This is a great up and comer to the writing world.  Skirting the outside with such tenacity that he want his shot at the big time.  Kent Hill has a plethora of books and short stories inside of many anthology, he just wants the proper promotion to back his writing talents.  I have read a few and I must say he deserves all the attention you can muster.  I interviewed him for my 10 question segment:


​Steve (S) 1.  When did you first realize that writing was in your future?

Kent Hill (KH) 1.   When I was not yet four years I saw a one a one hour special that not only blew my mind but set me on the path I am still on today. That special was called SPFX: The Empire Strikes Back. It was a retrospective of special effects up to and including Empire and for the first time I saw movies being made and I thought to hell with being a fireman or a cop (not that those are not noble pursuits) like all my friends wanted to be. I wanted to be in pictures. I went to my folks immediately declared this. I recall my father saying, "What can you do to start off?" I said I can write the story that will become the movie; in my mind it was the easiest thing I could think of to get the ball rolling, so that's what I did. I started writing down ideas for movies, so I guess that was where it all began. Plus it was and still is easy. I need very little to start me writing.

S  2.  Did you take any schooling for being an author?

 KH 2.    No. I think creativity is the same as being able to tell a joke, you can either do it or you can't. I think courses that claim they can teach you how to write creatively are a rip-off. Sure they can perhaps teach you some structural fundamentals, but no one can give you creativity. The only thing I can safely say, as far as someone educating mean with regard to my writing was (A) when I was still in primary school or elementary school as you call it, we had regular classes that were called composition classes. The teacher would give us a theme or a topic or an object and we had to write a story about it, and (B) I have been working on a screenplay of late with my friend and fellow author Michael Kanuckel. In venturing to have Russell Mulcahy (director of Highlander) write an intro for the book Michael wrote, Russell became enamoured with the story and wanted to develop it into a film. The quest still goes on and Russell, as I write this, is set to read the new draft. In his absence, due to commitments with his TV show Teen Wolf, I had other filmmakers and screenwriters give me their opinion along the way. The draft I have recently completely went through a top to toe rewrite inspired by the master class I received from screenwriter Matthew Greenberg (Reign of Fire, 1408.) Now I went to film school, but this relatively brief period of analysis and notes provided by Matt was the best screenwriting lesson I've had. If you want to learn, learn from a pro. Not from someone on the same indie circuit, I mean a pro, I guy who has been making a living from his writing in the big leagues for years. I was very fortunate sure. But had I not met Matt and I was truly looking for someone to help me out. I would seek someone with his credentials, they same goes for fiction writing, and get them to give me pointers. Most people who claim to have all the answers are better at writing 'how-to' books. The pros don't talk about what they do, cause their work speaks for itself and they've been doing it for years. Seek them out, you'll find if you ask they might just be willing.

S  3.  How would you describe your writing style?

 KH 3.    My stuff tends to take the form of the character either narrating the story or it's tone or flavour is a precedent that has been associated with the genre. The stuff I've down in books like Sword Dude and The Last Barbarian; the tone of the text comes from R.E. Howard and Henry Kuttner. I can't match those cats for style and mastery but I can mimic the tone. With the likes of DeathMaster the style is dictated by the voice I hear in my head that is the protagonist narrating the story. I had a fan of my stuff tell me that each of my books have a different voice to them so no one is the same as the other, which is a really splendid complement but also speaks to what I was trying to accomplish while writing them. That is that the flavour of the peace dictates the tone or the style. I love B movies so that is an influence. When I was writing Alien Smut Peddlers from the Future I was listening to Neil Young's Dead Man score constantly and that flavoured that piece. So, I guess you might say I adopt the style that is either dictated by the kind of story or the kind of genre I'm working in. But always with my slant to it.

S  4.  How difficult was it to co-author (with Craig Mullins) a whole novel?

