Brea Grant

"I’ve always been a girl who didn’t fit the normal standards of what beauty is. That’s fine. It’s not a sad story. I’ve just always been into the punk rock scene or alternative lifestyle that shaped my style, so not everybody will find me attractive and that’s fine."

Brea Colleen Grant was born October 16th, 1981 in Marshall, Texas. She went to Marshall high school and would later go on to post secondary at the University of Texas. She postponed her last semester for her career, but never leaving anything half done, she returned to finish her masters. A brilliantly talented young woman, painfully intelligent and interesting, and one of the most approachable, down to earth artists on the scene - it's true. She interacts with fans regularly on her site, twitter, and is a supernova of rad when you see her at any horror conventions.

"I get a lot of emails that are like, “I’m sure you really don’t answer your email, and I get Facebooks that say ‘this isn’t really Brea,’ and (it's) the fact that people can’t believe that I’m reading my emails and answering my facebook."

Brea is just cool - she used to host an all-girl radio show where she would talk about alternative culture and feminism and cool shit. She began her acting career in 2007 with the role of Candy in YOU'RE SO DEAD. 2008 would be a sensationally busy year for her - bringing her onto eleven different projects - in movie time, that's like ten years worth of work. Brea would play Jean Binnel on FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, Barb in MULTIPLE CHOICE, Randi Spotswood in SMOOCH, Liza West in COLD CASE, Liberty in CORPSE RUN, Jean in MIDDLE OF NOWHERE, Heather Dreeban in RAISING THE BAR, Rachael in MIDNIGHT MOVIE, Junkie Girl in MAX PAYNE, and Rasha in BATTLE PLANET.

"I feel like Hollywood is embracing the outsider and that’s because a lot of Hollywood is filled with outsiders. Even the girls who are seen as beautiful in Hollywood feel like outsiders. I think everybody struggles with their image to a certain degree."

In 2008-2009, Brea would take on a role in HEROES that would introduce her to a much bigger audience in the role of bad girl, Daphne Millbrook. Not up on your HEROES? Her character was also known as the Speedster who could move at super sonic speeds - like Quicksilver, you know, Magneto's son. Coming onto a big series like that can be an intimidating task, but Brea handled it like a pro and more people started to take notice of her ability. She would go on to star in Rob Zombie's ultra violent and fucking wicked HALLOWEEN 2 as Mya Rockwell. Her Halloween costume was as Columbia a la Rocky Horror which was hip as hell.

"I got into comics late as far as a reader goes - I've been reading them for maybe the past ten years or so. But I've been writing them for about two years now."

I met Brea once at the LA Viscera Film Festival and i have to tell you, she's a rockstar public speaker. That is where I learned about her graphic novel miniseries, We Will Bury You, that she did with her brother, Zane Grant. Think Steve Dillion-esque no holds barred ultra gore zombie apocalypse set in the alternative past version of the 1920s. Unique, but everybody does zombies, right? Wrong. The series actually follows two lesbian lovers, Miyah and Fanya, with the story not focusing mainly on zombie survival, but rather on the women's relationship and their travels in a time where the roles of women change. Not your typical zom-rom, a totally original awesome read. She's since gone on to write the SuicideGirls graphic novel miniseries based on the pinup website.

"Don’t take anything personally – compliments or criticism, press or lack of interest, not getting parts or booking them. Although they hire you, they don’t really know you."

"I love homicide...I've always been fascinated by people who do bad things" - Ryan Chambers on DEXTER. In 2011, Brea would join the cast of everyone's favourite sociopathic serial killer, Dexter, as Ryan Chambers, a newcomer to the forensics department and assistant to Vince Masuka. The two would form a relationship that would get cut short from her fascination with the Ice Truck Killer resulting her in stealing evidence and then selling it on the internet. Aw, young people these days.

