Debra Hill is best known for producing and co-writing the 1978 classic Halloween, but she went on to produce more than thirty more films after that one, including the first two Halloween sequels, The Fog, Escape from New York and Escape from L.A., The Dead Zone, Clue, Adventures in Babysitting, Big Top Pee-wee, The Fisher King, Crazy in Alabama, World Trade Center, and the films that made up the Rebel Highway series, among others. Now Hill’s career is being celebrated with the documentary Hollywood Trailblazer: The Debra Hill Story – and it’s being executive produced by Halloween (and Halloween II and The Fog) star Jamie Lee Curtis!
Deadline reports that Hollywood Trailblazer is coming our way from Causeway Pictures and is currently in production. Directed by Jim McMorrow and Margaret McGoldrick, the documentary is being produced by McGoldrick and Chris Patterson of Causeway Pictures. In addition to Curtis, the executive...
Deadline reports that Hollywood Trailblazer is coming our way from Causeway Pictures and is currently in production. Directed by Jim McMorrow and Margaret McGoldrick, the documentary is being produced by McGoldrick and Chris Patterson of Causeway Pictures. In addition to Curtis, the executive...
- 11/10/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Debra Hill, the late producer and co-writer of Halloween and The Fog would’ve turned 73 today. Deadline reports this afternoon on perhaps one of the greatest gifts to celebrate the prolific producer’s life: feature documentary Hollywood Trailblazer: The Debra Hill Story is heading into production.
The documentary about the trailblazer will be directed by Jim McMorrow and Margaret McGoldrick. Jamie Lee Curtis will Executive Produce.
Dubbed the “Godmother of Filmmaking,” Hill not only contributed to some beloved horror classics but was a constant champion for emerging talent. The documentary aims to shine a light on the prolific producer.
Featured interviews include Jamie Lee Curtis, John Carpenter, Stacey Sher, David Gordon Green, Terry Gilliam, Lynda Obst, Kim Gottlieb-Walker, Andrea Berloff, Alan Jones, Kim Newman, and more, with the team also working with Debra’s brother, Bob Hill.
“The story of Debra Hill is a multi-faceted one. She was, and still is,...
The documentary about the trailblazer will be directed by Jim McMorrow and Margaret McGoldrick. Jamie Lee Curtis will Executive Produce.
Dubbed the “Godmother of Filmmaking,” Hill not only contributed to some beloved horror classics but was a constant champion for emerging talent. The documentary aims to shine a light on the prolific producer.
Featured interviews include Jamie Lee Curtis, John Carpenter, Stacey Sher, David Gordon Green, Terry Gilliam, Lynda Obst, Kim Gottlieb-Walker, Andrea Berloff, Alan Jones, Kim Newman, and more, with the team also working with Debra’s brother, Bob Hill.
“The story of Debra Hill is a multi-faceted one. She was, and still is,...
- 11/10/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Exclusive: Hollywood Trailblazer: The Debra Hill Story, a feature documentary about Debra Hill, the late producer and co-writer of classic movies such as Halloween (1978) and The Fog (1980), has moved into production with Causeway Pictures.
Directed by Irish filmmakers Jim McMorrow and Margaret McGoldrick, producers are Margaret McGoldrick and Chris Patterson of Causeway Pictures. Executive Producers are Jamie Lee Curtis, Mike Chapman on behalf of Blue Finch Films, and Kerry Deignan Roy (William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill). The doc was developed with Northern Ireland Screen and Blue Finch Film Releasing, who are handling world sales.
Hill, who died in 2005, is best known as the prolific filmmaker behind titles such as Halloween (1978) and The Fog (1980), both of which she co-wrote with John Carpenter, as well as many more titles, including Clue, Adventures In Babysitting, The Dead Zone, The Fisher King and World Trade Centre. Hill was recently honored by the...
Directed by Irish filmmakers Jim McMorrow and Margaret McGoldrick, producers are Margaret McGoldrick and Chris Patterson of Causeway Pictures. Executive Producers are Jamie Lee Curtis, Mike Chapman on behalf of Blue Finch Films, and Kerry Deignan Roy (William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill). The doc was developed with Northern Ireland Screen and Blue Finch Film Releasing, who are handling world sales.
Hill, who died in 2005, is best known as the prolific filmmaker behind titles such as Halloween (1978) and The Fog (1980), both of which she co-wrote with John Carpenter, as well as many more titles, including Clue, Adventures In Babysitting, The Dead Zone, The Fisher King and World Trade Centre. Hill was recently honored by the...
- 11/10/2023
- by Zac Ntim and Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Actors George Wendt and John Ratzenberger recently reunited with each other and the perhaps the most famous bar of American TV: the wooden counter from Cheers. The actors — who played Norm Peterson and Cliff Clavin, respectively, on the long-running NBC sitcom — got to pull up to the bar one more time before Heritage Auctions sells it to the highest bidder in June. “It was fantastic, so great to see the bar,” Wendt, 74, said in a Heritage Auction video aired on Boston’s 7 News. Kim Gottlieb-Walker/TV Guide/NBC/Courtesy: Everett Collection The bar set-up — the current bid for which is $100,000 — includes three counter sections with faux woodgrain, six walnut barstools covered in red leatherette, six light figures from the bar overhang, chromed beer taps, glass barware, framed sports photos, the bar’s original touchtone telephone, and even prop food and drink. And it’s a meaningful piece of TV history...
- 5/14/2023
- TV Insider
Shopping for the horror connoisseur can be tricky, what’s a good gift for the friend or family member who loves to be scared?
Never fear, Variety has compiled the best gifts around for scary movie (and TV) lovers.
A Shudder Subscription
No horror fan worth their Michael Meyer mask should be without a subscription to Shudder. This all-horror streaming service is not only stuffed to the brim with classic and cult scares including their new original run of “Creepshow,” the very good “Scare Me” original Shudder release and loads of flick you need to watch like “Watcher,” “What Josiah Saw” and “Glorious.” And if you just want to re-watch a classic like “House” or “The Descent” this service has you covered.
7 Day Free Trial for Shudder
Buy It
Tremors T-Shirt
The greatest franchise in the history of horror, now in t-shirt form. I know what you’re thinking, “a black horror t-shirt,...
Never fear, Variety has compiled the best gifts around for scary movie (and TV) lovers.
A Shudder Subscription
No horror fan worth their Michael Meyer mask should be without a subscription to Shudder. This all-horror streaming service is not only stuffed to the brim with classic and cult scares including their new original run of “Creepshow,” the very good “Scare Me” original Shudder release and loads of flick you need to watch like “Watcher,” “What Josiah Saw” and “Glorious.” And if you just want to re-watch a classic like “House” or “The Descent” this service has you covered.
7 Day Free Trial for Shudder
Buy It
Tremors T-Shirt
The greatest franchise in the history of horror, now in t-shirt form. I know what you’re thinking, “a black horror t-shirt,...
- 10/4/2022
- by Meredith Woerner and Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Hello, dear readers! This week’s batch of horror and sci-fi home media releases has a lot of fun offerings, both new and old. If you’re looking to catch up on some recent genre entertainment, there are plenty of options headed to both Blu-ray and DVD this Tuesday, including Wyrmwood: Apocalypse, Death Valley, Kicking Blood, and Slasher: Flesh and Bone. Scream Factory is also giving both The Craft and Escape From New York the 4K treatment this week, and if you’re looking for some cult titles, both Girls Nite Out and Without Warning are headed to Blu-ray on May 17th as well.
The Craft: Collector’s Edition 4K
Sarah has always been different. So as the newcomer at St. Benedict's Academy, she immediately falls in with high school outsiders. But there's something different about her new friends, and it's not just that they won't settle for being a group of powerless misfits.
