In the tradition of Stan "the Man" Lee and the legendary Forrest J Ackerman we love meeting our fans one on one. The following lists personal appearances that various members of our cast and crew will be attending. Each convention will include panel presentations, exclusive screenings, photo and autograph opportunities – and of course some unique 3 Mac Studios surprises. If you are interested in attending use the contact form at the bottom of the page and you'll stay "in the know". |
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CHECK OUT THE "MANIAC" VIDEO [videos temporarily disabled] [ALTERNATE: Depending on your browser and version (and which flash player you have installed) you may see a big white box here. Not good. The QuickTime version will work for you. This is good.] [videos temporarily disabled] Fan Art Many talented artists happen to be members of the Horror community, and some of them have graciously asked about submitting their own work to share with all of you. | See a Wonderful Example Here | Featured Commentary There are many more reviews and interviews on Page Two of this Press section, but if you're looking for a quick "highlight trip" through the area, check out the following insights from the Red Velvet Community. |
Sundance Film Festival Wondercon – San Francisco, CA Fear Fest – Dallas, TX Wizard World – Los Angeles, CA CA Independent Film Festival Fangoria – Los Angeles, CA Wizard World – Chicago, IL ComiCon – San Diego, CA MySpace Community |
Red Velvet (2008) - 4 ½ out of 5 Starring Henry Thomas, Kelli Garner, Lateef Crowder, Eric Jungmann
Well, not that any of that is going to happen to you of course, unless you’re walking with your similarly dressed wife past a booth at Red Velvet booth at a horror convention. Look, usually I can’t stand the AICN approach to movie reviews where you preface them with all the stuff you did leading up to the film, but sometimes it’s worth conveying the frame of mind you were in when you watched a film. I was distracted. Disinterested. Concerned that it would be too derogatory. But there we were, sat in a hotel room around midnight, most of the Dread Central crew about to watch the film with the producer Sean Fernald who seemed like such a nice guy. And damn if he ever loved the project. I don’t think I can remember seeing anyone so enthusiastic about a film they’d been involved in before. So I was pretty sure that I’d have to sit through this film, and then pretend to like it behind his back until we could get out of there. Don’t get me wrong ... I love the same things he obviously loved. Every film he name checked as we walked to the hotel room (after bumping into each other in the lift on the way up there) were all things I liked but what I didn’t know is that he was trying to sell me on his film, and that he didn’t know the kind of things that make me want to watch something.
So finally to the movie. I liked Red Velvet. I liked it a lot. I can’t wait to be able to own a copy for myself, or even better see it on the big screen (which if there’s any justice I’ll get to do). The film has a pretty simple concept. Aaron (Henry Thomas), who doesn’t much like the other people who live in the same apartment building as him, bumps into Linda (Kelli Garner) who lives in the same apartment building as him in a launderette. She starts trying to talk to him but doesn’t get that he’s not interested in talking to her. He’s a little aggressive … a little abusive … but she takes his misogynistic demands as genuine invites and before you know it Aaron is telling Linda a story. It’s a story of the weekend up at the cabin that she’s told him she can’t get to, and a killer (Lateef Crowder) bumping the people that did make it there off one by one. They decide together what the killer should look like, and the film cuts back and forth between Aaron’s cabin story, and Aaron and Linda’s conversations. This structure gives everybody a lot of freedom to cut loose. The extreme comic book violence comes in the story segments, which are shot in a style that I’d call a note perfect homage to Suspiria and Creepshow ... but its not just homage for the sake of homage. The eighties feel is layered into the story parts, not just in the direction and cinematography, but in the writing, music and acting. While Red Velvet is telling a serious story, half of it is filtered through a cracked mind obsessed with eighties horror. It’s not straight homage either. The kills are anything but clichéd, with at least two that I’m sure will make any one reading this laugh as much as we all did. There’s a deranged brilliance to the stories killer… from his pink tool belt, to his instant camera and rabbit ear speakers. It’s macabre yes, but in such a ridiculously way as to feel inspired. The playful nature of the shifting story as Aaron has to go back and correct things as Linda tells him more about her friends also lends itself to some of the films best moments. I feel that some of the people we saw the film with, would have preferred the film it had been purely spoof, and I’m sure that a lot of people that see the film will feel the same way… but if you have any love for films that don’t hand you all the answers, and take their time saying what they need to, I’m sure you’d agree with me that the pacing of the film is just perfect.
