Daywalt Horror: Suicide Girl

Drew Daywalt, the writer/director of the upcoming Camera Obscura and co-founder of the Fewdio horror troupe, has recently posted his latest short film SUICIDE GIRL

Watch Suicide Girl Here

The film tells the tale of what happens when a young woman’s suicide video acts as a catalyst for horror from beyond the grave…

Watch the video and leave comments on your thoughts of Drew’s latest short scare.

Also, listen to This Is Some Scene’s interview with Drew Daywalt here.

Gemini Rising Episode 7 Part 1

There is so much to love in episode 7 of the kick ass web series Gemini Rising (www.geminirising.tv). Let me start off by giving mad props to Gregory Nassif St. John for his portrayal of Larry LaMay, a character based off of Al Alberts, a Philadelphia area host of The Al Alberts Showcase, a Saturday afternoon talent show. Gregory’s attention to detail in molding this character is simply genius. I would tune in religiously if Fugue Films ever did a Larry LaMay Spin-off. But let’s not forget Larry’s Piano player, played by Marty Kris, whose comedic timing with Larry just makes it all the more believable. I honestly feel like these guys have worked together on the LaMay show for years. With every viewing of episode 7 I notice little things that Gregory does with the LaMay character that has me in stitches. From his subtle adjustment of his seated posture while watching a very awkward teen dance, which appears to be highly arousing for Larry to the way he holds the microphone. It captures all the creepiness that was The Al Alberts showcase.

Now throw in an early Sunday morning performance of a prog rock band on the Larry LaMay show and you have a recipe for greatness. Righteous Jolly as Robert never disappoints. His passion for the music and frustration with the world around him draws you in. You want so badly for something to work out in Robert’s world.

Being in many bands for many years, it pleases me to see that Fugue Films manages to capture what it is like to be in a rock band and all the shit you end up dealing with. At one point our band got booked at a comedy cabaret. We had comedians open up for us. We were so out of place and it was an awful night. So I feel Gemini Rising’s pain.

Gemini Rising hit its stride in episode 7. The art direction, costuming, sound and writing is top notch. 

Now that would be more than enough for a little-indie-that-could web series to win me over but the Fugue Films crew goes one step further and wrote and recorded the song “Electric Lady of the Lake” featured in the episode. A powerful and epic song, it is a testament to the amazing lengths Fugue Films along with their musical collaborators go to to bring to their audience a well rounded vision. The song’s dark tone also feels like a bit of foreshadowing of darker things to come for Robert and his clan. Episode 7 is a masterpiece and proof that great art is in the hands of the indies.

In a sea of internet video mediocrity, this series rises above them all and should be a lesson to other indie filmmakers to take the time and make your films the best they can be. You don’t have to take my word for it. Gemini Rising recently earned a 2009 Webby Award Honoree and was recently mentioned in a Washington Post article comparing it to an HBO production “Flight of the Conchords.” 

This series ROCKS!

Become a fan of Gemini Rising on Facebook

Watch Gemini Rising

www.geminirising.tv

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Go behind the scenes with Gemini Rising

For fans of the internet series Gemini Rising, episode 6 can not come fast enough. Luckily, the Fugue Films crew has given us something to tease us with until then. Ya gotta love Righteous Jolly’s reaction to a hunter’s gunshot in the woods during an interview. So go check out ‘Behind the Scenes of Episode 6′ and enjoy. I would like to add that I am really jealous they got to play with that car for a day. 

You can watch the behind the scenes video on our home page under the Featured Video section or go here.

 

 

Gemini Rising: The Lamb

It is midnight, Friday, July 18th and that cinematic moment that has been highly anticipated has finally arrived. No, not Batman, The Dark Knight. I’m talking about Gemini Rising, Episode 4 “The Lamb.”

It is Thanksgiving 1974. The new 8 1/2 minute episode begins with Rob McKenzie (Righteous Jolly) playing a new love song he wrote called “Sandy” who we know from previous episodes is his beautiful girlfriend played by Pam McGarvey. The doe-eyed Sandy, enamored by having a song written in her name, hangs on every note along with an uneasy Tubbs (Antonio Addeo), clearly agitated as he listens. As the song ends, complete with Rob wiping the tears from his eyes (genius!), tensions rise as Tubbs questions the song’s connection to the “theme” the band is going for.

