Indie Movie Masters Podcast Episode #1

Here is the debut of the Indie Movie Masters Podcast series, hosted by IMM's Stephen Zimmer! We will be alternating blog/interviews with the podcast here, and this weekend we're kicking off the new hard-rockin' podcast with a visit by Stephen Lackey, of Captain Pixel Productions, Cinegeek.com, and Con Trek, the new episodic show on conventions and festivals on the Microsoft XBOX Video Marketplace. Check out the podcast, give us feedback, and spread the word!

Click here to listen to the podcast or download!

You can also be among the first to subsribe to the new podcast series as an RSS feed here: http://feeds.feedburner.com/IndieMovieMasters

We will post informations regarding iTunes options as soon as it is available.

Con Trek-A Rising New Episodic Series Exploring Genre Events.

Con Trek, the new episodic series on the Microsoft XBOX Video Marketplace covering the world of conventions and festivals, is the result of innovation, vision, and persistence. Conceived by Nashville's dynamic duo of Stephen and Suzie Lackey, who produced the successful documentary feature "Fans and Freaks" on the world of Fan Cons, Con Trek is quickly gaining momentum, becoming a shining example of independent content development and strategic usage of emerging new media markets.

With two vibrant and very talented show hosts (Brittney Eskew and Alan Smith), several episodes under their belt, and a distribution model that offers alot of possibilities for growth, Con Trek is poised to become a true independent hit. In today's indie adventure, we will be visiting with Stephen and Suzie Lackey to get some background on Con Trek; what it is, what's been done so far, and where it's going. It has some great lessons for independent content developers regarding persistence and planning.

Nowhere else will you get the kind of inside coverage of science fiction, fantasy, and horror events and conventions that you will with Con Trek. Be sure to check out an episode on the XBOX Video Marketplace today!

-Stephen Zimmer for Indie Movie Masters Blog, July 26,2009



SZ: Tell us a little about your respective backgrounds as it pertains to indie filmmaking.

Stephen: Well, I thought for years I was going to be a rock star, or at least work in the music business. While I was in college I switched my focus to TV production. While I was in college I worked at the local television station and did some student video projects. When Suzie and I were married was the first time I worked on a feature project.

Suzie: I have been a film fan for as long as I can remember. I went to film school at Watkins College of Art, Design and Film. Instead of tackling a short film first, my husband Stephen and I jumped headfirst into a feature documentary film entitled Fans and Freaks: The Culture of Comics and Conventions. After being in production for two years, the film was completed in 2002 and has played several film festivals and won a few awards along the way. It still plays conventions and genre events. I know I learned more from making the film versus sitting in the classroom. Since that film, Stephen and I have directed several short documentary films.

SZ: Tell us a little about what Con Trek is, in terms of format and style.

Stephen: Con Trek is a documentary television series that visits different conventions or festivals each episode. The show is brief at less that a half hour but it goes a little beyond the typical sound bites that most other shows that try to cover the subject stick too. The show is earthy and deep in the middle of each event in an attempt to really draw the viewer into the proceedings. If you're a fan of the particular convention or subject you'll feel right at home and if you aren't you'll get to see some things you may never get to see any other way. The show is currently available exclusively on the the XBOX 360. The show can be found in the Video Marketplace under Gamer TV. The series is also listed under Independent programming.

Suzie: Each episode is approximately 17-25 minutes in length, but don’t let the run time fool you: we pack a lot into a short amount of time.


Here is a preview of one Con Trek's first episode from season one.


SZ: Who are the main players on the Con Trek team?

Stephen: Stephen Lackey (me) producer/director/editor
Suzie Lackey producer/director
Brittney Eskew host
Alan Smith host
Mike Young photographer/production assistant
Julie Trull Publicist

SZ: How and when did you come up with the concept for Con Trek? What were the main inspirations?

Stephen: Well, our first feature was a film called "Fans and Freaks: The Culture of Comics and Conventions". It was a documentary about the world of fandom. We had really good success with that film and over the years have been constantly asked when and if we would do a sequel. I never wanted to do that unless we came up with a unique format to show more conventions and meet more fans. So, the idea for Con Trek was born.