 KH 4.   Well the best thing about it, aside from the fact that Craig is a really good writer, is that neither of us had ever done it. I remember him asking me, "How do we do it," and I said, "I write a bit, you write a bit." So I kicked it off and Craig really dug what I was doing and that got him inspired for his sections and thus we went along. The only work came when I noticed our tones were different. In order for it to appear reasonably seamless, I had to got back over and make sure everything sounded similar, but that was the only thing. There was one time during the writing that I asked Craig to write something in particular. While in the middle of writing a new segment and suddenly I saw the ending for the story. I told Craig I was stopping to write this ending and instructed him what I would need in his final segment to tie it together. What he delivered was astonishing and it was so easy wrapping it up neatly. All this combined with Sean Ferrari's fine editing and art provided by Brian LeBlanc, my Frazetta on a budget; we put out a great barbarian book. It was a grand adventure both in the writing and on the page. I look forward to the day Craig wants to do it again, it was an awesome experience.

S  5.  What's your favorite horror film ever?

 KH 5.    I can't really say it's my favourite, (my favourite I'd probably say is John Carpenter's The Thing) but one horror flick that left quite an impression on me was Poltergeist 2: The Other Side. Now the movie didn't and doesn't scare me, but the first time I watched it, in particular that scene where Craig T. Nelson (Steve Freeling) is drinking and he swallows the worm and then proceeds to spew up a fucking demon, then it turns and it's got Julian Beck's (Kane) face, man, I wasn't scared like I've said but I ran outside and hurled my guts up. I was checking my drinks for weeks after that.

S  6.  How do you come up with these off the wall ideas to write about?

KH 6     Usually it's a scene or a title or even a sentence that starts me off. Then I have to figure out the ending. After that it's just a case of filling in the middle. Alien Smut Peddlers began it's life as a single scene with a spacecraft crash landing, guy walks over to the wreck, alien slimes out, crawls up his ass and takes him over. Plus, back when I was captain of the drinking team, you'd be surprised the stories and adventures you pick up. A good writer is a keen observer of life. After all, there are some truly amazing moments during one's existence that fiction just can't touch. (Spoiler Alert)  The scene in my Retirement Village of the Damned with the old dude who shits on the hood's of parked cars - true story. So yeah, I crib from my own life, friends, family, conversations I hear. This world is an off the wall kinda place. It's there for the taking. Never pontificate in front of a writer.

S  7.  Your favorite novel that you wrote and why?

KH 7      DeathMaster. It is one that I thought about for a long time before I wrote it. I remembering hearing Jim Wynorski talking about his film Lost Empire and saying if he never got to make another movie he was going to put everything he ever wanted to see in a movie into Lost Empire. That was kinda how DeathMaster began. It started life as a screenplay which was going to have everything in it that I could get. Pay homage to all the things I loved about the movies that were precious to me plus more. Figured, like Jim, if I only get one shot then I'm going to leave not stone unturned. There is an uncut version I'm going to put out this year. I made trims for pacing initially, but the director's cut will see the light of day.

S  8.  Your all time favorite author?

 KH 8    It's a two horse race that is just too close to call, with the runners being Charles Bukowski and Joe R. Lansdale. Hank I love for his elegant simplicity and Champion Joe for that dude's ability to do it all, I mean that cat has written horror, comedy, thrillers, mysteries - everything from the richly bizarre to comic books. His story On the far side of the Cadillac Desert is still one of best things I've read.

S  9.  What do most people not know about you but are willing to share?

KH 9     Good question. When I was two I crapped in my undies and so as not to get caught I  buried them in the backyard. I then quickly ran inside slid on a clean pair. Thought Mum was dumb see, that she wouldn't notice I'd gone from Spiderman underwear to He-Man underwear. Never underestimate your mother.

S  10.  Your greatest supporter who isn't family?

 KH 10      My hats off to Don Noble. Till my number is called and I buy the farm I will sing the man's praises. He took a chance on me after I went three years and across three continents of publishers' rejections. A little book about smut peddling aliens made him laugh - the rest is history.

https://www.amazon.com/Kent-Hill/e/B00MB32Z84/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

and

https://www.facebook.com/KHPscribbling/

Those are the sites to buy his books or check out his work, I say you won't be disappointed.  Thanks Kent for the pleasure was all mine doing this interview was awesome.

