Thursday, March 31, 2011

Women In Horror Month wins a coveted Rondo Award

The Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards were created by David Colton and Kerry Gammill at the Classic Horror Film Boards in 2002. The awards are fan-based, and have no connection to any commercial sponsor. Anyone in fandom can vote or propose nominees.

The 'Rondo' award itself, shown at right, features a bust sculpted by illustrator Kerry Gammill, and cast by modeler Tim Lindsey.

The statuette is a miniature version of the bust of Hatton seen in the Universal film, HOUSE OF HORRORS (1946). The Rondos have been praised by recipients for their quiet beauty and evocation of classic horror.

Nominees for the Rondo are selected from suggestions by horror fans, pros and enthusiasts offered all year at the CHFB. Each year's nominees are finalized by classic horror fan David Colton (taraco@aol.com), with the help of more than 20 classic horror fans from around the world, and with expertise in all parts of fandom.

Today, the Rondos have been announced and proven themselves to truly be the voice of the fans. It is with great pleasure that I announce WOMEN IN HORROR RECOGNITION MONTH has won a coveted Rondo for Best Fan Event. We'd like to congratulate the wonderful woman behind the event, Hannah Neurotica, for her outstanding contributions to horror and gender equality. Congratulations to everyone everywhere that took part in the Women In Horror Celebrations. Everyone who wrote an article, reviewed a film, had a film festival, attended a festival, submitted to a festival, threw an event, or gave blood. We're honored to have been a small part of such a grand event.

Can't wait until next year... ;)

Bloody Best!
Jen

Thomas Berdinski Reviews Dead Hooker In A Trunk

You should know Thomas Berdinski. He is the Director and Producer of “Zombie Abomination and Zombie Atrocity: The Italian Zombie Movies Parts 1 & 2” and “The Giant Rubber Monster Movie: Sascratch Versus Afrodesious”.

You can check out the trailers here.

Thomas took the time to check out and review our DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK. As film makers ourselves, it's very insightful to have a fellow film maker give you their thoughts on your work. So, what did he have to say? Here's a little tidbit...

'“Dead Hooker in a Trunk” is so refreshing in this indie era dominated by grueling (and boring) low-budget torture porn.' ~ Thomas Berdinski

For the full film review (SPOILER FREE), you'll just have to get on over to WickedChannel.com HERE.

Thank you so much to Thomas for sending some time with our DEAD HOOKER. Hope to have the opportunity to meet in the flesh someday soon.

Bloody Best!
Jen

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Altered Realities Radio and The Twisted Twins

We want you to spend this Friday with us, the Twisted Twins, and Altered Realities Radio! That's right, tune in Friday, April 1st at 10:30p ET to Altered Realities Radio as we discuss DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK, plans for distribution, and what we've got coming at you next!

We will be speaking with horror hostesses extraordinaire, Robin and Julie. If you don't know, you should know that Altered Realities Radio is quickly becoming one of the most popular horror podcasts on the web. With all the latest horror news, brilliant reviews, and a multitude of celebrity interviews, it's no big surprise that Altered Realities Radio keeps bringing horror fans back again and again, hungry for more!

The ladies of ARR have interviewed horror icon Dee Wallace, the cast of THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE, and, my personal favorite, Buffy's Amber Benson. The Altered Realities Radio show happens Friday night at 10:30pm EST and is part of the Tenacity Radio Network (sponsored by FEARNet, Ripley's Believe It Or Not, and numerous others).

And be sure to tune in THIS FRIDAY and catch up with your friendly neighborhood Twisted Twins!

Bloody Best!
Jen

Monthly Horror Deadly Double Feature Poster

A wicked awesome night with back to back features! Come see DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK with UNHOLY ROLLERS on April 23rd at the beautiful Peoria Theater in Peoria Illinois. The gore~geous event is put only monthly by DrunkenZombie.net.

Doors at 8pm, Showtime at 9pm, and $10 bucks gets you two kick ass movies!! You can't beat that.

The Peoria Push Derby Dames will be the collecting money for charity, so get your good will on and get a few pics with the lovely ladies!

