I’m off to a video shoot for a few days, so I thought I would get a quick update up before I fly to the location. There will be a bigger update once I get back.

There are several independent movies and DVDs that I will be reviewing starting this September. Remember that this site is about more than independent horror and science fiction films. I will also be reviewing an idependently done western as well as some great documentaries. Stay tuned.

The trailer for “The Adventures of Louanna Lee” has been posted on Youtube. It stars Louanna Lee, George Stover, Leanna Chamish, and Victoria Lynn. The DVD of this pilot episode will be coming soon and will be loaded with extras. The first show has Wayne Shipley, Robert Long II, and Les Bradley as guest stars. Produced by Lee Doll, directed by Matt Berry. You can watch the trailer HERE.

And don’t forget to enter our “Scary Silver Screens Clown Contest!” Winners will be announced September 25th. Details can be found HERE.

Long story short: there was a preference turned on that should NOT have been turned on – which basically made this site invisible to the web! It is a very strange feeling to be both completely relieved and totally ticked off at the same time when I found this out. So without further ado, welcome back to the site and have fun getting to know it again!

INTERVIEWS!

Stunt Performer Mark Bedell: Part One of a fantastic interview with professional stunt performer Mark Bedell is now up. He talks about his career as well as the DOs and the DON’Ts of stunts – regardless of what the budget of the movie is. Make sure to follow the updates for this in-depth interview.

Filmmaker Ted A. Bohus: Independent Filmmaker Ted A. Bohus has done several movie productions. In his expansive career behind the camera, he has had to deal with his fair share of distribution hell in order to get his films released. Here at Smash or Trash, Bohus has kindly let us into some of his insights on film distribution; things to prepare yourself for and things to watch out for. His sage advice can save the indie filmmaker a lot of heartache and give them a better chance at a successful release of their project. The interview can be found HERE.

Actress Leanna Chamish: Actress and Scream Queen Leanna Chamish gets interviewed about her illustrious career. Check out part one of the amazing in-depth article!

Filmmaker Don Dohler: Producer/Director Don Dohler’s 2005 interview is now up in the interview section of the site. Don had been a mentor to several people in the motion picture industry, and was an inspirational person to many, including myself. There will be more photos added to this interview as time allows. The link to the interview can be found here.

Filmmaker Donald F. Glut: My very first interview is up with legendary director Donald Glut. This gentleman inspired John Carpenter and also worked with George Lucas. This interview was so in-depth that I had to make a three-parter out of it. It makes for fascinating reading in the realm of low-budget movie-making.

Filmmaker Kevin Kangas: An interview with director/screenwriter Kevin Kangas has been posted. He goes into detail about his first two movies – HUNTING HUMANS and FEAR OF CLOWNS. An excellent read complete with photos so check it out!

Actress Lauren Pellegrino: A great in-depth interview that collaborator Leanna Chamish did with the talented actress/musician Lauren Pellegrino back in 2005 for my book. Among many national commercials and indie films, she is probably best known – acting wise – for her large supporting role in Kangas Kahn Films’ 2004 hit FEAR OF CLOWNS. This talented performer gives real insights on what she does to prepare and successfully land roles in top notch indie productions. To go to her interview click on the animated banner.

Filmmaker Edward L. Plumb: The charismatic Hollywood Producer Edward L. Plumb shares his secrets of how to produce an affordable independent movie – with big stars – in tinseltown! Click here for the first part of his interview.

Actress Jacky Reres: Smash or Trash contributor Leanna Chamish interviews the beautiful, talented star of the “Fear of Clowns” movie franchise about her career. If you are an aspiring actor or actress, you will want to pay close attention to her words of wisdom. You can get to it by clicking here.