The Man Himself

     This classy horror host has a show local to Clevelanders and all over YouTube my new interviewee is Janet Jay AKA Janet Decay or The Mummy from The Mummy and The Monkey Show.  She is re-opening her thrift store again, and bringing new episodes of her show back soon, I wanted to show people what she is all about, at least I tried my best.  If you've gone to any conventions around you've probably seen her a time or two.  I had the pleasure of getting to interview her for my blog the were her ten questions:

    

     Steve (S):  #1  How did you come up with the mummy and the monkey idea?

     Janet Jay (JJ):  Well it was a collaboration, a monster mash up of sorts. James Harmon AKA Grimm Gorri had his own show on cable public access and for a short time(2013-2014) my character Janet Decay hosted The Daughter Of The Ghoul Show on cable public access in Northeast Ohio for DMK Productions. There was no ghoul relation, many people ask about that.

 Grimm Gorri and Janet Decay were doing a Halloween appearance and giving out candy to kids and we heard children shouting "Mummy!", "Monkey!". We even have it on video and several months later after The Daughter Of The Ghoul was cancelled we decided to name our show ,The Mummy And The Monkey. Since then we have two seasons and several holiday specials and our characters have evolved into our brand.

     S:  #2  Any films you've acted in worth mentioning so the readers can look up your work?

     JJ:  Ha ha yes! One cult film that is fun to watch and a tip of the hat to the 1950's sci-fi flicks is "Revenge of the Spacemen".

Recently it was picked up by Troma for distribution and It's a great feeling to say that I'm officially a Troma Scream Queen.

Another one that has had a  cult following is Easter Casket about a killer Easter Bunny. This film is more adult and may be offensive to some, but has that fun cheesy Troma feel.

I've worked on several straight to video flicks for RAK Films and those guys are always great to work with.

There's other projects in the works, but too soon to announce anything.

     S:  Sounds great I will need to look those two up and see what RAK films has to offer.

     S:  #3  Horror Conventions seems to be a great passion of yours, how many are on tap for 2017?

     JJ:  These conventions keep growing like weeds and we always attend at least 4-5 per year. We'd like to be guests at more shows this year and possibly travel more. We've also attended comic cons and anime shows since many of these fans cross over into the horror genre's. We love our fans and our convention families!

     S:  Sounds like your laying the groundwork for greatness, I have seen you and Grimm Gorri at a few.

     S:   #4  Name your favorite horror film?

     JJ:  EVERYONE asks me this and it's super tough to just pick one, Like a certain potato chip, you can't watch just one.

One of my fave 1970's gore movies is the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

As for classic universal flicks I have to say Dracula, because well, Bela Lugosi was awesome.

As for Mummy and Monkey movies there's the Original King Kong, and the Hammer Mummy movies I favor more so than Universal's The Mummy, and The New Mummy movie looks crappie.

     S:  I grew up with Hammer horror films and Universal so I am impartial there but new Mummy does look crappy otherwise I prefer Boris Karloff's Mummy films but original Dracula was meant for the menacing Bela Lugosi.

     S:  #5  Your TV show has a great following is there anyway fans outside of Cleveland can watch it?

     JJ:  Oh my, of corpse! We are on the biggest channel of them all....THE INTERNET! It drives us bananas when people ask what channel we are on.

We're on YouTube, and Roku channels so you can pretty much watch us anywhere, anytime on anything.

     S; Great people get out and enjoy watching new horror hosts as we used to watch the classic ones of a bygone era.

     S:  #6  Did you have any formal training in school or college?

     JJ:  My partner in crime, Grimm Gorri went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and I took community college courses for art and linguistics.

We've both had our art displayed at shows and galleries. As for learning video and editing we learn as we go through trail and error and we learn what not to do from seeing other movie's and shows. We try to be creative and fun while being on a low budget.

     S:  That seems to be the consensus college is for the rich (unless talented) and everyone loves to be set ablaze with a trial by fire way to go.

     S:  #7  How long have you been the Mummy and when did Monkey (James) join in or has it always been a tandem project?

