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

     This interview is from a late bloomer, I would say.  But he definitely has the skills to get far quickly.  I am talking about Chad Armstrong and his company LC Films.  He has the skills to go far in a short amount of time.  And as far as his company goes, it is there to help all independent filmmakers, who want their visions seen.  But without further ado let's see what transpired between us, here is his 10 questions:

     S. 1.  Did you do have any college to prepare you for filmmaking?

     Chad Armstrong (CA):  1: I actually majored in Theater Arts, however I didn't take many filmmaking classes. I had the pleasure of meeting Robert Rodriguez when I was in my teens at a Fangoria Weekend Of Horrors convention in the late 1980's, his advice was to take the money I would spend on film classes and make films. I took that to heart and shot about 15 short films in the following ten years. Best advice I ever got.

     S:  I love Rodriguez work I wish I met him, that's awesome advice.

     S: 2.  Did you start making short films or jump head first into full length filmmaking?

     CA: 2. As per my last answer, I shot a ton of short films in my teens and throughout my twenties. It was back in the days when everything was shot on film, and editing was a bitch, by hand rolling the print through the monitor, splicing and gluing the film together. Much more tedious than making films today.

     S: That sounds awful, but we do a lot to see our films become reality, I did a short (award winning) with a friend and was willing to put a mouthful of maggots on me and my face but FX man stepped in to do it.

  S: 3.  With so little directing experience, what would you consider the best attribute you've learned?

             CA: 3. Well I would say I have little experience in directing feature films, but not directing in general. The best attribute I've learned is the new techniques available today. After my short films early on I took about 15 years off of making films, moved to Alabama. So when I got back into it, it was a whole new process, sure camera setups are the same, but lighting for digital, editing, and sound have a much more different process. I have learned a lot in the process of shooting my current film Deimosimine, I learn something new everyday and it's great to have technically knowledgeable people surrounding me to keep me grounded.

              S:  I really didn't know how many films you had done, my bad, but the process being so much easier is great for new filmmakers can get their visions to screen easier.

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

              CA: 4. There are so many it's hard to really say. But Blood Beach and Scanners will always have a soft spot in my heart. Those were the first two horror films I saw when I was very young, for some reason my dad felt it would be a good idea to take my brother and I to a drive in double-feature of both. But the film that got me into makeup fx and horror movies in general was A Nightmare On Elm Street. I know it's cliche to say, because everyone does but I guess that just shows how amazing that film was, and that it spawned a whole army of aspiring little filmmaker's and horror addicts.

              S:  Nobody has said any of those three, so you have laid claim to it. lol. Couldn't agree more with Scanners or Nightmare never seen Blood Beach so I guess I need to check it out.

   S: 5.  You made the decision to start your own company, Legless Corpse Films, now LC Films, how or why did this come about?

              CA: 5. I actually made some of my early short films under the name LeglessCorpse Films (Leglesscorpse is from Return Of The Living Dead, the little zombie with no legs was credited in the in credits as LeglessCorpse and it stuck with me). So about three years ago I was diagnosed with Heart Failure and my heart was only pumping 15% of my blood and almost died. During that time I couldn't work for over a year so I started a horror news site so I wouldn't die of boredom. So that's really how LeglessCorpse was resurrected after all those years.

              

     S:  I'm glad you're okay, cause you've definitely got a voice in the horror genre that needs to be heard.

    S:  6.  Now you opened your own distribution company, as if your plate wasn't full enough, was this out of necessity or to help other indie filmmakers with deals to spread the horror?

              CA: 6. It was, I heard so many horror stories of filmmakers getting ripped off by distribution companies.  Companies that wouldn't take the chance of releasing indie horror films on BluRay and just on DVD, and that got me thinking to give it a try.  We are no where we want to be yet, but we are growing, it's a VERY tough business, and for a very small team with a lot it's even tougher. But we are doing our best to grow, keep fans happy and are always learning new things, new distribution outlets, which ones work, which ones don't for the indie guys.  So our business module changes as we continue to test the waters.