Actor Daniel Ross: Leanna Chamish does a two part interview with actor Daniel Ross about his long and successful career (and this guy is still under 30!). Ross talks about how he broke into the business, what it takes to be a successful actor, and the prep work he does to get into character. Ross also discusses appearing in such movies as CRAWLER, MRS. AMSWORTH, VAMPIRE SISTERS, NINJAS VS ZOMBIES, and LADDER 49. He is also the voice of Starscream on the Transformers video game!!!! To check out part one of this superb interview click HERE.

Actor George Stover: Star of the small and large screen – veteran character actor George Stover – granted Smash or Trash an interview and we are happy to post in now complete with pics. Stover has appeared in countless movies (including ones for John Waters and Don Dohler), and gives a look into what it takes to become a successful actor. His interview can be found HERE.

Filmmaker Dan Zachary: The interview I did with Filmmaker Dan Zachary of Moviehouse Pictures. He goes into detail on some of the behind-the-scenes info, struggles, and antics he ran into when getting his indie slasher DARKEST HOUR off the ground and finished. He also gives the reader a glimpse into what is coming up next with his company. To check out the cool interview and photos go HERE.

Can it be? Has Robert gotten off of his butt and done another update? Yes it is! So what has been keeping me from the normal updates? The economy of course. Besides the day job I still have (thank God) I have been taking a lot of freelance work to supplement the ol’ income. CD, DVD, and book cover design have kept me plenty occupied, plus I worked on a music video and a proposed television series/feature titled “The Adventures of Louanna Lee.” I worked in front of the camera as well as behind the scenes on this Nancy Drew-like show. If I do say so myself, I make a pretty good bad guy! See the image below:

Also, I have a review up for Shockmarathons’ MONSTERS, MARRIAGE AND MURDER IN MANCHVEGAS (2009). This is by the same people that gave you FREAKY FARLEY (2007) and has to do with a group of twenty-somethings and the crazy, kooky encounters they run into trying to track down a local serial killer. Take one part Three Investigators, mix it with Pee Wee Herman, and add a dash a slasher film and you have this film. Click on the DVD cover below to read my review!

The Horror/Comedy SWARM OF THE SNAKEHEAD (starring Frank Lama) gets reviewed in the At The Movies department. Check it out now!

I have posted a new movie review in the AT THE MOVIES link. It is for Vince Corkadel’s anthology of horror and mystery entitled DUST AND DEATH. Check out my thoughts about it here. Also, in the DVD Store, I have listed 14 independent movies at this point. More interviews and how-to articles to come as I have time.

Well, another week, another few things up. My overview of the movie “Terror in the Pharaoh’s Tomb can be found here: http://smashortrashindiefilmmaking.com/?page_id=124 Also I have listed a few more links in the links section as well as a few more DVDs in the DVD Store section. Hope to have some more meatier stuff up soon!

I don’t want to have people come to a bare-bones site, so little by little I am adding more to it. As of today, I have put a brief introduction into the About This Site section, as well as thanking those that have been a tremendous help: Actress Leanna Chamish, Producer Don Dohler, Director Don Glüt, Director Kevin Kangas, Visual Effects Artist Mitch Klein, Producer Edward L. Plumb, and Director Joe Ripple. Also there you will find a damn fine photo of model Alexandra Lind, who poses as a teacher’s aid in the how-to section.

I have also posted a brief dedication to Don Dohler in the site dedication area. Leanna Chamish will be posting more on that within the week.

In the At The Movies section, we have two reviews. The newest one is over Ryan Nicholson’s (of LIVE FEED fame) horror movie GUTTERBALLS, that stars Candice Lewald and Dan Ellis. The second is on Director Kevin Kangas’ (HUNTING HUMANS) horror flick FEAR OF CLOWNS, Starring Rick Ganz, Jacky Reres, Mark Lassise, and Frank Lama.

Also, in the interviews section, the three-parter with the legendary Donald F. Glüt is posted, and is a humorous, fascinating look at Tinseltown independent movie making.

Hopefully the How-To articles, Links, and other interviews will be making their way here in a couple weeks. It’s a lot of work but a lot of fun. Keep checking in often, as there is always something new here.