Destined For Greatness

What an honor it was for me to sit down with the magnificent vocalist, Destini Beard, for an exclusive one on one interview. Charming, vivacious, and truly talented - Mrs. Beard is definitely a 'rising star' that you'll be hearing a lot more from here at the Drive-In and elsewhere.

Speaking of which, I have it on good authority (quoted from Ed Douglas of Midnight Syndicate no less!) that it is indeed true that Destini is working with the gothic duo on a full length follow-up CD to her amazing debut EP: 'The Dark Masquerade.' That's right, folks - you heard it here first! How wonderful that Mrs. Beard is living her dream and sharing in the dark magic of Midnight Syndicate! We look forward to hearing this new music, and we'll be sure to update you with any new news of Destini Beard and Midnight Syndicate as we hear it! Stay tuned...

http://www.destinibeard.com
http://www.midnightsyndicate.com

The 1st Annual Ozzies

All right, folks - here it is: our votes for the best (and worst) in horror for 2010 - with a couple special tribute Ozzies for artists who have passed - and horror artists of the future. And now, without further ado...

THE 1ST ANNUAL DRIVE-IN OF THE DEAD
OZONER AWARDS

BEST PICTURE: Let Me In

BEST ACTOR: Danny Trejo (Machete)

BEST ACTRESS: Chloë Moretz (Let Me In)

BEST SEQUEL: Piranha 3-D

WORST SEQUEL: Saw 3D

BEST REMAKE: The Crazies

WORST REMAKE: A Nightmare On Elm Street

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR: Jerry O'Connell (Piranha 3-D)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS: Emily Blunt (The Wolf Man)

BEST FOREIGN FILM: We Are What We Are (Mexico)

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IN MEMORIUM OZONER: Tura Satana (Faster, Pussycat, Kill! Kill!)

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The 2010 Drive-In of the Dead Ozoner Achievement Award:

MIDNIGHT SYNDICATE

For their outstanding work in horror, Halloween, and gothic-themed enterprises - including releasing their first two music videos in April and June of 2010, releasing their first collaboration EP, 'The Dark Masquerade,' with vocalist Destini Beard in July, followed by the release of their first full length feature film: 'The Dead Matter' along with its companion soundtrack CD and 'Halloween Music,' a compilation of the band's favorite tracks. They ended the year by announcing they will be releasing a new CD in August of 2011 entitled 'Carnival Arcane.'

----------------------------------------------------

Drive-In of the Dead extends its congratulations to all of the winners (and losers) in this year's Ozoner Awards! Let's bring on the horror in 2011!

Discursion

Came across a little beauty called DISCURSION yesterday. Still don't know much about it other than I THINK it may be a local, in-state production (I recognize some of the names in the credits). I will post more as learn it - in the meantime, here's the official synopsis:

THERE ARE SOME THINGS MORE FRIGHTENING THEN ISOLATION

A survivor of warfare born chemical attack, Cassie Becker faces a new world of terrible realization. The Human race has suffered terrible recourse in the wake of an attack that never should have been leaving the remaining inhabitants in a state far less then human. It has been six months since to the day in this new world of indescribable destruction and isolated fear. In search of the only person she holds dear Cassie must fight the onslaught of creatures once precious to her in an unstoppable journey to reunite.

Directed by: Mitchel A. Jones

Starring: Nicole Kruex, Tommy Propson, Aaron Courteau, Charles Hubbell, Jim Westcott,

Featuring Music From: Sika, Sierra Shame, The Infidels, and More.

The official website: http://discursionmovie.com/

Sounds cool, no?

Quote of the Day

"Don't you realize? The next time you see sky, it'll be over another town. The next time you take a test, it'll be in some other school. Our parents, they want the best of stuff for us. But right now, they got to do what's right for them. Because it's their time. Their time! Up there! Down here, it's our time. It's our time down here. That's all over the second we ride up Troy's bucket."

--Mikey Walsh (The Goonies)

Smoke & Mirrors

“With a face like mine, you can’t play a romantic lead.”