The Craft: Collector’s Edition 4K
Sarah has always been different. So as the newcomer at St. Benedict's Academy, she immediately falls in with high school outsiders. But there's something different about her new friends, and it's not just that they won't settle for being a group of powerless misfits.
- 5/16/2022
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Welcome back guys to day six of Daily Dead’s 2015 Holiday Gift Guide! Hard to believe we’re now past the halfway mark with this year’s Hgg, so I’ll be sure to keep giving you guys as many great gift ideas as I can find for the rest of this week. Today’s guide is paying tribute to the icons of the genre and features several books either written by or featuring the legends of the industry, as well as an upcoming release from Guillermo del Toro.
We’ve also got a fun zombie shooting game for all those younger undead enthusiasts out there, an adorable selection of gift ideas for the ladies, an array of fun apparel and accessories from one of my personal favorite sites, Stylin Online, and so much more.
This year’s Holiday Gift Guide is being sponsored by Rlj Entertainment and their recent terrifying yuletide release,...
We’ve also got a fun zombie shooting game for all those younger undead enthusiasts out there, an adorable selection of gift ideas for the ladies, an array of fun apparel and accessories from one of my personal favorite sites, Stylin Online, and so much more.
This year’s Holiday Gift Guide is being sponsored by Rlj Entertainment and their recent terrifying yuletide release,...
- 12/1/2015
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
After revisiting John Carpenter's Escape From New York, I am pleased to say that this thrilling dystopian masterpiece still holds up great and maintains its tough cynical bite at authority, appropriately reflecting the mistrust society still has with political authority today. What truly makes Snake Plissken remain an iconic character is not just his nihilistic manner and rebellious attitude, it's mostly the mystery that surrounds him. With Hollywood's urgent need today to over-explain every character and world in popular entertainment properties till every sense of awe and wonder that made these movies great die with one last desperate gasp, it's refreshing to revisit a time that respected the power of mystery and mythology.
Snake is a lone gunslinger with combat skills, an Eastwood growl, and an eyepatch who's seen some crazy shit and is thrown into a dangerous situation with his life on the line—that's all this movie needs to explain,...
Snake is a lone gunslinger with combat skills, an Eastwood growl, and an eyepatch who's seen some crazy shit and is thrown into a dangerous situation with his life on the line—that's all this movie needs to explain,...
- 4/24/2015
- by Sean McClannahan
- DailyDead
April 21st is another big day for genre fans looking to add to their home entertainment collections, as we’ve got a bounty of titles heading our way this Tuesday. The good folks over at Scream Factory are keeping busy with the release of several great Blu-rays, including their Collector’s Edition of John Carpenter’s Escape From New York and their Ghoulies double feature. Joe Lynch’s Everly and the film fest sensation A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night are also making their way to Blu-ray and DVD this week, and we’ve got a Ton of indie titles arriving Tuesday to look forward to, including the latest from the great Jeffrey Combs, Motivational Growth.
Escape from New York (Collector’s Edition) (Scream Factory, Blu-ray)
A thrilling landmark film that jolts along at a breakneck pace, Escape From New York leapt to cult status with high-octane action, edge-of-your-seat...
Escape from New York (Collector’s Edition) (Scream Factory, Blu-ray)
A thrilling landmark film that jolts along at a breakneck pace, Escape From New York leapt to cult status with high-octane action, edge-of-your-seat...
- 4/21/2015
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
“Snake Plissken… I’ve heard of you. I heard you were dead.” Scream Factory's out to prove The Duke of New York City wrong with the resurrection of Kurt Russell's awesome anti-hero in their Escape From New York Collector’s Edition Blu-ray that hits shelves on April 21st with 2k digital restoration and a bunch of bonus features. Ahead of its release, we have a couple of clips and two trailers from the Blu-ray that show off the film's high-definition upgrade.
"A thrilling landmark film that jolts along at a breakneck pace, Escape From New York leapt to cult status with high-octane action, edge-of-your-seat suspense and the mind-blowing vision of lone warrior Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) battling his way out of a post-apocalyptic Manhattan!
In a world ravaged by crime, the entire island of Manhattan has been converted into a walled prison where brutal prisoners roam. But when the...
"A thrilling landmark film that jolts along at a breakneck pace, Escape From New York leapt to cult status with high-octane action, edge-of-your-seat suspense and the mind-blowing vision of lone warrior Snake Plissken (Kurt Russell) battling his way out of a post-apocalyptic Manhattan!
In a world ravaged by crime, the entire island of Manhattan has been converted into a walled prison where brutal prisoners roam. But when the...
- 4/9/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
“Snake Plissken… I’ve heard of you. I heard you were dead.” Scream Factory's out to prove The Duke of New York City wrong with the resurrection of Kurt Russell's awesome anti-hero in their Escape From New York Collector’s Edition Blu-ray that hits shelves on April 21st, complete with 2k digital restoration. Last month, Scream Factory debuted the cover art for the new release of John Carpenter's 1981 cult classic, and now they've unveiled the Blu-ray's bountiful bonus features, including a new audio commentary with actress Adrienne Barbeau and directory of photography Dean Cundey, additional interviews with the crew, and much more:
Press Release - "Los Angeles, CA – Scream Factory has announced the April 21, 2015 release of John Carpenter’s Escape From New York (Collector’s Edition) on Blu-ray. The new edition of the 1981 cult classic starring Kurt Russell, Lee Van Cleef, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence, Isaac Hayes, Season Hubley,...
Press Release - "Los Angeles, CA – Scream Factory has announced the April 21, 2015 release of John Carpenter’s Escape From New York (Collector’s Edition) on Blu-ray. The new edition of the 1981 cult classic starring Kurt Russell, Lee Van Cleef, Ernest Borgnine, Donald Pleasence, Isaac Hayes, Season Hubley,...
- 2/19/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Happy Wednesday, guys! With the holidays creeping up on us quickly, there are now only three weeks left to shop before Christmas. And rather than fight the crowds in the stores or deal with the hassles of leaving the house in the frigid temperatures, here are a bunch of gift ideas perfect for all the horror and sci-fi fans you need to shop for this year.
Be sure to check out today’s holiday horrors trivia question at the end of our fourth installment in our Holiday Gift Guide to get your chance to win prizes from our fantastic sponsors including HorrorDecor.net, Scream Factory and Anchor Bay Entertainment.
Vendor Spotlight: Cavity Colors
Inspired by 80’s pop culture, mostly horror movies, skateboarding, and weird monster toys, Cavity Colors’ creations are vibrantly fun and inventive reinterpretations of some of the most iconic creatures and maniacs ever committed to celluloid over the years.
Be sure to check out today’s holiday horrors trivia question at the end of our fourth installment in our Holiday Gift Guide to get your chance to win prizes from our fantastic sponsors including HorrorDecor.net, Scream Factory and Anchor Bay Entertainment.
Vendor Spotlight: Cavity Colors
Inspired by 80’s pop culture, mostly horror movies, skateboarding, and weird monster toys, Cavity Colors’ creations are vibrantly fun and inventive reinterpretations of some of the most iconic creatures and maniacs ever committed to celluloid over the years.
- 12/3/2014
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Professional photographer Kim Gottlieb-Walker has been involved with numerous iconic films and captured hundreds of magical moments throughout her decades-spanning career. This week, she gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at films like Halloween, The Fog, Escape from New York, Halloween II and Christine, with the release of a new book, On Set with John Carpenter: The Photographs of Kim Gottlieb-Walker.
