BadRonald Celebrates Women in Horror Month -- Haunted Anna!

Women Girls in Horror Month Celebrates

HAUNTED ANNA: Awesome Teenage Ghost Buster!

Capture from: Girl Possessed by Ghost - Haunted Anna #20

While we’re celebrating Women in Horror Month, let’s not forget the girls of horror. As a fan of horror, and a great supporter of women behind the cameras, I’ve been in awe of the major talents that have burst onto the horror scene. The Soska Twins had a huge indie horror hit with American Mary, and are now directing the hotly anticipated See No Evil 2. Female directors made a big splash at Sundance this year, capturing major awards, including Best Director, won by Ava Duvernay. This win notes the first time a Black woman has won for best directing. Also creating buzz was Ana Lily Amirpour, who directed A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night, the first “Iranian vampire western.”

I’d always heard those stories of filmmakers, like Spielberg or Robert Rodriguez, who started making movies in their backyards, as little kids. It’s a nice change to learn that Amirpour had been making movies since she was 12 years old, her first being a horror flick she filmed during a sleepover.

I’ve shared some interviews with girl filmmakers on this blog before, including Emily Hagins, the now 21 year old director, who has made four feature length films (yes, feature length!) since she was 12 years old. Also, I’ve featured a couple chats with PaigeMcKenzie, better known as Sunshine Girl, from the popular YouTube show, The Haunting of Sunshine Girl. McKenzie has been very active in developing her own show, plus a couple movies featuring her Sunshine character, and a stash of other programs which she hosts on her very own YouTube channel, The Haunting of Sunshine Girl Network.

And this is where we found another in the blossoming crop of girl filmmakers – Anna Bishop, otherwise known as Haunted Anna (she’s also known as AJ Bishop, a singer – but more on that later). Haunted Anna is another of the teenage video bloggers, like Sunshine Girl, who have discovered their inner-Scooby Doo, after finding strange goings on in their homes. Anna is the youngest of the teen ghost hunters featured on THOSGN, starting her show when she was just 13 (however, she had been making films, like Ana Lily Amirpour, since she was younger).

BadRonald: How did you come upon the idea/concept for the Haunted Anna videos?  Were they inspired by anything in your life?

Anna: My idea for the Haunted Anna series came from my love of a good mystery, and psychological thrillers. I have been doing short horror videos for years, but never a series with clues and surprises and unexpected twists.  This was an opportunity to expand on something I already loved to do.

Your videos are shown on the Haunting of Sunshine Girl’s YouTube channel.  How did you guys hook up?

I replied to a request from The Haunted Sunshine Network for a story idea and sent a sample of my work. Then I talked out the premise with the Director Nick Hagen and Sunshine and her mom and we agreed on the direction and storyline. 

Capture from: Girl Pulled Off Bed by Ghost - Anna Haunting #13

Are you a spooky movie fan?

I am a HUGE horror movie fan - but not slasher horror – (I like) psychological thrillers.  I love old classics from Alfred Hitchcock (Psycho, The Birds, Rear Window).  I am a big fan of The Shining. Great example of a thriller with very interesting characters (Jack Nicholson is brilliant) and the anticipation of what might happen just leaves you exhausted! So many moments in that movie: 'REDRUM' and 'Here's Johnny' and the sound of 'Danny' on his big wheel riding through the lodge on and off the carpet...chilling.  I also really love The Bad Seed, The Others, The Conjuring, The Exorcist, and I just watched Bruce Willis in The Sixth Sense.  I watched it twice in a row actually.  What a clever movie - the ending shocked me. 

Speaking of The Bad Seed, I see that you did a stage production of The Bad Seed, playing the lead character.  Absolutely one of my all time favorite movies! How was that experience?

Who's the wickedest of them all?

I had never seen The Bad Seed, so before I auditioned for it I watched the original 1956 movie.  What a twisted story!  The main character, young Rhoda Penmark, is a psychopath.  She is very smart and very cold and calculating and manipulative and deliciously evil.  She is willing to kill for what she wants.  And, she has absolutely no remorse.  The movie was nominated for 4 academy awards, it is truly a classic must see.  I was THRILLED to play this role. This role was the highlight of my theater roles to date. I even dyed my hair platinum blond and cut bangs for this role.  I was really into it.  Interestingly, the staged play is VERY different from the movie at the end.  It's even darker and more sinister.  Apparently the filmmakers had to follow the motion picture association 'Hayes Code' that censored movies from 1930-1968, and the staged play ending was not approved.  You must read the play to see the full impact of The Bad Seed!! I don't want to give away the ending!

The Bad Seed

From what I’ve seen, on your music videos, and from your tweets and posts, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that you’re a pretty nice, sweet person – right?  How did you manage to get in the head of Rhoda?  She’s such a terrible little girl!

The role of Rhoda Penmark WAS totally out of character for me...but I love being an actress! So this was a great and rewarding challenge for me.  I did a lot of research on psychopaths before the production to prepare.  I learned that psychopathy is a disorder people are born with, and it is often hereditary. They are bold and fearless risk-seekers and they do not understand social norms. With this knowledge I was able to slip into Rhoda's head before the show, and shake her off afterwards.  You don't want to take any of that behavior home from the theater.  I must say my mom accused me of some Rhoda-like behavior during the run of the show.  I might have been trying out some of her manipulative tactics.  But that's the thing with

Capture from: Ghost Doll Spotted in Basement - Haunted Anna #15

performing.  To be convincing you have to fall into your character completely and then let her go. Otherwise you would be a bit unbalanced!

Was it difficult to play bad?

Playing a bad character is really quite fun!!

Now, you’re also an accomplished singer, as well as an actor.  Is there a preference between the two?

That's a tough question.  I love both singing and acting.  I think that's why I started in musical theater.  I know some people are not fans of musical theater and don't like characters breaking into song.  Some theater folks don't consider musicals 'real' theater.  But I like a great musical and a great dramatic performance and a great concert.  It's all entertaining.  And, I think really great singers are also great performers.  You have to believe the lyrics, and that takes a good performance as well as a good song.  So I think I would say I can't decide what I prefer!!

Looking for Ghosts

In the Haunted Anna videos – I enjoy the contrast between your videos and Sunshine’s.  Paige has a very quirky personality and the supporting characters all give her storylines a very Scooby Doo like quality. Sunshine’s storyline starts off as a personal vlog, and then snowballs into some pretty high adventure! Your videos, on the other hand, are pretty much just you (with your mom sometimes making an appearance), and your persona is this “real” girl who is looking for an explanation to the weirdness that is going on around her.  Buuut, things are starting to evolve into some real creepy creepiness. Like black eyed weird creepiness.  What’s it all leading up to? (no spoilers, of course!) Thanks - I was hoping for a real 'girl next door' feeling to the Haunted Anna videos.  Yes things were getting really creepy with Antonina and the mystery of her death...and now… what's next?  I'm not sure.  You will have to stay tuned!!!

Capture from: Ghost Dolls and Orbs; My Dog Sniffs Out a Ghost - Haunted Anna #17

Some of your posts and tweets have mentioned, or hashtagged, things like “girl power”, or have had a teen-centric theme.  You have also done a video on bullying.  Are you driven to put out a positive image for kids and teens?

I am very focused on the impact I might have with young girls and other teens.  I have observed some terrible Middle School bullying and it is really ugly. My video for “This Too Shall Pass” addresses the issue of bullying.  My message is that girls need to support other girls, and you should stay positive and optimistic.  If I have any impact on my peers I want it to be positive and empowering.  I am not a fan of overtly sexy teens and sexy “selfies” and trying to use shock and skin and drug references for attention.

I’ve discussed this same topic with Paige and her mom, as well, about

how today’s teens are portrayed in television and music.  There seems to be an expectation of teen and tweens, in the entertainment industry, that tends to portray them as more mature.  Do you see this? How do you work or deal with these expectations in your career?

Capture from: Ghost in Attic - Anna Haunting #4

It's funny because when you perform a lot, especially with adults, you have to be a bit more mature.  And the entertainment industry definitely makes young girls look really mature.  I'm not a fan of this.  I don't like how rushed everyone is to get through their teens and be more 'mature.'  I want to enjoy being a teen!

