Thanks to all those that came out April 3^rd, 2010 for the SEALED FATES World Premiere. Some participants traveled as far as Indiana, Virginia, and parts of Pennsylvania to be there, and it was appreciated. Overall it turned out incredible, and was well attended. Filmmakers such as Kevin Kangas (Fear of Clowns), Lee Doll (Adventures of Louanna Lee), Chris LaMartina (President’s Day) and Jimmy George (Book of Lore) were there, plus East Coast celebrity Dick Dyszel (Count Gore De Vol, Captain 20, Bozo the Clown).

Producer/director Joe Ripple got up on the stage to say a few words, thanking everyone for coming out to the event. He then showed four trailers of movies done by local production companies. Before the start of the main attraction, Joe gathered the crew up on the stage to be introduced and to get a well-deserved round of applause. He also had the event videotaped for musician Ronnie Doyle, the composer of SEALED FATES. He is based in Ireland and could not make the event. A shame really, as his score added a tremendous amount of impact to the movie.

The premiere itself was held at the Carroll Arts Center in Westminster, MD; a beautiful facility. My one regret in the evening is that the playback system was not what it could have been. It played the trailers, the movie, and the behind-the-scenes footage too dark on the theater screen, and I felt the sound was too hot. This did hurt the enjoyment value of the movie some, and I hope when people get to see it on DVD, they will be seeing it as it truly is – with good lighting, sound, color and contrast.

All three stories (Brick By Brick, Collections, Man’s Best Friend) had terrific acting across the board; probably the strongest cast that Timewarp Films has had to date – and also one of the largest casts as well. It was unfortunate that Tom Tansey (Man’s Best Friend) could not be there for the event; he is a full time actor and was doing a stage play. I let him know in an email how well-received his performance was!

It was a wonderful experience to have people come up to me after the screening to tell me they enjoyed the movie and “Man’s Best Friend.” I was introduced on the stage as the person that “wrote” that story, but I want to clarify that the lion’s share of kudos should go to screenwriter Mitch Klein, who wrote a knockout screenplay from it. Without him – as well as the talented cast and hard-working crew – it would not have turned out anywhere near as good. My humble thanks go out to Mitch for bringing flesh and bone to the story.

We only got to see a snippet of documentarian Leanna Chamish’ behind the scenes featurette, but I cannot wait to watch it in its entirety! I feel she does some of the best featurettes out there in the indie market. As Timewarp Films lost filmmaker Don Dohler to cancer four years ago, she has done it to be a sort of “passing of the torch” documentary with a little history on Don, and then diving into the first day of production with Joe Ripple at the helm. It looks incredible! I have no idea when the movie will be coming to DVD, but I hope it is soon. That making of will just be another jewel in the crown that makes up this movie.

I was not able to take many photos that night – so if anybody reading this did, and can forward them to me – I would be grateful. If I post any on my site, I will give you full credit.

BRICK BY BRICK written by Mitch Klein. “The Campbells got their dream house for a bargain, but the secret it holds may cost them their lives!” Stars Helemary Ball, Les Bradley, Leanna Chamish, Frederick Cowie, Karin Crighton, David Deal, Nina Ely, Danielle Fluker, Brian Greenwell, Alfred Guy, Joe Ripple, and Daisy Gibbs.

COLLECTIONS written by Joe Ripple. “Three men are trapped in an elevator – and that is the least of their worries…” Stars Phil Amico, Ron Clark, Brian Dragonuk, Andrew C. Ely, Sean A. Harrison, Mitch Klein, Tim Kolberg, Chris LaMartina, Charles Roe, Mike Roden, Gary Sugai, and Ryan Thomas.

MAN’S BEST FRIEND written by Mitch Klein and Robert Long II. “A shunned, private man and his canine spend an evening filled with terror.” Stars Mia Chiarella, Monique Curtis, Kelly Klein, Marcea Pierson, Tom Tansey, and Aylor Wells.

I hope you all enjoyed the premiere. I certainly did!

ENDLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT, in association with Digitalshoe and ADFStudios is pleased to announce OPEN CALL AUDITIONS for the upcoming independent feature, “NINJAS VS VAMPIRES”. Principal photography will take place mostly weekends this summer, starting tentatively in May, 2010. Callbacks will be assigned as necessary. Previous cast members of NVZ are welcome to audition as well!

SATURDAY MARCH 27, 2pm – 6pm & SUNDAY MARCH 28 1pm-5pm
The Cramer Center in Manassas, Va.
9008 Center St.
Manassas, VA 20110
http://cramercenter.com
(Please park in the public lots across the building only)

Auditions will be cold readings from the script. Please bring Headshot/Resume!

Casting for the following roles:

AARON- (Male 18-25): Meek and Unsure, good comedic timing, devoted to Alex, undergoes a “Jedi-like” transformation. Stage Combat experience or martial arts skills are a plus.

ALEX- (Female 18-25): Girl next door, attractive in a nerdy/dorky sort of way, must have good comedic timing.

LORNA- (Female 20-35): Very sexy, dark humored, confident and deadly. Stage Combat experience or martial arts skills are a plus.

SETH- (Either sex. any age, the main Villain): This role will be molded to fit the actor who can bring a regal, dark, and powerful presence. Stage combat experience or martial arts skills are a plus

ALSO SEEKING:
Stunt performers, Martial Artists, Actors with unique physical characteristics, Dancers, Musicians, Crew members, Photographers, Graphic Artists, Web Designers.

If you think you can play a vampire, if you have Martial arts skills, if you move well, or if you have technical or artistic skills you think you can bring to the mix we’d love to hear from you.

For any questions, please email auditions@ninjasvsvampires.com.

For any additional information, please visit us at www.NinjasVsVampires.com

Synopsis:

A sequel to 2008’s award winning “NINJAS VS ZOMBIES”, this new action-horror-comedy promises bigger chills, bigger laughs, and bigger opportunities for a few good actors. “Ninjas Vs Zombies” was featured in several film festivals, screened at multiple venues, has enjoyed international attention, and is currently under contract with well-known Domestic and International Sales agents in Los Angeles.

To see how it all began in the ORIGINAL “Ninjas Vs Zombies”, please visit www.NVZMovie.com.

Congratulations go out to Alfred Guy of Maryland and Hugh Robertson of Virginia. Seventy -three people entered and their names were pulled! Each of these winners won a copy of a Don Glut movie. Don Glut is a legendary low-budget independent filmmaker who has inspired such people as director John Carpenter.  Thanks to Frontline Entertainment for supplying the two sexy monster movies for the giveaway. Congrats again!

READY FOR A GOOD SCARE?

SEALED FATES Premiere and Party!

Date: April 3rd, 2010

Time: 7:00PM to 11:00PM

Location: 91 West Main Street, Westminster, MD

Tickets: $10

Concessions and Cash Bar Available – no one under 17 permitted without adult supervision.

Produced and directed by Joe Ripple of Timewarp Films. Starring Phil Amico, Les Bradley, Mia Chiarella, Frederick Cowie, Karin Crighton, Helenmary Ball, Brian Dragonuck, Leanna Chamish, David Deal, Andrew C. Ely, Nina Ely, Danielle Fluker, Daisy Gibbs, Brian Greenwell, Alfred Guy, Tom Kolberg, Chris LaMartina, Erin Riley, Joe Ripple, Tom Tansey, Ryan Thomas, and Aylor Wells.

A great anthology of claustrophobic horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Produced by Timewarp Films, “Brick By Brick,” “Collections,” and “Man’s Best Friend” will leave you gasping for breath! Come out that evening and help support East Coast independent films. Guaranteed a good time! Click on the poster above to watch the cool teaser trailer.

Today marks the 2nd anniversary of Smash or Trash! It has been a fun run so far.  Some changes are in the works – all of them positive! I’m very pleased with the traffic the site is getting. Special thanks go to my good friends and collaborators Mitch Klein and Leanna Chamish. Also I could not have done this without those who have contributed their reviews, interviews, and how-tos. I hope you like what you have seen so far, there is much more to come. Take a moment to look over what has been accomplished in the last 24 months!