What I truly dig about Brea Grant is that she defies the stereotypes of a young woman in her position today. She's takes roles that she brings her own personality to whether she's a super villain, Myers' victim, or plain ole crazy chick. I love comics and there is this stigma that chicks don't like comics or enjoy them to any extent and here you have an intelligent artist that actually fucking creates material and does a phenomenal job at it. This lady definitely has a very full career ahead of her and from the past, it looks like it's going to be an extremely uncanny and memorable one.

~Sylv

Geek Girl Con Cometh

Free your inner Geek Girl. Come to GeekGirlCon in Seattle this October 8 & 9, 2011 at the Seattle Center Northwest Rooms and EMP Museum to laugh, learn, and connect.
All geeks welcome.

Let's face it, boys and grrls, it has never been cooler to be a geek. Comic books have taken over the silver screen. Lord of the Rings happened. And the gaming has never been better. Geek has never been more chic.

Special guests include Bonnie Burton, Marian Call, Jane Espenson, Carrie and Katie Goldman, Nancy and Belle Holder, Chase Masterson, Trina Robbins, Greg Rucka, Gail Simone, and Jen Van Meter.

There are tons of workshops, panels, cosplay, demonstrations, special events, Q and A sessions, vendors, and even a Whedon~esque Burlesque Event.


And if that's not enough? There's a little something for you horror fans as well.

Saturday October 8th, 7pm - 9pm

(EMP JBL Theater) — Viscera Film Fest
Mature Content: An 18 and Up Panel
Heidi Honeycutt hosts a mini-Viscera Film Fest. They will screen selected horror short films created, written, directed, produced, acted, gored up, and designed by women. You’ve never seen horror like this before. Operating since 2007, Viscera is committed to expanding opportunities for female horror creators.

Sunday October 9th, 12pm - 2pm

(EMP JBL Theater) — Beyond the Scream Queen
Women in horror media are typically celebrated as “hot horror babes of the month.” Women fight for visibility as serious contributors to this exciting genre. This panel introduces people to revolutionary women advocating for woman-created horror media and expanding awareness in fandom and technical arts.
Panelists: Hannah Neurotica (moderator), Heidi Honeycutt, Jenna Pitman, Jessica Dwyer

And being added to that list are none other than yours trulys, us Twisted Twins. That's right. Sylvia and I will also be there. This will mark our first Convention appearance and we couldn't be more honored to be a part of it.

So, mark it on your calendars, spread the word, and plan to head on out to Geek Girl Con, October 8th & 9th is Seattle. It's going to be a weekend to remember that you won't want to miss.

And the Geek shall inherit the Earth...

See you there!
Jen

Hannah Neurotica's HOTLINE starring Shannon Lark

"Phone Sex? Suicide? The wires are crossing. What number did you dial?"

Coming this February, in 2012's Women In Horror month world wide celebration, the debut film by Hannah Neurotica (founder of Women In Horror month and Ax Wound Zine) starring the sensational femme fatale Shannon Lark (Chainsaw Mafia, Viscera Film Festival Co-Founder). Poster art by the very talented Miki Hickel.

Join the facebook group RIGHT HERE.

I cannot fucking wait to see this. It's gonna be one hell of a Women In Horror month celebration.

Bloody Best!
Jen and Sylv

DEAD HOOKER IN A THEATER

Yes, my darlings. It's theater time.

When we first started our DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK journey we were told of all the things that we wanted to do that were impossible. On that list was a theatrical release. They said we'd never, ever be able to have it in theaters. I'm so happy that "they" tend to be wrong more often than not.

IFC Midnight has welcomed our DEAD HOOKER into their loving arms and is bringing her to select theaters through a series of very special Midnight Screenings. As promised, we will be giving you the times and dates as we get 'em.
First up? DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK doubles with BELLFLOWER at the Downtown Independent in lovely LA. It'll be playing FRIDAY AUGUST 26th. Doors at 7pm, BELLFLOWER at 8pm, and then it's mother fucking DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK at 10pm sharp.