We won't be able to attend, but we want to hear from each and every one of you that does. And if you see my man, Jack Daniels there, be sure to give him a kiss from me ;)

Bloody Best!
Jen

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Spooky Sean and Dead Hooker In A Trunk

When we wrote DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK, we considered something that most only consider when making a video game. Re-playability or, in this case, re-watch-ability. If you pay close attention to scene one, you will be treated to characters that you won't really meet until much later in the film, but they're there. Cowboy Pimp, our Hooker (not yet dead), Sketchy Guy, and even our mysterious Killer. We had hoped that we made a film that was the grindhouse equivalent of lying down in your own bed after a long day. That familiar, happy, coming home feeling.

Spooky Sean is an absolutely astounding writer. He blogs, he reviews, and he is currently writing a novel that is nothing short of brilliant. He is also our friend, but being so, he doesn't pull his punches. I expect my closest friends to be the first to point out what they don't like about our work. To quote one of my favorite cinematic masters (guess who), "I encourage you from time to time, and always in a respectful manner, to question my logic. If you're unconvinced that a particular plan of action I've decided is the wisest, tell me so, but allow me to convince you and I promise you right here and now, no subject will ever be taboo." The "yes men" of the world benefit no one.

Sean was kind enough to review our DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK and he tells it like it is. And I respect him for it. I've teased quite enough. Wanna see what he wrote? Well, here is the main course, the FULL ARTICLE itself.

Please enjoy and a special thanks to Spooky Sean for being just wonderful.

XO,
Jen

Monday, March 28, 2011

Australian Premiere of DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK

It is with delirious happiness that I announce the long awaited Australian premiere of DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK.

If you don't know, you should make down on your calendars that DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK will be released in both the UK and Australia on May 23rd (2011). Heck, you can even guarantee your very own Dead Hooker on the day by pre-ordering here today.

In addition to celebrate this joyous occasion, DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK will be premiering at long last in beautiful Australia at the A Night of Horror International Film Festival 2011 on April 1st. Nope, it's no joke. It's a best fucking April Fool's Day of all time. The venue will be Dendy Newtown (261-263 King Street, Newtown, Sydney).

Now, a word about this wonderful festival...

The film festival that promises a frighteningly good time, A Night of Horror International Film Festival, is back for its fifth year from March 31st to April 8th, 2011. Once again it will showcase the best and bloodiest independent horror films from Australia and the world to celebrate the genre’s standout filmmakers.

The Festival began as a one night event and has since grown in popularity to span nine days, and include 16 feature films, over 50 shorts and music videos, a film making forum and a screenplay competition.

Over 400 entries were submitted from filmmakers across the globe including the UK, USA, France, India and South Africa. They have now been narrowed down to a stellar line up that promises to make the 2011 Festival the best yet!


And with a Dead Hooker in attendance, you bet this year's festival is going to be one for the history books. It breaks my deranged little heart that I won't be in attendance, but that's where you all come. Tell the world. Watch the fuck out, Australia, our DHIAT is coming for you!

Do not miss this incredible opportunity to not only see our film, but numerous other outstanding works by some very amazing film makers. Please spread the word and if you're lucky enough to be an Aussie, get your butts to the fest and let us know what you think of our Hooker! Please help us spread the good word!

XO,

Jen


The Parable of the 'Dead Hooker' A Gore Gospel By Bob Freville


When you think "DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK", what instantly comes to mind? Muscle cars, identical twins, chainsaws, guts, blood, and maybe a goat? How about God and good versus evil and sin and penance? Maybe not. But it should.

What many are surprised to discover are my doppelganger and I are very religious. Yes, you may go as far as to say that Jesus is, in fact, our homeboy. Much of our work has religious undertones to it, but none so significantly as our DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK. Why? Because at the root of it all is good versus evil. In too many films, particularly Hollywood films, good is easily distinguishably from evil. If you take a gander at, say, Asian Cinema, like our most recent trip to the theatres to see I SAW THE DEVIL, the lines blur. Good has evil dwelling within it and even evil has some good. Both exist in all of us. There's an old saying that we all have two fighting dogs within us. One good and one evil. And the one that wins is the one that we feed more often. But, of course, if you don't feed one, it'll start to get hungry and act out...

Enter one extraordinary writer, Bob Freville, of Kotori Magazine (and writer for KillingBoxx). Not only is he an exceptional writer, he sees the religious connotations cleverly hidden away in DHIAT. It's chalk full of good, evil, and religious imagery. Like Junkie waking up to a "burning bush" and being inspired to be insightful.

