile/name/nm1951858/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

And find us:

Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and

https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Kimberly

Adam Deyoe, director Dead Season & Decade of the Dead

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:00:55 GMT

It's Halloween season and we have a great episode for you with a delightful human being, Adam Deyoe, if you've seen Dead Season, they you already know his work. And he made a sequel just for you, Decade of the Dead, it's on tubi, check it out. He'll really appreciate that!

Filmmaker, Adam Deyoe’s love for horror and film started in childhood with a game called Monkey Island and as a movie rental store clerk called Video Revolution in Concord, Massachusetts. All of his old video store buddies either moved to New York or out to LA with him, all in pursuit of a career in film, after college. And it worked out for many of them, (his friend from those days, Rob, just edited the new Naked Gun movie!)

But let’s go back…

Adam’s first foray into filmmaking was in high school, where he made two ‘bad’ movies, after graduation he went to film school. At Emerson, Adam made The Mental Dead, his first zombie film (Look out for the re-mastered re-release!). That was also the first film he sold, it was bought buy the man who made Splatter Farm, Todd Michael Smith. Soon, Adam also made a movie called Street Team Massacre, released only online through Troma.

After college, Adam and a college friend, Eric Gosselin made four feature films (Yeti: A Love Story, Another Yeti Love Story: Life on the Streets, Street Team Massacre and Psycho Sleepover)

Then, another friend, from another video store, named Matt Manjourides (who makes low budget horror films and is the producer of The Last Drive-in with Joe Bob Briggs) is an FX guy that helped Adam study up on zombies by getting him to watch Fulci horror in preparation for his first zombie feature, The Mental Dead. Matt also had a hand at helping another of Adam’s films, Yeti: A Love Story, get a little nudge toward success at Troma, unbeknownst to Adam.

At the time of the making of Yeti: A Love Story, Adam met filmmaker John Waters, he used to read Adam’s scripts and they became friends for a time.

Yeti was made during the time of MySpace and random people from there were excited to be nude in a very adult, very low budget and very Yeti movie. And a lot of Adam’s college friends. who were also in this movie, all moved to LA together. And unfortunately, because of the state of the industry recently, some have moved away.

Adam talks about the Yeti fandom, the changing landscape of LA and the rapidly changing business of film and then his feature Dead Season. He talks about scouting out the island where he was housesitting for filmmaker, John Cameron Mitchell (director of Short Bus and Hedwig and The Angry Inch), the island was Viajes, in the Bermuda Triangle. While there, someone said they should make a zombie movie, instead on the intended comedy, Boat, Island and that zombie movie was Dead Season. The only other film ever shot on that island was Lord of the Flies.

With his partner, Enzo, Dead Season was green lit and written within a month. Adam talks about a pretty major scam that bankrupted the production before they even started. He talks about the scramble to fund the film and still having to deal with this thief and their nonsense, during filming. That same person also told a lie about a permit, and that lie could have cost the cast their lives. (This story is crazy!)

After all of that, the film made it to its screening, hosted by a friend and something went wrong with the way it played. If this film didn’t do well or sell, Adam and Co were moving back home. This was a hail mary. With luck on their side and being in the wake of the first season of The Walking Dead, they hit the jackpot.

Years later, just as Adam is ready to film Decade of the Dead, it was canceled due to the pandemíc and the sudden hospitalization of his producer. And so for a year and a half, he waited (and made a stop motion short!) but it wasn’t over, soon pandemic or not, the film was greenlit.
This is just part 1… c

Appalachian Horror Chat w/Andrew K. Clark author of Where Dark Things Rise

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 19:19:54 GMT

Andrew K. Clark is the author of Where Dark Things Grow and Where Dark Things Rise and we had a nice long chat about Appalachian horror in books and film. We talked culture, lore and the rich culture as is shows up in art. Where it's lacking and where it is done well.