     JJ:  My mummy character started in 2010 when I was putting together a costume for a charity zombie walk. Everyone was being a zombie and I wanted to be undead, yet a little different. In 2012 I gave my mummy a name. When I'm an actress in independent movies I'm Janet Jay, so Janet Decay was the undead extension of myself I suppose. She has a whole back story of being a silent film actress that was mummified from a cursed movie prop and she wakes up about a hundred years later to become a horror hostess.Originally she was more dark and sinister, but Decay evolved into being a perky goth monster girl sort of like The Munsters show, funny,goofy, yet cute and undead.

As for James, He's always loved King Kong,ape-like monsters and TV horror hosts. So this fueled and inspired him to create Grimm Gorri, The flatulent fun loving monkey man  and co-host for our show.

     S:  It's great that you put so much thought behind your character, even a back story which is awesome someone should write a script for that and starring you.

     S:  #8  What do most people not know about you but should?

     JJ:  Tough question, there's a lot I keep private. One thing is, it's very difficult for me to relax. I'm always working on something and keeping busy. Even when watching a movie I could be mending my costume or doing arts and crafts with James. When we go out we usually bring a note pad to jot down show ideas or have a "to do " list handy. I've lost some friends the past few years who were artists that I know had unfinished projects that were left when they passed.

     S: I do the same with note pad always be ready when ideas strike, I enjoy my relax time it don't happen often so must take advantage of it, but I do understand always being busy.

     S:  #9  What was your first recollection of being introduced into horror?

     JJ:  Watching Universal monster movies on AMC in the 1980's and 1990's. On channel 8 my little brother and I watched Big Chuck And Lil' John.

James also grew up watching our local late night TV horror hosts. In the 1980's we had Super Host, Frank and Drac, Big Chuck and Lil' John, The Ghoul, Elvira depending if you had cable, oh and The Crypt Keeper!

     S:  I never had cable growing up, but I remember Super Host, and Big Chuck and Hoolihan was right before Lil' John joined him, days of yesteryear sigh.......

     S: #10  Who in the horror community (famous, fictional, or not) is your biggest influence?

     JJ:  Vampira for me. She was the first TV Horror Hostess that made it big and still has a following to this day. Wish I could have met her.

For James and I Big Chuck and Lil' John are a HUGE influence on us. If you are from Northeast Ohio  these guys are known as local TV legends.

    

     S: Big Chuck and Lil' John were hilarious and had the best skits, I never heard of Vampira till I got older and my dad (I believe) had a huge crush on Elvira.

Also big shout outs to all those great B movie directors that make horror hosting enjoyable.

Janet thanks for taking time out of your busy life to make my blog enjoyable, she can be seen in person at nerd (utmost respect I am one) conventions all over Ohio and hopefully expanding outside to other states soon.  She and James own and operate a thrift, antique, and collectables thrift store in Cleveland, so if your in town check them out and show some love.  And as always SUPPORT INDIE FILMMAKERS

     I had the pleasure of watching Getting Schooled by Chuck Norfolk, it isn't released yet but my assessment of this film is definitely worth viewing.  High school detention in the 80's was never so frightening as the five students stuck there on a given Saturday with substitute teacher ex-vet with some serious PTSD going on.  As things progress he feels the teens (such awful hair, and clothes we'd wish weren't really us in the 80's) killed his platoon.  This rag-tag assortment of characters find themselves trying to survive the crazy vet.  It is a classic throwback to 80's film's in it's comedy and overtones.  I suggest anyone around this time in school has to bring back the awful memories and enjoy the horror elements, it gets quick bloody at times, but is very decent film.  I give it 7 and would love to see more work from him.  SUPPORT INDIE FILMMAKERS  Oh yea I forgot to mention Ron "Hedgehog" Jeremy is in it


Trailer #2 here:     https://youtu.be/DEVNEBHbuYY

     This review of Innsmouth by Izzy Lee stars Tristan Risk, whom I interviewed early and have photos of her to post at end of review.  I didn't know when I purchased it was a short, my bad, but is no excuse to not support indie filmmaking.  This film was awesome for being a short the story was excellent the ending left me in awe which is great.  I hope to see more from Izzy Lee in the future she has an eye for IT, and has some supreme filmmaking skills.  With a great script, whether she writes it or not, she has unlimited potential.  As the same goes for Miss Risk, she is very talented in everything she has done.  I just heard she has been picked by Universal to be in one of their future films, an aspiring star on the rise!!!!!!!!  Unlimited potential abound support indie film!!!!!