You see Red Velvet is a puzzle. One I’m sure has an answer ... and one I’m sure has all the pieces there if they can only be fit together properly. The big part of that puzzle is working out who Aaron is and whether or not there’s any truth buried in his ever changing story. The substance of the film is in those scenes between Aaron and Linda. The depth and the drama is in those scenes, and there’s a lot more going on than is initially apparent. At first you’ll probably just want Linda to shut up but it’s a bit more cleverly crafted than first glances may suggest. Writers Anthony Burns and Joe Moe aren’t just filling out the film with these moments and while they may make some people a little impatient, watching Aaron carefully manipulating the situation is as much a credit to them as Henry Thomas’ performance. ... There are one or two moments where the films creative camera work seems to be being flashy just for the sake of being flashy (not in the story sequences … it fits perfectly in those), but director Bruce Dickson has done really well considering Red Velvet is his directorial debut and could well be one to watch going forwards. Red Velvet is deranged and inspired in equal measures, sometimes both at the same time, and Sean Fernald is right to be proud of the film he’s produced. Sure it may not be for everyone, and there will always be those that wished it was more of a straight spoof than an open ended puzzle, but I know there’s a wider audience just waiting to appreciate Red Velvet, and I hope they get the chance to check it out. reprinted with permission
Answered by Joe Moe: co-writer, co-producer, production designer
Q | How long was production? How many problems have you encountered while filming Red Velvet? Q | How difficult was it to find the right actors for the characters in the movie?
Q | Who is your favorite horror movie writer? Does he or she influence you at all in your own work?
Q | When will it be opened to theaters? Q | Have you ever written any other horror movies before Red Velvet? Q | What motivated you to get into the horror scene?
Q | Will Red Velvet have a rated and/or unrated version on the DVD release?
Q | What goodies (secrets) do you have about the movie that you would love to share with the fans of TBHM? reprinted with permission Check out the video interview with Joe Moe too:
A Peek Inside Red Velvet Red Velvet is creating quite the buzz and for good reason. After watching an exclusive screening of this movie in SF, I had the humbling opportunity to get a peek inside the minds of the people behind this film as well as get a better understanding on what I just witnessed. Paul Griffin Production Manager on the film clued me in on the current distribution plan for Red Velvet.
Red Velvet is a horror movie by genre standards, but its much more than that. It embodies an intriguing psychological edge, splashy and vibrant visuals that keep you interested and curious. A good prerequisite for any film, Red Velvet is a movie to look out for and all the more reason to see this movie more than once. To add to the viewing pleasure of this movie and for horror fans alike, there is a great cameo with Forrest J Ackerman. Mr. Ackerman graces the screen in his 215th cameo on this film. The 91 years old Ackerman is a legend in the world of old school horror films such as Frankenstein, Phantom of the Opera, and Dracula. He has influenced the likes of famous horror movie directors such as John Carpenter, John Landis, and Tobe Hooper. Jim McConville producer of Red Velvet discusses with me in a post-screening interview his vision for Red Velvet and the message he is trying to convey to the public. “What we tried to do with this movie is to make it different. We didn’t want to do the normal “torture porn” that’s going on. We felt that people were getting tired of that and we are from an older generation and wanted to bring something out there for people to be entertained. We wanted something funny, exciting, and a thriller with highs and lows through out. This would enable the viewer to be involved as well as be an enjoyable experience. We want people to feel good so that when they are done with it you feel like you got something for your money. That’s what we tried to achieve”.
One of the most notable and recognizable stars in Red Velvet is Henry Thomas. Henry takes a departure from his usual roles and ventures into a disturbing and somewhat psychotic character, enticing the viewer into his complicated and twisted mind. Superbly acted, Henry takes his character of “Aaron” and makes it his own. I spoke with Henry after the screening to find out what made him want to take this role. “Well a friend of mine Bruce Dickson who I’ve known for years directed this and we wanted to work together. He got on board with this project and called me up. Bruce wanted me to play the lead so he went ahead and sent me the script. As I read the script, I was intrigued with the character because I like things that you can’t really pick apart too easily and this guy is pretty complex and I thought there were a lot of interesting things I could bring to it. I also liked the idea that it was a horror movie but kind of like a two person play in the Laundromat and the Thai restaurant with the two characters having a kind of verbal ping-pong. At the same time, I couldn’t figure out if the guy is in love with the girl or wants to kill her which intrigued me so that’s what got me on board.” The Hollywood movie scene tends to compartmentalize its films. If a movie does not fit in any particular genre or box, then in most cases it will have a hard time finding its place on the larger screens. Independent movies don’t concern themselves with labels largely due to the fact that independent thought and artistic freedom take a forefront rather than pleasing the masses. Conveying a vision without having the corporate structure chiming in their agenda is the goal of any artist. This is precisely why I prefer and support independent movies. For the artistic freedom, but also for the quality of the writing and the passion that comes across in the final product. I can appreciate visions that aren’t peppered with conformist mass appeal structures. Red Velvet in certain respects is considered to be somewhat controversial being shunned by several large movie chains. Intriguing movies are often overlooked which is why Red Velvet deserves a closer look. Henry Thomas shares his thoughts on this very issue. With his experience in both big Hollywood films as well as independent film he lends has perspective.