It seems as if most TV shows/movies aimed at the younger crowd are about crushing on guys, or “mean girls”, or fashionistas, and even more adult themes.  It’s rare to find a show, like, for instance Bunheads, that seems to portray kids who deal with more typical teen problems. So, it’s good to see portrayals of teens – like with you and Sunshine -- who deal with other things, on their programs, besides the typical love and angst we see everywhere else.  Is this something you considered ahead?  Or just the way you are?

With me you get what you see.  I am a typical normal teen girl.  Unless I am playing a role on stage I try to stay true to myself and my beliefs...it's OK to giggle with girlfriends and paint your nails and play with your little sister.  It's a waste of time to get wrapped up in what's in or out or who is in or out or trying to be someone you are not.

Follow @AnnaJaneBishop on Twitter

From what I’ve seen in your work, you focus on the positive.  Do you, or would you, consider yourself being a role model for other girls and teens?

I would like to think that I would be a good role model for other girls.  I am not perfect, I have ups and downs but try to stay positive, and I am really focused on school (education is #1), family and friends.  It's a good way to be!

You spoke about the other horror shorts you've done.  Are those available to view anywhere?

No, my horror shorts are done with friends, edited at home and not online.  I just do them for fun...but maybe I should start posting them...there are some really great ones!  

What's your process for your show?  Do you come up with an arc for a "season" or develop the storyline with each segment?
My process was a general idea of the storyline for the 'season,' then focusing on each episode moving the story forward...with a little scare in there, or a mystery, or clue, or an unexpected twist.  Sometimes I had an idea for the episode, and sometimes it was a little more impromptu and my mom and I would brainstorm, check out the spaces and angles, and then just film.  Very spontaneous, to keep it fresh and “real.” 

Listen in at ReverbNation

So, tell me more about your singing career?

I started singing, really singing, when I was 8 in a professional musical theater production of The Wizard of Oz.  I caught the performing bug and just kept on going: musical theater, dramatic theater, film work, training in acting, singing (opera/classical, choral and musical theater) and dancing (tap, ballet, contemporary and jazz). Last year I decided to branch out into pop music starting with some cover songs and then doing an original with a local singer songwriter, Brent Rogers (&Kelli Caldwell).  I put up a YouTube channel, a Facebook Page and got on a music site (ReverbNation) and just let it all go out there.  Just recently, Kevin DeClue, an LA based multi-platinum producer, found me. He has teamed up with HollyWood Records, Capital Entertainment, Arista Records etc. I have started to work with him, and I am learning so much! We are working on an original EP (5 songs) to be released in February. Our first song is AMAZING.  It's really exciting!

What music or musicians have you been influenced by?  And who, if dreams ever do come true, would you wanna duet with?

Check out AJ BIshop on YouTube

I like so many musicians, but the common thread is great vocals, melodies and lyrics.  I like older bands like The Beatles.  I love Elton John and really love older jazz singers like Ella Fitzgerald.  But I also listen to more current musicians like Norah Jones (love her sound and style), Wilco (90s),The Decemberists (love them-they are from Portland!!), Kimbra (she is so talented), Ellie Goulding (great layered vocals and lyrics) and Lorde (great lyrics and creative unique sound). I also like classic rock.  My dad plays guitar and we are always singing and listening to classic artists like: Neil Young, The Allman Brothers, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Johnny Cash, Grateful Dead, Fleetwood Mac, etc.   I am not a fan of overly manipulated music, or dance club music.  You know with the recording software anyone can 'sing' these days.  I like authentic voices, and authentic sounds. My new favorite song right now is Indina Menzel singing Let It Go from the movie Frozen!  So my tastes run wide:)!!! This is a total GIRL POWER song too!!

Ella! Elton! Ellie! Johnny Cash -- yes!  Where’d you develop such an eclectic range of music taste?

I am lucky to be surrounded by music. My dad plays guitar (electric, acoustic and banjo) all the time.  He's very into classic rock so we listen to a lot of vocally driven 70s rock. Love Johnny Cash - now that's 50s and 60s - classic songs, and great heart in his music.  I love the At Folsom Prison Album. What passion and grit and raw emotion you hear in that album. Our theme song on the drive to school is Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Free Bird' - haha!!  Thanks dad!!  And my mom brings in musical theater (which she loves, as do I) and the more soft rock melody centered artists from her past like Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel (I actually really like him - his voice and the PIANO - no making fun of him!), James Taylor, Simon and Garfunkle, Phil Collins and Norah Jones to name a few. We are often sitting in the car at the curb finishing listening to a song with my mom whi is singing all the lyrics.  And then we talk about why a certain phrase was so meaningful.  Yesterday we were talking about 'they're sharing a drink they call loneliness, but it's better than drinking alone.' - Billy Joel, Piano Man.  Now

Go LIKE her on FaceBook

obviously I don't drink, but we were talking about how people need other people and they come together (in this case in a bar) to listen to music and 'forget about life for awhile.'  Music can have a huge impact on people.  And I love all the cool images.  True story, last Christmas, at Christmas eve dinner, my dad and I sang a couple songs for the family (we have a huge family) and my 85 year old Grandfather with advanced Parkinsons Disease, who had barely been tracking all night, sat up and started belting out an old irish tune.  The family was stunned.  The music brought him out of his dark place and helped him join in the festivities.  I have never felt so happy.  Now whenever we visit I try to sing to him...anything I'm working on...classical, musical theater, whatever. 

 

That’s an amazing story!  How about in acting?  Who are your influences/idols?  And what actors or directors would you give your left pinky to work with?

In the acting world I am in awe of talented stage actors.  They don't get multiple takes...they are the best performers...in my opinion and they study their craft. Meryl Streep probably stands out as the BEST actress ever.  I also love Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lawrence (she can play so many roles well!). And I'm a new fan of Kristen Bell aka Veronica Mars (she studied musical theater and performed on Broadway BEFORE moving into film!).

I enjoyed your retweet of the Rookie article Kids Won't Listen: "Why I’m sick of articles about teenage girls written by grown-up men."  I had a good chuckle at the title, seeing that I'm a "grown man." But, the article is great, and it makes lots of good points. As a father of two young daughters, I've become very analytical of how young woman and girls are portrayed in entertainment. But, I'm also acutely aware that it's not the GIRLS in the business who need to be analyzed and criticized --It's the producers and creators.  Where the limitations lie, in the portrayals of girls, is in the creative.  I love discovering projects and productions where girls are encouraged to be positive, about themselves, and about the world around them.  I respect that Nick and Mercedes and Paige are doing their best in finding talent like you, to push better images of girls. 
Yes - that was a great article in RookieMag (it's a super Mag for teens)...and SO true.  When I first talked to Mercedes and Paige we talked about 'adorkable.'  And that was what clicked because that's me too.  Sunshine has this adorkable, carefree persona, and I too wanted to really be myself in the Haunted Anna series...curious, open minded, eager and positive.  I never dressed up or put on makeup to film, I did it all in one take and I was open and honest.  Not everyone loved what I did every episode.  It's hard not to be hurt by the YouTube comments (I stopped reading them) - of course it's 'fake' its a web series people!!  Everything on television is 'fake' and you don't see people analyzing every minute and every glance and every word of their scripts!  But I was proud of my work and my creativity and of staying true to myself.  That's the way I am, that's the way I dress, that's the way I talk, and so you get what you see with me. I hope I have helped to portray a better or more real image of a young teen girl!

Capture from: Giggling Heard on Camera - Anna Haunting #11

Susan Bishop, Anna's mom wanted to join in on this topic:                     
I think when we first looked at this project, Anna and I appreciated that Mercedes and Paige were looking for something real and age appropriate.  Anna was just 13, and a young 13 at that, and we wanted her to be herself.  She loves mystery and horror and psychological thrillers, so we took it from there...creating a mystery, finding clues, and moving the story forward.  We did not want to create a character 'Anna,' but a real version of Anna...just haunted.  This is very similar to 'Sunshine.'  She's a great role model.  A really nice genuine young woman, with a funny sense of humor, a bit goofy (which is cool), and no attitude.  Hard to find these days!!  It was super fun being a part of the Sunshine Network, and Anna really appreciates her ongoing connection with the Sunshine cast and crew.  They are great, hard working people. There may be continued collaboration in the future, so stay tuned!!

