Director Roger Sewhcomar, with Devon Talbott and Charlie Floyd, on set of DO YOU LIKE MY BASEMENT?

Roger Sewhcomar has crafted a devilishly good horror movie, both chilling and satirical. If you’re in New York City, be sure to catch it at the NewFilmmakers Short Film program on May 29. You can find details here. And, of course, there’s more to come as the film moves on to other venues and branches out into new web content.

Karlheinz Böhm, as Mark Lewis, in PEEPING TOM

If you’re a film buff, you may find yourself comparing “Do You Like My Basement?” to classic horror, especially, “Peeping Tom,” considering both main characters, Stanley Farmer, and Mark Lewis, respectively, are deranged filmmakers. They are up to their gills in toxic psychosis. “Peeping Tom,” although now considered a masterpiece, did not go over so well in 1960 and its director, Michael Powell, paid a heavy price as he was thoroughly drummed out of the business by harsh critics. “Do You Like My Basement?” has a much brighter future ahead of it, not only by comparison, but for being quite a gem. Director Roger Sewhcomar provides just the sort of horror that goes beyond expectations, and meets the contemporary taste for suspense.

Charlie Floyd on set of DO YOU LIKE MY BASEMENT?

A production such as this has its share of unsung heroes, those that go the extra mile but may go unseen. Ironically, the main character to this film, Stanley Farmer, is never quite seen. However, there is no mistaking the presence of actor Charlie Floyd. In fact, he’s always there. Once you hear his voice, you won’t mistake it. Mr. Floyd leads a strong cast in this remarkable mix of horror, satire, and dark comedy.

It was a pleasure to get to chat with director Roger Sewhcomar. We go over his influences, what it takes to make a movie, and what lies ahead for “Do You like My Basement?” Click below. Enjoy.

Visit the “Do You Like My Basement?” website here.

AVENGERS #180: Displayed and Sold Like Toys!

Over at Berkely Place Comics, you can find a lot of comics goodness, like a panel per panel study of landmark comics, and this look back at how often villains have restrained the Avengers, preferring to pin them to a wall like mere toys on display!

“Secundus” is another one of those spare, and seemingly simple, works of comics with deeper levels running through it. Mike Thomas wrote and drew this story about a gladiator who, on the day that he should have earned his freedom, the court magician, eager not to lose the emperor’s favor, hathces a way to interfere.

Giving it a careful read, I found this to keep to a slow but steady pace. There are enough little clues to future developments to keep me interested. It would be unfair to write this one off, especially since it clearly has a wider scope in mind and we’re only 32 pages into it.

The cover, and the synopiss, got me. For only 99 cents, you can check it out for yourself at ComiXology’s Submit, a new platform for emerging comics talent. You can check out “Secundus” here.

The Season 2 premiere of THE AQUABATS! SUPER SHOW! is on June 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET, on HUB Network. I had the opportunity to interview Jason deVilliers, executive producer, director, writer on the show; and Richard Falomir, one of the Aquabats, aka “Ricky Fitness.” Both of these guys are super talented and go back to working with Christian Jacobs, aka “The MC Bat Commander.”

Richard Falomir as Ricky Fitness on THE AQUABATS! SUPER SHOW!

“The Aquabats! Super Show!” is the first show in kids television history to feature a ‘real life’ rock band in totally ‘unreal comedy-action-musical adventures. The series just received its first Daytime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Children’s Series. This is truly a quality work of entertainment that will appeal to kids and adults alike. You may already be a fan of the band. Well, you may already be a fan of the show too! Season 2 just gets better and better.

On Saturday, June 1 at 1:00 p.m. ET, “The Aquabats! Super Show!” returns with an all-new episode called “The Return of the Aquabats!” When The Aquabats return from outer space, they are received as heroes who saved the world, but are quickly overwhelmed by all of the people needing their help, as well as by a super-powered enemy. Special appearance by professional skateboarder Tony Hawk.
“The Aquabats! Super Show!” (Hub Network Original Series – Live Action)

From Christian Jacobs (“Yo Gabba Gabba!”) comes “The Aquabats! Super Show!,” which was just nominated for a Daytime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Children’s Series. The Aquabats return to take on their new roles as saviors of the earth! The greatest crime-fighting, kids rock band ever assembled is back with all-new episodes and even more dastardly villains, as The Aquabats continue their never-ending quest to right wrongs, destroy boredom and seek justice for all! “The Aquabats! Super Show!” is produced by Awesome Forces Productions and executive produced by Christian Jacobs, Jason deVilliers, Donna Ebbs, and Nate Rogers. Airs: Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. ET

Eaglebones Origin Animation, from Too Many Legs Animation Studios, on THE AQUABATS! SUPER SHOW!