But before the debate gets heated, the mood is saved when the rest of the group enters brandishing a recently acquired vinyl record of Genesis’ The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. Richie (Charles Radcliffe) handles it delicately as the group gazes upon the record with reverence.

They all wish each other a Happy Thanksgiving and we are introduced to Chi, I mean Chet or maybe it’s Che (Ryan Patrick McFarland), leader of the ALA (Amphibian Liberation Army). According to Rob, reptiles/snakes are saved by the AMPHIBIAN Liberation Army. You got to just love Rob’s cluelessness. And at the same time your heart is breaking because you know Sandy has motivation behind asking about Chet and Rob, so in love with her, can’t even see it.

This is followed by an interesting chat about IF (Interpersonal Frequency), a group that promotes open relationships and fulfillment through non-commitment. However, it would seem that the guys are using it to get laid by many broads every night of the week without having to date them. This might be the greatest group ever. Tubbs calls it “Sex-opolis.” Once again, Rob’s naiveté of things of this nature is priceless and makes for great comedy. I’m not sure if IF will play a part in Rob & Sandy’s relationship but that would be interesting to see. 

After a meatless Thanksgiving dinner, Rob and Barry (Michael Jared Kite) head outside for a smoke. I won’t reveal what happens in this scene but it is a killer ending which had me laughing my ass off and anxiously anticipating the next episode. I can’t wait for what is about to happen.

Fugue Films continues to create something worthwhile, still building the story, the characters, staying fresh and funny. Check it out at http://www.geminirising.tv/ - click on Episodes.

As an afterthought from watching this episode, I realized how different the world is when it comes to music and the release of a new album. In the 70s it was an event. You would gather your friends together to listen to an album. It meant something back then. And then the lyrics from Ani DiFranco’s “Fuel” came into my head:

people used to make records
as in a record of an event
the event of people playing music in a room
now everything is cross-marketing
its about sunglasses and shoes
or guns and drugs
you choose

 

Gemini Rising Filmmakers on Some Scene

Monday night, June 23rd, This Is Some Scene welcomes Fugue Films, the creators of Gemini Rising, a hilariously-groovy web series following a fictional band, Gemini Rising, during thier hey-day in 1974. Fugue Films is an independent production company located in historical Bristol, PA and founded by Gina Andreoli and Christopher Marston in 2005. They specialize in film and video production including narrative fiction, documentary, commercial and music video work. Join us as we talk to Gina Andreoli, Christopher Marston, Pam McGarvey and Righteous Jolly. This Is Some Scene starts at 9PM with Movie News, Entertainment History, Attack of the B-Movies and a new Game Show starting this week and you can win free prizes courtesy of SlackerPlanet.net. Our guests will call into the show at 9:30 PM EST. Listen LIVE at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/ThisIssomeScene.

You can watch the first episode of Gemini Rising on our Home Page under the Featured Video section. Also, you can read my review of the series here.

We hope you can join us for another fantastic episode of This Is Some Scene from Guerilladelphia: A Declaration of Independents.

This Is Gemini Rising

As a musician, filmmaker and a child born in the 70s, I can appreciate Gemini Rising on many levels. This hilariously-groovy internet web series is not unlike Rob Reiner’s Spinal Tap, a mockumentary following the trials and tribulations of a rock band. Although it seems that everyone and their mother is making mocumentary films these days (that is if they aren’t making a zombie movie – and don’t get the idea of a mocumentary zombie movie either It has been done. You can listen to our interview on This Is Some Scene radio with American Zombie director, Grace Lee to find out more on that idea), Fugue Films managed to not only put together a tremendous cast but the film has an eye for detail that is unrivaled by other low budget independent films. The filmmakers went to the trouble of making the “film” look aged but what really impressed me is the costume design. Just look at the photo in this article and tell me that this does not look like it was shot in 1974. I love the main character, Robert McKenzie, I’m assuming the actor’s name is Righteous Jolly. If so, this guy can act. He is a blast to watch on screen. Episode 3 has to be my favorite (there are only 3 online presently.) In that episode, the band has to deal with famous New York Photographer, Aleister Holt Pierce and his roller skating partner, both are flaming homosexuals and the interaction between the band and the photographers is comic gold. I rarely find online webisodes that are worth investing my time in. Mostly because they are made by kids with camcorders not filmmakers. Gemini Rising packs a lot of filmmaking punch in only a few minutes. That is much harder to accomplish than I think most people realize. A recent USA Today article discusses how Hollywood is trying to capitalize on the web episode craze.  Agents from United Talent Agency Online have been feverishly signing up dozens of digital mavericks in hopes of finding that rare bright light who can build a lucrative entertainment enterprise. Whether or not UTA feels that the Gemini Rising series is right for them, the series highlights some amazing talent on both sides of the camera. I look forward to seeing future episodes and wish Fugue Films all the best. 