Robert Long II

Founder of Smash or Trash Independent Film-making

From the creator of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (Joel Hodgson) and the original cast of the show comes Cinematic Titanic’s take on Don Dohler’s THE ALIEN FACTOR. My thanks to Greg Dohler, John Kinhart, David Ellis and George Stover for bringing this to my attention. Click on the image above to watch the 1st five minutes. To get on the mailing list drop them an email at emailcub@cinematictitanic.com. This DVD will be released soon so get ready to order yours!

Director Erik Kristopher Myers brings you another great installment of Ethan Meyer’s LUCK OF THE DRAW. This series is an incredibly in-depth look into the triumphs and heartaches of producing the independent movie ROULETTE. The latest installment can be found HERE, and the newly remastered trailer can be found HERE. Plus, the re-shoots for the movie are winding down. Do you have the desire to be an extra for their March 3rd evening shoot? It will be held in Columbia, MD. For more information on how you can appear in the movie, go to their facebook page HERE. Personally folks – I think this trailer kicks major butt’ if the movie can live up to the glimpse we see here, these people have one HELL of a movie on their hands!

Coming April 20th, 2010 from Brink DVD is EVERY OTHER DAY IS HALLOWEEN, the documentary on the career of Dick Dyszel (Count Gore De Vol, Bozo the Clown, Captain 20). This award-winning feature is jam-packed with incredible extras. Pre order yours today HERE.

So when is the next giveaway? Right now dang it! Donald F. Glüt of Frontline Entertainment has donated these two sexy and sizzlin’ monster movies for your viewing pleasure!  Don is a tremendous guy and an independent filmmaking legend. If you like your creature features to be fun, hot, and campy then look no further! Both come loaded with DVD extras! You know the drill by now folks; email me your name and address and I will put you in for the drawing on March 7th.  One winner per title. Yes, those that win the prizes will need to pay $2.00 S&H (US) or $6.00 S&H (Foreign). Due to the nature of these productions you must be 18 or over to enter the drawing!

So, have I ever known the joy and pain of directing a film? Yes I have! In the early to mid 1980s I directed a couple of slasher flicks.  With the help of Erik Kristopher Myers and Brian Andress, a newly minted trailer for my 1984 film AS DARKNESS SETS IN is now up on youtube. This labor of love starred Tami S Marshall, Anthony Chilla, Ann Ehlers, Michael Gerischer, Tim Reed, Kelly Clark, David Bretag, Cliff McFerren, Scott Naumann, and myself.  Thanks to Erik and Brian, the trailer turned out incredible (Erik did the VO for the trailer – he’s awesome – hire this guy for your movies!) and there is now talk between myself and these gentlemen about refurbishing the film and eventually getting it released to DVD. Want to see the trailer on the big screen? It will be one of many played at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore on March 1st! Leave a comment on Youtube – always welcoming feedback!

Finally, today all principle photography was wrapped on the 2nd episode of the ADVENTURES OF LOUANNA LEE. I have seen the rough cut and it is fantastic! There is also a music video we shot with the talented Louanna Lee that had a whole team of professional dancers working with her! For more information on this indie adventure show, you can go HERE.

Remember that independent filmmakers are working hard to bring you unique, quality entertainment that isn’t the same old stuff seen at your local cinema megaplex. Support these creative people – we all really appreciate it.

Independent filmmaker Wayne Shipley (One-Eyed Horse) talks to the guys over at Film Snobbery.com about the challenges he faced doing a Western drama on a modest budget. It makes for a great listen and has a lot of good advice for those that make indie movies. Tune it in HERE.

Independent Filmmaker Kevin Kangas (Hunting Humans, Fear of Clowns, Bounty) goes on record on his site as to just how important it is to have the proper one sheet poster art and publicity stills in order to successfully sell your movies to distributors. Valuable nuggests of wisdom in his article so don’t miss it! You can find it HERE.

