I found this woman during a recent monster walk in a local town, she had her vendor table set up.  She had a unique style of art I hadn't noticed yet, running late, I handed her my card and asked about interview, she was overjoyed.  Someone noticed me and my skills and really is interested in writing an interview with me, must have flowed through her brain.  Sarah Mcgee is such an artist, I speak of, she is on all forms of social media (details at end), selling all different types of horror in multiple sizes and always willing to accept commission work (which I have done).  In the following days I have gotten things done and straightened out so here are her 10 questions: 

     S:  1:  When did it occur to you that you had such talent?

     Sarah McGee (SM)  1:   I've messed with art since I was in middle school. But really got obsessed my junior year of high school. Always had a Stephen King novel and a sketchbook in my purse. It started as my way of blocking out the bullies. 

     S:  That's an excellent way to detract yourself from bullying.  People (kids) need to find other passages to express themselves than killing themselves or bullies, try art, writing, or reading many fine things to start with if your not athletically gifted.

     S:  2:  How do you decide who or what to draw (non-commission)?

     SM:  2:  Sometimes the themes of upcoming events help me decide. Or if there's an anniversary of a cool movie, show, etc. coming up. Other times I pick from whatever I've been jonesing to draw. My ever growing list had about 30 items or themes last time I checked.

     S:  What an excellent answer, I love jonesing a lot never sure but once you start getting it all done is a personal problem of mine, that's why I have many stories on paper but only one finished haha.

     S:  3:  Have you ever tried other forms of art, like painting, etc......?

      SM:  3:  Yes, but nothing else really stuck. Painting was too messy. Pastels got everywhere. This medium just suited me. And the style fit my weird brain.

     S:  Well personally then we all have a weird brain lol.  You at least tried other mediums to find your fit which is unique.

     S:  4.  What is your favorite horror movie ever?

     SM:  4:  I know it's schticky, but Army of Darkness. All of the Evil Dead movies are pretty rad, actually. I'm a big time Bruce Campbell fan girl!

     S:  That's awesome I too love Bruce Campbell fan.  All those movies are classics, you couldn't go wrong with any of them.  Bruce is great because he never takes himself too seriously.

     S:  5:  What design is your favorite classic monsters, holiday themes, or music stars?

     SM:  5:  Horror, but comic theme is a close second actually. My drawing of Ash from Evil Dead was my first and favorite of the modern horror genre. I do like to break things up with a pet portrait now and then though!

     S:  Classic horror chic, great, collected comics when I was young and now enjoy watching comic movies, and some of the TV shows, and who doesn't love pets.  Everybody has a animal they want or have to call family.

     S:  6:  Did you have any formal schooling to hone your talent?

     SM:  6:  I went to Kent State for a year, pressured to do graphic design. Couldn't get into it.  Computer art wasn't and still really isn't my thing. Went to LCCC for a bit as well. But most of this was self taught.

     S:  Sure college didn't work, cause they want this or that, you have to unbridle my passion don't hold me back.  Let people go do what they want, feeling comfortable is better than unsure of what your doing.

     S:  7:  How did you learn about dotting as an art form?

     SM:  7:  In high school. My favorite art teacher showed us how Christmas card design for the year and it was in that style. Loved it. And the card idea, which I also did for a while. That got me more familiar with certain supplies and methods that have evolved into what I do now. Minus the "normal" holiday cards. For the most part lol.

     S:  You had a great art teacher, which I had too, but I still never seen or heard of "dotting" but I was definitely intrigued by it.  Who wouldn't want a non-conventional holiday card, that would be great.

     S:  8:  Tell us something most folks don't know about you?

     SM:  8:  I collect cookie cutters. This started when I ran a pet bakery as a side biz a while back. We have more critters than kids in my family, so it just made sense to me to make goodies for the fur kids. 

     S:  Now that's a new one on me, people collect the strangest things, but cookie cutters?  Although I collect some weird stuff too, nothing really that "normal" lol.

     S:  9:  How long does it take, on average, for one piece depending on the different sizes?

     SM:  9:  The average time it takes for me to complete an 8x10 is 8 hrs, from sketch to final color. I have had a few 9x12s take me well over 11 hrs before. I just started my first 18x24...that time frame should be interesting!

     S:  That's surprising to me, I figured it would take longer.  But then again 8 hours is a solid days work and considering you get 1 picture done, that sounds right, I guess.

     S: 10:  Of all the pieces you've done, commission or not, which is your favorite from start to finished product?

     SM:  10:  The skull and cherry blossom piece is my fave. It was my first attempt at a skull. It was done about 3 yrs ago, and still gets a good response from folks. Which is why I do this. The smiles, tears, cringes....all worth it. If they don't respond to the art, what's the point?