Although she’s found an immense amount of success throughout her career as a photographer, that wasn’t the direction Gottlieb-Walker envisioned her career taking while she was still a film student at UCLA. “I majored in film production and hoped to be a camera operator. When I graduated, I had no contacts in the movie industry, so I went back to shooting stills for the underground press as I had done while at school with my film school teacher. In fact, it was during one of his interviews...
Although she’s found an immense amount of success throughout her career as a photographer, that wasn’t the direction Gottlieb-Walker envisioned her career taking while she was still a film student at UCLA. “I majored in film production and hoped to be a camera operator. When I graduated, I had no contacts in the movie industry, so I went back to shooting stills for the underground press as I had done while at school with my film school teacher. In fact, it was during one of his interviews...
- 10/7/2014
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
There are a lot of terrific and revealing photos within the upcoming tome "On the Set With John Carpenter" (arriving October 21st), but some of the real stand-out pics depict Kurt Russell - with Season Hubley (his ex-wife) - on the set of Carpenter's The Fog. Russell - seen in these images here adopting a western look - was visiting Carpenter to discuss ideas for Escape from New York. At the time, the two previously collaborated on Elvis.
These candid stills are just two of the many featured in the book that features the photography of Kim Gottlieb-Walker.
The post Kurt Russell on the Set of The Fog Featured in New John Carpenter Book appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
These candid stills are just two of the many featured in the book that features the photography of Kim Gottlieb-Walker.
The post Kurt Russell on the Set of The Fog Featured in New John Carpenter Book appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
- 10/6/2014
- by Ryan Turek
- shocktillyoudrop.com
‘On Set with John Carpenter’ Coffee Table Book Goes Behind the Scenes of Halloween, Christine & More
From the butcher knife-wielding haunter of Haddonfield to a 1958 Plymouth Fury with a lethal jealousy streak, filmmaker John Carpenter gave genre fans the goods time and time again from the late 1970′s through the early 1980′s (and beyond). Unit photographer Kim Gottlieb-Walker captured the prolific director during this period with insightful photos now collected for release from Titan Books.
Coming out just in time for Halloween on October 24th, Kim Gottlieb-Walker’s coffee table hardcover, On Set with John Carpenter, is now available to pre-order for £19.99. The book will showcase intriguing photos—some of them never-before-seen—of Carpenter with his cast and crew of five films: Halloween, The Fog, Escape from New York, Christine, and Halloween II. Exclusive commentary by Carpenter and others involved in the making of these movies is also included. To learn more, visit:
http://titanbooks.com/on-set-with-john-carpenter-7909/
“John Carpenter’s producing partner Debra Hill hired photographer...
Coming out just in time for Halloween on October 24th, Kim Gottlieb-Walker’s coffee table hardcover, On Set with John Carpenter, is now available to pre-order for £19.99. The book will showcase intriguing photos—some of them never-before-seen—of Carpenter with his cast and crew of five films: Halloween, The Fog, Escape from New York, Christine, and Halloween II. Exclusive commentary by Carpenter and others involved in the making of these movies is also included. To learn more, visit:
http://titanbooks.com/on-set-with-john-carpenter-7909/
“John Carpenter’s producing partner Debra Hill hired photographer...
- 8/26/2014
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
So, that book we first brought to your attention last fall - "On Set with John Carpenter" - has a release date: October 21st. This 176-page tome represents the works of Kim Gottlieb-Walker, who spent a lot of time with Carpenter doing on-set photography. Some of her pieces were on display at a Halloween convention in Pasadena last October and they're impressive. Many shots are never-before-seen. We're talking about from Halloween to Big Trouble in Little China.
The post John Carpenter Photography Book Takes You on His Sets, Plus, L.A. Gallery Details appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
The post John Carpenter Photography Book Takes You on His Sets, Plus, L.A. Gallery Details appeared first on Shock Till You Drop.
- 7/8/2014
- by Ryan Turek
- shocktillyoudrop.com
There's a lot going on to commemorate the 35th anniversary of John Carpenter's Halloween, but the granddaddy of them all is the "35 Years of Terror" convention taking place November 15-17 in Pasadena, CA. If you're lucky, you can score a pair of passes on us!
With guests from every film in the series, this con promises to be the "official, ultimate Halloween experience, 35 years in the making!" It's being held at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green Street; (626) 795-9311.
We have one pair of tickets to give away (transportation Not included). To enter for your chance to win, just send us an E-mail Here including your Full Name And Mailing Address. We’ll notify the winner by Tuesday, November 12th, so you can plan accordingly.
Recently added guests include, in his first convention appearance Ever, Rick Rosenthal, director of Halloween II (1981) and Halloween: Resurrection; Daniel Farrands, screenwriter of Halloween: The Curse Of Michael Myers...
With guests from every film in the series, this con promises to be the "official, ultimate Halloween experience, 35 years in the making!" It's being held at the Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green Street; (626) 795-9311.
We have one pair of tickets to give away (transportation Not included). To enter for your chance to win, just send us an E-mail Here including your Full Name And Mailing Address. We’ll notify the winner by Tuesday, November 12th, so you can plan accordingly.
Recently added guests include, in his first convention appearance Ever, Rick Rosenthal, director of Halloween II (1981) and Halloween: Resurrection; Daniel Farrands, screenwriter of Halloween: The Curse Of Michael Myers...
- 11/4/2013
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Excited for Phil Nobile's feature length documentary "Halloween: The Inside Story"? With its small screen debut rapidly approaching, there's no reason not to be. I mean, can you really have too much of John Carpenter's Halloween around this time of year?
The first footage from the documentary just hit online over at the Biography Channel website, and it details the re-creation of the famed Myers House. Dig on it by clicking the image below.
For his feature Nobile and company have gotten Carpenter himself, Jamie Lee Curtis, and tons more including Irwin Yablans, Dean Cundey, Nick Castle, Nancy Kyes, Pj Soles, Charles Cyphers, Tony Moran, John Graham, Tommy Lee Wallace, Kim Gottlieb-Walker, Kyle Richards, Brian Andrews, Danielle Harris, and even Rob Zombie.
Set those DVRs! This is gonna be a good one! "Halloween: The Inside Story" will be hitting A&E's Biography Channel on October 28th, 9Pm Et/8Pm Ct/10Pm Pt.
The first footage from the documentary just hit online over at the Biography Channel website, and it details the re-creation of the famed Myers House. Dig on it by clicking the image below.
For his feature Nobile and company have gotten Carpenter himself, Jamie Lee Curtis, and tons more including Irwin Yablans, Dean Cundey, Nick Castle, Nancy Kyes, Pj Soles, Charles Cyphers, Tony Moran, John Graham, Tommy Lee Wallace, Kim Gottlieb-Walker, Kyle Richards, Brian Andrews, Danielle Harris, and even Rob Zombie.
Set those DVRs! This is gonna be a good one! "Halloween: The Inside Story" will be hitting A&E's Biography Channel on October 28th, 9Pm Et/8Pm Ct/10Pm Pt.
- 9/23/2010
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Leave it to our friend Steve Barton (aka Uncle Creepy) at Dread Central to score some of the greatest Halloween news in some time. Myers fans have been eagerly anticipating this documentary, aptly named 'Halloween: The Inside Story'. When will we get to hear all the great behind-the-scene goodies and stories from all the Halloween crews? The date has been set. Feast on it after the break...
According to Dread, Phil Nobile's feature length documentary, "Halloween: The Inside Story", will be showing on A&E's Biography Channel on October 28th, 9Pm Et/8Pm Ct/10Pm Pt.
Who has Noble scored for the documentary? Well, the list is a virtual who's who. From what we know they have Carpenter himself, Jamie Lee Curtis, and tons more including Irwin Yablans, Dean Cundey, Nick Castle, Nancy Kyes, Pj Soles, Charles Cyphers, Tony Moran, John Graham, Tommy Lee Wallace, Kim Gottlieb-Walker,...