--Tom Savini

You'll hear that and more in the upcoming documentary on the life and career of make-up and FX maestro Tom Savini called 'Smoke & Mirrors'! Directed by Jason Baker and produced by Mijo Films - this is an in-depth glimpse into the man that made horror messy. Promising commentary from the likes of George A. Romero, fellow make-up artist Greg Nicotero, and Savini himself - plus a zombie horde of others - 'Smoke & Mirrors' traces Savinis' life back to his days in Vietnam, his personal life, and his first big break in movies. Learn how he created the ghastly effects of 'Friday the 13th,' 'Dawn of the Dead,' 'Creepshow' and more!

Listed as "Coming Soon," we'll have the release date for this cool documentary when we hear it - in the meantime, check out the official trailer below:

Lords of Salem

Master of shock ROB ZOMBIE just did an interview with Empire Online in which he talked about his upcoming film THE LORDS OF SALEM. It doesn't start shooting until this spring - but here's a little of what we can expect (plus his opinions on THE BLOB, HALLOWEEN II, and remakes in general).

"There were twenty people that everyone knows about - obviously all innocent - executed as witches in Salem. The basic premise of the film is that there were a further four who actually were witches, who were killed secretly, and vowed one day to return to wreak havoc on Salem's descendants. That's when the movie jumps ahead to the present day and things start to go wrong..."

Zombie also threw in this little morsel: "Lords of Salem is probably the bleakest of all my films... It's only gonna get worse!" He then went on to explain why his Blob remake is not going to happen:

"I didn't want to do another remake. You just can't win. If it's too similar to the original, everybody wonders what the point was, but if it's too different, everybody complains that it's... too different! I found especially with Halloween II that everyone talked about what it wasn't and not what it was: 'you can't do that with Michael Myers; you can't do that with Loomis...' It's like people have a set of rules in their minds about how these things should function, and you can't work like that."

To read the full interview, visit: http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=30225

Drive In Drive By

Drive In Drive By
Originally uploaded by Alex.Tango.Fuego

What a beautiful photo.

Bow-Nessie

Kayakers snap photo of England’s version of the ‘Loch Ness Monster’

Nothing puts a damper on a serene afternoon's kayaking like the sight of a primeval sea monster. That was the rude lesson for Tom Pickles and Sarah Harrington, who'd taken their watercraft out on the foggy waters of Lake Windermere, only to encounter what appeared to be "an enormous snake" swimming by.

"It was petrifying and we paddled back to the shore straight away. At first I thought it was a dog and then saw it was much bigger and moving really quickly at about 10 mph," the 24-year-old Pickles told The Telegraph. "Each hump was moving in a rippling motion and it was swimming fast. Its skin was like a seal's but its shape was completely abnormal—it's not like any animal I've ever seen before."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20110218/od_yblog_upshot/kayakers-snap-photo-of-englands-version-of-the-loch-ness-monster

Drive-In of the Dead

IMG_1277
Originally uploaded by Erick Nielsen Photography

Love this pic - and love the photographer's comment:

"What is it about a drive-in theatre that makes me think of zombies?"

Dereliction Drive-In

Dereliction Drive-In
Originally uploaded by Film4

I don't know what this is - but I LIKE IT!

Spade

Here's a groovy concept from the cool cats over at Darkstone Entertainment: a web series called SPADE in which viewers decide the fate of the characters via online votes. I've already checked out a few episodes and it's definitely got a neo-noir vibe going. Here's the lowdown on the basic premise:

Jack Spade once saved the world. Now, forgotten by his peers and left to his own devices for the last fifteen years, he is asked once again to save humanity. But this time, he is not the prophesized one. He is to keep her alive.

How to Play

Watch each episode and vote for what you want to see happen next. After each episode airs you have 72 hours to vote on how you want the story to unfold. To begin scroll to the bottom of the page and watch from the start. The newest episode will be posted at the top of the page every other Thursday - but hurry, there's only a couple more episodes left! So watch and don't forget to vote!

http://www.darkstone-ent.com/index2.html

Star Lite Star Bright

Star Lite drive-in theater
Originally uploaded by БРАТСТВО

I have a wish I wish tonight...