Joe Moe co writer of the script, co producer, of Red Velvet and the creative director of 3 Mac Studios is part of the collaborative team and lends his experience and expertise in this film. A friendly and outgoing guy (as is all the cast and crew) he is passionate about his work, which he further elaborates … “We are a total collaborative and creative group of people. We don’t do anything that is conceptual. We keep ego out and let the most creative stuff come to the surface”. While watching this film, I was somewhat curious about the murder character in Red Velvet … a deranged looking bunny. Not the typical murder character, which is precisely what, adds charm to this film. Unique and quite obscure I just had to ask Joe Moe more about it and what it meant … “My boss’ 19 year old son basically was the one that came up with the idea. I asked him, “this is your demographic what does this character need”. He then replied, “music” and that’s how the speakers evolved. What I see in the character is Bill Gates and Salvador Dali. I think that’s what he would look like. Techy, but surreal and functional. You see, the ears are there to distract people with noise and it can also scare them by playing back voices of its last victim. He can also play music to get their confidence. The Polaroid idea is there for the fact that what’s scarier than seeing your own terrified face in a state of terror right before you die! That’s pretty visceral and creepy. The other thing was getting a character such as Mickey Mouse and putting a nylon stocking over it, which is sort of the evolution of that. Familiar yet discomforting images.”
Joe Moe: “That is why this audience is so satisfying to us. We know we don’t have to be “Titanic” for people to enjoy it. This is the first time that we have gotten to show it to the people that we made it for. People like us. We consider this a “deconstructed slasher film” and are hitting the marks on what is required, but also trying to spin it into areas that require us to go further which also involve sexual politics. We wanted strong woman and not someone that was a shrinking violet. There is a modern person in Kelli’s character who has a sense of entitlement. We wanted to show how that type of attitude could get someone in trouble. She thinks she can handle him and he isn’t really being handled … he’s manipulating. What were here to do is we are unapologetic entertainers and are here to elevate people’s spirits and give them something to think about. We feel that we can fulfill the qualities that are demanded of us while being as creative as we can”. Natalia Baron (who plays Amy in Red Velvet) “It’s definitely surreal and totally different. It’s amazing! I think the whole look of the entire film is beautiful and something very special. I’m very proud to be a part of it”. Cast and Crew Interview by Darien Lomeli (reprinted from Your Music Magazine - April 2008) reprinted with permission |
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When a film has a name like Red Velvet it gives you certain impressions right away. The poster appears to portray a scantily clad woman beneath a sheet of red velvet. Thoughts like "David Lynch rip-off" start to dance around your head. When the producer grabs your wife to get her picture taken with a guy dressed up in a strange bunny suit because she’s wearing a Suspiria T-shirt, then you start thinking that maybe it’s a Suspiria and David Lynch rip off. Maybe with some shades of Donnie Darko.
"It’s like x meets y with bits of z thrown in." makes me think it’s going to be a hotch potch of off the shelf components, rather than a refreshingly funny, intelligently shot independent gem.
The conversation scenes are fairly long, and in contrast to the over the top, colour drenched story sections, maybe boring in comparison to some. However take them out and the film wouldn’t be as smart, it wouldn’t be nearly as unique, and the pay offs wouldn’t be so satisfying.
Q | What inspired Red Velvet?
Q | How was it to work with Kelli Garner? She played in several TV shows among them, "Buffy: The Vampire Slayer".
Q | Red Velvet is a very original story. How do you think the audience will react to it?
Q | What's next? Are there any other film projects in the works for 3Mac Studios?
Q | If you had other film projects in the future, which actors would you love to work with?
“Currently it’s being shown as a private screening for fans of the movie. Some of the upcoming screenings to look out for will be at Wizard World in LA March 14th and 16th, Super Con in San Jose May 17th and 18th and Comicon in San Diego July 24th through 27th. As far as theatrical distribution goes, we are currently working on that and trying to create interest for this film. We would like to use the theatrical angle and get some buzz going for DVD sales.”
“Red Velvet is very stylistic. We shot the movie in super 35mm film and took a lot of pain staking movements with color, mood, and set design. John Goss who is one of the best-set designers I’ve ever seen is very good at what he does. If you take a look at what we were doing, we put a lot of Easter eggs throughout the entire movie. We put things in there that pull you in and make you think. You can watch this movie 2, 3, or more times and come away with something new each and very time”.
“This project would have probably been killed in its infancy if it had been a major Hollywood film. It would have been rewritten, dumbed down, and turned into a straight genre film like “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and commercialized a lot. It wouldn’t have dialogue scenes because that doesn’t fit into the genre. This is cool and interesting because you’re taking different media genres and your mixing them. As an artist its important to constantly challenge your audience and I think this film challenges the audiences preconceived notions in what a genre is. This film pokes fun at the genre and yet it embraces the genre at the same time. Film companies would say we don’t know how to market it and wouldn’t know how to sell this film, which is the problem with the film business. They want boxes to put things in. I don’t think audiences need that. Its like, “ Oh I want to see an action film tonight” or “I want to see a comedy tonight”. Life isn’t like that. Life imitates art and art imitates life. Life isn’t a box so I think it’s important as artist to do things like this to challenge people’s perspectives”.
Keep a look out for Red Velvet at a theater near you. Check the [remainder of this] website for upcoming showings and support independent film. As I conclude my interview, Natalia Baron (actress who plays “Amy” in Red Velvet) and Joe Moe conclude to me their vision for this film and what they hope audiences will get out of it.