February 6th marks a birthday for indie filmmaker Ted A. Bohus. Ted is a prolific filmmaker and editor and is probably best known for his cult classic THE DEADLY SPAWN. He also gave Smash or Trash some great insights into the hells of movie distribution. Make sure you read it!
      Smash or Trash now has a fan page on facebook!  Click HERE to become a fan and to check out what is new! Remember when I said I have some new articles going up soon? Well, I am right in the middle of doing them. Here is a sneak peek at the two soon to go up! The first is an article on blue screening and green screening:

Next is a two part article on how to safely light a Scream Queen on fire!  Joseph McClurkin was the special effects artist on the movie DEAD HUNT, and he and I will be showing the readers step-by-step how one of the most horrendous death scenes was done for the movie. Both of these articles will be posted in the very near future!

It’s giveaway time again! Hollywood producer Edward L. Plumb of Irena Belle Films has donated a Dexter Bobble-Head, based on the lead character of the popular television series.  The rules for entering are simple: Send us an email with your name and address and it will be printed out and put into the big giveaway jar for the drawing. The actual drawing will take place on February 13th for this item. And yes, just like the last giveaway I will have to charge the minimum for shipping this item: $3.00 for US, and $7.00 for anywhere else in the world. This will be through my paypal account. It’s unfortunate that I cannot do the postage but times are really lean right now. Make sure you check out our great sponsor’s movies by clicking on the banner below!

Are you on Facebook? Well, Smash or Trash WILL be getting a page up there soon. In the meantime, Four-Fingered Films LLC wants to hear from you! They have their general information page HERE, Their movie Roulette HERE, and their other production The Devil’s Playthings HERE. Check them out and give them a holler!

The anniversary of the site is just around the corner and we are closing in on 8,000 hits! Not bad for having been up just short of two years. I’ve tried to keep this as a non-profit site but may have to go to using banner ads to keep it up and running, if you like the site and want to donate a dollar or two to keep it going strong, please press the Paypal donation button on the left – it will be appreciated! Thanks for all your support.

The About This Site section has been filled in more detail, and you can check that out by  clicking HERE. Coming up in February I have an article on affordable green-screening coming up, as well as some new interviews. Stay tuned…

I’m currently talking to filmmaker Erik Kristopher Myers of Four-Fingered Films, LLC recently about  cutting a retro 80s trailer for my cult slasher movie AS DARKNESS SETS IN. It is a typical whodunit slasher from that era that starred Tami S. Marshall, Anthony Chilla, Ann Ehlers, David Bretag, Kelly Clark, Tim Reed, Michael Gerischer, and Cliff McFerren. It was seen by 1,000s of people at various conventions, and I have hopes of eventually releasing it on DVD.

This Wednesday we wish a very happy 64th birthday to our friend and mentor filmmaker Don Dohler. There are a couple of great fan pages dedicated to him on Facebook. Don, thanks for being a fantastic inspiration. We love and miss you.

Next, principle photography on ADVENTURES OF LOUANNA LEE episode 2 has wrapped and is now in post production. Special guest stars of this episode include comedic actor Will Haza and horror host Count Gore De Vol. To order Louanna’s mystery DVDs and her upcoming Rock CD, click HERE.

Correspondent Leanna Chamish informs me that a brand new review of EVERY OTHER DAY IS HALLOWEEN (the life and career documentary of horror host celebrity Dick Dyszel) is up over at Horrortalk.com. The review is by Steve Pattee and includes screencaps. Find out more HERE.

Speaking of reviews I have a NEW review for the site. This month I take a look at filmmaker Pat Taggart’s indie romantic comedy 99 PERCENT SURE. To get the lowdown on this film and my thoughts on it click HERE.

And to top things off, producer/director Kevin Kangas’ sequel  to his smash hit FEAR OF CLOWNS is now available for download or streaming through Amazon.com. This action-packed gore-fest stars Jacky Reres, Frank Lama, Johnny Alonso, and Mark Lassise as Shivers the Clown. Click HERE to get it!