According to Dread, Phil Nobile's feature length documentary, "Halloween: The Inside Story", will be showing on A&E's Biography Channel on October 28th, 9Pm Et/8Pm Ct/10Pm Pt.
Who has Noble scored for the documentary? Well, the list is a virtual who's who. From what we know they have Carpenter himself, Jamie Lee Curtis, and tons more including Irwin Yablans, Dean Cundey, Nick Castle, Nancy Kyes, Pj Soles, Charles Cyphers, Tony Moran, John Graham, Tommy Lee Wallace, Kim Gottlieb-Walker,...
- 9/8/2010
- by Keepers of the Bid
- Horrorbid
It's almost the wonderful time of the year again, and what would it be without a little news concerning The Shape? With Never Sleep Again under the old belt, I can tell you documentary filmmaking is anything but easy, but when it's done right? The rewards are certainly there to reap.
The last time we reported on Phil Nobile's feature length documentary "Halloween: The Inside Story" was April, but now a firm premiere date has been locked in, and we're happy to tell you that the latest look at the film that started it all, John Carpenter's Halloween, will be hitting A&E's Biography Channel on October 28th, 9Pm Et/8Pm Ct/10Pm Pt.
For his feature Nobile and company have gotten Carpenter himself, Jamie Lee Curtis, and tons more including Irwin Yablans, Dean Cundey, Nick Castle, Nancy Kyes, Pj Soles, Charles Cyphers, Tony Moran, John Graham, Tommy Lee Wallace,...
The last time we reported on Phil Nobile's feature length documentary "Halloween: The Inside Story" was April, but now a firm premiere date has been locked in, and we're happy to tell you that the latest look at the film that started it all, John Carpenter's Halloween, will be hitting A&E's Biography Channel on October 28th, 9Pm Et/8Pm Ct/10Pm Pt.
For his feature Nobile and company have gotten Carpenter himself, Jamie Lee Curtis, and tons more including Irwin Yablans, Dean Cundey, Nick Castle, Nancy Kyes, Pj Soles, Charles Cyphers, Tony Moran, John Graham, Tommy Lee Wallace,...
- 9/8/2010
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Since our first mention of "Halloween: The Inside Story", which will be hitting A&E's Biography Channel this October, fans have been pretty excited to finally get a concise overview of the original film that started it all. To keep momentum going for Phil Nobile's feature length documentary, we have a second batch of stills that we are sure will garner your approval.
What we're really digging about this project is that all parties concerned are going out of their way to get you the content that you desire. Believe me when I tell you getting the master himself, John Carpenter, to talk Halloween is not exactly an easy task; yet, Nobile and company have got him, Jamie Lee Curtis, and tons more including Irwin Yablans, Dean Cundey, Nick Castle, Nancy Kyes, Pj Soles, Charles Cyphers, Tony Moran, John Graham, Tommy Lee Wallace, Kim Gottlieb-Walker, Kyle Richards, Brian Andrews,...
What we're really digging about this project is that all parties concerned are going out of their way to get you the content that you desire. Believe me when I tell you getting the master himself, John Carpenter, to talk Halloween is not exactly an easy task; yet, Nobile and company have got him, Jamie Lee Curtis, and tons more including Irwin Yablans, Dean Cundey, Nick Castle, Nancy Kyes, Pj Soles, Charles Cyphers, Tony Moran, John Graham, Tommy Lee Wallace, Kim Gottlieb-Walker, Kyle Richards, Brian Andrews,...
- 4/27/2010
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
In the City That Never Sleeps, on sale forever at the Newsstand That Almost Was are the Magazines That Might Have Been. They’re all, you see, movie magazines that we coulda, woulda, shoulda but ultimately Didn’T publish, most of which then faded off into the mist, never to happen at all.
I’m reminded of this because in spring 1982, just a few months before I joined Starlog, we scrapped plans to do Official Movie Magazines devoted to E.T. The Extra-terrestrial and Conan The Barbarian. These kinds of publications—licensed from the studios (who retain text and design approval)—simply Must be on sale as the movie debuts. That’s usually the time of greatest interest (and if the flick bombs, at least there’s the possibility of one week’s sales before the jig is up).
Back then, there just weren’t going to be any actual photos...
I’m reminded of this because in spring 1982, just a few months before I joined Starlog, we scrapped plans to do Official Movie Magazines devoted to E.T. The Extra-terrestrial and Conan The Barbarian. These kinds of publications—licensed from the studios (who retain text and design approval)—simply Must be on sale as the movie debuts. That’s usually the time of greatest interest (and if the flick bombs, at least there’s the possibility of one week’s sales before the jig is up).
Back then, there just weren’t going to be any actual photos...
- 12/4/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
Listening last month to Election Day results from the all-news radio station (NYC’s Wcbs Am) as I lounged the evening away reading a book, I was suddenly reminded of my own minor brush with politics 35 years ago. We Never do politics or religion at Starlog (save for being pro-space, pro-literacy and anti-censorship), but recalling those times bemused me, so I’ve bothered to write them down here and make a Rare exception. Maybe you’ll be bemused, too.
Like all other freshmen bound that year for Bethany College, that “small college of distinction in the rolling hills of West Virginia” (as the College Bulletin described it), I had to choose a freshmen seminar for the fall. As a Post-Watergate budding journalist, I selected a course on politics that promised its students would actually Work in a campaign, namely that of its professor, Dr. Hiram Lester, who was running for State Senate.
Like all other freshmen bound that year for Bethany College, that “small college of distinction in the rolling hills of West Virginia” (as the College Bulletin described it), I had to choose a freshmen seminar for the fall. As a Post-Watergate budding journalist, I selected a course on politics that promised its students would actually Work in a campaign, namely that of its professor, Dr. Hiram Lester, who was running for State Senate.
- 12/3/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
For me, the Greatest Things That Never Happened often involve women—mostly blondes, some brunettes—but let’s not get into that here. Instead, let me denote three equally heartbreaking tales of lost marketing photo opportunities.
Fable #1. Movies. Back in January 1996, I traveled to Brisbane, Australia to cover The Phantom. Naturally, as the only journalist on the film’s set at Warner Movie World Studios for three days, I was wined & dined by the production’s veteran unit publicist Vic Heutschy. Over steaks one night, Vic told me his Great Idea for publicizing The Phantom.
Vanity Fair, you see, had rather recently put Demi Moore on its cover Totally Naked, all the naughty bits covered by body-painting. In short, she was nude but “wearing” a painted-on suit. You might remember that image. It was quite striking.
Vic’s idea? Billy Zane would pose nude for the cover of Vanity Fair,...
Fable #1. Movies. Back in January 1996, I traveled to Brisbane, Australia to cover The Phantom. Naturally, as the only journalist on the film’s set at Warner Movie World Studios for three days, I was wined & dined by the production’s veteran unit publicist Vic Heutschy. Over steaks one night, Vic told me his Great Idea for publicizing The Phantom.
Vanity Fair, you see, had rather recently put Demi Moore on its cover Totally Naked, all the naughty bits covered by body-painting. In short, she was nude but “wearing” a painted-on suit. You might remember that image. It was quite striking.
Vic’s idea? Billy Zane would pose nude for the cover of Vanity Fair,...
- 12/2/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell )
- Starlog
With turkeys front and center this week, I thought I’d talk about a little-known, short-lived Starlog Group magazine entitled Allure. Now, maybe you’ve heard of Allure, the Condé Nast lifestyle magazine. Ours was first, published in 1985-6, and years later the company actually sold our rights to the name when Condé Nast wanted to use it as a title. According to Starlog legend, they bought that for a dollar. How come we couldn’t hit up that well-heeled megapublisher for two or three bucks?