Is there anything, other than the Haunted Anna videos, that you will be appearing in?

Capture from: Ghost Doll and Orb - Anna Haunting #16

This year my focus is on my transition to High School activities and ACADEMICS, so I am not pursuing outside performing opportunities. I have spent the last 6 years going to rehearsals and performing and I have not been able to do normal teen stuff like sports, clubs, sleepovers, hanging out with my friends, etc.  That said, I am interested in doing my high school musical - Beauty and The Beast (I have never been in a school production!!).  And, I am trying to do some non-performing things.  I was on my HS Cross Country Team this fall.  Our team placed 2nd in the state, and I made Varsity - which was so much fun (I have never done a school team sport either).

What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever seen or experienced that wasn’t a ghost?

There's a haunted house up the street...I'm not kidding.  We film it all the time.  Odd stuff is going on there!  Maybe Haunted Anna will need to investigate!

---

Follow Anna at These Links 

Twitter@AnnaJaneBishop

www.youtube.com/user/annajanesmusic
www.reverbnation.com/annajanesmusic
www.facebook.com/AnnaJaneBishop

Haunting of Sunshine Girl Network

Bad Ronald sez What the French Toast!

Don't know if you've seen CouchCutter's “F*ck You” – An Open Letter To The Horror Community -- but it's worth a read.  Even though the article (written by David Anthony) is flawed and spins around on itself, it's worth the time for the fact that it's opened the discussion on supporting independent horror.

With a title like that, I read on with great anticipation.  What I found in this FU message reminded me of a failed tape mix I once made.  Several years ago, a couple friends of mine were swapping some good ol' Country & Western mixes, and I culled together 90 minutes of Honky Tonk'n classics and Bluegrass ditties and hillbilly hi-jinx.  For the cassette sleeve I designed a cover that bore the image of Johnny Cash righteously stabbing his middle finger up to the camera.  I just liked the image.  I'm a huge Cash fan, so it caught my eye.  Only problem was, one of my tape-mix friends called bullshit on me. Rightfully so, I had to admit.  You see, I didn't have any songs, really, that were outright angry or nasty.  Sure, there were some pissy drunks, musing abut their wandering ways and wanton women and broken tractors.  My latest garage sale stash of LPs were mostly the classic cowboy stuff, and there weren't no anger in 'em.  My clever design turned out to be fairly unclever and failed to deliver a kick-ass mix appropriate to the angry Cash title design.  My bad.

I had the same bullshit response to Anthony's rant as my friend had to my cassette cover.

A fuck you you shall get

Basically, what the article said was the "horror community" needs to start supporting indie horror movies.  That if "we" make films like the remakes of Evil Dead and Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Halloween big successes, then why can't "we" make smaller films like Father's Day successful.  He blames the "horror community" for the fact that the filmmakers of small genre films like Dear God No! or Father's Day can't whip out films as easily as their Hollywood big wig counterparts. "There’s not enough money there for investors to get involved," writes Anthony. "And we are where the money comes from. We, as an audience, as a horror community are the *root* of the problem."  Not so much a "fuck you" as it is a tongue-lashing from dad.

He adds that "we" are responsible for the well being of the independent filmmaker, and that "we" should assure them a career, and that have failed them: "People have bills, cars, kids, mortgages, and all this other shit in-between that costs money. And as much as you appreciate their films, your appreciation is not paying their bills."  I guess "we've" been spanked.

I don't know, I was expecting something a lot more scathing and angry from a piece titled "F*ck You...". Something that would get my head nodding and fists a-clenching, like I was listening to a good vitriolic jam slam by The Who or Suicidal Tendencies or some shit like that.

My first major problem with the CouchCutter rant is the flagrant use of "we," as if the "horror community" is really such a unified or even defined thing. It's not so much the idea that all people who happen to share an interest are grouped together in a general category that bugs me.  Rather, it's the assumption that because they share a similar interest that they -- we -- all then are suppose to share the same opinions, or drives, or perceptions or bias.  Yes, we all like horror.  But none of us like all horror.  I prefer the smaller independent horror films from America. I really like foreign horror, from Great Britain, Argentina, France, Hong Kong -- even Canada (Soska Sisters, eh!).  However, I can't tell you the last time I went to a theater to see a horror film from a major studio.  But, that's me.  Some others -- Anthony includes himself in this bunch -- don't really dig the inde horror flicks.  "We" are never gonna agree on everything.  Some really dig big splashy horror, while others go the low key chills path.  Hey, agreeing on everything hasn't worked for the Democrats nor Republicans -- why would we assume it would work for horror fans?

You mean, there's more?

My other major disagreement is that the "horror community" is to blame for the failures, or lack of successes, of indie horror films.  First of all, the definition of success, in Anthony's article, is not clearly defined. The remake of A Nightmare on Elm Street is labeled a success because it tripled its $35 million budget, but Human Centipede is a failure because, even though it had lots of press, it made (by his numbers) only less than $3 million.  Comparatively, Nightmare is the one percenter, while HC is on welfare. I'm not sure of Anthony's idea of what makes a successful indie horror movie, but seeing that HC made that $3 mil (I'm thinking it's likely made much more on VOD alone, but I haven't been able to scare up those numbers) then it's doubled its less than $1.5 million budget AND generated a (terrible) sequel.  Seems the horror community did good by it, and made it a success.

The mistake would be to compare apples and nectarines (again, I'm not positive what Anthony's stand is, so I'm generalizing).  Hollywood movies can make $100 million, but still be considered a loser, if'n it don't match their $150 million budget.  However, an indie can make $5 million and be crazy successful, because the budget was much much lower.  With that said, any horror movie that generates a box office of $10s of millions -- that movie moves beyond the support of the "horror community" and got loads of help from the mainstream audience.  Rob Zombie's Halloween remake doubled its $15 million budget on the opening weekend, and then took in another $50 million overall.  It would be nice to think that there were that many horror fans.  But truth be told, the majority of those ticket buyers were the general public.  Teens, most likely, who like thrills and action, whether they be in a comic chase, and spy roughhouse, or horror.  Sure, lots of horror fans were filling those seats, as well.  But I'd never go as far as to say that the "horror community" made that film a success.  I WOULD go as far as to say that the "horror community" made the original Halloween the continued, cult success that it is now.

The successful indie horror movie is not going to appear as the success stories we're all used to seeing: Saw, Paranormal Activity, The Blair Witch Project. These flicks are phenomenons, the extraordinary... at least today they are. There was a time when independently produced films were distributed by major studios on a regular basis.  That's how we got Halloween, Friday the 13th and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (and countless other indie horror gems).  These movies literally toured the Country, generating word of mouth, and building anticipation over months. Today's model of distribution is much different, with the majors relying heavily on open weekend box office.  They want instant results, so they're not going to snatch up many indie horror flicks, unless they're uniqueness can assure them a big weekend take.  Gauging the success of an indie produced and distributed horror flick by the Hollywood distribution model standard only sets us up for disappointment.  Why compare the two?  If a small budget film recoups its budget, and makes enough to pay the cast and crew properly, then it's a success.  Period.  There, we've put food on the table.

The last major problem I have with CouchCutter's FU is that a lot of blame goes on the filmmakers themselves.  If they want to make this their living, then, just like any other job they've ever held, performance matters.  Make a good film, that people want to see, and then make sure they see it.  Work!  The notion that the "community" just ought to support the filmmakers, because we're a "community" is bogus.  I'll do my share by seeking out and watching the movies I like or want, and avoiding the ones I don't think are worth my time.  But, I am in no way obligated to ensure that the indie horror filmmakers have shoes on their feet.  That's their bag.

Cripes! Will this lecture ever end?