The season’s first episode sets the tone for series on its A game. As Jason describes in this interview, you will see greater special effects, more animation, and an overall awesome production.

You’ll see a whole new world of animation as each character on the show gets his own origin story. For the first episode, it’s Too Many Legs Animation Studios providing an Eaglebones Origin animation. And you can also expect to see more Lil Bats animation from Parker Jacobs and Puny Entertainment.

Also, get ready to enjoy Season 1, which just released on DVD. And, if you’re at San Diego Comic-Con, be sure to see a special Aquabats show while your’e there.

It was definitely a treat to get to chat with both Jason and Richard. Enjoy the interview. Just click the link below:

THE AQUABATS! SUPER SHOW! PREMIERES SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1 PM EST/ 10 AM PST on Hub Network!

To find the channel in your area, please visit http://www.hubworld.com and check the channel locator at the top of the page.

Visit Hub Network on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hubtvnetwork

Follow The Aquabats on Facebook and Twitter.

And the Tweets from director Bryan Singer just keep coming. Here is a pic he posted yesterday, May 20, of Jennifer Lawrence made up as Raven Darkholme/Mystique. The “Silver Linings Playbook” actress has come a long way since her last X-Men movie with director Matthew Vaughn, “X-Men: First Class.” The new installment of the franchise, “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” will release in theaters on July 18, 2014.

Mr. Singer posted a pic on Twitter on April 22 of Halle Berry as “Storm.”

And Mr. Singer posted a pic on Twitter on April 5 of Nicholas Hoult as “Beast.”

Leave it up to Warner Bros. Home Entertainment to bring to life the hit video game as a full-length animated feature film. You can count on Warner Bros. to provide the entertainment. In this case, you’ve got a feature that will truly appeal to any age.

As you can see from the sample clip above, this is something that is literally age-appriate from 3 to 103. This just released clip features Robin (hilariously voiced by Charlie Schlatter) giving chase to Catwoman. The humor is snappy with a contemporary vibe while the plot never goes dark. Sure, it’s Batman in the spotlight but, as we all know, this is a very versatile character and, for this animated feature, you’ve got him here for light action and laughs.

LEGO BATMAN: THE MOVIE is now out! Visit Warner Bros. Entertainment here.

From the press release:

LEGO BATMAN: THE MOVIE – DC SUPERHEROES UNITE will prove to be a hit with all the family. It is available as a Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, OnDemand and via Digital Download.

The initial shipment of the film’s Blu-ray Combo Pack & DVD release includes an exclusive Lego Clark Kent/Superman figurine on pack while supplies last.

LEGO Batman: The Movie – DC Super Heroes Unite provides the ultimate blend of action and humor guaranteed to entertain fanboys of all ages. The film finds Lex Luthor taking jealousy to new heights when fellow billionaire Bruce Wayne wins the Man of the Year Award. To top Wayne’s accomplishment, Lex begins a campaign for President – and to create the atmosphere for his type of fear-based politics, he recruits the Joker to perfect a Black LEGO Destructor Ray. While wreaking havoc on Gotham, Lex successfully destroys Batman’s technology – forcing the Caped Crusader to reluctantly turn to Superman for help.

Jessica Green in DO YOU LIKE MY BASEMENT?

Meet Stanley Farmer (played by Charlie Floyd). He’s an aspiring filmmaker. Only problem is he has a psychotic way of expressing himself. But, as this dark and witty horror film makes clear, a lot of people are willing to overlook such a thing. Putting one’s life in danger, even pretty much guaranteeing your life is in danger, won’t stop some from seeking a touch of glamour and fame, even if it’s of the most dubious sort. We live in such a disposal and alienated society. Some would call it, hyperreal. Times like these demand a good shock to the system that a good meta horror movie can deliver.

One moment, you could be passively lurking on your laptop and, the next, you could be inside some stranger’s home on the verge of engaging in something. Something? That’s what each person who answers Stanley’s ad is wondering about. What is the “something” that will happen if they choose to spend the night in his basement? Stanley won’t tell. It would ruin the surprise. He explains to each of his potential victims, or…actors, that he is after authentic responses to fear. And like perfect lemmings, each one readily accepts the reality television model.

One participant, a pert and lovely young woman named Sylvia (played by Jessica Green) only asks for some nominal reassurance, “You’re not going to kill me at all?” Stanley lays on what still sounds like a suspicious charm and that is enough for Sylvia to follow him into the basement. What makes such a scene work so well is that it rings so true.

