Friday, October 3, 2008

Next Year';s B Movie Celebration

September 25th, 26th and 27th 2009 in Franklin Indiana

Take A Bow Another Great B Movie Celebration


from our friend B MOVIEMAN

Here’s a riddle: when is a film festival not a film festival? The answer is when it is a celebration. One might say that is symantics, but if you ask Bill Dever, the man behind the annual gathering of B Movie fans and flimmakers in Franklin, Indiana called The B Movie Celebration, he’d say it isn’t just the choice of one word over another. “A film festival is an event where filmmakers try to sell their product. This [B Movie Celebration] is more than that. It’s a chance for people with a love of B movies and independent films to come together and share the joy these films bring to them.”

The small town of Franklin, Indiana once again offered a warm welcome to people from all over the country (and even a few from outside it) to join in three days of movies, seminars, and parties all about the fun “B-side” of cinema. Mayor Fred L. Paris was on hand for the opening gala and charity auction on the event’s first night. The charity auction was a new part of the celebration this year. Numerous filmmakers, writers, and artists contributed items to the silent auction held to benefit victims of recent flooding in the town. “We [the town of Franklin] appreciate all the support we’ve received from the people involved in the B Movie Celebration.” said Mayor Paris as his wife bid on one of the donated items in the auction.

The highlight of the gala was when special guest host Sarah “The Queen of Trash” Dunn

Sarah Dunn the "Queen of Trash" was one of the event hosts. She

also enjoys towering over B Movie website writers like myself.

was made an honorary citizen of the town and the day was named “Sarah Dunn Day”. Sarah and her partner Mr. Lobo host the “Cinema Insomnia” show in San Francisco. They’ve been involved in the B Movie Celebration since its birth and when she heard about the flood that caused so much destruction in Franklin, Sarah started work immediately, arranging contributions for the auction both from her own works and from those of her many artist friends in the San Francisco Bay area. The statuesque Dunn said, “This town really is my second home” and was seen shedding a few happy tears as she accepted the small token of Franklin’s appreciation for the work she had done on behalf of her adopted home.

Other events at the B Movie Celebration included a directors’ roundtable discussion where film makers Jim Wynorski (CHOPPING MALL, TRANSYLVANIA TWIST), Tom Holland (FRIGHT NIGHT, CHILD’S PLAY), Lloyd Kaufman (POULTRYGEIST, THE TOXIC AVENGER), Greydon Clark (SATAN’S CHEERLEADERS, WITHOUT WARNING), Jim O’Rear (THE DEEPENING, SCREAM FARM) and Kelley Baker (BIRD DOG, THE GAS CAFÉ) gathered to discuss the art and business of filmmaking. The panel discussion was lively and showed the different styles of the filmmakers whose one common thread was their love of making movies.


Harry Manfredini, the musical master who introduced the world to the unique and instantly recognizable theme of the FRIDAY THE 13TH series, held workshops for budding filmmakers on how to avoid common mistakes when scoring their films. Screenwriters Ron Aberdeen, Jim O’Rear and Carl Salminen gave their takes on screenplay writing during “Coffee with Three Great Writers”. Aberdeen also held workshops on screenplay writing that covered the things you won’t find in the books as well as how to market a screenplay once it is written. Other speakers held seminars covering subjects ranging from “Net Neutrality” to “How to Use the Military in Your Films” and many aspiring filmmakers took full advantage of these opportunities to learn some secrets from the people inside the industry.

The workshops, film screenings and other festivities were all held in downtown Franklin, with the majority of the events being centered around the Johnson County History Museum and the Artcraft Theater. Across from the Artcraft, the city allowed organizers to set up as stage and host a huge “beach party” complete with live bands, beach balls and grass skirts. When the sun went down, the giant beach party turned into something akin to a drive-in without the cars as people pulled up a blanket or lawn chair and sat to watch films such as ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS that were being shown on an outdoor movie screen brought in just for the event.

Of course the gala dinner, charity auction, panel discussions, workshops and seminars were all great fun and informative, but they aren’t the real heart of the B Movie Celebration. That honor is reserved for the movies themselves. Over fifty films played at venues all over central Franklin. Modern B movies such as SUKIYAKI WESTERN DJANGO and CYXORK 7 played along side of fifties classics like WAR OF THE WORLDS, THE BLOB and INVADERS FROM MARS. Other classics from the 70’s and 80’s such as Greydon Clark’s rarely scene sci-fi classic WITHOUT WARNING and Jim Wynorski’s killer robot rampage CHOPPING MALL showed off the talents of the filmmakers in attendance. In fact with so many movies to choose from the hardest thing about the celebration was deciding whether to see a classic western like Sergio Leone’s FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE or something more “cerebral” like Wynorski’s CLEAVAGEFIELD (which had its world premiere at the event).