Luckily, today filmmakers have new avenues to follow.  There's the festival route, which helps build that great word of mouth for films like Martha Marcy May Marlene, The Woman, V/H/S, The Innkeepers.  There's also Netflix and RedBox, and the likes, and Video on Demand.  There's Amazon, YouTube, Vimeo.  The market is now open, and ready for business!  Self distribution has become so much easier than back in the day, when the actual film had to be carted around city to city (anyone who complains about how hard it is to have to Twitter/FaceBook/Pintrest/blog/Flickr about their movie should read up on pioneers like William Castle or Roger Corman and the likes, to see how it's really done).  It takes work!  Even established celebs have to pound the cyberpavement -- look to Kevin Smith or Louis CK.  With every celeb who has a go of it, there are a thousand worthy non-celebs who're busting their asses too, trying to get their work seen.  Last year I checked off My Name is A by Anonymous as the Best Movie You Haven't Seen Yet of 2011.  Amazing film!  You still haven't seen it in 2012, though.  Luckily, due to director Shane Ryan's hard work, you'll get to see it soon on DVD and possibly VOD.  Also, check out what Nick Hagen is doing to get the movie he's made of his successful YouTube hit The Haunting of Sunshine Girl.  The webseries has logged over 10 million views, and has over twenty thousand subscribers, but do you think he could just waltz into a distributors office and secure a deal?  Not so fast!  He's doing it the ol' fashioned way, by busting his knuckles and banging on laptop screens across the world, creating good buzz.  Will it work for him and Sunshine?  We'll see soon, when the film is self distributed online and on DVD on December 21.  


Look, I agree with Anthony on the idea that independent horror should be supported more (I'll ditto that credo for indie movies in general). Why not?  Most every Hollywood trend we've had comes straight from an indie movie: Blue Velvet, Apocalypse Now, Blair Witch Project, Star Wars, Pulp Fiction, Saw, Clerks, Paranormal Activity...  Films like these, made outside the major studio world, actually drove the major studios to rethink their model... and then proceed to embarrass themselves with countless copycat clunkers. I agree heartily that we support indie horror, because I love indie horror.  I love the rough amateurishness of backyard cinema, the testing of limits with caught on tape thrills, the quietness of a limited budget.  It all makes for good experimentation.  This is where the real success lies, in the experiments, the finding of new techniques.  The clever mind will figure out ways to reach beyond the limitations, and that's when the breakthroughs happen.  Only in indie filmmaking do you find such successes.

So, yes!  Support indie filmmaking -- especially indie horror.This is the one thing I can agree with CouchCutter on.  If there is such thing as a "horror community" then get off your asses and start taking horror seriously. 

Yay! It's over!!

And as far as the "Fuck You" to the "community" -- hell, I think they deserve it.  But not in ways CouchCutter described.  Cripes, there's loads more things to dump on them for. How about fans who personally attack filmmakers whom they don't like, as if it's their right to disregard them as a human, just because you didn't like their casting choices.  How about for slamming other fans of other movies you don't like?  So what, they like vampires that sparkle!  You like movies with no solid storyline -- big whoop!  How about those twerps who laughed their way through a Linda Blair head spin, during the re-release, but now copycat the stairway spider crawl on their own Windows Moviemaker masterpiece?  How about bully blogging?  How about lame ass petitions?  How's about we all just watch a horror movie that we like and shut our faces and eat some popcorn?

Wait... that wasn't nice.

And one last thing, let's differentiate between indie horror and amateur horror. Independent filmmakers like Ti West, or Adam Wingard, or Tom Six -- and even more low budget directors like James Bickert or the Soska Twins -- these guys are clearly serious about their craft.  You may not like all their stuff, but they're working hard to create and distribute. Then there's a load of others who bang out a movie that pretty much emulates every other movie that they like, and call themselves indie filmmakers.  Their stuff is poorly shot, badly written and self gratifying. These are the filmmakers who ruin it for the others.  They ruin it by abusing the term indie, to push their self absorbed rip-offs on the fans, and they make it harder for working filmmakers to get respect for their work.  Fuck you to them...

Support indie filmmaking.

BadRonald Wants a Date with American Mary

Finally! Your summer just got bloody better. Here it is, folks -- the first trailer for the fabulous Soska Sister's AMERICAN MARY.  Be afraid.  Be fucking afraid!

American Mary Goes to Cannes!

The fabulous Soska Sisters broke the news that their follow up feature to Dead Hooker in a Trunk is heading to Cannes.  The hotly anticipated American Mary will have it's premiere at the next week at the cool ass Cannes Film Fest.

To celebrate, the Twisted Twins have donned red (hot), white & blue bikinis on their website.  Go there to check them out.  In the meantime, here's a sneak peek still from the movie American Mary, featuring the amazing Katherine Isabelle as Mary Mason.

Can't. Friggin. Wait. 

BadRonald Sez Let it Bleed!

Women in Horror Month may be over, but my celebration of the efforts and work of women in genre films will continue.  And also, the Massive Blood Drive headed up WiHM participants is continuing.  Check out this new blood drive promo form the Soska Sisters over at Twisted Twins Production...



I would so give blood for them!

BadRonald: Date Night w/the Soskas (and breaking Dead Hooker news!!)

Thank goodness for Al Gore!  Seriously, what would we do without his Interwebs!!  How else, in this crazy skittyskat world, would I have been able to sit on my own couch, in my own home, and watch a killer hot movie like Dead Hooker in a Trunk with the very people who made the film, the killer hot Soska Sisters.  OMGD!  Why is Gore not President?  Or king of the world!!

Stand by for some Dead Hooker news!!

You may want to sit down for this

To kick off Women in Horror Month, Jen and Sylvia Soska, of Twisted Twins Production, invited their fans to join them for a viewing party of their film (just released on DVD by IFC Midnight), to be held on Twitter.  Participants started their DVDs at 8pm PST, and twattled their thoughts, while being treated to a unique, personalized directors commentary track.  Twitter had apparently blown up, at some point, and couldn't handle the pile up of #deadhooker hashtags, so everyone was invited over to Jen's FaceBook page to continue the party.

Throughout the cyber-party, Jen & Sylv laid down a continuous trail of twits -- and then FB posts -- commenting on what inspired particular scenes, lines of dialogue, casting choices, music tracks -- all as the movie played on the audiences own DVD player.  They even answered questions from the audience.  What a killer party.

Thriller!  A Cruel Cool Picture

But, the best was saved for after the movie was over...  Everyone hung around, as the Sisters fielded some Q&A, and gave some updates on their upcoming American Mary (now in post-production).  And then, the announcement came, that no one was really anticipating, but flipped out for... news of a sequel to Dead Hooker in a Trunk!!  What a killer idea.

I hadn't even considered the idea for a sequel, but hell -- the more I think about it, the more I like it!  The original was such a satisfying movie, and, with a second viewing at the party, I saw so many things I didn't see on the first looksee -- most notably, the genuine heart of the script.  I had been so wow'd! by the spectacular blood and well played action... and, of course, stunned by the twins themselves, that some things just slipped by me.  Not that it mattered much, because I loved the movie on first view, anyway.  Maybe it was the commentary that hinted to my brain to pay more attention.  It worked.  And I now enjoy DHIAT more than I did before.  And now I'm looking forward to more action from Geek, Badass, Goody, and Junkie.

So... thank you Jen & Sylvia.  Fekkin' brilliant night!!

BadRonalds likes Women in Horror Month

Did you know?  February is Women in Horror Month?

So, let's celebrate.  Celebrate by watching horror movies that are written, produced, directed by, edited by, and shot by WOMEN and GIRLS. And also horror films ABOUT them  -- and by about, I mean not just about their boobies and bums, but about the social issues that women face.  There are more than you think there are.  Loads more.  Let me give you some examples to start you off:  Lucky McKee's The Woman is now out on DVD and Blu ray, starring Pollyanna McIntosh.  Dead Hooker in A Trunk. written, directed and starring the fantabulous Soska Sisters, is being released by IFC Midnight today!!  Them, while you're at it, go to YouTube and watch The Haunting of Sunshine Girl, featuring the coolest teenager on the Interwebs, as she hunts down ghosts and gobllies.