Andrew also explains how the culture includes Native American lore and faith and how all of that exists in his stories and in the tone and point of view of the part of Appalachia that he grew up in and relating to his families' stories. The heroes of his book, Where Dark Things Rise are imperfect teens, who do imperfect teen things with their skills that include magic. If you like Stand By Me and Stranger Things, you might really enjoy Andrew's duology.

Where Dark Things Grow is also available as an audiobook, voiced by E. B. Barkley. Where Dark Things Rise will also be available as an audiobook soon. Check out all things Andrew K. Clark on his website at andrewkclark.com. There you can get his books, including signed ones from his publisher Quill & Crow Press (quillandcrowpublishinghouse.com) and Malaprops.com.

Plus there is a play list that accompanies his book. Support indie horror and indie authors! Get the book, leave a review!

And find me:

Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Melissa Vitello, Director of Regression & Abigail

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 01:47:07 GMT

Melissa Vitello has always loved writing and storytelling, starting at age 9, she was writing books and at 12 or 13 when her aunt, who worked in the film industry, starting letting her read scripts, she learned to write her own. Her first screenplay was written at 13 years old.

Melissa moves to LA at around 19 years old and went to school and started a club called Dark Heart Pictures, which ended up being her first company. That’s where she began making short films with her friends and there she found a love of producing and collaboration. Afterward she met her husband, also a filmmaker, they made their first film together in 2016.

Ms. Vitello also worked freelance producing and started work as the head of production for a short form content studio. Then the pandemic happened, and it was time to move on. That began her career as a feature film producer and the creation of her horror film company with another producer, Stacy Snyder, called Moon Castle Films. Moon Castle Films specializes and centers women in horror films.

As well as the work, Melissa also talked about the value of making connections and maintaining relationships plus balancing work/life with her husband who she also shares a production company with.

Melissa’s directorial feature film under the banner of her production company, Moon Castle Films was called Abigail. But her first original full feature film, (directed and written) with Moon Castle Films is called Regression. (Keep an eye out for it!)

Find this podcast wherever you get your podcasts as well as on youtube here —> ⁠https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNblhfc6MVBMUe65EA-lWSzG_joW27ZSf⁠

And find Melissa Vitello and her work here:

⁠https://www.mooncastlefilms.com⁠

IG is melissa_makes_movies:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/melissa_makes_movies?igsh=MTVoZTZjMmhodWg5dQ==⁠

And find us:

Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and

⁠https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/⁠

Kimberly at ⁠http://www.macabreish.com⁠ and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. ⁠https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish⁠

Allison Pittel, Actor in Screamboat & Stream

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 19:05:04 GMT

Allison Pittel joins us and shares her journey from college, her decision to work in entertainment and moving to New York. She spent 2 years there as a Production Assistant and working in reality tv. Allison explains how she auditioned for Fuzz on the Lens (The producers of Terrifier) with David Howard Thornton and even though that project didn’t come to fruition, it was a really good experience and she kept in touch.

A year and a half later, with Fuzz on the Lens, she was cast in their feature, Stream. Later on, Allison got the call to do a chemistry read for Screamboat and booked that one too!

Though Allison paid the bills with production and had enjoyed the experience, she prefers to act. And she just moved to L.A. to do just that!

That’s not all, she’s also an indie horror fan and she sees the potential in horror film and is excited to be apart of it. We talk about being in another renaissance in indie horror, as well as women in horror.

Allison is a collaborator at heart and talks about just wanting to make good horror with great people. You will also find her on stage because she is also a play actor.

Keep an eye out for Allison Pittel (Pit-Tell) look for her in Stream and Screamboat which is in theaters April 2, 2025! It is a limited run so go see it! This movie is made for the big screen and an audience!