Suzie: We are fans and attendees of these events first and foremost. We fly our “geek flag” proudly.

SZ: Tell us a little about the relationship between Con Trek and MicroSoft. When did you first pitch the show to them, and how long did it take before the first episode was aired on Xbox? Describe the road that you took.

Stephen: I'm a tech fanatic so I saw a couple of years ago during coverage of the Consumer electronics show that Microsoft would be starting up an IP (internet protocol) TV program for broadcasting television programming over the net and that the XBOX 360 would be doing television shows for streaming or download. So I started researching and found a contact. I pitched a number of ideas to them and sent in all of our previous work which included "Fans and Freaks" and a number of additional short docs we had done. They liked the "Con Trek" pitch and a couple of others so we began to move forward with the process of getting the series rolling. We encountered a number of speed bumps which slowed the process down a good bit but two years later the first episode hit the XBOX Live service.

SZ: How many Con Trek episodes do you project in a given year?

Stephen: This year we hope to do six to eight episodes. Based on how well they do we'll decide about the numbers for next year. The show will soon be available to a wider audience so that may change everything but it's too early to announce anything there yet.

SZ: What are some of your highlight moments so far from the first few episodes? Any specific guests that really surprised you? Any particular wild events that you would like to share with us?

Stephen: Well, the big thing is all of the fans that we've met. We've made new friends throughout this process that we'll hopefully have for years to come. As far as guests Dana Snyder (Master Shake from Aqua Teen Hunger Force) was a real blast, and many of the professionals we met while covering Wonderfest were great. The big thing is the fans. For instance at Lebowski Fest (our most recent shoot) we didn't have to buy a single beer at the after party. Everyone has been really great.

Suzie: Nothing rivals Dragon Con for unabashed cool events and guests and wild attendees.


SZ: On that note, who are a few of the more notable/recognizable guests that you have interviewed so far?

Stephen: We interviewed Nichelle Nichols (Star trek), Steve Niles (author of 30 Days of Night) Jovanka Vukovic (editor of Rue Morgue magazine), just to name a few of my favorites.

SZ: How did you go about selecting your hosts, Alan and Brittney? What kind of hosts were you looking to cast?

Stephen: We held a number of casting calls and decided on them after meeting with man people. We wanted hosts that were open minded and energetic. We needed a duo that had good chemistry together too. We wanted one hardcore fan and one less than hardcore fan so we could show two perspectives on the subject. Brittney and Alan are truly exactly what we were hoping for when we began casting.

SZ: The Xbox channels, with shows like Con Trek, represent a model for new media content delivery. Do you see signs that this model will be successful for independent developers/filmmakers?

Stephen: I believe that yes this system of downloading or streaming TV and film is the future of media and it should really offer more opportunities to indie creators. The only problem is that it's so early in the evolution of this new system that only die hard creators ready to stick with it will see any success. In other words, there's not much money in it yet.

SZ: Have you gotten any feedback yet from your contacts at MicroSoft?

Stephen: They love the show and are very enthusiastic for us to stick with it.

SZ: Do you foresee Con Trek making a jump to broadcast at some point? Or will it remain a Video on Demand-style episodic program?

Stephen: We hope to see the show jump to network or cable TV or to see it expand to a much greater level within the new media model. This fall the show will be available wider for sure in its current set up but we hope to take it much further.

SZ: Where has Con Trek been over the past few months, and what are some of the places and events that you will be visiting in the near future?

Stephen: We've stuck with mostly southern shows and events in Atlanta ,Georgia, Louisville, Kentucky, and Metropolis,Illinois. We'd like to of course expand further out into the country next year, perhaps even do some real coverage of San Diego Comic Con. We want to do the smaller more quirky shows all over the country too.

SZ: How does one find and access Con Trek on the Xbox?

Stephen: Just log in and go to Video Marketplace, then to Gamer TV, and choose Con Trek to see all of the episodes. Again, we're also listed under the Independent Programming section too.

SZ: How does one connect to Con Trek on the web (Facebook, Myspace, website, etc)?