And I must say I just love this theater. Why? How is it that I know this place? The Downtown Independent Theater hosted the Viscera Film Festival last year. We attended, pimped our Hooker, met the fantastic femme fatales festival heads and creators Heidi HoneyCutt and Shannon Lark, and so many other outstanding women in horror I was smiling ear to ear like I was watching ONCE MORE WITH FEELING (that's a little something something for you Buff-hards). It is an absolute pleasure to have our DEAD HOOKER returning to a theater that was so damn good to us.

Now let's fill that bitch up. If you're ANYWHERE near LA, please come out and see our DEAD HOOKER. I'd love to get photos and hear you thoughts. Please help spread the word.

This Friday, blow off all your other plans and get your daily recommended serving of awesome, in Dead Hooker form.

Here's the address, boys and grrls! Let's make this one to remember...

Downtown Independent Theater
251 S. Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 617-1033

More dates and more cities coming at you soon!

Bloody Best!
Jen

Heidi Martinuzzi

When it comes to Women In Horror, there are some names that come up over and over again. Women who have long fought for gender equality in the horror industry. Have I written about this woman before? Oh, hells yeah! But when you speak about WiH month, this woman simply needs to be paid her dues. She is known by all as a champion in the independent film scene. She is a disgustingly talented horror and cult journalist. She has appeared in numerous indie films. She was featured on E!: Entertainment Television is a series of episodes on Scream Queens. She is the co-founder and co-head of the Viscera Film Festival alongside Shannon Lark. She is the woman behind Fangirltastic.com. She has written for numerous publications including Fangoria, The Dark Side, and Femmes Fatales and she's written for Bloody Disgusting and Film Threat.

Of course, there is only one woman I could be talking about. A woman who truly needs no introduction...

HEIDI MARTINUZZIA woman whose collective accomplishments more than speak for themselves. However, it's this woman's genuine "say-whatever-the-fuck-I-feel-like-and-I-don't-give-a-shit-what-you-think" attitude has won her a legion of loyal followers, unparalleled respect for her honesty, and cult classic status.

"I never do anything because of how people perceive me - I gave up on that a long time ago. If there's a bit of 'whore' in me or what I do it's because it's genuinely there - maybe I'm a whore that day. If I express a desire to enjoy gore, it's because it feels right at the moment. Women need to stop pretending to be something they're not to impress people who don't give a fuck who they are. I genuinely just try to be myself, which is why there are people who don't like me!" ~ Heidi Martinuzzi

It's not only her refreshing honestly that has captivated the masses, but her trademark sense of humor as well. Often, she appears in films where the horror gives way to moments of that delicious brand of inappropriate humor. Some titles include Retardead, Come Get Some More!, Fistful of Brains, Slaughter Party (featuring a special appearance from Seymore Butts as he tried out his acting chops), and the upcoming Amateur Porn Star Killer 3D: Inside The Head.

But horror is where this femme fatale really shines. Her film, WRETCHED, her directing debut alongside of Leslie Delano. The piece which she also wrote features a woman who is trapped in an abusive marriage. She struggles to cope by controlling her food intake, with the focus being on purging.

The most incredible aspect of this short is that Heidi opens herself up in a very personal and commendable way as she based the story on her own personal experiences with bulimia, depression, and abusive relationships. It is a rarity to see this level of honesty in anyone's work, especially in regards to experiences that are so clearly painful and scarring. This is another place where her honest self expression excels and furthers the respect her peers and her legions of loyal fans have for the woman.

Heidi, also, makes an appearance as a Junkie in the film giving an unexpected moment of levity in this disturbing short.

Bulimia, depression, and abusive relationships are things that plague the lives of so many women and men, as well. In the US alone, between 5 per cent and 10 per cent of girls and women (i.e. 5-10 million people) and 1 million boys and men suffer from eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, or other associated dietary conditions.