                S:  That should be awesome to hear to other indie filmmakers, that you're there if they can't find a good distribution deal.  I would give you mine, saying I finish a movie, trying very hard for camera to start something.


               S:  7.  What do most people not know about Chad?

     CA:  7.  Probably the heart failure thing. I try not to harp on it to much, but when you know you could at any time, drop dead , lol you tend to drive yourself harder and make sure you get as much accomplished as you possibly can. That was an inspiration to make our feature film Deimosimine, because it's something I've never done and said I always wanted to do, so I'm making sure I'm doing it. Funny thing is after Deimosimine wraps we are moving straight into Blood Dancers 2, which we acquired the rights to last year. So looks like I will be able to do at least two before the ride of life is over. Of course I'm hoping to do many more, but you just never know and can't take life for granted.

              S:  I must agree I have Nash's disease, and need a liver transplant, also very weak immune system another pancreatic attack could kill me.  I want to do a movie so bad, but have to save all vacation time from work for impending transplant, so I feel your pain.  Just glad to know dreams come true always gives me inspiration.

     S:  8.  Your newest film, Deimosimine, looks old school 80's horror, was that intentional?

                CA:  8. Of course, especially with the practical FX. There is a big boom right now for 80's style horror, with filtered film grain, picture noise, etc. We didn't want to go that route. I mean what's the point in shooting 4K if you are going to make it look like VHS? However, we are keeping the practical FX and creatures very 80's style, it will have it's campy moments but over-all it's a very dark film and my partner and writer Andrew Thompson did an amazing job on the script, so we don't want to make it into a camp-fest. That's what Blood Dancers 2 will be fore.

                 

       S:  That is a good point, I've seen a lot of 80's style coming out, but not with such a creature aspect to, which truly looks great in this film.

       S:  9.  Would you prefer CGI effects over practical FX if given the choice?

                 CA:  9. I'm not a huge fan of CGI. CGI has it's place when complimented with practical FX, which we have some shots like that in Deimosimine. But CGI blood, and 100% CGI monsters look fake. Now don't get me wrong, most practical FX creatures look fake too, however they are organic, physically there in front of you, to me that's more pleasing to see.

        S:  I couldn't agree more, some big name movies looks worse with CGI than if they would have went practical.  The perfect example to me would be when they added CGI to original Star Wars, looks made it very blatantly cheesy looking.  Total CGI on remakes is different but almost all the time, to me, originals are better.

        S:  10.  Do you believe that crowd-funding campaigns are an easier route to fund projects or do you need to find solid backers?

                  CA:  10. Crowd funding sucks, but unfortunately it's a necessity for indie filmmakers to get their movies made these days. The market is so saturated. It's not like it was back in the days when someone would invest 100K into a project because it was going to be one of 3 horror movies hitting the theatre's that year and they knew they would get their money back. Anyone can get their films onto Amazon Video these days, no matter how bad or good it is, so if you are a true indie filmmaker and want to make more films in the future, you have to think like a businessman and a PR person. You can't just release your film and let people try and discover it, you have to keep reminding people, keep pushing it, spend a little on a PR company and care about your film enough to do so. Keeping your return on investment in mind with every penny you spend. Sorry I derailed there. Short answer to the question is solid backers are much better, however you're more likely to raise funds from crowd funding than finding an investor that's going to fund your movie these days. 

                   S:  Great answer, seems that is the new trend, but I do understand people are tighter with their money nowadays.  Crowd funding gives true indie horror lovers a piece of the action never offered before also and we do get psyched about what little we can.  Most people don't, I think, understand how much extra work it puts on filmmakers and actors signing and buying trinkets that are given away for what little they pay.