Stephen: We're all over the place. We have articles, blogs, pictures and more at the official website at http://www.contrek.com/, we have a fan site on Facebook too, just search for Con Trek, on Myspace we're at www.myspace.com/contrek, and see video tralers, clips, and previews at www.youtube.com/contrektv

I think that's about it. If I missed anything, it's linked on the main Con Trek website.


Here is a preview of episode 2 from season one of Con Trek

Independent Film Festival Is Now One of Nation's Largest- A Moment with Ken Daniels, Director of Fright Night Film Fest in Louisville, KY.

The 5th Annual Fright Night Film Fest of Louisville Kentucky is poised to take yet another step forward on the national stage. Already the largest genre film festival in mid-America, The Fright Night Film Fest is one of the largest events of its kind in the United States.

This year's event, taking place from August 14-16, and based out of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, will feature a host of events and activities for the casual fan and those involved in the world of independent filmmaking.

Indie Movie Masters would like to introduce you to Ken Daniels, the director of the Fright Night Film Fest, so that you can learn a little more about Ken, the history of FNFF, what to expect this year, and even get some insight as to where this excellent annual event is headed.

This is definitely a comprehensive event that is well worth traveling in for. So, without further adieu, let's meet Ken Daniels and go inside the Fright Night Film Fest.

-Stephen Zimmer for Indie Movie Masters Blog, July 15, 2009

SZ: What is your personal background? And what inspired you to start the Fright Night Film Festival?

KD: I've always been into movies. When I was young I wanted to be a special effects wizard and an animator. I was moving to Hollywood. I started with a Super 8 camera.The good ole Bell and Howell. My dad started me out. He taught me how to use it and I started making school book reports in the 8th grade. I hated the essay portion. So my teacher let me read the books and I made several book reports. I made a short film called "A Really Weird Summer". Then I made War of the Worlds in animation. I used clay and the original model kit of the Space Shuttle. I was pretty proud ofthat moment. I went to catholic school at the time, (St. Helen's). I was only supposed to show it to the class we made the book report for, but it turned out that the whole school got to see it. All 500 kids plus. Talk about the coolest thing to a kid that young. The other kids were calling me Kenny "Spielberg". It was great. When I went to High School it stopped and I continued my art.

I also wanted to be a cartoonist and animator. Unfortunately my parents didn't think I could make any money at it so they told me to get a job. I got odd jobs here and there then went into business for myself. After a successful run here in Kentucky I got married in French Lick and my wife and I traveled the country for her job. I got to work on several Film Festivals around the country. The Lake Placid Film Forum was the first one. Then Woodstock Film Festival in 2000. We moved to San Francisco and I worked on some fest's there. We moved to Las Vegas then Phoenix. I was able to meet several B-Movie guy's in Vegas. I was in Ted V. Mikels movie The Cauldron Baptism of the Blood. He used my office in the movie as a police station. I even financed the Premiere of his movie at the Palms Hotel. I met Ray Dennis Steckler shortly after that which was pretty cool for me. Then we moved back home in 2005 and started The Fright Night Film Fest.

I forgot to mention a lot of my family is in the industry. My uncle owns a small studio in Burbank California. He was also an adjunct professor at USC FILM school. He taught Cinematography and Special Effects. He owns an Optical Effects studio in California. The reason I wanted to do this is because I saw a need for genre filmmakers to get the respect they deserve. So we wanted to class it up for the filmmakers. I was really tired of the hipocrasy in the industry when it came to horror or genre films.Horror and cult films are here to stay they will always be around. So we wanted to celebrate all of that culture.

SZ: Tell us about Fright Night Film Festival, as a comprehensive event. In your words, what kind of event is it? What does it offer to a person from the general public, as well as someone from the entertainment industry?

KD: Fright Night is a multi-programmed event with several platforms available. We are considered a film festival with an industry slant. There will be distributers at our show as well as seasoned Hollywood industry people teaching and giving out their information to help upcoming filmmakers. We cover a wide variety of topics and all this includes a music fest called Music Mayhem, an autograph area, a collectible and vendor area as well as a small tattoo fest. This of course includes the most important area, which is the film festival area that includes filmmakers from Canada,London, New York, Los Angeles, Florida, Mexico, Kansas, Texas, Chicago, and too many states to mention. Many filmmakers will be there to share there experiences and to help each other. It's a camaraderie that you have to see to understand.