"Wild and Gutwrenching!" - Lucky McKee (director of May)

"It's a disturbing portrait of a serious subject. Bloody in the best sense of the word. The acting was excellent. Joe Bob Briggs is terrific. It's really a different kind of horror." - Don Coscarelli (director of Beastmaster and Phantasm)

“Extraordinarily well written, Wretched is a cerebral treat for fans of quirky dialogue and unique storytelling. Intelligent viewers looking for something different won’t want to miss it.” - Art Ettinger, Ultra Violent Magazine

You can see Heidi appearing as a performer in the short film BOX, which has now been completed, and in the upcoming AMATEUR PORN STAR KILLER 3D: INSIDE THE HEAD.

As I've mentioned earlier and many of you in the know already, well, KNOW, Heidi also runs Fangirltastic.com (formerly known as PrettyScary.com) and holds the Viscera Film Festival annually in LA with the sensational Shannon Lark. The festival is the only of it's kind and they is no submission fee.

"Viscera specifically focuses on women gaining self confidence, knowledge, and growth through the creation of horror films.

This process is to achieve equality in the film industry, not domination.

Specializing in short horror films made by the female gender, the Viscera Film Festival hosts an annual bloody carpet event in Los Angeles for the selected Filmmakers, Special Celebrity Guests, and a live audience. Each Filmmaker receives a hand crafted Viscera Statue, along with promotional materials and the option to be distributed on the next Viscera DVD Compilation. Throughout the year, Viscera is continuously working to get the Viscera films screened and promoted all over the world."

And they are currently taking submission RIGHT NOW. Submit here. I know we will be and we most sincerely hope to see you all there.

Heidi is a truly inspiring Woman In Horror and it would be impossible to speak of Women In Horror without taking the time to look at the astounding achievements of this bold and strong woman. She is genuine and it is more than simply a breath of fresh air in this business. It's something we can all aspire to be more like. When a man is strong in business, confident, and not afraid to speak his mind, he's just being a man. No one even bats an eye. When a woman does the same, she is often labeled a bitch, a cunt, or even a dyke. That is beyond disgusting. It's intolerable. Women like Heidi who so tirelessly fight for equality amongst the genders is a true champion. It is impossible to not admire this strong business woman and who she encourages women everywhere to be fearless and stand strong. And united.

With women like Heidi and events like WiH month, I firmly feel that future generations will be able to see a day where there is equality and gender will not be a basis for discrimination. The work deserves to speak for itself. Regardless of whether it be by a man or a woman.

Thank you, Heidi, for being such a strong voice not only in horror, but for women everywhere.

~Jen

Maude Michaud

"The first thing that comes to mind is Freud’s notion of the two basic conflicting human desires: eros (the life/sex drive) and thanatos (the death drive). Also, there’s a very fine line between sex and violence; sex itself can be very violent… There is also this whole idea of struggle for power over another person, both in sex and in violence, which is something horror films represent very well.

In French there is this expression “la petite mort” (the little death) that is a metaphor for orgasm; I think that is an interesting juxtaposition of the two ideas. This might be why it is so easy to intertwine them in horror films." ~ Maude Michaud

In many of our pieces you will hear that we met this wonderful woman at the Viscera Film Festival. But that just happens to be an undeniable truth. This particular woman is one that we were speaking with prior and just over joyed to learn would also be attending the festival. More accurately, we met at the sensational Heidi Martinuzzi's MISTRESSES OF HORROR GATHERING. She is a fellow Canadian whose supreme talent and provocative work fills me with Patriotic pride.

"My love for the horror genre began when I was a kid. I don’t know why, but I was always attracted to dark and creepy stories. Contrary to most kids my age, I was not scared by the content, I wanted more!" ~ Maude Michaud

She lists her personal likes as: 16 mm, acting, alfred hitchcock, alternative lifestyle, art, b-movies, bdsm, camera, cinema, corset, david lynch, directing, editing, fetish, film, film festivals, filmmaking, high heel shoes, horror films, kitsch, lipstick, media studies, movies, music, photography, producing, quentin tarantino, reading, retro, scriptwriting, sexploitation films, sinema, tim burton, underground films, weird films, and writing.