That was another wonderfully fulfilling interview with  a great up and coming filmmaker, the sky is the limit for these new faces of horror.  Chad Armstrong may be a late bloomer but from the action and stills from Deimosimine looks awe inspiring.  I can't wait to get my hands on my copy, and also see what else is up his sleeve.  I appreciate all you do Chad and am so thankful from the bottom of my bleeding heart, thanks for the interview.  SUPPORT INDIE HORROR

      As promised my review of The Void, it was an excellent piece of film work.  From the opening, in the farmhouse to the end of the film, it was thrilling.  I would go so far as say a masterpiece of film work.  Sure naysayers will say it had this and that from these movies, so frickin' what.  I saw an excellent movie from old school FX, to the great storyline, and excellent characters.  It compelled me from the opening elements of the WTF moments to the crazy antics of that ensued.  I want to say so much but i can't give any moments away, I honestly wish for you to take the time to let yourself enjoy.  If you have the opportunity to see in a theater, DO, you won't be disappointed.  I have every intention of purchasing it soon.  If that doesn't sell you on it here goes: influences in the movie were Lovecraft, Cronenberg, Barker's Hellraiser, Coscarelli's Phantasm films and practical FX from most great 80's and 90's horror films.  If your not sold this gory-horror film is not your cup of blood.  I would say, so far, horror film of the year 10/10.

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From	Paul Taylor paulthomastaylor@gmail.comhide details
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     This interview is a special one, it has non-other than the newest Pinhead himself Paul Taylor.  He has been acting for years, he first got his movie start in the star studded Sin City film.  He has also done guest roles in a lot of TV shows, but mostly has done theatre work.  He gracious took time to let me do my 10 question segment with him.  So without further ado, here goes:

     S. 1.  Who came and offered you the job of Pinhead, or did you have to audition like everybody else?

     Paull Taylor (PT).  1.  I had to audition.  I have a great relationship with the casting director Chris Freihofer, who is basically the big cheese for casting in Oklahoma, where the film was shot.  He's a great guy and a very gifted actor himself.  He has cast me in several movies and commercials over the last several years.  He first sent me a notice that he wanted to put me on tape for another role called The Auditor.  Then I got a private e-mail about auditioning for Pinhead.  At the time, JUDGEMENT was the only title and the fact that it was a HELLRAISER film was a secret, but I knew it as soon as I read The Auditor's first line, which was a version of a classic HELLRAISER line.  I've been told the studio wanted to cast an L.A. actor, but this casting was really a victory for the "flyover" actors!  Chris was also the person who texted me early one Sunday morning to tell me the part was mine.  "Welcome to the movie, Pinhead."

     S:  Wow, that had to be a special day, nice how they disguised the movie.

     S. 2.  What emotions flooded your system when the job of Pinhead was offered to you?

     PT: 2.  Elation, Joy, Exhilaration, a Feeling of Victory.

     S:  I bet the feeling was overwhelming, to know you landed such a coveted role.

     S: 3.  How did you feel about replacing such an iconic character as Pinhead, who has never been replaced before?

     PT: 3. Actually, Doug Bradley was replaced before me (although the word "replaced" seems inappropriate since nobody can replace the original perfectly) with another actor named Stephan Smith Collins in HELLRAISER: REVELATIONS.  So I'm the third Pinhead.  Anyway, to answer your question:  Gary warned me that hard-core fans of Doug Bradley would not be happy with me no matter how good I was.  At first, this worried me, but not for long.  I have a job to do as an actor and that job has nothing to do with who has played the role before, it has to do with bringing myself to the role as written in the given script.  I love Bradley's work in several of the HELLRAISER's and I honored his creation as much as possible with my own, but there came a point where I had to give that up and do my own thing with the role.

     S:  I did forget about him, saw that movie so long ago and only once cause it didn't strike me as awesome.  I understand everything you say about being Pinhead, if you are that weak you shouldn't take on such roles.

     S:  4.  What did you feel you could bring to the Pinhead character?