      The bottom photo is from James Bickert's Frankenstein Created Bikers coming Valentines Day ordered mine how about you?

    This is another great interview with an up-n-comer in the indie filmmaking scene, a triple threat, if you will, he has composer, actor, and director.  Tim Novotny has done all of this, he is a great dude and is doing a new film now, Pharisee, and one being released soon called Vile Prey.  He is all about helping in the indie scene whether he is needed to act or direct, he loves to help out.  Tim is a special guy with what it takes to get the film done.  Here are his ten questions:

     

     1.  You must have a full plate in movies with being a triple threat composer, actor, and director, how many films have you worked on?

     Tim Novotny (T):I’ve worked on about 16 films including 2 web series, a few music videos, and a television pilot. I suppose you could call it a bit of an obsession really. If I’m not creating something for myself or for someone else, I feel as if I’m wasting valuable time. I believe in not just advancing myself as an artist, but those around me as well.    

     Steve (S):  Your have a full series of film work doing pretty much everything  which is awesome to always be expanding your resume.

2.  Which do you prefer acting, directing, or composing?


     T:  I actually prefer directing and writing. Acting is something I love almost as equally as I have been doing it for about 11 years in both theatre and film. When acting,  I really enjoy the process of becoming someone or something other than myself, kind of makes life a bit more fun in a way. Composing is something that takes me out of life entirely (editing film as well). Creating music for me is a bit of a languid and meticulous process that requires a lot of patience. I rarely compose music for films other than my own anymore because of the amount of projects I have on my plate now vs. 6 years ago.

     S:  I had the experience of acting in a series, that never seen light of day) but I feel the same way about acting becoming someone your not was fun, the rest I haven't had the pleasure yet (always willing to learn) so I will take your word for it.

3.  What is your favorite horror film?

     T:  Alien is my favorite horror film as well as my first. I saw the film when I was 4 years old and I was intrigued with the creature designed by the late H. R. Giger. It was the ultimate monster movie, and the way the film was made inspired me to become a filmmaker.

      S:  I can't disagree with that it was inspiring H. R. Giger was a one-of-a-kind artist.

 

4.  Did you have any professional film experience through school or college?

     T:  I was a Theatre major in college so I had most of my acting training there, but no I did not go to school for it. I pride myself in saying that I didn't learn how to make a movie in a fancy film school with bureaucratic policies and expensive equipment. 
I learned how to make a movie on the streets and in the dirt, financially broken and covered in blood.

     S:  That seems to be a rule with indie filmmaking no one has the great money to go to school would rather learn with the money they have and start campaigning for supports, which is awesome to get fans involved.

5,  Who introduced you into horror?

     T:  My parents did really. They would always take me to Blockbuster or the library as a child and let me rent all kinds of films. I would always pick the horror or action films. In a way it isolated me a bit from other kids my age because I was watching movies like The Terminator or Silence of the Lambs and they couldn’t because of their parents. Then again, I was always a bit more curious then other people my age as well. 

     S:  Great parents mine wouldn't let me see R-rated movies until I was seventeen, but got to watch all horror films on TV so I saw a lot of hammer horror in my younger days.

6.  How long have you been doing films?

     T:  Since 2007. I began acting and composing for many local film directors and as time went by I had the opportunity to direct my own.

     S: I wish I had the time for that family came first and then life somewhat took a detour.

7.  What do most people not know about you?


     T:  Most people don’t know that I have a black belt in Kenpo. I really enjoy martial arts.

     S:  So if we don't like your movies you can kick our ass, too lol.