SZ: How did last year’s event go? How did it match your projections andexpectations?

KD: Last year was a phenomenal experience. I've told several of my closet friends and fan's that for me it was magical. We had a fantastic award ceremony held at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. 4 Limos, skytracker lights flashing skyward and over 4800 people between our 2 locations. It exceeded our expectations.

SZ: The overall event is now one of the largest genre events in this region,and even the nation. Give us the specifics on this achievement, and the level that FNFF has reached.

KD: Well, we just had a great call from Micheal Heine, the founder of The Largest genre film festival in America. He runs The New York Horror Film Festival. We are actually the 3rd Largest genre Film Festival in the country. New York is first, LA is second and Fright Night is 3rd. This is for the Horror genre. So far we have reached international proportions. We've got to add a new category this year for the amount of international submissions we have recieved. So far we are only growing to exceed our expectations.

SZ: How big is the film festival portion of FNFF? How many films do you anticipate screening this year?

KD: Our film festival proportion is 70% of our show. Between our screenings and the seminars it's amazing. Last year we screened 111 films. This year we will screen about 78 films. We've gotten stiffer on our criteria this year.

SZ: Tell us a little about what folks will be able to find in the vendor’s hall. Give us a few examples of some of the more interesting and unique vendors?

Well you can get a tattoo for one or you could by your hard to find DVD, poster or Movie memorabilia. There will even be masked specially made for FrightNight. Celebrities will be there to sign autographs, Make A Wish our charity will be collecting to support that great cause. Lots of artists will be selling their work, as well as commissioning artwork.Several Haunted Houses will be there representing for their Haunt. Authors will be selling their works, and way too many great T-shirtswill be available.

SZ: Give us an idea about the kind of programming and seminars that you have for those interested in independent film?

KD: This Year we will be having several reallyimportant seminars addressing the use of the new HI-DEF 4 K camera's. We'll have the GH-1 camera seminar. We are one of the first in the nation to do this. We'll also have the RED camera here. It's a filmmakers paradise. JD Feigelson, Screenwriter of Dark Night of the Scarecrow, will be talking on how to write the perennial screenplay. Several seminars dealing with acting in the Hollywood System. Casting for film seminar, Special effects seminar in After Effects. Producing seminar straight from Hollywood. The Hollywood way. Several more that will occupy your entire Sunday experience.

SZ: Who are some of the celebrity guests that you are particularly excitedabout hosting this year? (And who are your headline guests?)

KD: Linda Blair, Michael Madsen are really exciting. I have a suprise guest who has never been to any show in the country. William Forsythe is awesome because of his HUGE acting resume. Ted White, who played Jason, is a HUGE FAN favorite, as well as George Wilbur, who up until Rob Zombies H2 is the only guy to play Michael Myers twice. Of course our other guests like Tom ,who is a Star Trek alumni as well as playing Leatherface, Michael Myers and Jason all in one. Who can forget Sybill Danning or Sharon and Clayton Hill.

SZ: Can you share some of the feedback that you have received from past celebrity guests?

KD: Oh yes. We are lucky. Several of our guests are returning again because of how much they love our show. As a matter of fact several testimonials will be up on the site after this show.

SZ: Can you give us a little insight into the vision that you have for this festival in the future? Where do you see it growing and expanding?

KD:I want to grow this show to be one of the top industry shows for filmmakers and music artists, as well as all creative folks. My goal is to provide a profitable location for these folks to learn and grow. I never want to grow stale. It's important to be different from other shows. I've tried to explain to people around the country the differences between the types of shows. We are a film festival that has horror and other genres as it's focus. Some shows are paranormal in nature, while including horror. Other shows like The Wasteland in Ohio is a true Drive Show. They bring some of the most eclectic people around. Chiller is a monster of a show which has a lot of great guests, as well as being the grandfather of most of the horror shows. Monster Mania is a great autograph show. Spooky Empire is a great show for partying and meeting cool people. So every show has a place. Each one is different. So enjoy them all. If you're a filmmaker of our genres, then we are the only real show in this region offering what we offer.