     PT: 4. A certain gravitas that was already written into the script. This chapter in the HELLRAISER world has a Pinhead who is a bit more internal than in some of the past HELLRAISER films.  And I brought my own affection for monsters to it.  I love playing monsters and the scarier the better.  This Pinhead doesn't laugh and never doesn't make jokes.  I'm a funny guy, but you won't see that in JUDGEMENT.

     S:  That sounds great.  Internalizing Pinhead sounds like a great script.

     S: 5.  Is this the biggest acting gig you have had the pleasure of doing?

     PT: 5. As far as film, yes, it's the biggest.  I have played many leading roles in theatre, but in my previous film work, it's been small character parts.

      S:  Hopefully this becomes your breakout role.  I have dabbled in acting I don't believe theatre work is for me, being honest.

      S: 6.  All I have heard about Hellraiser: Judgement is bad and that you had know right taking over Doug Bradley's character, did you expect this much backlash?  

     PT: 6.  I ignore the backlash.  Why feed on that unnecessary negative energy?  I have better things to do.  Mature people will give the movie a chance and not judge it before it comes out.  I was warned by the director, Gary J. Tunnicliffe, that there would be backlash. At first, that freaked me out.  But I quickly got over it and did my job. Haters gonna hate. And as far as having a "right" to take over the role...it wasn't my decision.  I'm just an actor doing his job.  I auditioned really well and got the part.  The End.

     S:  Agreed there are to many shallow people out there that believe nothing should ever change.

     S: 7.  What is your favorite horror film ever?

     PT: 7. THE SHINING.

     S:  I have heard that a lot for the unnerving suspense and overall feeling, of the film, you can't argue.

      S:  8.  You have worked with some big names in the industry, which film or TV show have you learned the most from, and which was the most fun?

     PT: 8.  My first film was SIN CITY.  When I walked into that studio and saw all the worker bees swarming about and at the center of it was Robert Rodriguez, sitting in his director's chair strumming a guitar, I learned two things.  First, Robert Rodriguez is the coolest cat in the world and second, the art of filmmaking is about the camera, not the actor.  This is obvious to a lot of people, but I had never actually seen it happening until that day.  It was amazing.  All those people adjusting all of those elements to get it down to one tiny camera lens.  It's a mind-boggling craft to the novice.

I would say the most fun I have ever had on a set was HELLRAISER: JUDGEMENT, no question.  First...I'm Pinhead in a freaking HELLRAISER movie!  I am a huge Halloween kid at heart, always was.  To play this terrifying monster on a movie set was such a head trip.  Fun may be the wrong word.  It was painful (as it should be with Pinhead), it was exhausting, it was grueling. but the fact that I was where I was and was doing what I was doing made it the most pleasurable experience I've ever had on a set.  The pleasure/pain correlation is not lost on me.

     S:  Any Halloween kid would be thrilled by that, wow, I have always heard good things about Robert Rodriguez from actors to some crew, he is just a class act.  And his movies always seem to have a certain flare to them, has to be his vibe on set.

     S: 9.  Why did you decide acting was your calling?

     PT: 9.  Because there is nothing else I can do for money that gives me such pleasure, and I happen to be very good at it.  My dad was an actor and his dad was a vaudevillian.  It's in my blood.

     S:  That is so cool that generations of your family have done this, it's know wonder you wanted to follow the gene pool.

     S: 10.  What do most people not know about you?

     PT: 10. I'm a wicked Pee-Wee Herman impersonator and a disciple of the Church of Tim Curry.

     S:  That almost frightening knowing there are Pee-Wee Herman impersonators out there, lol, given your background of generations of acting Tim Curry is a special sort of actor truly one-of-a-kind.  That is the best question for everyone I love the answers.