There you go.  Start your month off right with these selections.  Come back and I'll help you out tomorrow, with more tips.  And yes, I'm open to your suggestions, too.

DON'T FORGET TO SPILL YOUR BLOOD


The other important element of this month long celebration is the MASSIVE BLOOD DRIVE. Spill your blood... Save a life...

Bad Ronald Interviews: The Soska Sisters

For my birthday -- and also for fact that I'm a twin -- I'm celebrating by spending my special day with another set of kick ass twins... The Soska Sisters.  

Yeah, yeah, check your filthy minds.  This meeting is all on the up and up.  Being a twin, myself, and being a horror fan to boot, I was instantly fascinated when I first heard of the Soska twins, Jen and Sylvia, and their Twisted Twins Production of Dead Hooker in a Trunk. I contacted them for a look at the film, and was truly surprised at what I saw.  Not only did they pull off an impressive debut, but this pair of freshman filmmakers crafted a nicely solid film.  It was obvious to me that the Soska twins weren't just avid film fans.  They clearly had studied the films they watch, as well, and developed their own eye for cinematic mayhem.

Don't even

The ladies have been busy busy busy, getting their debut film Dead Hooker in a Trunk out there on the VOD market, and also in a wider distribution for the DVD market with IFC Midnight.  And right now, they are casting their hotly anticipated follow up, American Mary. They've already snagged a major star for their newest flick, and she's red hot... But, I'll let the twins tell you all about that. 

BadRonald:  

First and most importantly -- twins!!  Who was first, and by how many minutes? (I was second, by 5 minutes!)

Sylvia Soska: 

Me! But I sort of cheated, I guess. I am nineteen minutes older, and came out at seven pounds. Jen was only about three. Apparently, I tried to eat her in the womb. Womb combat - point Sylv.

Jen Soska: 

She's 19 minutes older than me and STILL calls me her baby sister to this day. She crossed the finish line at 4:58am April 29th, 1983 (on a Thursday, I believe) and I followed at 5:17am. On our 18th birthday, she woke me up at 4:58am on the dot with the Beatles' Birthday and jumped on my bed. The lyrics "they say it's your birthday, it's my birthday, too, yeah" are something we've always loved. When we were littler we kind of assumed it was written just for us twins. I still haven't paid her back for it. When it hit 5:17am, she just calmly stopped jumping and went back to bed. 

BadRonald:  

And what cool Twin Powers do you possess? 

Sylvia:

We actually have matching skull rings so we can do the twin powers activate jazz. We sort of speak without words through looks and butchered English. If you talk to one of us - since we share the same brain - the other will come up to you and say the exact same thing. That one isn't really a power as much as it is confusing. 

Jen:
We totally have twin ESP or something. We can sense where the other is in a crowded place if we get separated. If we're apart, we can feel if the other is upset or scared or happy. I've had awful feelings in the pit of my stomach without Sylv being with me and I just have to call her and find out what's up. It's pretty accurate. No one knows me better. We're very similar, but very different. We really compliment one another. I honestly feel sorry for you "normies" out there that have to go through life without a twin. I'm incredibly grateful to have her. Twins are very lucky to have that special bond. 

BadRonald:  

Did your folks do the ol' let's dress them up the same gimmick?  Or did they let you be yo' self?

Sylvia: 

They did the same outfit thing when we were little. Since I almost killed Jen and she was the miracle baby, she got the adorable pink outfits and I was left with 'the other color' - yellows, blues, whatever the fuck.

When we were older, my parents actually supported my strange wardrobe choices. They developed over time, but I had phases before settling on a mainly black, posh wardrobe. In highschool, we were very adventurous with our clothing. I had snake skin pants, mesh shirts, and lots of high heels. They are my favorite. 

Jen: 

Yeah, as kids we were very clone-y. Same but different colored duds. Highschool was where we changed. When we were little we even kept our hair the same. Uncolored, long, and straight. In highschool, we experimented with different looks. Changing your appearance as a teenager felt very liberating to us, especially when you're at the age where you're just trying to figure out who the hell you are or what that even means.

Got my eye on you

Sylvie would have a platinum bob do and I'd have jet black with bright red highlights underneath. She'd have Mary Jane fire engine red locks and I'd have permed dirty blond hair. We changed ourselves like we were Cher at a concert, ha ha

BadRonald:  

How did a couple girls like you get to become the horror icons and fans that you are today?

Sylvia: 

That's incredibly kind of you to say. I hope to actually become that one day, but I'm going to work hard to make it happen. Ever since we were little girls, we were always drawn to the strange and unusual. I have two very clear memories involving spiders - one, I loved to play with bugs, but when I handled spiders, people would react in fear and that really fascinated me. The animals were harmless, yet adults would run from them. The second, I had a cupboard open and I just saw the legs of this huge spider slowly grasp the edge which caused me to run out of the house screaming. I ran to my dad and my grandfather to tell them - and they didn't even react. It got me thinking about fear and its power over people. 

Jen and I would hang out at a very young age at the local video store in their dressed up horror section. We would creep the movie cases, looking for the most graphic and scary images, then we would make up amongst ourselves with the description what happens in the film. After much begging, at the age of ten, our mom let us watch our first horror movie - POLTERGEIST. We made it through the film, but bed time was when the terror sank in. My mom did something that would change my life. She sat us down and told us what we saw - the efforts of talented artists who wrote the words, played the characters, and even made the monsters with the intention of scaring me. It was like being on the inside of a huge secret. I never looked at horror the same again.

High five

Jen: 

What a compliment. I'm far too humble to think of ourselves that way. I'm truly a fan of horror. I know many people see it as a sub genre and I couldn't take that as more insulting. There are many many piss poor horror flicks out there, but there are just as many unwatchable comedies, dramas, and romantic comedies. Horror has a bad reputation. It's our choice to do horror because we love it so much. I feel that it has been out of the hands of the fans for too long. That's why there are constant remakes being pumped out or poorly written and equally poorly executed pictures out there. It's a tough time out there financially, too. No one wants to take a risk on something new. I feel we are the voice of the fans, being fans ourselves, and it's our duty to deliver what has been missing for far too long. Something new and original.

I don't exactly recall a time where we didn't like horror. As children, we spent hours and hours outside hunting bugs and then tossing them in wolf spider webs making note of each resident's size and looking for the legendary "big one". We loved Halloween always. We had to make our own costumes to ensure every last details was pitch perfect. We would sneak into the horror section of this wicked video store which is sadly long gone called Flickers. They beautifully decorated the section with card board movie beasts and cob webs year round. We'd peak behind the covers to see the images on the back looking for the scariest images and then beg our mom to rent them. Horror just came naturally to us. It's like how some girls dream of their weddings. I dreamed of things that would scare the shit out of most people and more so I dreamed OF scaring the shit out of people. It was a real laugh for us and always in good fun.

I would thank the outstanding horror community for embracing us and our DEAD HOOKER the way that they did. I feel almost like an ambassador of horror. If people didn't stand behind us, tell their friends about us, and spread the word via blogs and reviews and posts and tweets, we wouldn't be where we are today. We appreciate the hell out of the people who believe in us and our work. We make everything we do with them in mind.

BadRonald:  My twin is the sports buff -- knows everything about every team, plays a lot, and keeps in shape.  Me, I'm the film buff, the literary type, the consummate knowledge seeker.  But we both love horror to death.  Compare and contrast your twin selves.

Sylvia: 

We're extremely similar except - Jen has this beautiful optimistic outlook on the world, and I tend to be more dark and brooding. We joke that she's Joss Whedon and I'm Lars Von Trier and somehow we can make films together. 

Jen: 

ha ha, it's true. I turned to her today and said, "Sylv, you're the Erik." She just stared blankly back, so I explained. "You're Magneto and I'm Xavier. You have seen so much real life horror that you have no faith left in humanity. I have seen the same, but in spite of it all and in spite of knowing better, I still have hope and want to make the world a better place." It's true. I am so the Charles in the relationship. Sylvia is so Plath. She's a dark and tortured artist. Not to say she isn't a wonderful and kind person, she has an incredible heart and so much strength, but you'd be a damn fool to try to bullshit her. She sees right through it and takes none of it. You fuck up with her and that's it. No second chances. I'm a hopeless optimist and idealist. I'm headed for a lot more heart break, I imagine, ha ha. We beautifully compliment one another.