SZ: Are all the events, activities, and screenings at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Louisville?

KD: No, we also have events at Georgetown Drive-In in Indiana.

SZ: What is the cost of attending? And where can someone go to register for the FNFF?

Our costs are cheap. We are still the best bet for the money. Only $20 per day, or $35 for our weekend regular, and $45 for our weekend early pass. Our VIP PASS is on $90 and that includes everything. They can go to www.frightnightfilmfest.com.

Indie Film Crusaders-An Interview with the team behind Dead Harvey: A site that is a gold mine of resources for indie filmmakers everywhere.

One of the aims of Indie Movie Masters is to help bring a spotlight to exceptional individuals and organizations who are effectively advancing the world of indie film. We are proud to bring you the two guys behind Dead Harvey, a fantastic indie film site that not only features an extensive, regular series of interviews with indie filmmakers, but also has excellent articles, reviews, and a great archive of material for the indie filmmaker who is serious about developing a viable career.

Available on the site is the Dead Harvey Film School, which has a ton of real world information gleaned from their many interviews with indie filmmakers who have released projects. The savvy indie filmmaker can pick up alot of hints and insights that are not readily taught in film schools.

Information on screenwriting competitions, distributors, film festivals, and alot more is available within the considerable amount of content on this outstanding site. The site design makes it easy to navigate and find information. The primary emphasis is on the horror genre, but the information and lessons within this site apply to filmmakers in all genres.

One of the things that makes Dead Harvey particularly special as a resource is that it is focused on helping indie filmmakers make a viable career out of their passion. They pay close attention to emerging distribution models and opportunities, and discuss many varied aspects of the business side of indie films. This is gold for the indie filmmaker, available for free because two guys with a love of indie film put their heart, time, talent, and effort into Dead Harvey. There is always new material, their already substantial archives grow by the week, and all of this is available 24/7 to the indie film community with a click of the mouse and a little time invested.

So let's visit with Brad and Ted, the two guys that are the motor of the Dead Harvey street racer. When you are done, visit the site, bookmark it, and visit it regularly. On behalf of indie filmmakers everywhere, I want to thank them for what they have developed and provide for indie filmmakers.

Brad and Ted are definitely two guys that deserve, and have earned, stars on the Indie Film Walk of Fame.

-Stephen Zimmer for Indie Movie Masters, July 4, 2009


SZ: When did Dead Harvey begin, and what was the original vision for the site?

Ted: Dead Harvey started around 2 years ago and the vision has always been the same, but the site has obviously evolved. Very simply, I wanted it to be a resource for indie horror filmmakers and fans. There were lots of sites that concentrated on horror from the perspective of the fan, but very few that catered to the filmmaker. Indie horror filmmakers have very few places to
network, share stories and help each other out. So, in our own little way, we try to help out in that void.

SZ:Where does the name come from?

Brad: Ted told me it was from a teacher in high school named Harvey. He and a friend used to draw pictures of the teacher dead with a bunch of cute bunny rabbits and rainbows in the background. I asked Ted why he hated the teacher so bad and he said something to the effect of, "I didn't. He was a really nice guy. I was just bored in his class." I laugh every time I think of that.

Ted: I plead the fifth on this.

SZ: Who are the main contributors to Dead Harvey? And how much time do you spend on it in a given week? You certainly have a ton of independent film related content on the site.

Brad: It's pretty much 90% Ted and 10% me. I do and interview here and there, nerd out of movies and write the occasion blog on my filmmaking misadventures but Ted does and always has done a massive amount of the work.

Ted: Just to add to that, we've also had guest posts and articles from filmmakers and other industry types. Notably, we had a great article written by indie filmmaker and Troma-vet, Frankie Frain, and a few posts from indie composer Tony Longworth. I'd also like to add, if there's any people out there who are interested in contributing, shoot us an email!

SZ: Referring to the last question, tell us a little about your main contributors backgrounds and interests?

Brad: I love pretty much every genre of movie except chick flicks. Although, I find them funny from time due to all their unintentional humor. I love Italian horror movies, comic books, video games, pulp novels, a lot of things people would consider makes someone a nerd. I don't care what people think. I wear my nerd badge with honor. My favorite authors are Joe Lansdale, Jack Ketchum, Stephen King, Edward Lee, Edgar Allan Poe, Jack London, Richard Matheson and Roald Dahl.

