Dec 24 2011

5 Secrets an 8-year old Natalie Wood Can Teach You About Persuasive Writing

This article originally appeared on the Copyblogger website.

5 Secrets an 8-year old Natalie Wood Can Teach You About Persuasive Writing

by Susan Daffron

Like a lot of people, every year my husband and I watch Miracle on 34th Street during the holiday season.

One of my favorite scenes in the movie is right at the end when Natalie Wood is riding in the car with her mom and Fred Gailey.

The camera focuses in on Natalie sitting in the back seat of the car staring out the window looking bored and kind of annoyed, mumbling “I believe, I believe …”

Then, there’s a moment where the camera closes in a bit on her eyes as they widen in shock.

She shrieks, “Stop, Uncle Fred! Stop! Stop! Stop!”

The camera angle switches and you see Natalie running up the hill to the house that she had asked Santa Claus to give her.

Persuasive writing is like that.

When it works, the writing takes someone from a neutral state of bored indifference to excitement.

I think of that split-second transition as the “magic moment.”

Considering Natalie Wood was only 8 years old when the movie was made, she does an amazing job of conveying just what happens during that magic moment when suddenly something that seemed impossible becomes real.

To reach that magic moment in your copywriting, here are a 5 secrets you can learn from an 8-year old Natalie.

1. You need a big story

People don’t respond to boring. In fact, one of the worst insults an 8-year old can throw at you is “that’s boring.”

A story like, “What if Santa were real?” gets the attention of pretty much everyone, even those with short attention spans.

It gets people talking.

In Miracle on 34th Street, even the grandkids of the district attorney knew about the legal case. (And thought grandpa had a whole lot of nerve picking on Santa.)

Is your message something worth sharing? Could it be?

2. You need a big vision

Unlike most kids, instead of asking for a toy, Natalie Wood asks Santa for a house. She hands Kris Kringle a magazine photograph of a house and explains that she doesn’t want a dollhouse. She wants a REAL house.

She says, “If you’re really Santa Claus, you can get it for me. And if you can’t, you’re only a nice man with a white beard, like mother said.”

Natalie had a big vision for what life would be like living in a house in the suburbs versus living in an apartment in the city.

She doesn’t like her Manhattan apartment, and explains that her house would have a back yard with a big tree to put a swing on. She had a clear picture of exactly what she wanted.

With your writing, can you paint a transformative picture that inspires people to fill in the rest using their own imagination?

3. You need a big emotion

People do almost everything for emotional, not rational reasons.

It’s been said that Santa Claus doesn’t need a marketing department. What’s not to love about free gifts for boys and girls around the world? And the “spirit of Christmas” embodies noble emotions like generosity, love, and compassion.

As Kris Kringle says, “Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.”

In your writing, you need to tap into emotions, whether they are noble like generosity or more negative like fear, greed, and vanity.

After all, there’s no logical reason to believe in Santa Claus or ever eat M&Ms, cookies or doughnuts. Yet people do. Krispy Kreme and Mrs. Fields are ample proof of that.

Why do people continue to buy fat-laden doughnuts and cookies? Because they taste yummy and eating them makes you feel good.

What are your reader’s biggest pain points? What make him feel good?

4. You need big proof

Natalie Wood wants to believe that Kris Kringle is really Santa and looks for proof. At Macy’s she sees him speak Dutch to a little girl and is thrilled to discover he’s not wearing fake padding on his jolly tummy. Then when she tugs on his beard, it doesn’t come off!

She’s excited to tell her mom what she’s learned, but mom raises objections. “Many men have long beards like that” and “I speak French, but I’m not Joan of Arc.”

Many types of proof exist. For example, you might include testimonials in your copy, but that might not be enough. You may need something bigger.

In the movie, the ultimate proof is the existence of the house. (And the real magic is finding the cane tucked into a corner.)

Are you giving people enough reasons to have faith in what you offer? (“Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to.”)

5. You need to believe

People want to believe a lot of things they think they can’t do. They might secretly want to travel around the world or write a book.

Generally, there’s no real reason why these people couldn’t travel or write; they just think they can’t.

Good copywriting taps into the emotions and dreams people want to believe anyway. Natalie Wood wanted to believe that Santa would bring her a house, but “common sense” kept telling her it would never happen.

Until it did.

She says, “You were right, Mommy! Mommy said if things don’t turn out right at first…you’ve still got to believe. I kept believing. You were right, Mommy!”