Don't let Wal Mart move in and take over this property! Come on Tacoma, WA - isn't there someone who can swoop in and save this grand old structure?

Fear What Evil Lurks In The Shadows

More on 'Mr. Hush' from writer/director David Lee Madison:

"Mr. Hush is a horror film in the classic style, with elements of suspense and dark humor. Filled with tension and high drama, Mr. Hush touches on such elemental themes as good vs. evil and true love lost.

It was my intention to give a deliberate nod to the great horror films of the 1980s (Fright Night, The Lost Boys) with completely contemporary characters. The script was written specifically to accommodate the strengths of my outstanding cast, who have been with me from inception to completion. They brought great passion to my vision for Mr. Hush, and, unlike most current horror films, our actors had a chance to create real, human and believable characters.

As a lifelong fan of the genre, it was an honor to write, produce and direct for the horror icons I grew up admiring. Mr. Hush was a labor of love for many, and now, as this dark and mysterious stranger is about to become the next horror icon, we are proud to unleash Mr. Hush upon an unsuspecting world. I hope you enjoy the film."

--David Lee Madison

Hush...

As a special Valentine's Day treat for all our faithful readers out there, we here at the Drive-In are extremely pleased to announce that we are working with Mr. Hush LLC to promote their upcoming film: 'Mr. Hush.' Still in development, their film is close to wrapping up - but you can check out the goods at the website found below. I'm liking what I'm seeing so far - a classic horror vibe, almost Hammeresque in tone - something that's sorely missing in horror movies today. Here's a little info about the film:

Horror icon Stephen Geoffreys (Fright Night) returns to classic horror in Mr. Hush. Holland Price is a devoted husband and loving father. But unbeknownst to him, evil and darkness have him a marked man. An idyllic, small Pennsylvania town serves as the background for this epic battle between good and evil. Starring Brad Loree(Halloween Resurrection), Steve Dash (Friday the 13th, Part 2) and Edward X. Young (Sea of Dust).

http://www.mrhush.net

Brains

It's too late for Christmas but I still have a birthday coming up...

http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/kitchen/e2b2/

What is 519?

Drive-In of the Dead is proud to announce that we will be working with the Arkansas-based film studio Blood Eagle Productions to promote their first feature film: 'Experiment 519.' And just what, exactly, is Experiment 519? Well, we've seen some top secret government documents - but they were highly censored - so you know as much as we do about this mysterious project. All we can say is that you should definitely stay tuned to learn more about this exciting film as we hear it - or visit their website:

http://www.bloodeagleproductions.com/

Action!

Ted V. Mikels Begins Production On New Astro Zombie Movie!

TVM Global Entertainment, in association with Blue Heron International Pictures, have announced that production on Astro Zombies M4: Invaders From Cyberspace has begun. According to Director Ted V. Mikels, the new year will see another close collaboration between the two film companies on what is already shaping up as his most exciting movie yet. "Our second unit cameras began rolling Saturday in Florida," said Mikels. "My assistant director, Gary Lester, along with cameraman Dave Karner and audio production assistant Rob Kelly turned in some great footage after a 12 hour shoot. Audiences will be absolutely thrilled in the opening minutes of this new movie."

Mikels will be introducing film audiences to two of his newly discovered actresses in the opening minutes of the film. Trista Catineau and Rachel Hansen, will play two college students who respond bravely to a werewolf attack. "That's right. A werewolf attack," said assistant director Gary Lester. "In Ted's latest movie, humanity is threatened not only by rampaging Astro Zombies, but a seven foot tall werewolf also drops by to wreak a little havoc."

"Stay tuned," said the legendary director Mikels. "Gary will be filming second unit scenes with a psychic medium and a few scientists at a top secret government lab before we start principal photography in March in Las Vegas. We are definitely on a roll with this production." So let the world beware. Once again, Ted V. Mikels has started unleashing his lethal Astro Zombies -- along with a seven foot tall werewolf -- and they are wasting no time claiming new victims on the big screen.