There were also plenty of independent films to choose from if viewers were in the mood for something new. This was thanks in part to the inclusion of Lloyd Kaufman’s Tromadance Film Festival as part of this year’s Celebration. Tromadance allows independent filmmakers to show their work to the public at no cost so there was no charge to attend any of the Tromadance screenings which included films like WEREWOLF IN A WOMEN’S PRISON and THE AWAKENING. One independent film shown as part of the B Movie Celebration that got

B Movie Man Nic Brown with the legendary Jim Wynorski outside

the Willard at the B Moive Celebration.

a great deal of positive feedback was THE TREK by Lola Wallace and Tom Devlin. This film took your typical lost in the woods story and turned it neatly on its ear much to the surprise and joy of the audience.

Between all the movies and other activities, B movie fans and filmmakers alike could often be found sitting on the patio of The Willard, the local watering hole. While Harry Manfredini entertained a group of fans with stories about his experiences scoring movies, Jim Wynorski, Greydon Clark and Tom Holland discussed how to get a film made in today’s market and still make a profit, while some astute independent filmmakers sat nearby taking notes from the candid conversation.

Amid all of this Bill Dever sat smiling at a table as he talked to some of the other B movie fans gathered in Franklin. “This is what it’s all about, watching fun movies and hanging out with people that make and love them.” Dever reflected and he was right. There is something uniquely special about the B Movie Celebration that sets it apart from the crowd. That something is the “Celebration.” This event is not just a gathering or a festival, but a true celebration of one of the under appreciated arts: the art of the B movie.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

B Movie Gala and Auction


A relaxed dining atmosphere where you can meet and mingle with some of the top names in the B Movie stratosphere. Ask questions, swap stories and learn at the feet of the masters. Plus the food is pretty damn tasty.Then get ready ready for a B Movie auction to end all B Movie auctions.You can make bids on items ranging from memorabilia, Props, dinners with directors and actors to having parts named after you in a B Movie donated by B Movie Luminaries such as Robert Englund, Roger Corman, Gunnar Hansen, Jim O'Rear, Tom Holland and John Huff. Bid on great B Movie Art and vintage Movie posters from the sixites, seventies and eighties. Great Stuff. Great People, Great TimesAll proceeds will go to benefit Johnson County Flood relief efforts.This will be an event you won't want to miss.The B Movie Gala and Auction with be held Friday September 26th at The Johnson County Museum of History 135 N Main Street Franklin IndianaAbout The B Movie Celebration:Franklin Indiana will be hosting the Second Annual B Movie Celebration September 26th thru 28th, 2008. The Celebration will feature screenings of over 50 classic B movies, 20 Educational seminars and the World's Largest Beach Party, featuring the music of The Moon-Rays. And we really need your help getting the word out. The Celebration will feature screenings of over 50 classic B movies, Many in glorious 35mm. Our line up this year, which has been curated by B Movie Legend Jim Wynorski. Plus The First Edition of Summer TromaDanceGreat GuestsTom Savini, Lloyd Kaufman Jim Wynorski (of course), Conrad Brooks from Plan Nine From Outer Space , Tom Holland Director of Fright Night, Independent Horror Director Jim O'Rear , Composer Harry Manfredini and many many more. The Best Hosts, Mister Lobo, Queen of Trash, Will The Thrill, Monica Tiki Goddess The World's Largest Beach Party With the Moon-rays The planets greatest B- Movie surf band will turn this small Mid Western City into a rockin Hepcat beach party. The Moon Rays were born of a concept brought on by the recording of the theme from WGN's Creature Features TV show andf the rest is legend. Join them in Franklin Indiana September 27th as we see summer out with a bang,For more information ( http://www.bmoviecelebration.com/ )

Thursday, August 14, 2008

A Summer/Fall Night With Lloyd Kaufman-Sweet


Last years winner of The Lifetime Achievement award, Lloyd Kaufman makes a triumphant return to The B Movie Celebration with TromaDance in tow. Join Lloyd for an informal gathering in celebration of his life and his work.