Allow me to introduce a woman who many of you know and respect, but many of you may be hearing of for the first time. Take my advice, buys and grrls, you'll want to make yourselves very familiar with the name...

I present to you, film maker, French Canadian, and an artist in every definition of the word...

MAUDE MICHAUD

Maude started writing and directing short films at the age of only 16.

Her shorts, Recessed and Complex(e)/Modèl(e) were showcased part of the Short Film Corner at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival and the 2008 edition of the Wreck-Beach Film Festival.

Other of Maude's works that have screened in festivals include: Perceive (2004 YoungCuts Film Festival), Spirits (2002 International Teen Movie Festival), Finding Hope (2001 International Teen Movie Festival) and Mirage (selected for the 2004 edition of the Jeunes Cinéastes contest, winning the prize for Best Original Music).

Amazingly she has worked on over 15 short films and video projects, including 12 as a director, and was hired as a director of photography on the independent feature film, C.F.A.L. – Chance for Another Life, directed by Marc-Antoine Desjardins.

Here she is at the 2010 Viscera Film Festival with two of my favorite Women In Horror, Brenda and Elisabeth Fies. And, yes, that is a DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK behind them along with a poster for the Fies' brilliant BLEEDFEST.

And again with Elisabeth and yours trulys.

"I do like to keep the dialogue to a minimum in my projects. One of my film teachers used to say: “Remember the basic rule of film making: show, don’t tell. Cinema is a visual medium.” It influenced my way of thinking about films, so whenever I think of a story, I focus on how the story unfolds visually first, then worry about what needs to be said (or not) after." ~ Maude Michaud

This is her short film, RECESSED.

"The inspiration behind Recessed is a tad more complex. At the time, I was really into Japanese ghost films, especially how they use everyday moments and domestic spaces as a menace for the characters, so that inspired some of the creepy parts of the film. I also really like the idea of telling the story from the madman’s perspective and exploring the human psyche, which is what Recessed essentially is. I just love to leave things open-ended and let the audience decide how they want to interpret what it all means. Don’t get me wrong, I do have an explanation for what happens in Recessed, but I much prefer to know what people make of it as I’ve heard so many different interesting theories!" ~ Maude Michaud

Here is the trailer for her next film, RED.



Even though Maude is a huge horror fan, she beautifully explores a variety of genres in the films she directs, which results in an eclectic body of work including: horror dramas, slightly surreal quirky tales, and explorations of unconventional relationships. Appropriately, she has named her production company QUIRK PRODUCTIONS. She also works as a photographer.

Above is a photo taken behind the scenes of her short film, HOLLYWOOD SKIN. It was a stunning, stand out piece that played at the 2010 Viscera Film Festival. I'm so sorry that I couldn't find this shocking cinematic slice of brilliance online to share it with you. But don't pout just yet...

You can however donate to the Viscera Film Festival (a festival that doesn't even charge a submission fee which is a huge kindness to independent film makers) and purchase a DVD of all the 2010 Viscera Film Festival Selections here. You can also see Maude's official site HERE and purchase her complete works HERE.

Maude is an outstanding writer and keeps a wonderful online blog that is all kinds of amazing. You should treat yourself and check it out HERE.

And in closing, allow me to express my most sincere thanks to Maude for being such an incredible inspiration in my most terrible attempt at french...

Merci pour votre bel et unique voix dans l'horreur. Vous êtes absolument juste quand vous dites, « je me sens que les choses changent ». Vous êtes le type de changement je suis heureux de voir.

Merci pour non seulement l'être une grande inspiration à moi, mais nombreux d'autres.