Our Allure was porno.
Yes, it was—or perhaps we might call it pseudo-porno, a magazine with pictures of naked people that aspired to sleaziness but apparently wasn’t quite sleazy enough. It was intended by then-Co-Publishers Norman Jacobs & Kerry O’Quinn to compete with Playgirl and feature nude dudes while appealing to a readership of women and gay men. Most of us on...
Our Allure was porno.
Yes, it was—or perhaps we might call it pseudo-porno, a magazine with pictures of naked people that aspired to sleaziness but apparently wasn’t quite sleazy enough. It was intended by then-Co-Publishers Norman Jacobs & Kerry O’Quinn to compete with Playgirl and feature nude dudes while appealing to a readership of women and gay men. Most of us on...
- 11/27/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
Boys and girls, cats and dogs, people of all ages, it’s time for another installment of Freelance Writers Do (& Say) The Darnedest Things. With almost three decades’ experience editing magazines, I have countless anecdotes about the strange behavior of freelancers when interacting with especially curmudgeonly editors (like me). Here are three more—though let me warn you, there are No punchlines here, just mysteries.
To start, I should explain one basic fact. Freelancers usually first come to a magazine editor’s attention by either sending in an already done interview all written up in manuscript (so we can read and see what’s offered for sale) or pitching someone they could talk to (along with writing samples so we can judge the risk of moving forward). After a freelancer has repeated this a couple times and trust has been established, the editor may begin giving him assignments (“We have...
To start, I should explain one basic fact. Freelancers usually first come to a magazine editor’s attention by either sending in an already done interview all written up in manuscript (so we can read and see what’s offered for sale) or pitching someone they could talk to (along with writing samples so we can judge the risk of moving forward). After a freelancer has repeated this a couple times and trust has been established, the editor may begin giving him assignments (“We have...
- 11/26/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
I think Roland Emmerich is trying to Kill Me.
Yes, yes, I do. Now, others have tried, mostly publicists now that I think of it, folks desperate for a TV series to be ballyhooed, a film covered or a book reviewed. But, usually, I could dissuade them by, well, totally ignoring their entreaties. Occasionally, I might have to send out the Starlog strike team of ninja killer assassins (six interns and a dwarf) to convince them by talking tough and insulting their pet baby ducks.
Emmerich is made of sterner stuff. Mere words can not rebuff the man my colleague Allan Dart has called “the modern master of disasters” (or somesuch term of endearment like that). Words mean Nothing to him! As clearly evidenced by some of the scripts Emmerich has co-written.
But, let me brief (yes, That will be the day!). And, like some storefront lawyer doing pro bono work,...
Yes, yes, I do. Now, others have tried, mostly publicists now that I think of it, folks desperate for a TV series to be ballyhooed, a film covered or a book reviewed. But, usually, I could dissuade them by, well, totally ignoring their entreaties. Occasionally, I might have to send out the Starlog strike team of ninja killer assassins (six interns and a dwarf) to convince them by talking tough and insulting their pet baby ducks.
Emmerich is made of sterner stuff. Mere words can not rebuff the man my colleague Allan Dart has called “the modern master of disasters” (or somesuch term of endearment like that). Words mean Nothing to him! As clearly evidenced by some of the scripts Emmerich has co-written.
But, let me brief (yes, That will be the day!). And, like some storefront lawyer doing pro bono work,...
- 11/25/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
Out to eat am I, but I also Have to write a Starblog with dinner. And it amuses me (if not others) to recount past meals I’ve had that were sort of far-out to eat. Or as the topic title I’ve assigned myself declares: Seven Meals to Doomsday!
Our cuisine criteria: I had to be at the table (sometimes semi-against my will), pop culture should be involved and there must be some Surreal aspect to it all. How good the food is—well, that hardly matters. It’s not the vittles; it’s the experience.
#1) Bethany College, Bethany, West Virginia, 1976 or ’77. CBS (and later NBC) newscaster Roger Mudd has come to our small college of distinction to give a lecture. We’re going to feed him, too, and I (as one of Communications Department Chairman James Carty’s pet students) have been drafted to attend that small dinner in the cafeteria rear.
Our cuisine criteria: I had to be at the table (sometimes semi-against my will), pop culture should be involved and there must be some Surreal aspect to it all. How good the food is—well, that hardly matters. It’s not the vittles; it’s the experience.
#1) Bethany College, Bethany, West Virginia, 1976 or ’77. CBS (and later NBC) newscaster Roger Mudd has come to our small college of distinction to give a lecture. We’re going to feed him, too, and I (as one of Communications Department Chairman James Carty’s pet students) have been drafted to attend that small dinner in the cafeteria rear.
- 11/17/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell )
- Starlog
Marley was dead, but he’s certainly the Energizer Bunny of holiday fantasy. He just keeps coming back, dragging along clanging chains and enormous lockboxes, always ready to haunt his former business partner Ebenezer Scrooge (It’s for Scrooge’s own good! What does Marley get out of it? Peace of mind?). And here he is doing it again in theaters now as fantasy filmmaker Robert Zemeckis unveils a Performance Capture-cg animated version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with Jim Carrey as Scrooge and all three holiday Ghosts. See my review here.
Dickens originally wrote the story in 1843, and given all the various stage, radio, film and TV versions of it since then (both official and ripoff), it’s certainly one of the most adapted tales ever. Even Dickens adapted it, tailoring a one-man version which he read on stage in London engagements and on tour (including here in...
Dickens originally wrote the story in 1843, and given all the various stage, radio, film and TV versions of it since then (both official and ripoff), it’s certainly one of the most adapted tales ever. Even Dickens adapted it, tailoring a one-man version which he read on stage in London engagements and on tour (including here in...
- 11/15/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
On Saturday, I took the train to Trenton. Now, this is remarkable because first, I so seldom go into New York City on a weekend (isn’t Five Days a week enough?), maybe five or six Saturdays a year. And, second, I’ve never been to Trenton—Through it on Amtrak, yes—but as a destination, No! Third, although I retired from convention-going in April 2008 (after guesting at more than 200 of them), I was off to a con and Only as a customer! This, I confess, was my Second relapse (I showed up to see friends at NYC’s Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors in June 2009).
It wasn’t just Any kind of con, but a Pulp Adventurecon (masterminded by Rich Harvey, author of several articles that I published in Comics Scene in the 1990s). I’ve never actually been to a pulp event (just Sf, Star Trek, comics, horror,...
It wasn’t just Any kind of con, but a Pulp Adventurecon (masterminded by Rich Harvey, author of several articles that I published in Comics Scene in the 1990s). I’ve never actually been to a pulp event (just Sf, Star Trek, comics, horror,...
- 11/11/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell )
- Starlog
As I was saying, well, just yesterday (see here), Craig Horner and Bridget Regan, heroes of the syndicated saga Legend Of The Seeker, traveled to New York City’s Times Square from Terry Goodkind’s fantasy world on Thursday. And as befitting sword & sorcery heroes, they arrived via black stretch limousine. Conan usually shows up in a Hummer, but then, after all, he Is a barbarian.
Anyhow, because it was just six blocks from the Starlog offices (at 49th Street & Eighth Avenue), I made the peril-filled odyssey through legions of tourists downstream to Military Island, the triangular slab of concrete in front of ABC’s Good Morning America studios. I was on hand there to watch as Horner and Regan (as well as an octet of red-clad Mord’Sith sorceresses) held magical sway over the isle, interacted with the crowd and posed for the papparazzi. The most dramatic moment came...