In all honesty, the article is just too good to spoil. Gore~geously written, with a brilliant, yet playful turn of phrase, here is but one small part with reference to our favorite Bear Jew...

"You see, in the Year Two Thousand Nine A.D., two Canadian ladies, a pair of twins spawned from Eve's rib (or was it Lilith's?) begat a movie. And that movie begat a cult phenomenon that is still rumbling in the underground. That movie was called Dead Hooker in a Trunk and as it was made so it was released and awesome public figures like Eli Roth took notice of its beseechments and Roth, the coolest Jew since Jesus, spread the news and fanboys rejoiced! Word of mouth had it that there was a movie from a pair of kick-ass Canooks who gave Womanhood a better name than Mary Magdalene and Madonna combined. And these chicks didn't have to sing "Like A Virgin" to make it happen!" ~ Bob Freville, Kotori Magazine, Killinboxx

It's just wonderfully written. A definite must read article. I'm not one to spoil the fun, so please enjoy the FULL PIECE HERE.

Bloody Best!
Jen

Best-Horror-Movies reviews Dead Hooker In A Trunk

"The best aspect of Dead Hooker in a Trunk is the sense the viewer gets that absolutely anything can happen in this film's world. Much of the crazy happenings of this movie are best experienced relatively blind. When the viewer thinks the story has hit a plateau and things will calm down, some fresh new twist hits. Consider that the film lists actors playing the roles of "Sketchy Guy", "Cowboy Pimp", "Weirdo", and even "God"." ~James "Crypticpsych" Lasome, Best-Horror-Movies.com

And that, my dear friends, is but one delicious nugget from the full review of our beloved DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK by James "Crypticpsych" Lasome of Best-Horror-Movies.com.

For the full review, please check out the full article here!

A very special thanks to James "Crypticpsych" Lasome
for the absolutely gore~geous piece.

Like horror? Be sure to treat yourselves to a little time touring around the Best-Horror-Movies site.

XO,
Jen

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Ted Brown of Bloody Disgusting gives DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK 10/10

"Every once in awhile a film comes out of left field that is such a innovation in film making that within moments of starting it you just know that you are witnessing something important that will one day become a cult classic that other aspiring film makers will look to for inspiration. This is exactly the sort of film Dead Hooker in a Trunk is and the twisted twins Jen and Sylvia Soska are destined to become a part of the next generation of iconic horror writers and directors." ~ Ted Brown, Bloody Disgusting

This morning, Ted Brown, of Bloody Disgusting, a truly gore~geous site that we adore, posted an outstanding review of our beloved DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK. With the film being released in the UK and Australia on May 23rd and with official news of the world wide release just at the tip of our collective tongues, we were excited to see what he had to say. Bringing the film to where it is has been quite the epic journey and bringing the film to Ted Brown, who is not only an incredibly adept writer with a beautiful turn of phrase and intimate style, but also a true fan of horror and cinema. We are honored by his wonderful review of the film. Ted is exactly the kind of person that we made the film for and to get the right film to the right people makes us so happy.

I could easily go on and on about his review, which contains no spoilers, but you really ought to treat yourselves to a little read.

Check out the kick ass review right here!!


Please enjoy. I know we did.

And if you're not familiar with Bloody Disgusting, there's no time like the present to read up and make friends with this wicked site.

XO,
Jen

Official DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK Knit-Terrors

Drink 'em in, boys and grrls.

This is our new set of DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK Knit-Terrors.

They are beautifully crafted by the genius artist, Laurie Pizzi, and let me tell you that they are fantastic. They are unique, expertly woven, and can even be custom made. But they also do all your favorite horror icons including Pinhead, Jason, Freddy, that jerk Saw puppet, and Ash. If you don't know those names, lemme tell you, you're reading the wrong blog ;)

These little beauties are a perfect gift for the horror fan who has everything. Yup, I'm talking about "yourself". Dreamed of cuddling up to Freddy while you nap? Hook yourself up 'cuz, dammit, you deserve it!

Again, check out their facebook page here.


Or, their official site here.

Here are a few images showing how Knit-Terrors are born.

Enjoy!