(Photos courtesy of TVM Global Entertainment. Set photos by Elizabeth D. Bosse.

For further information, please visit www.tedvmikels.com. Or check out the new Astro Zombies M4: Invaders From Cyberspace trailer exclusively at Drive-In of the Dead!

Eerie

Minnesota's own premiere horror production company Not For The Squeamish Productions recently announced the title for their upcoming independent film project. Check out the quote that NFTS founder Jason Stephenson just shouted out on Facebook - I dig the title!

"Hey horror fiends... Be well prepared for me and the NFTS Productions gang to keep making horror history Minnesota style in 2011 with... A HAUNTING ON EERIE STREET now in pre-pre-pre production!!! cast and crew call coming sooon!!!"

Carnival Arcane

New Midnight Syndicate studio album Carnival Arcane to be released August 2011.

February 8, 2011 (Cleveland, OH) Gothic, Halloween, Fantasy, Horror music composers, Midnight Syndicate have announced plans to release a new album entitled, Carnival Arcane this August. The band's fourteenth album in as many years, Carnival Arcane takes listeners on a journey through an early-20th century traveling carnival with a mysterious and sinister past. "The 'dark carnival' is a classic horror theme. We're really excited to put our own spin on it," said Gavin Goszka. "The heyday of the traveling carnival was the late-19th and early-20th century, which is the time period that really appeals to us in all our work with Midnight Syndicate," added Edward Douglas. Carnival Arcane comes on the heels of a busy year for Midnight Syndicate that marked the release of their first motion picture, The Dead Matter, the soundtrack to that film, a collaboration with vocalist Destini Beard entitled The Dark Masquerade, a "best of" collection, and the band's first two music videos. For more information, visit Midnight Syndicate online at www.MidnightSyndicate.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MidnightSyndicate.

"Pay no attention to the rumors, the Lancaster-Rigby Carnival is alive and well and awaits you just beyond the outskirts of town. Bring your wives and children for an unforgettable night of entertainment from the four corners of the globe and be sure to enjoy a ride on our Grand Carousel. But hurry ~ as this once in a lifetime opportunity is only here for a limited time!"

---

Midnight Syndicate Gothic Horror Fantasy Soundtracks - www.MidnightSyndicate.com
Midnight Syndicate on Facebook - www.facebook.com/MidnightSyndicate
The Dead Matter movie - www.TheDeadMatter.com

About Midnight Syndicate:
Midnight Syndicate has been creating instrumental Halloween music and gothic horror fantasy soundtrack CDs for the past fourteen years. The group’s music has become a staple of the Halloween season worldwide as well as a favorite in the haunted house, amusement park, role-playing game, and gothic music industries. From Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights and Hugh Hefner’s Halloween parties to Monday Night Football, X-Box games, the classic Dungeons & Dragons roleplaying game, and Barbara Walters specials, their CDs are designed to take listeners on a journey into the darkest corners of their imagination.

Today's Horrorscope

Tuesday, Feb 8, 2011 -- The bloodthirsty Aries Moon gets its slaughter on and we feel her forceful drive as she goes on a rampage with insistent Mars and the Sun. We think we are ready for whatever comes next, even if we cannot yet see the zombie hoard around the corner. We can learn some totally unexpected undead kill-shots as Mercury the Messenger forms a complicated revenge plan to shocking Uranus. Meanwhile, healer Chiron enters the dragon with Pisces, revealing the curative power of the gun.

TVTV

My thanks go out to Gordon Smuder, Michael Heagle, and all the rest at 'Transylvania Television' for giving us a great interview and letting us promote their seriously funny puppet comedy (that's not for kids!) If you've never checked out this show, now is the time. One of the rare comedies that gets better with each passing episode, TVTV looks to be right on the verge of becoming a worldwide sensation. And the best part? Smuder, Heagle, and company are all really great guys; very down-to-earth with a deep appreciation for their puppet forefathers. Tune in to TVTV today...you'll be glad you did!

http://www.transylvania-tv.com

http://www.blip.tv/file/3682106/

RIP - Tura Satana - Cult Icon

Tura Satana, Cult Actress, Is Dead
By DAVE ITZKOFF

Tura Satana, the actress whose authoritative presence, exotic looks and buxom frame commanded the attention of viewers of Russ Meyer’s 1965 cult movie “Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!”, died on Friday evening in Reno, Nev.