Anyhow, because it was just six blocks from the Starlog offices (at 49th Street & Eighth Avenue), I made the peril-filled odyssey through legions of tourists downstream to Military Island, the triangular slab of concrete in front of ABC’s Good Morning America studios. I was on hand there to watch as Horner and Regan (as well as an octet of red-clad Mord’Sith sorceresses) held magical sway over the isle, interacted with the crowd and posed for the papparazzi. The most dramatic moment came...
- 11/6/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
Browsing in bookstores, I’ve discovered the closing of the West. I’ve noticed over the years how the racks devoted to paperback Westerns (at least here in the East) have steadily shrunk. Now, in many stores here, there are only two or three shelves of Westerns (and mostly those are filled with multiple titles by Louis L’Amour). Equally, on DVD shelves, there’s usually only a single section of movie Westerns; in some stores, the Westerns are just mixed in amongst the action-adventure entries. And of course there are few new Western films in theaters and no current TV series. It’s sad evidence, I think, that we’re slowly Losing the Western.
As a Western fan, I’m concerned about its increasing rarity. Here’s where I come from on it: Although born in Pennsylvania, I lived in the West for a decade while growing up—New...
As a Western fan, I’m concerned about its increasing rarity. Here’s where I come from on it: Although born in Pennsylvania, I lived in the West for a decade while growing up—New...
- 11/6/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
It was chilly in Times Square Thursday morning, but there I was, standing, waiting for the sword & sorcery heroes. And after about a half-hour, they Did show up, arriving direct from the TV fantasy world into the heart of New York City via black stretch limousine. What a way to travel between mythical kingdom and civilization!
Well, if you haven’t guessed, this was a NYC press event held on “Military Island” (that isle of concrete between 44th Street and 43rd, bracketed lengthwise by Broadway and Seventh Avenue; its title derives from the U.S. Army Recruiting Station located on its south end for decades). You may have seen publicity events held there before—it’s directly in front of ABC’s Good Morning America studios, and the show regularly makes use of that Times Square turf to stage concerts, contests and other antics.
Now, normally, I might Not venture...
Well, if you haven’t guessed, this was a NYC press event held on “Military Island” (that isle of concrete between 44th Street and 43rd, bracketed lengthwise by Broadway and Seventh Avenue; its title derives from the U.S. Army Recruiting Station located on its south end for decades). You may have seen publicity events held there before—it’s directly in front of ABC’s Good Morning America studios, and the show regularly makes use of that Times Square turf to stage concerts, contests and other antics.
Now, normally, I might Not venture...
- 11/5/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
He gave us a galaxy far, far away (as well as the action hero whose name is adventure), yet a great many fans are still annoyed by George Lucas. It’s not just the Willow thing. There’s the little matter of “jumping the fridge” with Indiana Jones And The Crystal Skull. And, of course, the Star Wars prequels.
After Return Of The Jedi, we fans clamored, begged and waited 16 years for more Star Wars. We wanted more movie adventures (preferably those missing six chapters in the once-rumored nine-episode saga) in the worst way—and many would say that’s exactly what we got with The Phantom Menace, Attack Of The Clones and Revenge Of Sith. And many fans (including me) have carped about one aspect or another of the prequels ever since. Jar-Jar Binks, anyone?
Well, I’m kind of ambivalent about this matter. I’m used to Lucasfilm...
After Return Of The Jedi, we fans clamored, begged and waited 16 years for more Star Wars. We wanted more movie adventures (preferably those missing six chapters in the once-rumored nine-episode saga) in the worst way—and many would say that’s exactly what we got with The Phantom Menace, Attack Of The Clones and Revenge Of Sith. And many fans (including me) have carped about one aspect or another of the prequels ever since. Jar-Jar Binks, anyone?
Well, I’m kind of ambivalent about this matter. I’m used to Lucasfilm...
- 11/4/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
I almost did it. I almost got out of a bookstore Without buying something. You see, as my family and friends know, I love going to bookstores—so much the better if they also, as the Borders and Barnes & Noble chains do, stock DVDs and CDs and feature coffee shops. Why, that means they have Everything I might need to survive the day (except for Dr. Pepper, pepperoni pizza and action figures). Any bookstore that might add those items to its merchandise mix would have my eternal gratitude. Shrimp cocktails would be nice, too. And BBQ potato chips.
Anyhow, the thing is once I enter a bookstore, I find myself compelled, psychologically speaking, to buy something to exit. Now, this isn’t really a problem in some ways—there are Always the latest volumes of the mystery series I follow to acquire, new history books, graphic novels, magazines, DVDs, movie soundtracks; in short,...
Anyhow, the thing is once I enter a bookstore, I find myself compelled, psychologically speaking, to buy something to exit. Now, this isn’t really a problem in some ways—there are Always the latest volumes of the mystery series I follow to acquire, new history books, graphic novels, magazines, DVDs, movie soundtracks; in short,...
- 11/2/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
Holy cow, tomorrow is Halloween! Time to dress up as something you aren’t now but maybe could be, to go out into the night in search of free candy or party fun, to get scared by movie monsters and whatever lurks there in the darkness. Good times.
Halloween has become America’s fastest growing holiday (Christmas better watch its back, as Jack Skellington knows), thanks to ever-increasing candy, costume and paraphernalia revenues. Halloween means discount sales for horror books and DVDs, local haunted houses and hayrides, special radio (“Monster Mash”) and TV programming (The Simpsons’ Treehouse Of Horror). It’s your complete genre holiday.
Now, twice this week, I’ve addressed the all-dressed-up aspect of All Hallow’s Eve—from my past as a kid trick or treating while disguised as Count Dracula and the Jolly Green Giant and from the present as a consumer touring the seasonal Halloween...
Halloween has become America’s fastest growing holiday (Christmas better watch its back, as Jack Skellington knows), thanks to ever-increasing candy, costume and paraphernalia revenues. Halloween means discount sales for horror books and DVDs, local haunted houses and hayrides, special radio (“Monster Mash”) and TV programming (The Simpsons’ Treehouse Of Horror). It’s your complete genre holiday.
Now, twice this week, I’ve addressed the all-dressed-up aspect of All Hallow’s Eve—from my past as a kid trick or treating while disguised as Count Dracula and the Jolly Green Giant and from the present as a consumer touring the seasonal Halloween...
- 10/30/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
The other day, suddenly out of the blue, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment sent me a decapitated head by FedEx. And there it sits now, metallically grinning, on my desk.
It is the head of one of America’s favorite robots, Bender.
Ok, maybe using the word “favorite” was a little bit of an exaggeration. Favorite? Well, he’s Not RoboCop, C-3Po, R2-D2, Gort, Data, Robby the Robot, Astro Boy, the Lost In Space Robot, the Vision, Robotman, Tik-Tok, Tobor the Eighth Man, Black Maria, Metallo, K-9, Questor, Ultron, Red Tornado, a Dalek, a Borg, a Terminator or an Lmd, but certainly Bender Must be in the Top 20, err, 50 of all pop culture robots somewhere.
You remember him from Futurama. You know, Futurama, the animated Sf spoof series created by Matt Groening & David X. Cohen. The one that lasted four uneasy seasons on Fox Sunday nights, often ravaged by football overruns.
It is the head of one of America’s favorite robots, Bender.
Ok, maybe using the word “favorite” was a little bit of an exaggeration. Favorite? Well, he’s Not RoboCop, C-3Po, R2-D2, Gort, Data, Robby the Robot, Astro Boy, the Lost In Space Robot, the Vision, Robotman, Tik-Tok, Tobor the Eighth Man, Black Maria, Metallo, K-9, Questor, Ultron, Red Tornado, a Dalek, a Borg, a Terminator or an Lmd, but certainly Bender Must be in the Top 20, err, 50 of all pop culture robots somewhere.