     S:  That is very true art is meant to inspire some sort of feeling or reaction.  Your favorite piece actually surprises me, I figured it would be a horror film shot of some sort, maybe that's the "girly" side of you coming out lol.

    Hope you all enjoyed that interview, it was a pleasure of mine to do, for sure.  I wish to thank Sarah for her time and patience with me, I hope it all goes well.  Please send her some business, she does excellent work in a unique style. Info for her will be posted underneath.  I am not biased in any way I paid for my artwork (no freebies) she has skills. 

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     I would consider this man a great voice in the horror genre, even though he makes no-budget to micro-budget films.  He gives his all without expecting a profit, he does it for the love of it.  I speak of Chad Nelson Knauer, indie filmmaker, and all around do whatever necessary, for his dreams of horror films to be done.  I enjoyed giving him his 10 questions and the answers are very insightful, so without further ado: 

     S:  1.  What made you decided to make no-budget horror films?

      Chad Nelson Knauer: 1: Filmaking has always been a passion and hobby of mine. When I was a kid I got a PXL 2000 (a B&W camera that recorded video on audio cassette tapes) as a Christmas present in the 80's. I've been hooked ever since!

     S:  Man what i wouldn't have given to have your parents, lol.

     S:  2.  How many films have you done no-budget?

     CNK:  2:  Dozens! The first projects I've publicly released were fan films. I've helped out on many other projects with local filmmakers. The next two works in progress are Murder Clown: 1985. Which filming has wrapped and is currently in post production. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BFwIn2OXNXA ;

And Skeleton Cop. That one is still being filmed. 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7qUNx5_UBbI

     S:  Wow i must head off to see these and possibly work with you on a future project.

     S:  3.  What is, the greatest thing you've learned from your experience?

     CNK:  3:  Safety first. We are big fans of practical effects. Some of these effects come with a serious element of danger if proper safety procedures are not followed. Such as blank guns or fire stunts for example.

     S:  That is the greatest answer i have heard ever, everybody needs to be safe even Hollywood stunt people use and practice safety.  Look at how many actors/actresses have been killed or seriously injured on films.  Great answer!

     S:  4.  What is your all-time favorite horror film?

     CNK:  4:  John Carpenter's The Thing!

     S:  I can't believe of all the interviews I've conducted nobody has ever said that answer, such a classic piece of film work, that probably will never be duplicated.

      S:  5.  Who would you consider your directing "idol"?

      CNK:  5:  That's a tough one! For me, it's a three way tie between Mctierman, Verhoeven, and the Coens!

      S:  That is a nice list, but the Coens, really don't fit, but they have their own style that is for sure.  Just surprising that no horror directors made your list, but it is your opinion and I can't deny your choices they are good.

      S:  6.  Do you direct, act, and write all your films?

      CNK:  6:  No, everything has been a collaborative effort with the people in our group!

     S:  It's awesome to have quality people willing to go the extra mile for one vision.

     S:  7.  Have you ever considered a crowdfunding campaign to get some "real" actors and money?

     CNK:  7:  I think everyone has contemplated that at some point. In my opinion, it's an amazing time to be working in low/no budget films do to the advancements in consumer technology. The times of having to rely on a studio system and distribution companies to have your project created and seen is a relic from the past! The Internet has leveled the playing field for artists to get their work to the public.

     S:  Yes i agree, I was in a film group for a while,  even assisted one a couple of projects on Youtube now.  The group seemed to level off with more discussion than work getting done, that is why I left. But would love to get involved again in a group of action and planning not so much talk.     

  

     S:  8.  Tell us something most people don't know about you?

     CNK:  8:  I spend hours and hours listening to creative Commons music, hoping to find a diamond in the rough! Haha!

     S:  I  don't even know what that is so the jokes on me. Haha!

     S:  9.  How long does it take to film one movie, speaking of no-budget wise?

     CNK:  9:  For me, At least a year for a short film. Sometime longer. Like the saying goes, fast-good-cheap, best you can hope for is two of the three.

     

     S:  You should always aim for all three, but two out of three ain't bad, quality doesn't always come with money either.

     S:  10.  Which movie that is getting a sequel (hypothetically) would you want to direct?

     CNK:  10:  Shin Godzilla. I've always loved giant monster movies and would love a go at one!

     S:  I have never seen it but do love old school Godzilla films, so I will agree with it.