Stanley Lloyd Kaufman never really wanted to make movies, but wanted to work in Broadway musicals. During his years in Yale, though, he got introduced to "B" pictures and the works of Roger Corman. Lloyd later got the opportunity to executive-produce a short movie made by a fellow student. The film, called "Rappacini", got him even more interested in movies. He bought his own camera and took it with him to Chad, Africa, were he spent his summer. There he shot a 15-minute film of a pig being slaughtered. That was his first movie, and was the birth of what was later to become known as Troma Films. He showed the footage of the squealing pig being killed to his family, and their shocked reaction to it made him wonder if making movies that shocked audiences would keep them in their seats to see what would happen next. He wanted to be a director right then and there, so he got a couple of friends at Yale and made his second movie, The Girl Who Returned (1969). People loved it, and he went straight to work on other films, helping out on projects like Joe (1970), Rocky (1976) and Saturday Night Fever (1977).

Lloyd put in a lot of long, hard hours in the film business, just to be in the credits and to get money for his next project, a full-length feature. It was a tribute to Charles Chaplin, Harold Lloyd and the classic era of silent-film comedy. Even though Lloyd hated the movie when it was finally completed, people seemed to love it. He formed a studio called 15th Street Films with friends and producers Frank Vitale and Oliver Stone. Together they made Sugar Cookies (1973) and Cry Uncle (1971), directed by John G. Avildsen. A friend from Yale, Michael Herz, saw Lloyd in a small scene in "Cry Uncle" and contacted him to try to get into the film business, too. Kaufman took Herz in, as the company needed some help after Oliver Stone quit to make his own movies. Michael invested in a film they thought would be their biggest hit yet, Balash Ha'Amitz Shvartz, Ha- (1973) (aka "Big Gus, What's the Fuss?"). It turned out to be a huge flop and 15th Street Films was ruined. Lloyd and Michael owed thousands of dollars to producers and friends and family members who had invested in the picture. Lloyd, trying to find a quick way to pay off the bills, made _Divine Obsession, The (1975)_, and with Michael formed Troma Studios, hoping to make some decent movies, since they only owned the rights to films they thought were "crap". They were introduced to Joel M. Reed, who had an unfinished movie called "Master Sardu and the Horror Trio". The film was re-edited and completed at Troma Studios (which actually consisted of just one room) during 1975, re-titled and released in 1976 as The Incredible Torture Show (1976) (aka "Bloodsucking Freaks"). It was enough of a success to enable them to pay the rent so they wouldn't lose the company.

Lloyd later got a call from a theater that wanted a "sexy movie" like "Divine Obsession", but about softball (!). The resulting film, Squeeze Play (1980), used up all the money Troma had earned from "Bloodsucking Freaks" and, as it turned out, no one wanted to see it--not even the theater owner who wanted it made in the first place (he actually wanted a porno movie). Just when things looked their darkest, they got a call from another theater which was scheduled to show a film, but the distributor pulled it at the last minute. Troma rushed "Squeeze Play" right over, and it turned out to be a huge hit. Lloyd, Michael and Troma eventually made millions from it, and had enough money to buy their own building (which still remains as Troma Headquarters). Troma then turned out a stream of "sexy" comedies--i.e., Waitress! (1982), The First Turn-On!! (1983), Stuck on You! (1983)--but there was a glut of "T&A" films on the market. Troma noticed that a lot of comedies were being made, and decided to make one, too, but much different than the rest. After reading an article that claimed horror movies were dead, Lloyd got the idea to combine both horror and comedy, and Troma came up with "Health Club Horror"--later retitled and released as The Toxic Avenger (1985), a monster hit that finally put Troma on the map. Lloyd Kaufman and Troma have become icons in the cult-movie world, and Troma has distributed over 1000 films. Lloyd has continued his career as a director in addition to producing, and Troma has turned out such films as Monster in the Closet (1987), Class of Nuke 'Em High (1986), Combat Shock (1986), Troma's War (1988), and Fortress of Amerikkka (1989). Lloyd himself is working on Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead (2006), which follows an army of undead chickens as they seek revenge on a fast food palace.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

TromaDance and The B Movie Celebration, like Cheese and Crackers


In November of 2007 at the American Film Market in Santa Monica, Lloyd Kaufman, TromaDance Founder, and The Indy Co-op announced the creation of a new, expanded version of TromaDance taking place September 26-28 in Franklin Indiana. This announcement heralded the transformation of the TromaDance festival into a fully MidWest-based, immersive film experience that includes a larger screening schedule, panel discussions, and various hands-on workshops covering a variety of topics pertinent to today's emerging filmmaker.