You remember him from Futurama. You know, Futurama, the animated Sf spoof series created by Matt Groening & David X. Cohen. The one that lasted four uneasy seasons on Fox Sunday nights, often ravaged by football overruns.
- 10/29/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
Yesterday, on my way home, I stopped at the giant Halloween Adventure store (at 43rd Street, off Eighth Avenue), just six blocks from the Starlog offices. Exiting in New Jersey, I checked out another Halloween Adventure in Edgewater. A few weeks ago, I had visited yet a third retail location (in Lancaster, Pennsylvania). All of this effort—as in previous years’ treks to similar seasonal stores—was to scope out just what’s in (and out) for Halloween.
There’s not that much science fiction. From that galaxy far, far away, I found Luke & Anakin Skywalker costumes as well as Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Troopers (both Clone and Storm) and perennial bestseller Darth Vader. Princess Leia was Awol (no Leia Slave Girl outfit = a national tragedy). Ditto Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian, the Emperor, the Droids (these are apparently Not the Droids you want) and the Ewoks. Not one bloody Ewok!
There’s not that much science fiction. From that galaxy far, far away, I found Luke & Anakin Skywalker costumes as well as Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Troopers (both Clone and Storm) and perennial bestseller Darth Vader. Princess Leia was Awol (no Leia Slave Girl outfit = a national tragedy). Ditto Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian, the Emperor, the Droids (these are apparently Not the Droids you want) and the Ewoks. Not one bloody Ewok!
- 10/28/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
Halloween is my favorite holiday. True, May’s Free Comic Book Day is close to my heart, and who but Ebenezer Scrooge can have any serious case against Christmas? But Halloween—it’s got that let’s pretend-let’s get scared-let’s get free candy vibe going for it. And who doesn’t like free candy? Well, other than orthodontists.
And, you know, as an adult, if you don’t end up giving all your free candy away on Halloween, you can eat the remainder yourself. Something to look forward to, as a matter of fact. A sacred duty.
I dressed up for every Halloween from at least age five to 12, but I can’t remember exactly as what. My parents say I went trick or treating one year as a black bird, maybe a crow, my wings a dark cloak. Who tells Mom, “I want to be a crow?...
And, you know, as an adult, if you don’t end up giving all your free candy away on Halloween, you can eat the remainder yourself. Something to look forward to, as a matter of fact. A sacred duty.
I dressed up for every Halloween from at least age five to 12, but I can’t remember exactly as what. My parents say I went trick or treating one year as a black bird, maybe a crow, my wings a dark cloak. Who tells Mom, “I want to be a crow?...
- 10/27/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
Mostly, it seems to me, that tales of Covers Starlog Didn’T Do (or at least the ones I’ve told here so far) focus on the long-ago past and far-away. Cocoon. Edward Scissorhands. The Princess Bride. I’m not sure what the main reason for this is—selective memory? Amnesia?—although I sorta think after years of experience as Editor, I got smarter (i.e. more savvy about what could go wrong). I didn’t promise a cover to a studio without underlining that interviews would have to quickly happen and appropriate cover-worthy pix be provided on a timely basis. If I had an inkling that publisher(s) might object to the subject matter, I’d caveat that fact (and check prior-to-promise with the publisher). And, usually, I had a back-up plan.
Here’s a more recent Cover Story (from 2005-6) that didn’t go according to plan. It concerns V For Vendetta,...
Here’s a more recent Cover Story (from 2005-6) that didn’t go according to plan. It concerns V For Vendetta,...
- 10/16/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
It was back to Toyland for me last Saturday afternoon. I spent it behind 3-D glasses at the Penn Cinema, across from the Lancaster, Pennsylvania Airport, watching Toy Story and Toy Story 2 in 3-D.
There’s no need to review them (and, in any event, their two-week re-release engagement is ending; a possible extension was, to my knowledge, never announced). They’re terrific movies—the first a pioneering picture that revitalized the animation scene, the second a sequel that actually may be better than the original. TS2 also introduces the extremely complex Jesse the Cowgirl, the first CG character with the ability to break a human heart. (Others would follow.) Seeing the Toy STORYs back to back in a theater filled with families, complete with a charming five-minute, animated/silhouetted intermission teeming with trivia and intriguing factoids, just underscores how terrific they are.
But the 3-D? Don’t need it!
There’s no need to review them (and, in any event, their two-week re-release engagement is ending; a possible extension was, to my knowledge, never announced). They’re terrific movies—the first a pioneering picture that revitalized the animation scene, the second a sequel that actually may be better than the original. TS2 also introduces the extremely complex Jesse the Cowgirl, the first CG character with the ability to break a human heart. (Others would follow.) Seeing the Toy STORYs back to back in a theater filled with families, complete with a charming five-minute, animated/silhouetted intermission teeming with trivia and intriguing factoids, just underscores how terrific they are.
But the 3-D? Don’t need it!
- 10/15/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
“If adventure has a name, it must be Indiana Jones.” That’s a sentiment I can readily agree with—Indy is one of my favorite “fictional” characters (up there with Doc Savage, The Shadow, Conan the Barbarian, Tarzan, Sherlock Holmes, John Carter of Mars, Captain America, the Fantastic Four, Batman, James Bond and too many others to list). But, you know, although Starlog gave covers to all four Indy films (as well as TV’s The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles), we never ventured into Indy action for a licensed magazine. I know only part of the reasons why.
Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981) is one of my favorite films—and, I think, one of the five best adventure movies ever made (the others in chronological order: The Adventures Of Robin Hood, Disney’s 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, The Guns Of Navarone, Where Eagles Dare). I was working for another magazine...
Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981) is one of my favorite films—and, I think, one of the five best adventure movies ever made (the others in chronological order: The Adventures Of Robin Hood, Disney’s 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, The Guns Of Navarone, Where Eagles Dare). I was working for another magazine...
- 10/15/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
It’s only in the last two years (of the 27 I’ve spent working in New York City) that I’ve felt part of the Broadway scene. A very small part. No lines. No choreography. No spear to carry. But a part of it.
You see, I spent most of my time (1982-March 2006) “in the shadow of the Empire” State Building when Starlog’s offices were in “mid-town Manhattan” (Park Avenue & 32nd Street). Acquired by the Creative Group, we eventually ended up in the heart of Times Square (Broadway & 46th, September 2007-August 2008) with offices in the fabled Actors’ Equity Building, home of the theatrical thespians’ union—and just across the street from the Tkts Booth, the Yankee Doodle Dandy statue of George M. Cohan and The Little Mermaid. It’s the building with both a Friday’s and a McDonald’s at street level. Look for its inevitable cameos in...
You see, I spent most of my time (1982-March 2006) “in the shadow of the Empire” State Building when Starlog’s offices were in “mid-town Manhattan” (Park Avenue & 32nd Street). Acquired by the Creative Group, we eventually ended up in the heart of Times Square (Broadway & 46th, September 2007-August 2008) with offices in the fabled Actors’ Equity Building, home of the theatrical thespians’ union—and just across the street from the Tkts Booth, the Yankee Doodle Dandy statue of George M. Cohan and The Little Mermaid. It’s the building with both a Friday’s and a McDonald’s at street level. Look for its inevitable cameos in...