 

     These are a few images of his greatness, looks amazing for his budget restrictions.  I want to thank Chad Nelson Knauer for giving me this opportunity for another quality interview from another great voice in indie circuit.  Be sure to check out his Youtube videos (i need to myself).  SUPPORT INDIE HORROR

    This is a special interview with a photographer, actor, director, and film fest organizer I am talking to George James Fraser.  He has acted in movies, also directed movies, but right now has his Happenstance Film Fest coming soon.  He is doing his part for the indie horror scene from all he does and has done photography also with his company Stained Glass & Blood Baths.  He is soon to be a force to be reckoned with soon.  I'm glad from the bottom of my bleeding heart he accepted my invitation for this interview.  Here goes his 10:

      S:  1:  What lead you into the realm of horror?

      George James Fraser (GJF)  1:  I was just kind of born into horror i guess. Ever since i was a little punk toddler i remember being drawn to the darker stories that the universe had to offer. It has just always been there. I spent my days sharpening stakes and hunting invisible vampires in the creek near my home. I read and did a report on Shelley's Frankenstein in the second grade.

     2:  How long have you been running The Happenstance Film Fest?

     GJF:  This is my second year organizing the fest. This year is fixing to be 10 times what we had last year. With special guests, vendors, raffles, and some special surprises.

     S:  Surely sounds great, almost like a mini-convention.

      3:  What made you feel another horror film fest was needed?

     GJF:  The way the world is set up, especially here in the states, the artists go unseen. Capitalism and consumerism are the gods here and Hollywood is the holy word. The independent artists need to carve their own paths, climb their own towers, and stamp their own mark. Because they have something to say. I feel i needed to supply an arena to help to shine some light where mainstream media ignores.

      S:  That is truly one artist speaking from the heart. Awesome.

      4:  What is your all-time favorite horror film ever?

     GJF:  This is the most difficult question. I could probably tell you which of my 3 children is my favorite before i could answer that. In no particular order.

In the Mouth of Madness

Hellraiser 1&2

NOES

The Blob 1988

Shivers

     S:  That is the oddest list I have seen great movies but a few I haven't seen, but am now on the lookout.

     5:  Stained Glass and Blood Baths is an idea you came up with or was it a collaborate effort?

     GJF:  SG&BB as a production company is something I began unnamed for a while. I delved into the world of cinema not knowing where to begin. I knew what I wanted the result to be so from there it was basically just reverse engineering. The name Stained Glass and Blood Baths has been a motto of mine through most of my life. The balance of the beautiful and the grotesque. The light and the dark. The good and the evil.

     S:  Nice motto, and you done a great service to the horror community, with all the photos alone I have seen.  You definitely have the eye for what is awesome.

     6:  How long have you been acting?

     GJF:  The acting only began as a means for me to learn how things worked on a set. Mostly just studies that would lead to me running a set of my own. It only lasted a couole years and now i really only do it from time to time to help out friends with their projects.

     S:  At least you went about it the right way, learning from the inside out, at least that's the way I did it.  I do believe it is more helpful.

     7:  Do you feel you prefer directing over acting?

 

     GJF:  I 100% prefer working behind the camera than in front of it. Seeing my imagination being played out it real life. God complex I suppose.

     S:  I don't think so, you have a vision to see it fully through is pride I believe not a God complex.  Everyone who is doing what they love wants the best for themselves first, that may seem selfish to some but I can't agree more.

     8:  What is something most people don't know about you?

     GJF:  Most people assume that because I put myself front stage in the spotlight I must be an extrovert. In fact I am rather reserved and comfortable in solitude.

I hate mushrooms though, as a chef, it angers me to do so.

If Taylor Swift is playing, I am singing.

     S:  A chef too wow, and sorry I must laugh at the Taylor Swift thing, I understand the first one way too well.

     9:  How do pick one film over another for festival, is some sort of method to the madness?

     GJF:  I could never imagine running a festival that was open to all genres. There are just so many aspects to consider. Even with just horror the spectrum is infinite. I look for thibgs that stand out. Points for originality but also respect to a classic theme done right. If a piece makes me feel something, its a winner.

     S:  That is very judge like, honest and fair, I would appreciate that once I have a film "in the can".

     10:  Do you prefer the film or photography aspect of your company Stained Glass and Blood Baths?

     GJF:  It is hard to choose one over the other. Still photography is such a beautiful and timeless art. Capturing a story within one frame is just such a powerful thing to me. On the other hand, taking someone on a walk through my twisted imagination, making them feel something, or to provoke something within them is a special thing in itself.

     S: That is so well said.  I couldn't answer either way, I find both so intriguing.

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     This looks like on helluva awesome film fest.  He as absolutely outdone himself.  This doesn't even say what films have been selected yet.  I must say George James Fraser has a loud voice to be heard in this genre.  Gots to love he does movies too, wow.  Can't wait to see what comes next from him.  All Beware, he is soon to be reckoned with.  I alone can't wait.  SUPPORT INDIE HORROR