The goal of Summer TromaDance is to provide filmmakers with the skills to create truly independent cinema."The B Movie Celebration is very excited by its association with TromaDance. TromaDance has been the incubator of so many great film artists. Independent film finds its highest expression on the screens of TromaDance. We are excited and grateful at the same time," says Tom Barker, co-founder of The B Movie Celebration.Franklin, Indiana, is the home to both Summer TromaDance and The B Movie Celebration this year. Franklin is not stranger to film, having at one time residents such as Robert Wise, director of The Sound Of Music, Majorie Main of Ma and Pa Kettle fame, and Max Terhune, B Movie Western star of the 30's 40's and 50's.

Lloyd Kaufman, President of Troma Studios and Founder of TromaDance says, "We at Troma are so honored that the B Movie Celebration is incorporating TromaDance into its big tent. This is a great way to celebrate TromaDance's 10th Anniversary as the ultimate people's film festival." Last year at The B Movie Celebration, Lloyd Kaufman was presented with its Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his work in independent cinema.

Submit Your Films Now


You may send your film (along with the official entry form, available at
http://www.indyfilmco-op.org/2008tromadancesummer.pdf
to the following address:

TROMADANCE ENTRIES
c/o The Indy Film Co-op
99 East Monroe Street
Franklin, Indiana 46131




About TromaDance
TromaDance is the first film festival wholelheartedly devoted to filmmakers and fans. Unlike every other film festival, filmmakers do not pay to submit their films. Entrance to the screenings is free and open to the public. There are no VIP reservations or preferential treatment. TromaDance is a chance for everyone who has ever picked up a camera to have their work seen without compromises. TromaDance is very proud to be the first and the only film festival of the people, for the people, and by the people.www.tromadance.com

About Indy Film Co-op
The Indy Film Co-op, is a virtual independent film co-operative made up of 2200 global members. Begun three years ago, the Co-op has become a global center for film education, networking, and alliance building. The Indy Film Co-op is a sponsoring body for both Summer TromaDance and the very successful B Movie Celebration.www.indyfilmco-op.org

Thursday, February 14, 2008

The Second Annual B Movie Celebration




Franklin Indiana will be hosting the Second Annual B Movie Celebration September 26th thru 28th, 2008. We are asking for your help to get the word out. The Celebration will feature screenings of over 50 classic B movies, 20 Educational seminars and the World's Largest Beach Party, featuring the music of The Moon-Rays. Our Film Line Up The Celebration will feature screenings of over 50 classic B movies, Many in glorious 35mm. Our Line Up, which has been curated by Jim Wynorski Includes: SHOGUN ASSASSIN FORBIDDEN WORLD DEATH RACE 2000 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD THIS ISLAND EARTH TARANTULA CARNIVAL OF SOULS NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD NIGHT OF THE COMET BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS THE GIANT BEHEMOTH QUEEN OF OUTER SPACE WORLD WITHOUT END RUSS MEYER'S UP FROM HELL IT CAME ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS NOT OF THIS EARTH(the black and white original) THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS WITHOUT WARNING SCREWBALLS GALAXY OF TERROR HOUSE THE CRAWLING EYE ATTACK OF THE 50FOOT WOMAN PSYCHO JOURNEY TO THE SEVENTH PLANET INVISIBLE INVADERS ATTACK OF THE GIANT LEECHES TERMINAL ISLAND NIGHTHAWKS MYSTERIOUS ISLAND(61) ONE MILLION B.C. INVADERS FROM MARS(53) TO TRAP A SPY HOLD THAT GHOST ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN TWINS OF EVIL THE VAMPIRE LOVERS LUST FOR A VAMPIRE THE TIME MACHINE WAR OF THE WORLDS A Retrospective of The Films of Jim Wynorski Against the Law-Wynorski Film Demolition High -Wynorski FIlm 976-Evil II -Wynorski Film The Haunting of Morella-Wynroski Film Chopping Mall-Wynorski Film Transylvania Twist -Wynorski Film A Lifetime Achievement Award to Stuart Gordon From his 1985 debut as a cult director with Re-Animator to his 2002 H.P. Lovecraft film "Dagon" Stuart Gordon has consistently delivered quality horror to the masses, and is now considered by many of us to be one of the most important exploitation film-makers of the past 30 years. Gordon will likely always be best remembered for "Re-Animator," but his other films have always been great works. We are please to honor him, His films Include Re-Animator (1985) Robot Jox (1989) Daughter of Darkness (1990) The Pit and the Pendulum (1990 film) (1990) Fortress (1992) Space Truckers (1996) Dagon (2001) King of the Ants (2003) Edmond (2005) Stuck (2007) Other great guests Tom Savini, Jim Wynorski (of course), Conrad Brooks and many many more. For more information For further information please go to http://www.bmoviecelebration.com/ or please email us at info@indyfilmco-op.org/ Hope to see you in Franklin Indiana September 26th thru 28th, 2008