XO,
Jen

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

In The Killing Boxx


Killing Box (noun) - a military maneuver that entails surrounding an enemy on all four sides in order to massacre them; another term for abattoir or slaughter-house.
Independent (adjective) - not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct; not subject to another's authority or jurisdiction; not relying on another or others for aid or support.

Art (noun) - the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance; human effort to imitate, supplement, alter, or counteract the work of nature.

Grim (adjective) - not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty; ghastly, shockingly repellent; inspiring horror; black: harshly ironic or sinister; admitting of no appeasement or compromise.

Simply put, we're independent artists; artists whose sensibilities lean toward the grim. Why? Because we're paying attention.




In the KillingBoxx you will find awesome, informative, and witty articles written about horror and indie horrors that don't get talked about as much as they should. It's a rad site of a like-minded artist community. In the KillingBoxx shirt you will fell comfy.

~Sylv

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Knit-Terrors are a Must Have for Horror Lovers

Look at 'em! Aren't they so cute they just make you want to commit homicide?!

Well, you should probably talk to someone about that... ha ha

May I present to you Knit-Terrors! These little darlings are custom made and can be custom ordered to re-create ANY badass you like! Recently, I've commissioned a set of DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK Knit-Terrors. I've been treated to a sneak preview and let me just say that they're incredible. Outstanding attention to detail, beautifully crafted, and absolutely unique. They are a must have for any horror lover and a perfect gift for the horror hound who's got it all!
Stay tuned for the BIG REVEAL of our Badass, Geek, Junkie, and Goody Two Shoes Knit-Terrors.

Check them out on facebook here.


And their site here.

Uber props to Laurie Pizzi and Chad E. Young for their brilliant work!!

Bloody Best!
Jen

Edible Brains, Decades Out, and Bad Girls, oh my...

When chocolate and peanut butter joined forces, you could just tell right from the get go that the union was magical. Just the perfect forces coming together in perfect harmony creating something grand. As EDIBLE BRAINS and DECADES OUT come together, I fondly think of chocolate and peanut butter. These two power houses have come together to bring us something epic.
DecadesOut, Inc., a nonprofit organization that develops and promotes programs that examine the intersection of the arts and science, and nonprofit film and theater production company EdibleBrains Productions announce the call for entries for the first international Science of Horror Film Festival in New York, highlighting the role of women in the horror and science fiction filmmaking process.

Eligible films can be of any budget, must be under 25 minutes long, have a connection with science or horror (such as inspiration, theme, plot or character), and include women in the filmmaking process. This might include films with a female writer, director, producer, production designer, art director, director of photography, editor, key grip, key hair/make-up, gaffer, sound designer, etc.

Entries must be submitted via the Science of Horror Film Festival website by the April 15, 2011 deadline. All submissions will be reviewed by an expert panel, and winners in five categories — Excellence in Science, Excellence in Horror, Best Student Film, Audience Favorite and Best of Fest-The Science of Horror Award — will be announced on April 22.

The winning films will be shown at the first international Science of Horror Film Festival and party, taking place on Friday, the 13th of May 2011 at the 3-Legged Dog Art & Technology Center in Lower Manhattan . The festival will be located in the Center’s high-tech Studio A, which will be rigged with full lighting grid, sound, a 180-degree wraparound screen and six projectors hanging from the ceiling for high-impact, fright-inducing surround-screen viewing. Ticket information will be available shortly.

Along with the public screening, winners receive cash prizes up to $500 and special video commentary from a panel including an icon of horror and/or science. All entries will be posted on the new OverAirTV website in a special group dedicated to the festival, receive a filmmaker profile, and get an HD capable online presence on the festival website. Entry fee is $25 per film, $15 for eligible students.

All entry requirements and award details are available at http://dedpro.com/horror/, questions can be emailed to festival@decadesout.org.

Also, you will be in good company. No one likes to go to a party stag, so your film can play with our BAD GIRLS. Submit today and let's rock this VERY wicked awesome festival!!


XO,

Jen

Monday, March 14, 2011

Canada's Best Kept Secret Weapon


'Some people are just so talented that it really isn't fair. CJ Wallis is one of those people. You probably haven't heard of him, but Wallis is an enormously gifted director, actor, cinematographer, producer, editor, writer and musician. And to top it all off, I have it on good authority from a certain female FanGirlTastic staffer that he's cute too. Totally not fair.'