Get tickets for Screamboat here:

https://steamboatwilliehorrormovie.com

Find Allison Pittel:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8110323/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

https://www.instagram.com/allisonpittel?igsh=ZjJ0N2kyZHFrOGU0

Find Carlos and I:

Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and

https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Patrick Rea, Director of Nailbiter & Arbor Demon

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 19:25:58 GMT

Patrick Rea has been making movies his entire life, in high school, he was given free rein to put his movies on the school’s cable tv channel. And his introduction to the filmmaking business was on the set of Election, at 17 years old. He went to college and one of his mentors was his professor, academy award winner, Kevin Wilmott (you’ll know him as one of the writer’s of 2018 Blackkklansman).

Instead of leaving for LA after graduating from KU, Patrick, instead worked at a tv station making short films. He still lives in Kansas City and most of his films have been shot there.

Patrick shares the pitfalls of filmmaking, sequels and the importance of picking the right distributor. His feature Nailbiter gained steam on Chiller channel and again after it landed on Tubi. He has ideas for a sequel which he’ll make if he can get funding. (everyone stream it so we get that sequel!)

Then he wanted to make a camping horror and called it Enclosure, it was originally supposed to be made in the Ozarks but funding was acquired for South Carolina. The film was shot in 12 days. The distributor changed the name to Arbor Demon (in some places it is still called Enclosure).

Patrick creates interesting stories and unique spins on already established monsters. Even the lower budget films are good, where it might save in expensive production value, you’ll get in story, brutal scenes and a solid twist. Like in I Am Lisa, if you are a Ginger Snaps fan, give this one a watch. It’s a much lower budget film set in the 80s but go for it so we can get a sequel to this one too!

The next one, They Wait in the Dark got him his first New York Times review and it was positive. Unfortunately, this one is distributed by Red Box/Chicken Soup for the Soul who went bankrupt. You’ll have to listen to find out how much of a problem that’s turned out to be and still is.

Patrick has made a ton of shorts, many of which find their way into anthologies, everywhere. Watch and enjoy them!

Support indie filmmakers! Watch Nail Biters, Arbor Demons, I Am Lisa and keep an eye out for Super Happy Fun Clown!

Find Patrick Rea’s filmography here:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1408696/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

And find us:

Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and

https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Steven LaMorte, director of The Mean One & Screamboat

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 18:33:12 GMT

Steven La Morte started making stop motion videos as an only child in New York, then moved his little productions to the school tv station in high school, where he found his love of storytelling and there he met the producer of Terrifier.

After high school he went to NYU Tisch and also spent time lying about his age so he could direct music videos for labels. It wasn’t long before he moved to LA and as of today, he’s been there for 12 years.

nd making seemingly impossible scenes happen on a strict budget as well as

If you’re a fan of The Mean One, you’re going to want to hear how that came about. It was never a concept that was going to exist in the real world but it does now! On that note, get the collector’s edition of The Mean One because it includes a documentary about how it was made called Christmas Chaos: Making the Mean One.

Steven’s newest project called Screamboat, starring David Howard Thornton as Screamboat Willie, is a reimagining of the public domain character Steamboat Willie. It is set on a New York ferry. Steven talks about the idea for this movie and how it came together.

Support indie films , Screamboat is out April 2, 2025, go see it!

It’s meant to be seen on the big screen folks! Get your tickets here:

https://steamboatwilliehorrormovie.com

Find Steven LaMorte here:

https://www.stevenlamorte.com

And find us:

Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and

https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__

Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Final Blood in Them Hills w/ co-directors Kellen Garner & Christopher Sheffield

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 18:38:50 GMT

This is the 3rd and final part of Kellen & Sheff's episode...

Kellen Garner’s journey into the film industry. Starting from when he was a kid and not really getting that it was a job. He realized being in drama and theater, it was a good outlet him and he was in theater in high school and in college and in community theater. Some theater friends got him into a noir indie film.