Sanglant Mieux!
Jen

Shannon Lark

"The love of exploiting everything terrible in life makes me excited to get up in the morning. It turns the horror into love and beauty, the negative into sheer positive." ~Shannon Lark

If you look at the woman above and see only a beautiful vision spattered in blood comfortably cradling a chainsaw, you haven't even begun to scratch the surface of the exquisite creature that is Shannon Lark. It is with great honor that I bring her to the attention of those of you who already know and adore her and to introduce her to those of you who are a little late to the horror scene.



Shannon caught world wide attention as the first ever Fangoria Magazine Spooksmodel. A vision that effortlessly combines beauty with strength and power, she is so much more than a pretty face. Shannon has been a reigning champion for gender equality and advancement of the female role in horror cinema, standing at the forefront of the evolving genre of cinematic horror with her tireless contributions. A talented writer, dancer, director, producer, editor, actress, and professional Scream Queen, Shannon Lark is the Co-Director/Founder of the Viscera Film Festival (along with the sensational Heidi Martinuzzi), Founder/Adviser and former CEO of The ChainSaw Mafia.

Let me speak for a moment about the incredible Viscera Film Festival. Among the films, played a stunning piece titled "LIPSTICK". It was provocative, sexually charged, and with moments of mutilation that had even the most hardened of gore hounds shifting uncomfortably in their seats. I remember thinking, "oh my God. Who is that woman?" The film, a collaboration between Shannon and the very gifted Stacie Ponder, told the tale of a woman who had been so severely mentally abused and damaged that she believed she was good for only for sex. The result was a series of sexual mutilations and self loathing with a climactic moment so shocking, that even yours truly crossed her legs and had to force herself to keep watching. The film is a must see.

Seeing a stage performance of ROMEO AND JULIET at a young age, Shannon's destiny was set. No, not with that mushy, lovey, dovey bullshit. We're talking BLOOD, boys and grrls. She got a taste for the red stuff and the rest is pretty much history. It is nothing short of an esteemed honor and pleasure to know miss Lark. She conducts herself with incredible professionalism. A combination of brilliance, business savvy, talent, grace, professionalism, strength, and, of course, beauty, Shannon Lark perfectly embodies what brings more and more women into this business. That feeling we all had as little girls staring at the heroines of cinematic past with child like awe saying, "I want to be her."

~Jen

Viscera 2011 Submissions Open

VISCERA
Definition: The large internal organs of the body collectively, particularly those within the abdominal cavity.

Last year was our first time at the Viscera Film Festival. Did you miss it? Catch up here, Charlie, then come back and join us for the new news. A very huge and humble thank you to Shannon Lark, Heidi Martinuzzi, and Elisabeth Fies for inviting us to the event and screening our hooker. Never heard of the Viscera Film Festival before? Well, it's time you begun...

"Viscera specifically focuses on women gaining self confidence, knowledge, and growth through the creation of horror films.

This process is to achieve equality in the film industry, not domination.

Specializing in short horror films made by the female gender, the Viscera Film Festival hosts an annual bloody carpet event in Los Angeles for the selected Filmmakers, Special Celebrity Guests, and a live audience. Each Filmmaker receives a hand crafted Viscera Statue, along with promotional materials and the option to be distributed on the next Viscera DVD Compilation. Throughout the year, Viscera is continuously working to get the Viscera films screened and promoted all over the world."

We had a fucking blast, met lots of rad horror film makers and horror community folks, there were some bloody wonderful, funny, disturbing, smart, scary, sexy, graphic, and all completely rad films showcased there.



There is a huge focus on community and with ladies, lets face it - most of the time we're encouraged to rip out each other's throats, but what if we joined forces and ripped out throats together? That's the beauty of Viscera. Simply incredible. Submit today (before February 28th, 2011) and you'll be damn proud that you did. The site has been uber vamped, take a stroll through the amazing, then become a part of it!


xo
~Sylv