     This has been all my pleasure to interview Paul Taylor, what I believe, will be a huge star.  In the near future I expect him to be in with the horror greats, Pinhead is just the start.  He will be a (horror) household name very soon.  I see good things in store for this man in his future endeavors.  It has been a great interview with another quality individual such as Paul.  SUPPORT INDIE FILMMAKERS 

     This is long overdue should have been up last week, damn life keeps getting in the way, anyhow here is the new 10 questions.  This author I met years back at a convention in Oklahoma, The Underground Monster Carnival.  He was next to the booth I was working at, Tommy B. Smith is his name he had a new book of short stories out Pieces Of Chaos, which I bought.  We struck up a conversation and he was generally polite and honest fellow, I must say his work is awesome too.  I should have brought him aboard this blog a long time ago, his work is poignant and scary.  His passion for writing is only out measured by his love for his family, so as we proceed check into this man's work.  You won't be disappointed.  Here are his 10 questions:

     S: 1;  Who inspired you into writing?

     Tommy (T):  I've found inspiration in numerous places.  I recall a tide of voices rather than one specific voice.  Those who told me I wouldn't stand a chance might have inspired me in a roundabout way.  I read a lot of books when I was younger, but the authors are scattered across a spectrum.  I have Roald Dahl, Washington Irving, J.R.R. Tolkien, Shirley Jackson, Douglas Adams, Madeleine L'Engle, and Richard Matheson on my bookshelf, as well as many others, including books of mythology and non-fiction.

     S:  You seemed inspired by every aspect of books.  Which makes a very well rounded person in writing terms.  You have such a variety of writing styles to forge your path.

     S: 2:  Who is your favorite author either dead or alive?

     T:  This is one that doesn't work easily for me.  I've many favorites in regard to many things, authors included.  I usually tell people the latest work I've read that I enjoyed.  For now, I'm wandering between Robert E. Howard's tales of Solomon Kane and Mick Farren's Give the Antichrist a Cigarette (non-fiction/autobiography).

     S:  Those are two I never heard of but will look into, they both sound very interesting along with that answer.  You are certainly one with his own voice, most have favorites period, you look to what is making waves now.

     S:  3:  How do you come up with the ideas for your stories?

     T:  I'm primarily inspired by experiences, event, stories, and figments of the imagination.

     S:  4:  What would be your favorite horror film?

     T:  One of my favorites which sometimes arises in conversation is John Carpenter's original Halloween.

     S:  That is a classic for sure, many people like that Michael Myers definitely has many fans and some serious arguments between Carpenter and Zombie on which is better classics never go away.

     S:  5:  How many years have you been writing?

     T:  I've been selling my work, short stories and the like, to numerous publications for over a decade now.  My debut horror novella Poisonous was released in 2012.  A collections of my older stories, along with some newer material, came along with Pieces of Chaos in 2013.

     S:  I loved Pieces of Chaos, I'm sorry to admit I haven't bought Poisonous yet.  I need it for my collection (bowing).

     S:  6:  How much of your work has gone unpublished?

     T:  Considerably more is unpublished than is published.

     S:  Well that's too bad, but it is somewhat expensive to self-publish so I've heard.

     S:  7:  From conception (full novel) to finished product, how long (on average) does it take?

     T:  From commencing the writing of a piece to finishing up a final manuscript, it may take a few months on average.  There have been some major deviations from that average, however.  Some are quick, but some take much longer.

     S:  A few months sounds promising to me, I just hate it when life gets in the way of what I want to do (work, family, and especially responsibility).

     S:  8:  What do most people not know about you but you'd like to share?

     T:  If people don't know it, there is probably a reason they don't know it, but I can share a random bit for the sake of offbeat author trivia:  I once got into a fight over a penny.  That is, one cent, and yes, a real, physical fight, the kind where people get hurt.

     S:  I believe I have heard every offbeat answer, and they keep coming.  A physical fight over a penny, someone who can peel a banana with her feet, one who almost died, someone who saved a strangers life, and someone who takes baths for hours..........wow.

     S:  9:  How many conventions do you try to hit, in a year, and which is your favorite?