Does your writing give people the joy of realizing a dream they want to believe is possible? Could it?

Of course, in the movie, the logistics of actually buying the house, mom and Fred getting married, moving, and so forth work themselves out. By then, it’s just details.

That’s true of great copy too.

Once the magic moment happens, there’s no turning back.

About the Author: Susan Daffron, aka The Book Consultant owns a book and software publishing company. In addition to teaching aspiring authors about book publishing and putting on the Self-Publishers Online Conference every May, she also just relaunched and is the editor of ComputorCompanion.com, which offers ideas and advice to grow your business.

Dec 15 2011

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo to be Released Early on December 20

“THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO” TO BE RELEASED DECEMBER 20 AT 7 P.M. NATIONWIDE

CULVER CITY, Calif., December 13, 2011 – Moviegoers will get a jump on one of the most highly-anticipated films of the season as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo opens one day early beginning on December 20 at 7 p.m. nationwide, it was announced today by Jeff Blake, chairman, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for Sony Pictures.
Commenting on the announcement, Blake said, “This is one of the busiest times of the year for moviegoing and we can’t wait to share this outstanding thriller with audiences all over the world. We feel that by opening for night-time shows on December 20th, fans of the book will be given the perfect opportunity to get a jump start on the release of an exceptional film.” In The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Academy Award®-nominated director David Fincher (The Social Network) uncoils the world of Stieg Larsson’s global blockbuster thriller on the screen. Within the story’s labyrinth lie murder, corruption, family secrets and the inner demons of the two unexpected partners chasing the truth of a 40-year-old mystery. Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is a financial reporter determined to restore his honor after being convicted of libel. Engaged by one of Sweden’s wealthiest industrialists, Henrik Vanger (Academy Award® nominee Christopher Plummer), to get to the bottom of the long-ago disappearance of his beloved niece, Harriet – murdered, Vanger believes, by a member of his large family – the journalist heads to a remote island on the frozen Swedish coast, unaware of what awaits him. At the same time, Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), an unusual but ingenious investigator with Milton Security, is hired to do a background check on Blomkvist, a job that ultimately leads to her joining Mikael in his investigation of who killed Harriet Vanger. Though Lisbeth shields herself from a world that has repeatedly betrayed her, her hacking skills and single-minded focus become invaluable. While Mikael goes face-to-face with the tight-lipped Vangers, Lisbeth plies the wired shadows. They begin to trace a chain of homicides from the past into the present, forging a fragile strand of trust even as they are pulled into the most savage currents of modern crime. The screenplay is by Steven Zaillian, based on the book by Stieg Larsson originally published by Norstedts. The producers are Scott Rudin, Ole Søndberg, Søren Stærmose, and Ceán Chaffin. The film is presented by Columbia Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures. About Sony Pictures Entertainment Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition and distribution; television production, acquisition and distribution; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; worldwide television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of entertainment in more than 142 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com.

Dec 5 2011

Dane Cook Talks about His New Movie and His Inspirations

by Jason Harris

photo courtesy of Roadside Attractions

Actor and Comedian Dane Cook wanted to “share emotion and pain” he has experienced in his life in his new film, Answers to Nothing, which opened in theaters along with being available on video on demand this past Friday.

“With my comedy, I want to share my joy and positive experiences,” Cook said. “The main point of comedy though is people coming to laugh and enjoy themselves. What attracted me to this film is that I could relate to personal experiences in a different way. I can empathize with certain aspects of my character’s life.”

According to press materials, the film is “set against the backdrop of a missing girl case, lost souls throughout Los Angeles search for meaning and redemption and affect each other in ways they don’t always see. Ryan (Cook) and Kate (Elizabeth Mitchell) are in a strained marriage. They are trying to have a baby, but instead of bringing them closer together the difficulties are tearing them apart. Two strangers, sharing a home, they each lead private lives unbeknownst to each other. Ryan, grew up listening to the impossible romantic story of his grandparents’ courtship, but isn’t even sure he believes in love. He hates his mother for believing that his father is coming back, even though he left her 10 years ago, and he hates himself for following in his father’s steps of infidelity.”

Cook believes his character is “distancing himself from people and his emotions” even as his character is a confident therapist. He does believe his character is a “complex individual, but it is behavior we all do.”

“We show up every day to work and put on our game face, but people don’t know personal life circumstances,” Cook said.

As he filmed this movie, Cook didn’t want to let his fans down.