WATCH GEMINI RISING NOW

Bus Pirates: Episode 5 “Revenge of the Culver Revenge”

 

I just caught up with the Bus Pirates and the latest episode, “Revenge of the Culver Revenge.”

Our hero, Dan, after speaking with “The Black Oracle” finds Captain Jack Bonier and the other pirates relaxing with coffee drinks. They are so lost in caffeine heaven that they lose sight of their mission and forgetting who Christy (robot or girl) is, that is until Dan brings them back to reality when they catch up with Redbeard’s bus.

Dan takes matters into his own hands, driving the bus along side Redbeard’s before he transfers the driving duties over to a boy passenger. Dan then leaps out onto the roof of the bus in a daring attempt to rescue Christy from the evil clutches of Redbeard. Will Dan succeed? We have to wait until the next episode of “The Bus Pirates.”

Despite the long wait between each episodes, they are just short enough and packed with adventure, that I can’t help but love this series. I’d like to see an end soon, however, and perhaps see a new season starting.    

Bus Pirates – The Robot Trials

Bus Pirates is back with Episode 4, The Robot Trials. Although this episode is still entertaining, it is the weakest episode so far. This is due largely to the fact that the majority of the episode is a musical segment entitled, “Redbeard’s Rap” and it is exactly what you think it would be from the title. It works on its own but when each episode is only a few minutes long, taking up a chunk of that with a music video wasn’t probably the best choice. It should have remained an extra.

The rap does make me laugh, two parts in particular; when the one pirate says, “Swab, Fool” and the very last line, “Stay in school.” That’s good stuff.

The rest of the story revolves around determining whether Christie, who gets hotter with each new episode, is a robot or a “gurl.” The pirates put Christie through the Robot Trials, a series of questions to determine if she is a girl or not. It’s only slightly amusing, especially when compared to the prior episodes. Unfortunately, due to the rap song, this episode doesn’t move the story any further along.

I look forward to see what episode 5 brings. In the meantime, you can catch up with this fun web based series at their myspace page, www.myspace.com/buspirates.

Enjoy

Bus Pirates – The Treasure of the Knights

The Black Oracle

It has taken a very long while, but Bus Pirates has finally put out a new episode. You can read my original write up about Bus Pirates here.

Episode 3 – The Treasure of the Knights sends our hero, Dan, on the journey to save Christy, the robot girl, who really isn’t a robot. While the Bus Pirates take a coffee break, Dan must seek the “Black Oracle” to discover the location of Christy.

The Oracle flashes back to 1976, and weaves a wild tale of how KISS had the Treasure of the Knights on their tour bus. Dan is told about the robot prophecy, why a robot prophecy? Because, as the Oracle tells it, “Robots like KISS.” I thought that was hilarious.

This series is so zany I can’t help but love it. I am always entertained by these shorts and I suggest you catch up with Bus Pirates. There are only 3 episodes so you can knock them out in no time since no episode runs longer than 10 minutes. Keep up to date, make Bus Pirates your MySpace Friend.

www.BusPirates.com
http://myspace.com/buspirates

Next Stop: Bus Pirates

The new Internet series, Bus Pirates, takes you on a voyage of excitement and laughter aboard a bus in L.A. Created by James Plaxton, Dave Lindsay, Ben Soper, and Tyler Soper, Bus Pirates follows Dan, a man whose unfortunate late start to his day sends him into the dark and often dangerous world of public transportation. Stepping onto the bus, Dan leaves his mundane life behind and is whisked away on a rollicking adventure of mass transit proportions. Aboard the bus, Capt. Jack Bonnier and his band of ruthless bus pirates confront Dan. Dan also allies with Christy, the beautiful and tough robot? Bus Pirates is a follow-up to the creators short-lived series Bakersfield Ninjas and is not to be missed. I am looking forward to following this fantastically imagined series.