     T:  For a while, I was hitting between eight and twelve shows a year.  I didn't do that last year and I'm doing even less this year, but once a new book is out, I will schedule more appearances.
     There are a few conventions and shows I've made an effort to visit time to time again for varied reasons.  As of this interview, my last event was Underground Monster Carnival in Oklahoma City, certainly one of my all-time favorites and one I've been doing for several years.

     S:   That's where I met you Underground Monster Carnival, that is a great show wish I lived closer.  I understand the dynamics of shows without new stuff there isn't much reason to pay set-up fees and stuff.


     S: 10:  What fuels the fire (non-relation) to continue to write stories and novels, and do you prefer one over another?

     T:  My readers do.  Some friends have been highly supportive of what I do.  Sharing  conversations and experiences with my fellow creators at various events or otherwise also bolsters the creative inferno.
      Writing a novel and writing short stories are different experiences.  I appreciate both.  I wrote short stories for years, as mentioned, but lately I've turned more of my attention toward spinning out longer, novel length works.

     S:  I've also been writing for years never finished but one and am trying to gather steam to add more words and solidify my characters.  I appreciate all authors for churning out good quality stories that are both compelling and solid, of which i found in your works.


That would be 10 questions with author Tommy B Smith, as always it's a pleasure to be given the chance to ask people questions, of course receive solid feedback.  I like my readers appreciate all you do.  Thank you again for being a sport and letting me interview you.  SUPPORT INDEPENDENT



You can also check out his website at tommybsmith.com or FB at authortommybsmith

Author Bio:  Tommy B Smith is a writer of dark fiction and the author of Poisonous and Pieces of Chaos.  His work has appeared in numerous publications over the years to include Every Day Fiction, Night to Dawn, Black Petals, Blood Moon Rising, and a variety of other magazines and anthologies.  He has previously worked with Morpheous Tales as editor of the magazine's Dark Sorcery and Urban Horror special issues.  He presence infests Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he resides with his  wife and cats.

     This is a first for Depths of horror blog a music video/band Darkness Visible.  A small band of misfits from Australia.  They contacted me about doing a review for them.  Skeptical at first I looked into it, and they approach the music video as more of a short film, as evident with some photos below:

     And so it began with such sickness, impressive spfx and highlighted with some highly recommended actress, award nominated actresses in Australia:

     Skin is never a bad thing in almost everything horror, no offense ladies, but video vixens is always good.  The band has 8 videos out this will be it's ninth video coming very soon, a must for any fan of the horror genre.  I was very impressed with these motley group and very thankful the way they brought their style of music to the masses.  I want to say so much more but I prefer you to witness the craziness for yourself.  It is great.  Links are left below to check what's up with the band:

http://www.searchmytrash.com/articles/davidblack(2-17).shtml

https://www.facebook.com/BreakingPointVideo/?fref=ts

http://ibleedindie.com/category/music-videos/

https://davidbblack.tumblr.com/post/157651155464/breakingpoint

     Had trouble with links may need to input manually UGH!

     Check out Whitney Duff on IMDB she's in the video and Amber is from Murderdrome (she's one with the pasties)

     Thank you David Black, I hope this meets your expectations, any promotion can't be bad, this maybe the start of new category for me.  Thanks again David I hope the best for the band, love the name, everybody has a dark side that is visible some try to hide there real selves.

     Support all things indie, check out local artists in your city there are diamonds waiting to be discovered.

      This is by far my biggest interview yet, he is a legend amongst the extreme horror writers out there.  He writes for many different publications small and large, I am talking of Wrath James White.  He is a leader among men supporting a family and finding time for his many deadlines, he also runs marathons.  His graphic style you wouldn't expect from a family man, but he does both with ease.  I was stunned the first book I picked up he wrote, it was just what I wanted.   I love graphic extreme horror in my novels, he has wrote many shorts, and novels with more on they way.  He has agreed to my 10 questions so enjoy these:

      Steve (S) 1.  How did your boxing career go and turn into being an author?