In that film, he discovered he needed more than just acting, in film, he wanted more autonomy and control of the production. The next opportunity is where he met Sheff, who was hired on as cinematographer and they became fast friends. Mostly bonding over the ineptitude of the director. It was a terrible experience that culminated in an unwatchable movie but they stuck it out to the end. It actually put them off of westerns, it was that bad. They jokingly call the beginning of their friendship a trauma bond because of that movie.

Kellen’s next movie was the exact opposite of that and solidified his love of directing. And now after Blood in Them Hills, their paths have converged and Kellen is directing a western and Sheff is directing a horror.

They also talk about the differences between doing their own films and making films for producers. The freedom they had in Blood in Them Hills and being able to do what they’ve never were able to do before. Plus being able to do it with an amazing cast, that was easy to work with and with their ability to embody the characters so well.

Support indie filmmakers and check out Blood in Them Hills if you haven’t already!

Kellen Garner’s work:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5814459/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Find Christopher Sheffield and his work here:

http://www.christophersheffield.com

And the rest of us:

Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and

https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__

Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

More Blood in Them Hills w/ co directors Kellen Garner & Christopher Sheffield

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 19:48:00 GMT

Part 2

Sheff and Kellen tell us how the production for Blood in Them Hills came together. Making the monster FX work and worrying it wouldn’t. Talking about the random adjustments that were made to make it all look authentic.

Sheff talks inspirations for certain scenes and Kellen explains how the landscape and weather is what makes the movie work. Making hard decisions including cutting a really good scene with Joe (Kellen Garner) but it didn’t necessarily serve the movie in that moment.

We chatted about a potential sequel and Kellen explains what that might look like, the location and how it would be more of a universe than cannibals chasing Joe in the snow.

Everyone get out and see Blood in Them Hills, the release is 2/18/25 and come back here for part 3 in a few days! That’s going to be all about how Kellen got into the film industry and his and Sheff’s earlier and sometimes unfortunate jobs they’ve had together.

Find Christopher Sheffield and his work here:

http://www.christophersheffield.com

Find Kellen Garner and his work here:

https://www.instagram.com/broomhorse?igsh=aXVycDNhY3Y0aTJ0

And the rest of us:

Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and

https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__

Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Blood in Them Hills, Co-Directors Christopher Sheffield & Kellen Garner

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 18:57:36 GMT

Christopher Sheffield is back and this time with co-director and writer, Kellen Garner and they’re here to talk about their new film, Blood in them Hills. This is part 1 and they talk about how they work together, the idea for Blood in them Hills and the often grueling task of getting the film made.

From the first day, it was tough, from grinding through terrible winter weather, to an absent lead and a death of a cast member. It took years to complete this project for so many reasons, but these guys are professionals, and you can’t see any of that struggle on screen, somehow it all came together.

This episode is a behind the scenes chat and a play by play of the effort that went into this film, the challenges and how Sheff and Kellen overcame them all.

If you like Westerns or Horrors, check out Blood in Them Hills, out on 2/18/2025. Also, check out Bite the Dust (formerly Bite the Ground) it was also directed by Christopher Sheffield and Kellen plays a hired gūn in this one!

Stay tuned for part 2!

Find Christopher Sheffield and his work here:

http://www.christophersheffield.com

Find Kellen Garner and his work here:

https://www.instagram.com/broomhorse?igsh=aXVycDNhY3Y0aTJ0

And the rest of us:

Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and

https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__

Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Elliott Lester, Director of The Thicket