I tell her all the time, "thank GOD you don't have Magneto powers."

BadRonald:  

Dead Hooker in a Trunk -- unbelievably great title.  How'd you come up with it, as well as the movie?

 Sylvia: 

Jen is really funny. She gets these random bits of genius out of nowhere. The title was all her.

We were in film school - and it was only called that to rip off students as there was nothing that even resembled a school there - and were disappointed with what we had been conned into. We had decided to quit acting as the roles we were being offered were only super-sexualized twin fetish inspired roles. Nothing wrong with sexuality, but there's a different from playing Roller Girl in BOOGIE NIGHTS and being a piece of ass whose tits are in focus, but face isn't. We had extensively trained in marital arts and wanted to transition to stuntwork. We might still be in bikinis, but at least we would be kicking ass while we did. The school had outsourced a stunt portion and that was excellent, but the rest was a waste of time and money.

We were ready to end film work entirely, but thank God GRINDHOUSE was in the theaters at the time. We would go to the theater almost everyday and take real film school. We grew up watching Rodriguez and the massively collaborative flick was incredible. There was even a Canadian director named Jason Eisener with a fake trailer for a film called HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN. It made us stoked about filmmaking again. After we got the funding for our final project pulled, we went to the theater to cheer ourselves up. After walking out, Jen turns to me and says, 'Dead Hooker in a Trunk.' I ask what is that. She replies, that's the name of the film we're going to make a fake trailer for. We would make in on our own with our industry friends, we would put all the material deemed 'too inappropriate' for the school in it and add the ones they missed like bestiality and necrophilia, and we would present it at graduation at the very end.

Didn't see that coming

When the trailer played, half the audience walked out and the other half was laughing and cheering so loud that you could barely hear our intentionally offensive dialogue. People started asking about the feature. We wrote it in two weeks based around the wild fake trailer scenes and were shooting shortly after that.

Jen: 

I'm very proud of the title. There's so much competition out there and when you're a couple nobodies from Canada who have never made a film before, you've got to have a strong marketing plan as you develop your film. Your title is your first impression. You only get to do it once. I hate how many film makers have weak, bland titles. You're really fucking yourself when you do that. You have to pick something that will stand out, be unforgettable, will get an emotional reaction out of whoever hears it, and makes people say, "I gotta see that." DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK does just that. Also, if you don't get a giggle out of the title, you likely know that there won't be much in the film that'll win you over. It divides our audience as much as it excites them. Pick something smart, indie artists. You owe it to yourselves and your work to give it the best fighting chance out there that you can.

BadRonald:  

You've had some people bellyaching about the title.  What happened? (Saskatoon, right?)

Sylvia: 

It still really shocks me. The Roxy Theater in Saskatoon got an anonymous phone call complaining about our film which was using their venue as a part of the Dark Bridges Film Festival. That night, those same cowards went and ripped down all the posters that the promoter had bought to market the event around town. Tom Hutchinson decided to ban the film from their theater on the title alone without ever bothering to watch the film. Had they watched it, maybe they would have realized it was satirically and the only character that the anti-heroes do treat with an dignity is the deceased Hooker. 

BSF

I sent an open letter to Tom Hutchinson, but no one from the theater ever bothered to even respond. They tried to blame it on real life prostitute slayings which, sadly, are not only a regular occurrence in that city. We didn't create the term 'dead hooker in a trunk' but rather tried to take something shocking and put a story there where you are forced to see this woman as a human being despite how 'loathsome' some people find her occupation to be. In Vancouver we had the Pickton killer kill dozens of girls at his pig farm. The open season on these women is disgusting.

After that, they tried to blame a church group for the banning because of the subject matter which is ridiculous. We shot parts of HOOKER in our Roman Catholic Church and many members of the congregation happily attended our screening of the film. It was such an act of prejudice. It's amazing what the misinformed and uneducated can do if given any authority. Then, they banned HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN for good measure.

Jen: 

It was disappointing for so many reasons. It was our first Canadian screening outside of Vancouver that we hadn't organized ourselves. We were so excited! I mean, we're fucking Canadian and when I heard they banned our film I was taken back big time. We had been welcomed in the UK, loved throughout the USA, and won awards in Brazil, but our own country wouldn't even show our film. More so, they wouldn't even WATCH it. It was because of the title alone. It's intentionally satirical. It would be plain stupid to name the film something so blatant and then be disrespectful. In fact, had they taken the 92 minutes to watch the film, they would have found that despite having a total disregard for human life and the bodies they leave in their wake, our four heroes go out of their way to put the Hooker's body to rest. And there's a definite tone shift when her death scene happens. Much of the violence is tongue in cheek and over the top, but her death is very real and ugly. It should be upsetting to watch.

I must say that Saskatoon is a cool city and I don't hold it against them. The Broadway Theater welcomed HOOKER and HOBO in with open arms. And local businesses, that were made aware of the controversy, happily accepted our posters. And when the films screened? It went off without incident to full theaters of happy people. Thank you, Saskatoon. Can't wait to bring AMERICAN MARY to the Broadway Theater. I think we'll skip the closed minded, judgmental Roxy, not that I imagine they'd ever bother speaking to us or apologizing. Clearly, an open and intelligent discussion is too much to ask for from them.

BadRonald:

Now, you're working on American Mary.  Can you spill some guts on the project?

The news is, you've got a name lead.

Sylvia: 

I am fucking thrilled to be working with Canadian Horror Icon, Katharine Isabelle. We have been huge fans of hers for a long time. I tried not to write the script with any particular actors in mind, but I would be lying if I didn't admit talking about how cool it would be to have Katie as our Mary. You sometimes meet people that you dig the work of and they totally ruin themselves for you. I was nervous about meeting her and I'm very obsessed with the story and the title character, so the person taking on the role had to be perfect. 

Ginger Snapped

Katie blew away all expectations. She's a phenomenal actress and it's really weird that you don't see her in more roles like this. She very much is the only person I could ever see bringing Mary Mason to life. It's going to be a lot of fun watching her create this character - I'm a fan and I get the privilege of working with her. I honestly have no idea how I got so lucky. 

Jen: 

Oh, it's killing me to not talk more about our girl. We're incredibly proud of our second film. It's the polar opposite of DHIAT in so many ways. We have plenty of Grindhouse style films in us, but it was important for us to do something different with this one so we wouldn't get pigeon holed as only being able to make one kind of film. Quite the opposite, actually. You'd be quite surprised with what we have in the works. AMERICAN MARY has very unique characters and our title character has this beautiful and tragic arc. I know there are a lot of girls out there that will really relate to her. We hope that when they have a shitty day, they can put on AM and feel strong, like they can go out there and take on the world. There are some awful role models for women and especially young girls right now. Don't even get me started on Bella from the TWILIGHT series. It's like they're saying in big neon lights, "don't worry! Some guy will come along and save you. And if he doesn't? Another shirtless guy will show up and then save you, too." Mary is one touch bitch and Katie is going to blow people away as her.

We are working with the geniuses at MastersFX on the film. You may know Todd Masters and his team from TRUE BLOOD, SIX FEET UNDER, and everything ever worth watching. Their effects are breath taking works of art. I have so much respect for what they do and it a dream come true to be working with them.

BadRonald:  

For me, I've seen just about everything there is in the horror filmscape.  And I'm pretty darn guilty of having watched my share of "bad" horror movies for the pure fun of it.  But the movies I find myself gravitating to, these days, are ones that rise above the standard issue.  The ones that speak to the intellect as well as the guts.  Films like Martyrs, The Woman, The Inside, stuff like that.  Really, anything that draws the terror and suspense from the characters, rather than the gimmickry.  In DHIAT, I saw that you guys really love to play with character, too.  How did you approach the script, and the production of it?