Ted: As for background, I think we all share a similar background in our love of film. I mean, we met each other in film school. As for film interests, I really dig horror, sci-fi and action... I do enjoy the occasional comedy, depending on the subject matter, and I can handle a drama here and there. Chick flicks, no chance. As for interests, hobbies... I do write, direct and have a few horror projects on the go, but my actual day job is in marketing and advertising. I'm also a bit of a gadget freak... I love technology.

SZ: What do you look for in a good independent film, bearing in mind the limitations that an indie film has to deal with in terms of resources?

Brad: A good script and a good cast make the movie. I see past a lack of budget instantly as long as those elements are there. The chances of a movie turning out any good without a good script and cast are far less without these elements, regardless of how much money they have to buy their way out of problems.

Ted: As Brad covered off script and cast, I'll add that I love to see indie films that push the envelope in some way. This is obviously just my opinion, but I find that too many indie filmmakers try to emulate Hollywood. They think they need to make PG-13 pablum for the, so they can cater to a wider audience. The truth is, I think a good indie film goes further than a Hollywood film can. I'm very entertained by films with 'out there' concepts or that offer a new take on something. Something that makes you think, "They're not going to go there... are they Oh my God, they went there."

SZ: What are some of your thoughts about the future of indie film and distribution opportunities? Will it just be a lot of outlet/channels that dont garner much in return? Or will new media/distribution options make it possible for indie filmmakers to develop viable projects for potential investors?

Brad: Ted's been tracking these trends quite a bit recently, so he's really the one to ask about this. Personally, I think there's going more options for indie filmmakers to make money and not get ripped off by distributors but it's going to take a few years. Everyone has to figure out how they're going to get paid through the internet first.

Ted: Technologically, everything's in place for indie film to flourish in the digital age. Right now, there's tons of ways to deliver a film to your TV instantly, but there's two problems. One - how do we all make money? Two -how do people find your film? Netflix, Amazon and like-minded sites have really helped indie film by tapping into 'The Long Tail'. Meaning, they use search engines that analyze our viewing habits and suggest smaller, niche films that we may enjoy, but haven't heard of - this is the golden goose for indie film. Once those kinds of search engines are implemented into VOD and streaming services AND the casual viewer actually uses VOD and streaming, I think you're going to see indie films becoming viable, money making projects.


SZ: Do you see some negatives in the fact that cameras/software are so readily accessible and affordable, in terms of a flood of very poorly produced material drowning out awareness of projects that have involved a serious effort to produce a quality production?

Brad: I see nothing but positives here. The availability of affordable technology levels the playing field. Now, if people don't have money, they are forced to rely on talent and ingenuity. The market has always been over-saturated. A film's budget makes no difference to me. It's what the filmmaker does with what they have. There have been great movies like "Tape" where it's just two or three people in one room talking.

Ted: I do think that there's a lot of crap being put out due to the fact that anyone can shoot and edit a film now, but the positives do outweigh the negatives. For every piece of shit that gets released, there's also a quality, entertaining film that was made on no budget... and would never have seen the light of day had cameras and software not been so readily accessible and affordable.

SZ: What gave you the passion for indie/independent films in particular?

Brad: Having the dream to make movies and not having money to make them. That coupled with Sundance and guys like Rodriguez, Smith and Linkletter in the early 90's independent filmmaking boom who proved to people you could be an average Joe with no money and a dream and be able to get your work out there and realize your dream.

Ted: Without really knowing it, I've always been into indie horror. I loved early Troma films, like "Surf Nazi's Must Die" and "Toxic Avenger", which made me seek out similar films. When in film school, I realized that a lot of my favorite films, "Evil Dead", "Texas Chainsaw Massacre", etc... were, in fact, indie films. I've always appreciated the underground, low-budget guerilla
filmmaking style. Rodriguez, Hooper, Raimi and even Henenlotter were big influences.

SZ: curious, what are some of your favorite films from the pool of more mainstream or theatrical releases (major independent or larger)?