Sun, 09 Feb 2025 22:35:05 GMT

Elliott Lester got his start making music videos for everyone from Jessica Simpson and Selena Gomez to Alicia Keys and Method Man. He got his start as a filmmaker with funding from an unusual source. But then the big break came when he was offered a movie called Blitz, starring Jason Statham and Paddy Considine, it's about a serial k!ller who hunts cops.Later, after his divorce, Elliott was offered a script for the movie, Nightingale, starring David Oyelowo and he could not get the funding, everyone turned him down. But he did have another interesting source to fund the film. Once the movie is done, Elliott, once again, hit a wall and couldn’t get the film into any film festivals.But with the help of Brad Pitt and his company Plan B, the film’s trajectory made a complete 180. The film went on to win awards and nominations (Golden Globes, Emmys) and David Oyelowo, the star, earned a Best Actor win at the Critic’s Choice Awards. And Nightingale was picked up by HBO.Mr. Lester also talks about the difficulty of working in television and one of his films called Sleepwalker (2017). Then one day he gets a phone call from Darren Aronofsky, wanting to know if Elliott would like to direct a drama, Aftermath, with Arnold Schwarzenegger and so he goes to a meeting with Arnold.You have to hear about that and the story of how he got the script for The Thicket, the meeting with Peter Dinklage, you have to hear how Juliette Lewis (who goes on to play, Cutthroat Bill) and James Hetfield (Metallica) came to be in film. Then Tubi came along and the movie is greenlit.The Thicket was a huge hit getting 127 million hours in its first week on Tubi..You’re in for a great and hilarious story! Enjoy!Also, watch Elliott Lester’s movies...Blitz, Sleepwalker, Nightingale, Aftermath and The Thicket.

And find us:

Kimberly at ⁠http://www.macabreish.com⁠ and IG @macabre_ish. ⁠https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish⁠

Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and

https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__

Filmmaker Paul Andrew Williams, Director of The Cottage & Bull

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 17:25:00 GMT

Paul Andrew Williams got his start in acting having landed a place in a prestigious drama school in London at age 18. But he became disenchanted, was side tracked and returned home to start over. But he returned to London to make a short film and music videos, little by little each small project brought in more money until one of his indie shorts got the attention of Fox Searchlight Director’s Lab where he created, It’s Ok To Drink Whiskey and it premiered in the Sundance Film Festival.

After a stint in LA, Paul returned home and the entire time he was trying to get The Cottage made but it kept stalling. In the mean time he was offered the Wild Things 3 but severe anxiety attacks forced him to quit.

But then he wrote a script called London to Brighton from that Friday to Monday, then got the funding (£60,000) to make it and the gritty thriller ended up being a success! Paul decided to finally make his horror comedy. The Cottage. While it was well received at festivals, the critics back home didn’t get it.

While his first feature, a gritty thriller, London to Brighton, was a critically acclaimed hit that made him an indie darling, this horror comedy, cost him and changed the trajectory of his career. First, was a rating system choice because of one word and had the word been removed, Paul believes it would have a different outcome. It was a big lesson to learn.

The next movie was like starting over. It was another low budget indie thriller, Cherry Tree Lane which was better received.

Paul changed direction again to TV and making dramas then he created Bull. And if you are a fan of the film The Children, that was based on a script he wrote and sold.

Paul Andrew Williams is one of my favorite filmmakers and one of my favorite comedies is apparently his worst feature, The Cottage! Check out his other work if you haven’t already, London to Brighton, which put him on the map. Watch the more recent Bull and Cherry Tree Lane! Watch everything and support indie films.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Find Paul Andrew Williams’ filmography here:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1440314/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

And find us:

Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and

https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__

Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Dave McRae, Voice Actor & Director of It's Me, Billy

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 20:07:18 GMT

[Before the show starts Chris, Carlos and I have have such interesting conversations and on this day before Dave shows up we were talking about Terrifier, Damien Leone and the impact of physical FX artists who become filmmakers. And Carlos talks about his personal experience with physical fx in his zombie film, Duck & Cover.]

Dave McRae arrives and we discovered that he and Chris knew each other in another life! He shares his stories of going to film school and decided he wanted to be an actor and moved closer to Toronto for opportunity. He got a part time job at a video store and after a road hockey incident that cost him his smile, he had to put on camera acting on hold. Then he shifted focus to voice acting and as of 2024 he has 24 years in the entertainment industry. Much of which has been in voice over work. By 2006, Dave was a full time actor.