We don’t know what is real anymore, do we? Well, sure, we do but–do we, really? The clever self-aware quality of “Do You Like My Basement?” provides the right amount of satirical bite that pulls you into the humor as well as the horror. Writer/director/producer Roger Sewhcomar set out to create something special, an intelligent horror film, and he truly succeeds. This is a thoughtful thriller with references to the Michael Powell 1960 classic, “Peeping Tom,” but with an utterly contemporary sensibility. Camera work is both slick and jittery when needed. A strong cast will keep you glued to your seat. The contrast between pleasant big city apartment and dank and creepy basement is truly jarring and, even if the characters are easily lured in, it will prove an effective reality check for you, the viewer.

Early on, we witness a tragic murder caught on tape, a little “something” that occurred at some point. By the time we view the first audition to Stanley’s experimental film, we’re so invested in the safety of the poor young man, Chad (played by Devon Talbott) that even the slightest sign of danger leaves us queasy. Adding to the suspense and disturbance, again, is how easily Chad is willing to put up with insults, innuendo, and unveiled threats of danger. The screws keep being turned, people keep entering Stanley’s apartment and not leaving. Stanley even gets a bit sloppy, seeming not to care if he gets caught. But he’s also a resilient chap as you’ll come to see for yourself.

On Wednesday, May 29th, NewFilmmakers presents its Experimental Documentary Series, a Short Film Program, and the new horror feature, DO YOU LIKE MY BASEMENT? View details here.

And be sure to check out the DO YOU LIKE MY BASEMENT? website here.

Dark Horse is set to publish Dan LuVisi’s “Last Man Standing: Killbook of a Bounty Hunter.”
Long out of print, the cult-status art book launches in the Top 100 Books on Amazon.

Press release follows:

MAY 20, MILWAUKIE, OR — From the mind of Dan LuVisi comes a brand-spanking-new intellectual property. Where most comics start off with a first issue, Last Man Standing starts off with a 272-page bible, Killbook of a Bounty Hunter, that sets up the entire universe of the LMS world.

Dark Horse Comics is set to reprint the hard-to-find cult tome. The hardcover book will include thirty pages of all-new material and a new cover. This bible takes the form of a scrapbook filled with maps, history, over forty character biographies and dossiers, tons of faux advertisements, and much, much more.

A limited San Diego Comic-Con exclusive edition is currently in the works, with a special cover, which will only be for sale through Dark Horse at Comic-Con International 2013.

More on Last Man Standing: Meet Gabriel—last of a genetically engineered breed of supersoldiers known as the Paladin. After winning an interstellar war between Earth and Mars, Gabriel is celebrated back home and given the new title of Protector of Amerika. All goes well for the newly entitled superhero as he begins to rid the streets of the scum that plagues it. However, as Gabriel is distracted by his duties, a terrorist organization known as Pandemonium frames the hero for a series of atrocious crimes.

Now stripped of his title and prestige, Gabriel is sentenced to the notorious Level-9 Facility, where he endures nine long years of torture and imprisonment. But as the clock ticks down to Gabriel’s eventual demise, he is introduced to the elusive Agent O, who offers the Paladin a chance at redemption. Learn his story—and that of his allies and enemies—through Gabriel’s eyes, as he begins to orchestrate his revenge in the scarred and vivid world of New Amerika.

Catch an exclusive interview about Last Man Standing with Dan LuVisi on Nerdist News.

Last Man Standing is on sale November 6, 2013.

Comics Grinder is a place for creativity and wellness. Comics Grinder is all about Creative Living! In that spirit, we present to you someone who is a great supporter of that mindset, Kathy J. and SHIFT: WHERE HEAD MEETS HEART.

Kathy J. is a good friend. She has provided some essential craniosacral therapy for me and has proven to be an inspiration, a fabulous morale booster. I am thrilled to have her as a backer of my recent Kickstarter campagin for my collection of comics, A NIGHT AT THE SORRENTO AND OTHER STORIES. That Kickstarter campaign was a success! Kathy chose as her reward, a video interview, which I am happy to share with you at Comics Grinder.

Yes, Comics Grinder is obviously more than one thing as it covers a wide range of topics, none the least being wellness and creativity. You can’t get very far without your health!

If you’re in the Seattle area, please do stop by and visit Kathy. She has got you covered regarding your health and beyond. Stop by and check out her site here.

The following provides news on Kathy’s latest workshop plus more:

Hellloooooo lovelies!