Brad: A few of my all time favorite movies are: Back to the Future, Star Wars (4-6), The Lost Boys, Sex, Lies and Videotape, Reservoir Dogs, The Toxic Avenger, Heathers and Clerks so it's a mix. This year, I've seen some really good movies at the theatre lately. I believe this is because Hollywood feels they have to try much harder now to get people to spend their hard earned cash, due to the shitty recession we're in. In a way, this is really good thing. Especially since I didn't find myself feeling this way last year. Now, I feel optimistic about the future. My favorite movies in the theatre this year have been Star Trek, Drag Me to Hell and The Hangover, all of which I enjoyed a great deal. I'm not a trekkie by any means but Star Trek was the best movie I've seen in the theatre so far this year. They put forth a great effort, nailed the cast and tone, were faithful to the Captain Kirk character, had a great script and pacing and all the characters jumped off the page.

Ted: Favorite mainstream films of all time? Off the top of my head, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Scarface, Mean Streets, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the Nightmare on Elm Street series, the Friday the 13th series, Conan, Commando... recently? This year, I enjoyed Drag Me To Hell, I actually didn't mind the Friday the 13th remake that much. Star Trek was great. Watchmen, The Hangover.

SZ: Dead Harvey looks to have quite a few resources for independent filmmakers, one of which (Dead Harvey Film School), draws heavily from the extensive interviews that you do. Tell us more about this part of the site and how it can be a
fantastic source for indie filmmakers.

Brad: There's no better way to learn about making movies than by hearing stories from the trenches of indie. filmmakers. All have different backgrounds. Some are older and giving it one last shot. Some are just starting out. Some live in their parent's basements, some have put out a second mortage on their house. All are consumed and risk or sacrifice a great deal to do what they want to do. School doesn't teach you this. You have to go out and live it. Hopefully, our
readers will learn from the lessons indie. filmmakers have given us on the site and learn how to avoid the traps and roadblocks that lie on the road to making your own movie. And, hopefully they'll pick up on what equipment they used and learn filmmaking tricks as well. There is so much good information in the interviews we have with the filmmakers it's like a film school in and of itself: hence the title.

Ted: Brad said it perfectly

SZ: Tell us about some of your other resources, such as those involving screenwriting competitions, distributors, and film festivals.

Ted: Well, although we're hoping to develop it all a bit more, we do discuss film festivals, distributors and screenwriting competitions. I'd also like to get into music, special effects and things like that. Put it this way... we recently compared indie filmmaking to being like a dark forest. Filmmakers walk into the forest, then almost instantly trip and fall... then they end up
scrambling, on all fours, trying to get through the whole process. Meanwhile, other indie filmmakers wander in and, generally, just start tripping over the same things that other indie filmmakers tripped over. Shortly after that, you have a pile of indie filmmakers, laying all over the place, just scratching their heads. What we hope to do is help out a bit, maybe light the way by telling stories of where those pitfalls are and what other people have gone through. Really, if we can help even a few guys navigate the process a bit better, I'd consider it a success.

SZ: Have you been able to see some growth in traffic and usage of all the resources that you make available?

Ted - Yeah, the site has grown and we're getting more and more traffic every month. The most popular sections are definitely the film school, the distributors and the screenwriting festivals.

SZ: Besides the website, give people an idea as to where they can connect with you elsewhere, such as MySpace, Facebook, etc.

Our site is at http://www.deadharvey.com/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/deadharveyproductions
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-Harvey/16722761619
Twitter: http://twitter.com/deadharvey

SZ: What else would you like to say about Dead Harvey to folks that may not yet be familiar with your site?

Brad: Dead Harvey is primarily a site to promote independent filmmaking. It's a celebration of independent film. It's a place to share resources and information and provide a sense of unity for the independent filmmaker. It's not a place for angry, bitter blogs, etc. It's a place where those who go out there and make their own movie get the promotion they deserve and where all indie. filmmakers band together and help each other out. God knows in the time we're living in, we all need all the help we can get.

Ted: I agree... and if anyone wants to help contribute, wants their film reviewed or is looking to promote something, we're always happy to help out.