Later, he returned to his first love, filmmaking. And that started on his youtube channel. In 2019, at the age of 40 he decided to make a go at directing, finally. So he waded in and with his connections and (specifically his life long friend, Bruce Dale) decided to make a Black Christmas fan film, a reimagining of Black Christmas. After having a successful indiegogo launch and raising 60,000 CAD, It’s Me, Billy Chapter 1, came to be.

Dave talks about the differences in fan film quality and why. Part two of his, It’s Me, Billy Chapter 2, out earned chapter 1 by over 80,000 CAD with Olivia Hussey attached, plus the original Claire (Lynne Griffin) (remember the girl with the bag on her head in Black Christmas!!) and is playing Claire’s sister.

But just as the production of It’s Me, Billy Chapter 2 was under way, the Writer’s and SAG strikes happened and they were delayed 3 months awaiting approval. Unfortunately, a bigger nightmare happened when Olivia Hussey fell ill and she had to bow out, this happened 13 days before shooting. And Dave & Co had to scrambled to do press releases and inform contributors of the crowdfund, knowing that issuing refunds was a real possibility.

Dave also plays Freddy in another film, Dylan’s New Nightmare, in 2019, the 25th anniversary of A Nightmare on Elm St. And he talks about a potential supernatural, philosophical feature in his future that he’s been thinking about since college, based on a true story, his story. We hear the script is done so we’ll find out if Port Robinson Road comes to be!

This year is the 50th anniversary of Black Christmas on October 11th and that is the release date of It’s Me, Billy Chapter 2. Put it on your calendars!! And of course, watch It’s Me, Billy Chapter 1, first!

Buy the physical media, support indie filmmakers!!

Find Dave McRae here:

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC7_zQE4NTwspg2lwSRBjVWw

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2247687/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

https://www.instagram.com/davemcrae79/profilecard/?igsh=MTF5Y2Rqemt2bmc0ag==

And the rest of us:

Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and

https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Christopher Thompson on IG @theauthor__

Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and Threads, IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

John Isberg, Director of Final Summer

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:00:00 GMT

This is part 2 of John Isberg’s interview. He goes more in depth about his story and possible future project ideas.

He started as an intern grip in 2014, five years later he’s working on friends music videos and five years from then he made his first feature, Final Summer. He talks about the money being in commercial work but the passion projects are a different matter.

John and Carlos talk about learning as they go because neither went to film school. He talks workshopping with other videographers on an mba program. He has extensive work history as a cinematographer in films such as Black Mold (directed by John Pata), Haunted House of Pancakes and of course Final Summer.

John talks about the specifics of Final Summer and what he hopes the audience feels and what it and the characters means to him. It’s not just a slasher, it represents mental health and an abusive past, this story is personal. He describes it as a crime scene in process. He focussed on having a mixed cast and the sometimes, heavy meanings behind the scenes and characters.

There are plans for a sequel in the future and possibly more, John talks about his plan for potential future Final sequels and it sounds great! I hope he can pull it off!!

Get ready for a physical release of Final Summer in the Fall of 2024! There’s talk of a 3D addition in the release. Keep an eye out!!

If you missed part 1 it is the podcast just before this one. Thanks for listening!!

Find John Isberg here:

https://www.instagram.com/finalsummermovie?igsh=bjMzNmlha21lNnI5

https://www.instagram.com/swedefilmscu?igsh=MTlhZXN4MXpxODB4Yw==

His work:

https://m.imdb.com/name/nm6533367/

And find us:

Carlos Ibarra on IG @jekyl6669 and

https://www.fillintheblanksproductions.ca/

Kimberly at http://www.macabreish.com and IG and Tiktok @macabre_ish. https://linktr.ee/macabre_ish

Macabre...ish Cults, Classics & Horrors (Trailer)

Sat, 08 Aug 2020 03:02:59 GMT

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