Being able to view his personal experiences in a different way attracted him to Answers to Nothing, Cook said. The film allowed him to tackle different philosophies, he said.

“You get to play pretend, but also share important moments in your own life.”

Actors are not always connected to their characters, Cook said.

“I understand some of the behaviors in feeling detached,” Cook said. “I lost both of my parents to cancer and when you experience something like that, you really hold onto those moments and hope you can grow from them … ”

The film, Mr. Brooks, led Cook to receive his role in his new film and his career grew from that, he said. Answers to Nothing director Matthew Leutwyler saw him in the film.

Cook made an audition tape for Mr. Brooks and received a call from Kevin Costner, who directed the film. Cook was told by Costner that was what they were looking for, he said.

There are people in Hollywood that Cook would love to work with.

Cook would love to work with Woody Allen, Jason Reitman, and Diablo Cody.

“I have met with Jason a few times and would love to play in his world,” Cook said.

He has met with Steven Spielberg, which he considers “one of the most poignant moments of his career.” Spielberg gave him some words of wisdom which has guided him in his life.

“I auditioned for [Spielberg] and got incredible feedback,” Cook said. “He is a big inspiration.”

He grew up loving comedic actors especially Gene Wilder.

“I really have a great respect for comedians that take on challenging roles, like Whoopi Goldberg in The Color Purple, Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Robin Williams in Good Will Hunting,” Cook said. “I know the pain that many comics have living within us. I love to see the way they can reach comedic audiences and then also [reach] those dramatic audiences and make them cry their eyes out.”

He thinks it’s great when a comedic performer can make people laugh and cry. He thinks “it’s magic” when that happens.

“I’d love to be able to do some of what I did in Answers to Nothing and some of what I did in My Best Friend’s Girl and create a character rich in all things good and bad that exist in us.”

Cook said if the role doesn’t come about, he may write it.

Cook has two independent films coming out next year that he hopes audiences will find. He is also working on a comedy for NBC for the 2012 television season. They are Detention and Guns, Girls, and Gambling. Detention is “a mash-up genre movie — it’s a horror, coming of age film” and Guns, Girls and Gambling stars Gary Oldman as an Elvis impersonator.

“I really look forward to people seeing that one,” Cook said about Guns, Girls and Gambling. It’s sort of a heist action film.”

Oct 25 2011

Speculative Fiction Fest Kicks Off Thursday

News item written by Kristi Petersen Schoonover.

If you’re in Providence, Rhode Island and looking for a spectacular way to kick off your Halloween festivities, NEHW member Paul Tremblay (The Little Sleep, In the Mean Time) will be part of The Brown Bookstore’s First Speculative Fiction Fest this Thursday through Saturday (Oct. 27-29). The event will feature readings by several popular speculative fiction authors, films, and panels.

Paul Tremblay

The event kicks off at 4 p.m. Thursday with a showing of Val Lewton’s film classic, Cat People (I am assuming this is the Lewton film and not the 1980s remake, but I could be wrong) followed by readings from authors Daniel Pearlman (A Giant in the House and Other Excesses) and Paul DiFilippo (Harsh Oases).

On Friday, author Brian Evenson (Fugue State) will read; at 6 p.m., there will be showing of the 2007 film Peur(s) du Noir (Fears of the Dark).

Saturday’s offerings being at 2 p.m. with a talk on Graphic Fiction and the Comic Form; at 4 p.m., the writers will offer a panel discussion on the Speculative Fiction genre. At 5 p.m., authors Tremblay, John Langan (Mr. Gaunt and Other Uneasy Encounters), and Laird Barron (The Imago Sequence and Occultation, both of which won the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Collection) will read from their work.

For directions and more about Brown Bookstore, visit here: http://www.shopbrown.com/. For the event’s official flyer, visit here: http://bookstore.brown.edu/fictionfest.pdf.

Oct 20 2011

New Film Appropriate for the Times

Actor and Director Talk about Their New Film by Jason Harris

Actor Zachary Quinto (2009’s Star Trek, Heroes) started his production company, Before the Door, in 2008 and its first film, Margin Call, is being released Friday.

The film is a thriller entangling the key players at an investment firm during one perilous 24-hour period in the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. Entry-level analyst, Quinto’s Peter Sullivan unlocks information that could prove to be the downfall of the firm; a roller-coaster ride ensues as decisions both financial and moral catapult the lives of all involved to the brink of disaster.

Quinto said the script was “fantastic.” He also liked how the film “handled the subject matter.”