The death was announced by her longtime manager, Siouxzan Perry, who said the cause of death was believed to be heart failure. Ms. Perry said Ms. Satana was 72 when she died, though other sources listed her birth year as 1935.

Born Tura Luna Pascual Yamaguchi in Hokkaido, Japan, to a father of Japanese and Filipino descent and a mother who was Cheyenne Indian and Scots-Irish, Ms. Satana spent part of her childhood in the Manzanar internment camp near Independence, Calif., before her family settled in Chicago. Her Asian background and looks and the fact that she developed early led to frequent harassment and assaults, and she led an itinerant lifestyle, working as an exotic dancer and nude model. She even posed for erotic photographs taken by Harold Lloyd, the former silent comedian, who suggested she pursue an acting career.

Her breakthrough role came in “Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!”, a Meyer exploitation film that, in stark opposition to the director’s later works, featured no nudity. In that film, Ms. Satana played Varla, the leader of a gang of go-go dancers who kidnap a couple, murder the boyfriend and force the girlfriend to follow them on further lawless adventures.

Ms. Satana’s portrayal of Varla as a brazenly violent but unapologetically feminine woman who frequently upbraids the men who dare to ogle her — when a gas-station attendant tells her he believes in “seeing America first,” Varla replies, “You won’t find it down there, Columbus!” — earned her a cult following that endured long after the drive-in era. In later decades, the influence of Ms. Satana’s no-nonsense attitude could be seen in pop-cultural artifacts ranging from “Xena, Warrior Princess” to Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” movies.

Ms. Satana is survived by two daughters, Kalani and Jade, and two sisters, Pamela and Kim, according to Ms. Perry. Ms. Perry said a memorial service was being planned for around July 10, Ms. Satana’s birthday.

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/05/tura-satana-cult-actress-is-dead/?ref=arts

Afraid of Sunrise

Drive-In of the Dead is proud to announce that we'll be featuring a cool new vamp flick from the Illinois-based movie studio Fathead Films called 'Afraid of Sunrise.' Here's the synopsis:

After years of fighting, vampires and humans come to a truce-with the vamps getting the short end of the stick. Relegated to second class citizens, they are forced to live in ghettos and microchipped to track their movements. Adding insult to injury, they also must get their blood from specially sanctioned government blood banks.

Although the Hunters have officially disbanded, Jonathan Sloan and his small crew of ex-Hunters track down “illegals” trying to uncover a conspiracy of a vampire cabal that plans on overthrowing the government and returning the vampires back to their former glory.

Jonathan must also come to grips with his past and decide where his loyalties lie in dealing with his feelings for Perrey, the love of his life.. a vampire.

When nature takes over, love is not enough.

To help get this film made, visit: http://www.indiegogo.com/Afraid-Of-Sunrise

Quote of the Day

"I get onstage now with more attitude at fifty-seven than I had when I was twenty. When I was twenty, my attitude was kind of like, 'Yeah, yeah: I'm a big rock star.' Now, when I get onstage, I go up there, and I am the Moriarty of rock. I am the consummate villain. I am the Hannibal Lector of rock, and I play it like that. Alice just seems like an arrogant bastard or villain who is making the audience feel as though they are lucky to be there when in reality that is exactly the opposite of my personality. With Alice though, it is great to play him or portray him as an Alan Rickman type character who is very condescending. That's what makes him fun to watch - he's Captain Hook."

--Alice Cooper

Texas Good Ol' Boy

Redland,Tx Drive-in screen
Originally uploaded by Slaid Shannon

How can this place sit abandoned? What a beauty!