Stole the words right out of my mouth, Mr. Neel. I am speaking in reference to the mother-fucking spectacular article written by Theron Neel of FanGirlTastic.

For those of you new to the bloggings - catch up on the gentleman that is Theron Neel here and check out FanGirlTastic - the site for the fangirl that has everything but a ... - for wonderful informative pieces on everything a horror nerd could ever want and more. The piece to which I am referring is 'CJ Wallis - Canada's Best Kept Secret'.



And Theron, as usual, hits it all on the nose with his wonderfully written article and you really get to know this man who is personally and professionally, one of the most important men in my life.

'When not tending goal for his team, Wallis and his dad spent hours playing an improvised game called Minis, which was "essentially a basement hockey equivalent of Pong," Wallis recalls. "The room was fairly small and the puck was often some unnecessarily overactive bouncy ball, which made for a very fast, challenging and competitive game."

But even as Wallis was developing his shooting skills, he was discovering another obsession. "Being competitive sorts, heated debates would often escalate. So, I grabbed the family video camera and created 'the Net Cam.' All debates were quickly erased by reviewing the footage frame by frame instantly," he says. "I started to notice more and more than I was becoming obsessed with where the camera should be put to better capture everything happening in the room . . . and suddenly my hockey marriage had an adulterous filmmaking mistress."'


Now I could pull genius quotes from the pitch perfect article all day, but it would take away from the fun and pleasure of actually reading the piece - which what I suggest you do because it's a inside look to our group that doesn't get explored all too often. Click here and read and love and share and repeat - like shampooing and conditioning. I could go on on how 'stupidly talented' this man is, but Theron in his entertaining and witty, informative writing has it mastered in his article.



Thank you so kindly to Theron and FanGirlTastic for getting the secret out about CJ Wallis and his career, skills, and contributions. I love this article to insane amounts. After I post this, I am re-reading it. No joke. It's that fucking rad.

~Sylv

Genki Slave's Dead Hooker Appreciation


"It satisfies. It's brilliant. It's not a gore film of such, but it does have its moments of gore which are fucking superbly done and the effects are pretty fucking awesome." ~ Genki Slave

What makes the British so fucking cool? Is there more to those traditional "bangers and mash" than meets the eye? It has been such an indescribable pleasure to be able to share our DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK with so many amazing people. On May 23rd, we will be able to share the film with even more people as DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK is released in the UK. Heck, you can even pre-order yours now.


It was esteemed pleasure to send our HOOKER over the pond to one wicked reviewer, Genki Slave. Gore~geous name, I must say. The gent does reside in the beautiful UK and was kind enough to review our film. And what did he have to say?

"There's a lot of laugh out loud scenes in this and the dialogue is pretty fucking cool. You need to check this out because this is one of the best independent films I've seen in a long time. I highly recommend it." ~ Genki Slave

Now he said a whole lot more, but you're just going to have to check out the video below to hear it all.



A very special thanks to Genki Slave for taking the time to review our DEAD HOOKER. While you're at it, be sure to check out his other wicked awesome reviews at his Youtube channel HERE.

XO,
Jen

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

DEAD HOOKER is the Stiletto Film Festival's WINNER of BEST OF THE FEST!

WOW.

One year ago, during the very first Women In Horror recognition month, DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK played at its very first festivals. Both were in honor of this tremendous event, the GHOULS ON FILM FESTIVAL and the DOA PRETTY SCARY BLOOD BATH FILM FESTIVAL.

This year, even more film festivals have come out of these celebrations and one very worthy festival was Megan Sacco's STILETTO FILM FESTIVAL. We were honored to be selected. And when we found out that we had won the MUCH coveted BEST OF THE FEST award? There are no words for the insane joy that washed over us.

Thank you to festival head and founder Megan Sacco for this incredible honor. Thank you to everyone who attended the incredible festival. And thank you to each and every single person who has supported our film. We couldn't be happier. Thank you from the very bottoms of our twisted little hearts.

How shall we commemorate this epic occasion? Well, we've yet to add "golden stilettos" to our growing collection.... ;)

Bloody Best!
Jen and Sylv