“I liked how it drew me in,” Quinto said. “I thought it was really compelling material.”

Margin Callis written and directed by J.C. Chandor, his first feature film. He doesn’t know if the timing of the film’s release during the Occupy Wall Street movement will help the film’s marketing efforts.

Zachary Quinto and J.C. Chandor on the set of Margin Call

“It’s certainly rewarding,” Chandor said. “It takes many years to make a film. To be able to introduce a film into that environment is very rewarding.”

Chandor said he has visited the New York City Occupy Wall Street site.

“It’s very inspiring that people are actually out in the street having their opinions heard,” Chandor said.

Chandor said he will have to wait and see if the movement helps the film at the box office.

“We wanted to give the viewer an entertaining look into this field,” Chandor said. “Hopefully it will give the viewer a greater understanding of who we’re protesting against.”

Chandor doesn’t think it will be a challenge marketing a film about an unsympathetic company taking advantage of people.

“You don’t have to like everyone in the movie,” Chandor said. This is about coming into a world where you really aren’t supposed to like everyone in it. Every character is human. In the same way a horror movie can be entertaining and fun, you are with these people in their every day professional lives. You see it from a different point of view.”

Chandor mentioned two reasons for people to see the film.

“I would say a reason to see Margin Call is hopefully it entertains you for an hour and a half,” Chandor said. “We tried
to make a compelling drama. The second thing is we tried to do is give the viewer insight into a world they are not normally privy; a world not normally available to them.”

Along with Quinto, the film stars Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Simon Baker, Demi Moore, and Stanley Tucci.

“The cast was an unbelievably great surprise,” Chandor said. “These actors really believed in the project. It made it that much more rewarding.”

Chandor said the 17 day shoot helped the film land actors with very busy schedules. The shooting schedule was “very short in the world of filmmaking,” he said.

The performances turned in by Spacey and Irons were everything Chandor could dream of as a writer and director, he said.

“It was actually a bit of a risk at the time to cast Kevin in a role that is essentially for much of the film supposed to be quite empathetic with the audience,” Chandor said. “In the past, it might have been more typical to cast him as the CEO.”

Chandor said Spacey inhabited the character and made it his own.

Quinto in a scene in Margin Call

Quinto prepared for his role by shadowing some Wall Street workers at Citibank.

“The Citibank workers were really supportive and really available,” Quinto said. “They were able to help myself and the other actors.”

Chandor had several incidents in late 2006 through 2008 that inspired him to write Margin Call, which he started writing
three years ago, he said.

The movie will be available in theaters and on video on demand. Check out the film’s website, http://margincallmovie.com/
for the theaters showing the film.

Oct 16 2011

Horror Icons and Fans at Rock and Shock

by Jason Harris

Rock and Shock is getting better and better. I was happy to be there on Saturday and Sunday. The NEHW organization fits in well at this convention. It was fitting that Robert Englund, the original and best portrayer of Freddy Krueger, was at this year’s convention. He was always my favorite horror movie actor.

Robert Englund holding his autobiography, Hollywood Monster

It was great seeing the people of different ages walking the convention. There were young and old people walking between the booths in the dealer’s room. There were people wearing different movie t-shirts, but some even went further and dressed up in costumes.

Logan Miller, of Lunenburg, MA., strikes a pose as Freddy on Sunday

These costumed attendees gravitated to the NEHW booth to hang out with the authors.

Author Kristi Petersen Schoonover meeting two Rock and Shock attendees

A horror fan brought two different conventions together within his costume when he created a zombie Stormtrooper.

Author Greg X. Graves with the zombie Stormtrooper.

When groups of horror fans weren’t meeting horror icons, they were walking through the dealer’s room looking for a copy of Evil Dead: The Musical or that cool looking movie related t-shirt like Children of the Corn or the original Piranha.

Uncle Fright and posse at Rock and Shock

One dealer, Joe, has taken his love of movies and started a glass business, Glass by Joe. He has been working with stained glass for three years. He creates glass works of films like Ghostbusters and Jaws. He has also put the image of Freddy Krueger on stained glass.

Joe has even been commissioned by Kane Hodder, who has portrayed Jason Voorhees in a number of Friday the 13th movies, to create two pieces. Joe’s website is www.glassbyJoeo.com. Along with movie images, he also does landscapes, movie posters, and portraits to name a few.

Oct 15 2011

Rock & Shock Returns to Worcester

This article appeared at www.worcestermag.com.