Second Annual B Movie Celebration


Franklin Indiana will be hosting the Second Annual B Movie Celebration September 26th thru 28th, 2008. We are asking for your help to get the word out. The Celebration will feature screenings of over 50 classic B movies, 20 Educational seminars and the World's Largest Beach Party, featuring the music of The Moon-Rays. Our Film Line Up The Celebration will feature screenings of over 50 classic B movies, Many in glorious 35mm. Our Line Up, which has been curated by Jim Wynorski Includes: SHOGUN ASSASSIN FORBIDDEN WORLD DEATH RACE 2000 HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD THIS ISLAND EARTH TARANTULA CARNIVAL OF SOULS NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD NIGHT OF THE COMET BEYOND THE VALLEY OF THE DOLLS THE GIANT BEHEMOTH QUEEN OF OUTER SPACE WORLD WITHOUT END RUSS MEYER'S UP FROM HELL IT CAME ATTACK OF THE CRAB MONSTERS NOT OF THIS EARTH(the black and white original) THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS THE 7TH VOYAGE OF SINBAD EARTH VS. THE FLYING SAUCERS WITHOUT WARNING SCREWBALLS GALAXY OF TERROR HOUSE THE CRAWLING EYE ATTACK OF THE 50FOOT WOMAN PSYCHO JOURNEY TO THE SEVENTH PLANET INVISIBLE INVADERS ATTACK OF THE GIANT LEECHES TERMINAL ISLAND NIGHTHAWKS MYSTERIOUS ISLAND(61) ONE MILLION B.C. INVADERS FROM MARS(53) TO TRAP A SPY HOLD THAT GHOST ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN TWINS OF EVIL THE VAMPIRE LOVERS LUST FOR A VAMPIRE THE TIME MACHINE WAR OF THE WORLDS A Retrospective of The Films of Jim Wynorski Against the Law-Wynorski Film Demolition High -Wynorski FIlm 976-Evil II -Wynorski Film The Haunting of Morella-Wynroski Film Chopping Mall-Wynorski Film Transylvania Twist -Wynorski Film A Lifetime Achievement Award to Stuart Gordon From his 1985 debut as a cult director with Re-Animator to his 2002 H.P. Lovecraft film "Dagon" Stuart Gordon has consistently delivered quality horror to the masses, and is now considered by many of us to be one of the most important exploitation film-makers of the past 30 years. Gordon will likely always be best remembered for "Re-Animator," but his other films have always been great works. We are please to honor him, His films Include Re-Animator (1985) Robot Jox (1989) Daughter of Darkness (1990) The Pit and the Pendulum (1990 film) (1990) Fortress (1992) Space Truckers (1996) Dagon (2001) King of the Ants (2003) Edmond (2005) Stuck (2007) Other great guests Tom Savini, Jim Wynorski (of course), Conrad Brooks and many many more. For more information For further information please go to http://www.bmoviecelebration.com/ or please email us at info@indyfilmco-op.org/ Hope to see you in Franklin Indiana September 26th thru 28th, 2008

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

WE ARE BACK...A NEW CELEBRATION FOR 2008


Come on, get your 3-D glasses, put on some surf music and head to Franklin, Indiana home of The B Movie Celebration.

The 2007 edition (our first) was a resounding success, 2008 promises to big bigger and better. It's taking place September 26th Thru 28th, during a glorious Indiana indian summer. Some of our old friends are back Jim Wynorski, Tom Savini, John Huff, Mister Lobo and of course our beloved Queen of Trash, and wining his way in from the coast, Will The Thrill Viharo and Monica Tiki Goddess. with even more names to be announced shortly. This year we are having several film curated programs , most in glorious 35mm.

So mark September 26th thru 28th on your calendar. See you in Franklin