      Wrath James White (WJW) 1.  I always wanted to be a writer. That was my dream since I was young. The boxing and kickboxing came later. I am of the belief that you should try everything you have even the smallest talent for. The only true sin is unrealized potential. When my fighting career ended, it was natural for me to devote all of my time to writing.

     S:  That is so cool it should be inspirational to a lot of people, I think most people have underdeveloped talent for whatever reason and laziness.

     S.   2.   Have you had any formal writing classes, or just winged it from the beginning?

     WJW  2.  I was a creative writing major in high school. I attended Creative and Performing Arts High School in Philadelphia. As a writing major, I had to take three writing classes a day in addition to the standard curriculum. Then, in college, I switched to Philosophy. Still, when I started writing my first novel, I had to teach myself everything all over again.

     S:  Wow that's a lot of English, I want to write have many shorts only one finished, but couldn't handle English in school, but it hasn't stopped me yet.

     S.  3. How long were you writing before finally getting published?

     WJW  3.  I created my ten year plan in 2000. My first novel, Succulent Prey, was published in 2005.

     S:  That was the first novel I picked up around 2010 I believe and have been captivated ever since.  Great novel truly well written.

     S.  4. What is your favorite horror novel?

     WJW  4.  That's very hard to say. Probably Exquisite Corpse by Poppy Z. Brite. Brilliant juxtaposition of the erotic, the poetic, and the horrific.

     S:  I own that, it had me at first chapter, the rest was frosting on the cake.  It is one of my top five novels ever.

 

     S.  5.    When did you realize that these sick and twisted ideas were going to make you a horror author?

     WJW  5.  Horror is the only thing I've ever wanted to write. I never doubted my sick mind would make me a horror author. My fear was that it would make me a serial killer.

     S:  LOL, a serial killer, I have the same issue I love horror there isn't much romantic in my shorts, but your stories truly did, and leave, deep emotional scars.

     S.  6.  Have any of your stories or novels been optioned for film?

     WJW.  The Resurrectionist was adapted into a film in 2014. It's currently streaming on Netflix. The name of the film is Come Back To Me.

     S:  Why must they change the original name, people want to see what others see as your vision.  I will have to search that out and see it.  Hopefully your offered more movies from your stories.

     S.  7.   Which story (or novel) do you feel is your best work, and would make the best film?

     WJW.  7.  Those are probably two separate questions. 400 Days of Oppression is probably one of the novels I'm most proud of. But I'd really like to see Succulent Prey or Population Zero on the big screen.

     S:  I haven't read Oppression yet, will get on that, Prey would make a great film and Zero I need to get my hands on too.

     S.  8.    What do most people not know about you but would be willing to share?

     WJW.  8.  That I love to cuddle.

     S:  An extreme horror novelist likes to cuddle, wow, the amazing answers I get to that are so cool, one of my go to questions.

     S.  9.   Who is your favorite author alive or dead?

     WJW.  9.  I can't say I really have a favorite author. Perhaps Dostoyevsky. Stephen King maybe. He's probably the author I've read the most. I read lots of different authors, though I haven't read anything from him since the eighties. I don't really have one go-to author that I read faithfully. My loyalty begins and ends at the next book. If the book doesn't interest me, I won't read it, regardless of who wrote it.

     S:  Dostoyevsky I have never heard of, which means homework, may need to get one to see all he's about.  King I can agree I haven't read since I finished The Stand I believe.  I have like 4 go-to authors I love to read, I must admit you're no. 4, honestly.

     S.  10.   Other than money what drives you to be the best author you can (no family)?

     WJW.  10.  I want to be remembered, for my work to influence culture, long after I am dead. That is the conceit of all artists I believe.

     S:  That is a profound answer, not that most seem to get more popular after death it seems, but I like to find new authors before they "make it."

Well I want to thank Wrath James White for taking the time for my blog.  He is a true artist in his genre of writing.  He is a very busy man, but found time to spend finishing my questions.  He is working on more novels and stories, this man seems to have never ending time.  But please help the man out by giving his books some love.  You won't be disappointed.