- 10/12/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
The caps caught my eye. Having seen the ad in various Marvel Comics, I just Had to visit Lids, the store chain that specializes in selling baseball caps of all sorts and shapes. I had never been to one before, but I dropped in at two in New York City (a prominently featured shop on 42nd street, a smaller outlet up Eighth Avenue) and later the Lids at Garden State Mall in Paramus, New Jersey, the town of shopping centers. I knew from the ad that Lids was fielding a new line of baseball caps featuring classic comics art from my youth by Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko and others. And I wanted to examine them in person. The Paramus outlet (apparently) had them all: A Marie Severin Hulk cover. Ditko’s Spider-Man vs. Mysterio. A Kirby Captain America unleashed.
A Cap cap with art by “King” Kirby! I Had to...
A Cap cap with art by “King” Kirby! I Had to...
- 10/9/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
Just because we Wanted something on the cover doesn’t mean it got there. For many reasons over the years, certain movies Didn’T get a Starlog cover—even though we sure hoped to give them one. Let’s start with three 20th Century Fox movies.
The first of these Fox films that got away is Cocoon in 1985, a contender for issue #98’s cover. Although released in June, Ron Howard’s Cocoon looked good for that August on-sale issue If we could find something special in the way of art (i.e. photos). At the time, we Were willing to use a movie on the cover two or so months after its premiere; this rule later changed. We still had Cocoon articles to run—like Kim Howard Johnson’s Steve Guttenberg chat and Ian Spelling’s first-ever-interview for Starlog (with Tahnee Welch). The problem? Fox couldn’t provide new Cocoon pix that worked for us.
The first of these Fox films that got away is Cocoon in 1985, a contender for issue #98’s cover. Although released in June, Ron Howard’s Cocoon looked good for that August on-sale issue If we could find something special in the way of art (i.e. photos). At the time, we Were willing to use a movie on the cover two or so months after its premiere; this rule later changed. We still had Cocoon articles to run—like Kim Howard Johnson’s Steve Guttenberg chat and Ian Spelling’s first-ever-interview for Starlog (with Tahnee Welch). The problem? Fox couldn’t provide new Cocoon pix that worked for us.
- 10/9/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
At an East Side theater screening in NYC of An American Werewolf In London in 1981, I sat beside Roger Ebert—and, no, he didn’t scream in abject terror. That might have been Me, now that I think of it. Almost 25 years later, in a semi-darkened, very ritzy screening room just a block from Starlog’s current offices, seeing Sin City, I almost tripped Conan O’Brien with my well-misplaced briefcase, all but sending him hurtling to certain doom in his quest for a comfy, empty seat.
But I told you that earlier (and briefly) in other Starblogs previously posted. Collect them all! Now, I have three more screening stories to tell, all of them stranger than fiction, but all, sadly, True!
The MGM Screening Room. Early morning. NYC. March 1984. Starlog Editor Howard Zimmerman and I have come to see The Ice Pirates, an Sf swashbuckler. As the lights go...
But I told you that earlier (and briefly) in other Starblogs previously posted. Collect them all! Now, I have three more screening stories to tell, all of them stranger than fiction, but all, sadly, True!
The MGM Screening Room. Early morning. NYC. March 1984. Starlog Editor Howard Zimmerman and I have come to see The Ice Pirates, an Sf swashbuckler. As the lights go...
- 10/7/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell )
- Starlog
Yes, well, actually, I would like to write something Shorter here. But I keep getting carried away and before I know it, I’ve produced more text than I know what to do with. Despite occasional exceptions penned directly on the computer, I still initially write essays (like this one) as I Always have for almost three decades, by hand, on legal pad. So, I sorta know when I hit Five pages of blue-lined, yellow legal text, I’ve gone far beyond my two-and-a-half page target length. We’re into sudden death overtime or, maybe, overspace.
Are my subjects more epic? I think not. I’m just trying to include all the details I suddenly remember because, you know, I don’t anticipate ever returning to these topics to impart more funky anecdotes about, say, Creepshow, Explorers or Doctor Detroit. (Yes, I realize all you many Doctor Detroit fans, Detroitians...
Are my subjects more epic? I think not. I’m just trying to include all the details I suddenly remember because, you know, I don’t anticipate ever returning to these topics to impart more funky anecdotes about, say, Creepshow, Explorers or Doctor Detroit. (Yes, I realize all you many Doctor Detroit fans, Detroitians...
- 10/6/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
So, what are you doing After the Apocalypse? Have you planned your post-civilization existence yet? Hidden an All-Terrain vehicle away at your fortified vacation cabin? Salted in supplies of beef jerky, evaporated milk, canned beans and Spam? Can opener? Crossbow & bolts? Heavy blankets? Snuggie? Guns & ammo? Geiger counter? Crossword puzzles? A case of toilet paper and Post-It Notes might also be helpful. Supermarkets and big box stores just aren’t going to be open after the world ends. Wal-Mart, maybe. McDonald’s. And Starbucks, of course.
It’s a fair question, this consideration of Life After the Fall. Survivalists are probably best prepared for the eventuality, but we science fiction fans can’t be far behind. Inadvertently, we’ve done the research. We’ve studied up by watching our share of films (Five, the Mad Max trilogy, On The Beach, Panic In The Year Zero, Waterworld, The Day After Tomorrow,...
It’s a fair question, this consideration of Life After the Fall. Survivalists are probably best prepared for the eventuality, but we science fiction fans can’t be far behind. Inadvertently, we’ve done the research. We’ve studied up by watching our share of films (Five, the Mad Max trilogy, On The Beach, Panic In The Year Zero, Waterworld, The Day After Tomorrow,...
- 10/5/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
Almost every time I step out of—or into—my apartment, I expect to see Rod Serling standing there, just out of frame, ready with an ironic comment, ubiquitous cigarette in hand. (The man was a creative genius, but he had little respect for “No Smoking” signs.) And you know, it’s not that I’ve only Just crossed over into the Twilight Zone. I already live there, in the middle ground between light and shadow. Some call it New Jersey.
Anyhow, I often imagine Serling hanging around because, like most of you, I’ve experienced strange, Twilight Zone things in my own life. For example, I’ll get into my New York office at 8 a.m. and wonder “Where Is Everybody?” (Wait a minute, it’s Saturday!) Or I’ll be on a train, exhausted as usual, waiting for “A Stop at Willoughby”—or in my case, Bethany, a...
Anyhow, I often imagine Serling hanging around because, like most of you, I’ve experienced strange, Twilight Zone things in my own life. For example, I’ll get into my New York office at 8 a.m. and wonder “Where Is Everybody?” (Wait a minute, it’s Saturday!) Or I’ll be on a train, exhausted as usual, waiting for “A Stop at Willoughby”—or in my case, Bethany, a...
- 10/2/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
When print publication of Starlog was suspended this spring, we had Already fully finished issue #375. Its cover—posted several times on this website—featured Hugh Jackman in a razor-sharp, dramatic pose from X-men Origins: Wolverine. That issue Would have been out in early April, about a month before the movie. It’s a great cover. Had it made it to print, it Would have sold some magazines.
But what would have been Next? Some I know, some I’m less certain of, but let me tell you all—of what I had planned ahead.
We had begun work on Starlog #376, due out the first week of May. Because of the timing of film releases, that issue would have had a split cover double-featuring Starlog reader J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek and McG’s Terminator Salvation under the coverline “Spectacular New Sf Beginnings.” I had caught pre-release footage of both movies in...
But what would have been Next? Some I know, some I’m less certain of, but let me tell you all—of what I had planned ahead.
We had begun work on Starlog #376, due out the first week of May. Because of the timing of film releases, that issue would have had a split cover double-featuring Starlog reader J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek and McG’s Terminator Salvation under the coverline “Spectacular New Sf Beginnings.” I had caught pre-release footage of both movies in...
- 10/1/2009
- by no-reply@starlog.com (David McDonnell)
- Starlog
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