Sylvia: 

The creation of the film was all in the vein of Rodriguez's film school. We followed his film schools, we had his making of EL MARIACHI book - Rebel Without A Crew - on set at all times. We nicknamed it 'the Bible'. In it, he mentioned how he wrote each sequence on a cue card then moved them around to figure out a good order. Since the script came after the fake trailer, we had all these cool scenes but now we had to link them together and flesh out the story.

We grew up on crazy films that were fun to watch, so it was really important to create the same feelings with HOOKER. We put as much insanity in it as we could pull off - word spread through the city and the indie film scene about what we were attempting - to follow in Rodriguez's shoes. Lots of people wrote us and the project off - that it was too ambitious, the material was too crude, and the no budget a death sentence. But word spread all the way to the El Mariachi himself, Carlos Gallardo, who ended up giving us some wonderful advice as we continued and even makes an appropriate guest came as God.

Jen: 

In addition to being lovers of film, we are very influenced by comic books and video games. Wait, I think I'm supposed to call them "graphic novels" now, right? If you watch DHIAT knowing that, you'll see some very blatant comic and gaming references. We wanted to make our heroes larger than life. We intentionally gave them each a single outfit so it would be the equivalent of a super hero and their costume. When you see Spidey, you KNOW it's Spidey because of the duds. When they tried on the Black/Symbiote costume, people freaked because they didn't have their hero it what they came to know him as. We wanted people to know Badass is in a low cut tank top FASTER PUSSY CAT KILL KILL style with acid washed jeans and shit kicking boots. Anyone that sees the film has those very clear images burned into their minds. It was a definite super hero and costume tribute.

They shoot guns, too

In the sketchy building where Junkie picks up drugs and all hell breaks loose, there's a SILENT HILL reference. Anyone who's played the games knows that when you hear those sirens, shit is about to go down. On the wall we referenced graffiti in SH2. "There was a hole here, it's gone now." Geek loses the same eye as Big Boss from the METAL GEAR SOLID series. Also in a torture sequence. In FINAL FANTASY games and many RPGs, the final baddie goes through three transformations. That's why we had three villains. So no one would be able to predict when the film would end or where the hell it was going. I hate watching a film and guessing the ending. SPOILER ALERT. I saw SHUTTER ISLAND and thought, "oh, fuck, I hope the missing patient Leo's looking for isn't himself." Yup, I bet you can guess where that went.

There are tons more references, shout outs, and tributes. I bet if you watch now knowing what total nerds we are, you'll see way more than you would have ever expected.

BadRonald:  

Can you each rifle through your greatest influences?  Your fave films?

Sylvia: 

Robert Rodriguez has had a huge influence on me. All the directors involved in the GRINDHOUSE project changed my life with that film. Eli Roth is one of the most kind, supportive, and down to earth gentlemen I have ever had the pleasure of calling a friend. His advice helped us a lot with DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK and it was because of his request to read one of our more 'straight forward' horror scripts that we wrote AMERICAN MARY. It's really cool to be going through this process and have a guy whose been through it all there to support you and make sure you don't fuck up your film.

Arrr!

I love Mary Harron and Lars Von Trier for their provocative films and the class, intelligence, and eloquence that they defend those films. I think that's partly why I really wanted to push the envelope with AMERICAN MARY, because they inspired me to. Clive Barker is a huge influence. His work changed the way that I look at horror.

Favorite films - AMERICAN PSYCHO, SUICIDE CLUB, MARTYRS, REQUIEM FOR A DREAM, ANTICHRIST, HELLRAISER, HOSTEL 2, THE MARIACHI TRILOGY, anything with Spider-man in it - I'm a hopeless fangirl.

Jen: 

Robert Rodriguez is the reason why we made DHIAT. He told us we could do it and you know what? He was right. He's a genius and a self made man. He's smart as hell and can do just about every job on set. We carried his book, REBEL WITHOUT A CREW, with us at all times on set. We called it the bible. Honestly, if you don't own it, go grab a copy. It's an inspiring piece of literature. Even if you aren't a film maker and have no desire to be one, it'll inspire you to go out and chase down whatever your dream is. I love how Robert has his Ten Minute Film Schools. Most people would keep their tricks to themselves. Robert loves fill enough to try to show others how to make their stuff better.

I have to say Quentin Tarantino. He's a master of his craft. He has this beautifully defined style that shines through in his work. The way we marries music to imagery is breath taking and no one does it better. He loves film and it shows. He's seen everything and makes it his job to know everything about filmmaking. You have to respect that. It really pisses me off when someone says something ignorant like, "he's overrated." To that I say, "go fuck your pretentious self." It's like when I hear people bitch that the Beatles are overrated. Where would we be without the Beatles and Tarantino? Their contributions to their craft have influenced all of us, even if we're too arrogant to admit it.

We began reading Stephen King in elementary school, much to the dismay of our teachers and principal. His dark and twisted sense of humor took hold of us at an impressionable young age and we came to feel that horror was meant to have humor in it. I still love a laugh snuck in with my grotesque moments. Even if it's an uncomfortable one.

I love Joss Whedon. His story arcs that are gorgeously planned out over a whole series where you'll see something that seemed unimportant happen in season one pay off big time in season seven. He's wonderful and playful with language. And he showed me I can be strong. I was always a little thing and got bullied and teased quite mercilessly when I was younger. Seeing Buffy had a profound effect on me. Coupled with my love of super heroes, I made a decision to be strong and threw myself into martial arts. They wouldn't teach me how to use weapons, though I had started up quite a collection, so I did the reasonable thing and trained myself. I've practiced introducing myself to Joss and telling him how much he and his work means to me, but I still don't have anything perfect and witty yet. If I can form words in his presence, it'll be a win.

My favorite films? THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY, anything Rodriguez, SUICIDE CLUB, WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT, BATMAN RETURNS, MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, AUDITION, INSIDE, LET THE RIGHT ONE IN, PAN'S LABYRINTH, DOGVILLE, THE THING, JACOB'S LADDER, and a whole lot more.

BadRonald:  

One topic that has become a great interest of mine is the depiction of women in film, particularly violence towards women, coupled with the societal image of females.  Since women have had short shrift in the horror genre for decades, I've enjoyed the fact that filmmakers are using the very genre to speak to us about our perception of women.  And I've really enjoyed it that, more and more often, it's a woman behind the camera who is making the statement.  What are your thoughts on this trend, and where do you guys fit in?

Sylvia: 

I was horrified to learn that the very first director of non-fiction filmmaking and the person who revolutionized cinema was actually a woman named Alice Guy. She would go on to work on over seven hundred films, she loved horror - especially vampires, and her studio on the East Coast would rival the West until the Hollywood movement tragically ended her career. There have been some incredible women working in film for a very long time, but there hasn't been a focus on the recognition of these women.

Gaffers and crew were given Alice's film credits because they were men. She worked very hard within the stereotypical roles for women at the time, but insisted that women made better filmmakers because of their capacity for emotion. She was a really cool chick. 

I found out about her when I was researching women in the industry that made an impact on the horror scene during Women In Horror Recognition Month, an event every February brainchild of Ax Wound's Hannah Neurotica. It's a brilliant event that focuses on celebrating the ladies that paved the road for us and the women working today with hopes of making the notion of women not only liking horror but being a part of creating it. I know when I was getting teased in school as a little girl, I would have loved an event like this to make me realize that I'm not alone and loving this genre is nothing to be made to feel ashamed of.

I hope that our films and our story will inspire people - men and women - to follow their dreams and create their own films. There is an onslaught of soulless studio crap being forced on us right now and the best place to counter-balance that is with unique, interesting, and original indies.