So, holy cats!!! This spring energy is all about seedlings and growth at Shift. Manifestation is a powerful thing! I found this gem that I had written two years ago:

“When I am a successful business owner I will have a community space in South Lake Union that is a hub for mind-body-spirit work. It will have a full schedule of
interesting and engaging workshops.”

And it’s coming true thanks to your support! Happy dance ensues.
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We are kicking off with the Verbalists Intensive on June 13th! I took the Verbalists Intensive class and it was a complete game changer in terms of my confidence in writing and reading my work in public. If you’re looking for a creative outlet. This is it.

Actor and writer Wesley K. Andrews has crafted a brilliant three-week storytelling workshop where participants take their own memories and fashion them into a work of “creative non-fiction”. We cover writing, performing, giving feedback, and at the end we do a show — with live musical accompaniment!

Registrations are now open for the June 2013 Verbalists Intensive. All new students in the Verbalists Intensive get a free 30-minute craniosacral session!

http://www.shiftmassage.com

Here’s what some previous Verbalists Intensive participants have said:

It’s highly creative, not time intensive, and in 5 sessions, you come out meeting new folks, learning more about yourself, learning a few tips about effective writing, and performing. For folks who say that can’t fit creativity into their lives, this experience challenges that in a good way. – Sheeba J.

I felt significantly more comfortable with an audience and that I am really growing as a writer. – Mateo C.
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The other BIG BIG NEWS is that I have made the decision to move to a full-time craniosacral therapy practice. The benefits of this work and the incredible outcomes that people have been seeing these last few months have encouraged me to focus on bringing more of this work to the world.

If you are an existing massage client, we will still honor that but we have changed the structure to only offer 75 minute sessions – ensuring 60 full minutes of “hands on” time. Thank you so much for being open to this work, your health and the transformation and deep relaxation that it brings!

As always, thank you for your referrals and your individual awesomeness. Your special kind of awesomeness is beautiful and the world needs it now more than ever. Let’s do this!

With love and all things fabulous,

kathy j.
206 399 8820
kathyj@shiftmassage.com

Julia Garner and Ambyr Childers in WE ARE WHAT WE ARE

Fresh off a premiere at Sundance, director Jim Mickle brings his horror thriller, WE ARE WHAT WE ARE, to the Cannes Film Festival on May 21.

Press release follows:

Jim Micke directs Nick Damici and Michael Parks in WE ARE WHAT WE ARE

Jim Mickle’s suspenseful horror thriller WE ARE WHAT WE ARE comes full circle. Acquired by eOne for U.S. theatrical rights off of the film’s critically acclaimed world premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, WE ARE WHAT WE ARE finds a home at the Cannes Film Festival’s Directors’ Fortnight!
In WE ARE WHAT WE ARE, a re-imagining of the 2010 Mexican film of the same name, Jim Mickle paints a gripping and gruesome portrait of an introverted family struggling to keep their macabre traditions alive.

Julia Garner in WE ARE WHAT WE ARE

A seemingly wholesome and benevolent family, the Parkers have always kept to themselves, and for good reason. Behind closed doors, patriarch Frank (Bill Sage, “Boardwalk Empire”) rules his family with a rigorous ferver, determined to keep his ancestral customs intact at any cost. As a torrential rainstorm moves into the area, tragedy strikes and his daughters Iris (Ambyr Childers, THE MASTER) and Rose (Julia Garner, MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, SIN CITY: A DAME TO KILL FOR) are forced to assume responsibilities that extend beyond those of a typical family. As the unrelenting downpour continues to flood their small town, the local authorities begin to uncover clues that bring them closer to the secret that the Parkers have held closely for so many years.

Jack Gore in WE ARE WHAT WE ARE

WE ARE WHAT WE ARE also stars Michael Parks (DJANGO UNCHAINED), Kelly McGillis (STAKELAND), Nick Damici (STAKELAND), Wyatt Russell (THIS IS 40) and newcomer Jack Gore. WE ARE WHAT WE ARE was written by Mickle and Damici. The two previously collaborated on the screenplays for Mickle’s first two features, MULBERRY STREET and STAKELAND (winner of the “Midnight Madness” Audience Award at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival).

WE ARE WHAT WE ARE was produced by Rodrigo Bellott, Andrew D. Corkin, Linda Moran, Nicholas Shumaker and Jack Turner.

TRT: 100 minutes

*WE ARE WHAT WE ARE will have it’s U.S. theatrical release this Fall through eOne.*

*Cannes Film Festival’s Directors’ Fortnight Premiere:*
May 21st, 2013
9:00PM @ Theater Croisette