8.  How did you get into the haunted house acting gig?

     T:  I’ve been acting in haunted houses since I was in high school. I will on occasions find a haunted house to work for and join their acting team. I’ve always had a knack for scaring the hell out of people, even when I’m not in a costume. I get a total thrill out of it.


     S:  Family responsibility has stopped me from doing that too, I did have an offer to do it cause they were desperate, I want the joy, not desperation, of doing it with a good group.

9.  Who would you consider your favorite director in film?

     T:  It’s difficult to just pick one, but I’m gonna have to go with Ridley Scott since the films Alien, Blade Runner, and Legend were all the reasons I wanted to make movies.


     S:  That's hard to argue he does awesome work and produces some great TV now along with movies.

10.  Did you get your start directing shorts or start head-on full-length features?


     T:  I began with short films. I wrote and directed my first one in 2012 titled ‘Twisted Fate’ along with another the following year titled ‘Syndrome’, both 30min short films along with a 48 hour horror film titled ‘Sonny’s Guest’. After Sonny’s Guest won 3 awards at the 48 hour film festival, I knew that I was ready to make my first feature ‘Vile Prey’, which was based off a script I wrote 7 years prior to production. Vile Prey is currently in the process for distribution on streaming video and DVD.


     S:  I never knew you before I was directed to you by fellow interviewee Ron George, but I am grateful for the interview and I can't wait to see what you have done and will be purchasing Vile Prey as soon as the deal comes through.  I'm glad to hear your an award winning film director you have a great future ahead of you.


Thanks for the great interview Tim, I hope more success in the future and maybe someday we might get to work together sometime.  Peeps SUPPORT INDIE FILM

   This is the special review of Dear God No by James Bickert, his love of 70's grindhouse films of that era came through extra vivid in this piece.  I being born in 1970 never have seen any of those types of films till later in life, this film came across to me like it was made in that bygone era.  from the soundtrack music, to the film they used, to the brutality of the movie itself, everything was on target.  It was all about a group of bikers, some were family, who wanted nothing more than a good time, which included girls, guns, and dinking a lot.  There was violence everywhere from family feuds, to discarding the women they woke up next to, and of course the police.  This movie felt so old it deserves to be seen.  I must say never seeing one in a seedy theater disappoints me now.  But alas with the likes of Bickert and his passion only makes me more excited to see his latest, the award winning Frankenstein Created Bikers, which earned him a filmmaker of the year award also.  Frankenstein comes out on Valentines Day and is sure to warm the heart of your sweetie.

https://www.facebook.com/frankensteincreatedbikers/photos/a.1489941334629795.1073741828.1488986021391993/1688349971455596/?type=3

That is the FB link if interested in pre-ordering your copy.  I did why haven't you SUPPORT INDIE FILM.

Thanks again Steve

    Happy New Year folks I will be posting once a week now as a new year's resolution to you, this week is a double treat I have a movie review and a 10 question segment with the writer/director of film.

     The movie is Room For Rent a supernatural horror film from writer/director Richard Tanner, it revolves around David Bagley looking for aa roommate for a home he just purchased.  All shot POV style it builds and builds the supernatural suspense as strange things keep happening.  His sister and best friend get involved and more creepy stuff keeps the pace of the film moving.  I found it generally spooky and the characters very involved.  It also had a fitting ending to what you watched that made the film a nice piece of writing, I would say 8 out of 10, solid filmmaking.


     I knew nothing of Richard Tanner prior to viewing his film, Billy Pon shared a piece on Facebook that Richard was looking for people to review his film prior to it's release and so I asked, I am very thankful Richard was nice enough to accept and I am truly indebted this film was great and he agreed to do interview therefore I consider him a friend now.  Here are his ten questions:

Question 1:  Have you had any schooling or background in film?

     Richard Tanner (RT):  Schooling? Oh god no!  The only thing I know about filmmaking comes from hating sports and spending my childhood and teenage years going down the aisles of mom and pop video shops and watching everything.

     Steve (S):  Me too although not the sports part, inspiring for me maybe I'll get there sometime.

\

     Q2:  What led you into filmmaking?