Jen: 

I find horror is a place where you can really see the evolution of where women stand. It's almost a reflection of their current places in society. When Ridley Scott cast Sigourney Weaver as Ripley in a role that was written in a way that either a man or woman could have played it, something epic happened. A heroine was born and we got hungry for it. Look at my personal favorite, Buffy. "...just the idea of some woman who seems to be completely insignificant who turns out to be extraordinary" ~Joss Whedon. Buffy was his answer to the helpless, little blond that always ends up dying in classic horror films. He took the stereotype and turned it on it's head. That's what we like to do, too. We wanted to shake things up and get people excited. Times are changing and the work has to reflect that. Right now there are so many women that are kicking ass in front of and behind the camera. Kathryn Bigelow's Oscar win was an epic moment in history. Sure, we've been here for a while, but women are producing some strong work and demanding to be paid attention to. I don't feel that women deserve any easy breaks. Actually, quite the opposite. I'll be the first to serve up a hard slice of truth when I see a woman's work that needs some improvement.

I want to challenge the stereotype. I want to encourage others, girls and guys, to step up and go after their dreams. Everyone told us we were idiots to make DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK and maybe that's so, but not too many people say that to our face these days, ha ha.

BadRonald:  

So often, the image of "girl power" has come with a big sexuality sticker attached.  Not that you ladies aren't [blush] sexy, but you don't seem to parade your sexy selves around and then say "Oh, but I'm smart, too!"  Actually, you guys put your smarts right out there, up front. And the sexy... well, that just comes naturally [blush, giggle]. It's refreshing that, in the popscape of "girl power," where girls glean more about fashion and body image over the "power" message, that you guys can show the true feminine strength with pure and honest work.  How'd you get to be cool like dat?

Sylvia: 

We've been acting since childhood. As we got older, the roles went from cutesy and without substance to super-sexualized and without substance. I have no problem with sexuality, but I like some sort of thought put into why there is that sexuality rather than fuel for a quick wank. It's all about the intention behind it. 

I think there is a misconception that to be a smart business woman that you cannot recognize that sexuality or sexiness in yourself. I think being a comic book nerd is sexy. I think loving horror movies is sexy. I like dressing and looking a certain way. To me, it's empowering. There is a certain amount of attractive appeal to my appearance, but it would be rather pathetic if how I look was all there was to me.

When I was about fourteen, people started acting strangely around Jen and me. I bet you know about the twin fetish. Some people get so freaked out, like a threesome is about to happen and they don't want to screw it up. I wanted to have a reason more than being pretty twins for people to find me interesting and I think I have. Like Judge Judy says - Pretty fades, stupid is forever.

Jen: 

There's a fine line between sexy and slutty and we try not to cross it. You have to keep your integrity. Never let anyone push you to do something that is out of your comfort zone. Look at Drew Barrymore. She's sexy and peels it off, but it's on her own terms and there's strength in that. I'd say a fear of undressing and being comfortable in your own skin is just as bad as slutting it up just to make someone else happy. Believe you me, being an identical twin, we've found ourselves in some terrible positions where based on our youth people have tried to get something out of us we weren't willing to give up. We were smart enough to get the fuck out of those situations, but you should take care not to get yourself in them in the first place. This industry is filled with predators and they'd just love to chew up and spit out pretty young things. I have no problem with sex and nudity. Both have their time and place.

A brilliant friend of mine has a saying. NJAPF. It's Not Just Another Pretty Face. I hate to say it, but if you look a certain way, some people will assume you're a total moron. When Sylv and I meet some people, it's like we have to prove to them we're not drooling idiots. They see us and assume we've gotten to where we are based on our looks. We've worked our collective asses off. If there was a way we could've just stood there, batted our eyes, and flicked our hair, we never discovered it and honestly wouldn't have taken the easy route. I think a little suffering goes a long way to build character and we've had more than our fair share. You have to be smart in this business and that goes for men and women.

I never throw the fact that I'm a decent looking girl around nor do I even bother saying that you should watch our films because we're women and we have it harder than the boys. That's just ridiculous. We put the focus where it should always be placed. On creating good, strong work. We want our work to speak for itself. When I hear someone say, "hey, a couple Canadian girls wrote and directed DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK? That's cool, I had no idea", I love it.

BadRonald:   

The Addams Family!  You two had lobbied for a little while to try and get some notice that you would love to do your own version of the classic TV show and comic strip.  I absolutely loved the idea, and was so glad to find that you had reflected my own desire that any redeux of the Addams Family be done with the morbid and satirical humor from the original Charles Addams panels.  I now hear that that friggin' Tim Burton is going to take it on.  You think maybe he saw you two coming and he snatched it up? hehe

Sylvia: 

Yeah, I heard about that, but I think it might be cancelled. I'm not greedy - I love the Addams Family. They gave me and Jen something to relate to that made us feel like we weren't all that weird. We were mercilessly teased growing up and even got spat on in private school for being 'witches'. I think there really should be a film on the original Charles Addams' New Yorker comic strip. It was a strong satire on how people perceive one another and treat different people. It would be an honor to bring it to life, but I think it just should get made. Just please, whoever, stick as closely to the strip as possible. Make Thing a decapitated head that rolls through the halls, make Pugsly a sadistic Dennis the Menace, don't go camp, please go class.

Jen: 

I love Tim Burton. Admittedly, I'm a bigger fan of his earlier work, but I would love to see what he would do with an Addams Family film. I mean this in a completely non-arrogant way, but I am not intimidated or put off by him making an Addams Family film in the least. I've heard he's doing it and I've heard it's a rumor. Who knows, right? Sylvie and I have this outstanding and unique vision for the Addams Family. It's a throw back to Charles Addams' classic comic strips and unlike anything. I know that the way we would do it would be very different from his version. I would be honored to just have the opportunity to make an Addams Family film. I want those characters and their message to live on for future generations. I know it's early in our careers and we'll have to prove ourselves with AMERICAN MARY and likely a film or two more before a studio would give us such an important franchise. And that doesn't scare me. I look forward to the challenge.

Just imagine!

BadRonald:   

Oh, and what up with the Munsters TV makeover, where they're going to explore the origins of the family, and get all dark drama?  Is this insanity or what?

Sylvia: 

The entertainment industry is very interesting. The artistic creative types usually have to depend on the non-creative financing establishments to get made. Creative types want to change the world, create new material, or hold source material sacred. Non-creative types don't want risk in their investments, so they look at things that have worked in the past/have already been made/seem popular at the time and make soulless shit. Someone might have said let's make it like DEXTER or TRUE BLOOD in the vein of the popular darker series and that's where the insanity started. Next year, one third of every film will be a remake, prequel, or sequel. We truly need new ideas not stories rehashed then raped.

Jen: 

You have to have a respect for the original because to do anything else is disrespectful to the fans. People hated Kirsten Dunst's blond-ish hair as Mary Jane and you know what? They had every right to. I was one of them. It's so basic. It's not true to the character. Many of these characters have been around for decades and there's a reason they've been able to survive so long. There's no need to fuck with that. People think a reboot of an old classic is a safe way to make some easy cash off their fans, but it's got to be done right. I shudder at the thought of remakes. I would "re-imagine" or pay tribute to the original, but I'd always pay the proper respect to the original and the fans.

BadRonald:   

Are you guys Dark Shadows fans, at all?  I was one of those kids who ran home to watch it, and I'm not sure if I like Tim Burton messing with it.  But maybe, being Canadian, you were Strange Paradise fans instead?

Sylvia: 

I'm ashamed to admit that I am unfamiliar with both. I do miss the old Tim Burton films. I went to the Tim Burton exhibit in LA this past week and his drawings and creativity blew me away. I wish he would go back to creating his own material because I think he can be brilliant. 

Jen: 

I'm so embarrassed. I never saw it, but I'll have to make up for it. We watched almost everything together. It's rare that I'll have seen something without Sylv.

BadRonald:   

Thanks sisters, for being twins, and for being cool filmmakers... and thank you for answering my silly questions.  In parting, could you each give me a title of any movie that I must absolutely find and watch?

Sylvia: 

Thank you for talking to us! This was a really fun interview, so we appreciate it. Ok, I gotta give you some goodies. A really fun one is PIECES. As is NEW YORK RIPPER. Eli Roth introduced me to them and they are fantastic flicks that you might have not seen yet.

Jen:
It was a real pleasure chatting with you. You know your shit and I respect the hell out of it. Go see PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE. Thank me later ;)

BadRonald:
Thanks ladies!!