     RT: I have a background in writing and I think deep down I've always just been a story teller.  As I've gotten older, My dreams of being a novelist started to fade because I met too many people who didn't read.  People only read what fits on their phone screen.  Hell, even now I type this from my phone.  But movies have never dwindled.  No matter the economy, no matter the mood or atmosphere... Movies still rock.  I tried talking about films with a few podcast and then this prick (I say this with love), Jason Hoover, told me to go out and make my own. You have him to blame for my films lol.

     S:  Never heard of him but will be sure to look him up, and have tried writing several times since middle school just haven't been able to get the length of a novel done shorts yes but novel no way near that.

     3.  Is there one person you look up to as the best filmmaker?

      RT:  I will always look up to Hoover for opening my eyes to indie filmmaking.  I love his punk rock do it yourself attitude and the way he's willing to help anyone.  I love the indie guys that look out for me as well, Billy Pon, Fred Vogel, Brian Williams, Chris Woods, Stephen Biro and Marcus Kock.  That counts as one right?

     S: good enough for me I don't have "boundaries" every individual helps along the way.  Have done interviews here with Billy Pon, and Brian Williams both class acts I am always looking for more great interviews.  Sometimes tough love gets you where you need to be.

     4.  What lead you into the horror genre?

     RT:  That had to be my father.  He worked a lot when I was growing up so I didn't get to see home much.  Movie nights became special and man did my dad love some old universal monster flicks or atomic age sci-fi films!  I watched all those with him and loved every minute of it!

     S:  I understand that all to well.  My dad and I stayed up late and watched these two hosts on late-night TV with there special brand of comedy and films (mostly horror) and it is the fondest memory I have of me and my dad.

     5.  What is your favorite horror film?

     RT:  Jaws, hands down.  I still question it before ill even jump into a pool.

     S:  I feel ya there I never saw the ending until way later in life and always had a fear of water, still do sometimes today.

     6.  Do you prefer writing over directing?

     RT:   A year ago I would have said yea bit now I don't know.  Directing gives me a chance to fix anything writing missed and is a very gratifying thing.  Writing is your mind alone... Directing is physical thing that comes to life for everyone.  That sounds a bit pretentious... Lets dial it back...directing is aight.

     S:  I try to do both directing is yet a dream of mine but I feel I need to fulfill before I can say either way.

     7.  Who is the one actor/actress that you want to do a movie with?

     RT:   Big name has gotta be Jack Black... Could you imagine?  Indie world would have to be the wonderfully talented Ellie Church.

     S: That answer truly surprised me he is nuts though I think his head (now) might be too big for his britches, Ellie Church is right on she is amazing actress.

     8.   What do most people not know about you but should?

     RT:  Ya know that scene in Armageddon where Bruce Willis throws Affleck back into the space ship because he's gonna sacrifice himself and Affleck starts crying "I love you, Harry!" ... Yeah, that makes me cry like a baby everytime.

     S:  I had heard a lot of answers to that one but that is special a grown man crying about an action film awesome.

     9.  Did Room For Rent do well in the festival circuit?

     RT:  We've only had one showing so far in my home town of Atlanta but it did great.  We have a huge line up of shows for 2017 and its going to be pretty cool to see what happens.

     S:  I feel as though this film is award worthy, so the accolades should be coming for a great festival circuit run. 

     10.  Saying no budget restrictions, what type of horror film would be next for you (I.E. supernatural, blood and guts gory, or a monster of sorts)?

     RT:  Supernatural without a doubt.  Like a straight up satanic story where Satan actually shows up... Maybe he fights bigfoot... Maybe he fights Jack Black... Who knows?!? With no restrictions, Id be insane!

     S: Great answer with your mind I expect more awesome things in the future, grasp on and hang tight your in for a great ride!

That was a great interview (not to toot my own horn) he seems to have it together and what he feels we need.  I would suggest going to see this film if you get the chance on the festival circuit if you can, or keep an eye out for some sort of DVD or Blu-Ray release.  Until then check out his website Abuckshortproductions.com for future endeavors by him and look up him on FB.