Rock & Shock Returns to Worcester
By Trisha J. Wooldridge

Hordes of leather- and black-clad denizens of the underworld are crawling, walking or running into Worcester’s DCU Center and the Palladium this weekend of October 14- 16. There will be cries of terror, thundering earthquakes, and screaming guitar strings and fans. It’s Rock & Shock time again!
“I really enjoy coming to Rock & Shock because it’s New England’s horror con, and everyone we’ve met there has been great,” says Penny Dreadful, horrormovie hostess based out of Massachusetts and regular Rock & Shock guest. “This is New England’s big convention for all things monstrous and horrific, and there’s rock ‘n’ roll to boot!” Attendees to this year’s Rock & Shock get the added Shilling Shockers bonus of a free six-page preview of the upcoming comic, “Penny Dreadful’s Cauldron of Horror,” with artist Frankie Washington of Marvel Upper Dec art cards doing special signings on Sunday.
The DCU Center and Palladium host the unique convention pairing the horror industry with the rock and metal music industry. Not only do attendees get to meet horror icons such as Robert Englund and William Forsythe, but they get to see music legends like Ace Frehley and attend concerts given by local bands to headliners such as Insane Clown Posse.
Rock & Shock is the dark, evil love project of WAAF’s Kevin Barbare and Mass Concert’s general manager Gina Migliozzi. Based on both horror fans’ experiences at conventions, they wanted to create the unique event that is Rock & Shock. As the convention grows every year—with significantly more in 2011 than prior years, it’s excellent reputation grows with it.
“It actually makes it very tough to book the show because so many people want to come back here, year after year,” says Migliozzi. “You want to have them back, but you can’t because you have to have new people in, to keep it exciting and different.”
Barbare adds, “And if we weren’t a show where they wanted to come to or had a good experience with, it would be much harder to get them to come, even if they wanted the work.”
In fact, this year the convention has drawn the attention of Rhode Island’s Woodhaven Production Company, which will be hosting the world premiere of “Inkubus,” starring horror legends Robert Englund and William Forsythe, at Rock & Shock. It’s a full red-carpet affair drawing the entire cast, the director, writers and producer. Tickets are available exclusively as giveaways, by invitation or contest. Only paid attendees of Rock & Shock can attend the premiere and following Q&A.
Having the premier at Rock & Shock is “a win-win for everyone,” says producer Chad Verdi of Verdi Productions. “Rock & Shock benefi ts by having us there, and Rock & Shock is the best place to promote the movie.” He’s particularly looking forward to sharing this first red carpet of one of his movies with first-time director Glenn Ciano.
“We’re treating [Rock & Shock] like Comic-Con, getting all the actors there, doing panels,” describes Ciano, “taking a fan’s first route with this, because if it is going to get out there and be what we want it to be, the fans are going to have to take a part in how we do that.”
As an additional gift to Rock & Shock attendees, one of only five dolls made of Englund’s demon, Inkubus, will be raffled off at the convention. In addition to the doll, Rock & Shock fans will also be the first to hear about future projects with the character.
Another regular booth at Rock & Shock belongs to the New England Horror Writers, an organization founded in 2001 to provide peer support and networking to opportunities to authors who sell books, comics and other literature throughout the weekend. “I love that the New England Horror Writers’ organization is a part of Rock & Shock again,” says Jason Harris, New England Horror Writers’ director of publicity. “The written word fits in well at Rock & Shock. Without the written word, horror fans wouldn’t have Wes Craven’s creation, Freddy Krueger in ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street.’”
“The great thing about the New England Horror Writers’ being at an event like Rock & Shock is that there’s a unique energy—it’s our time of year, we love rock, we love scary movies,” describes New England Horror Writers’ member and author, Kristi Petersen Schoonover.
This year’s Rock & Shock still has more to offer. Starting on Thursday, where weekend ticket-holders can attend a preparty concert with Alisano and The Bones at the Palladium. On top of that, Fangoria Magazine is sponsoring an excellent panel track that includes Q&As with actors, screenwriters and filmmakers; a writing workshop with professional authors and editors; a look at publishing in the horror industry, including small press, ebooks and indie publishing; and much more.
There’s more reason than ever to check out the convention that continues to become the northeast’s premier horror media con — plus it’s right in our own back yard!

Worcester’s Rock & Shock Hosts Red Carpet Premiere of “Inkubus”
While Worcester DCU Center and Palladium are crawling with the torn shirts and band T-Shirts of recently undead or concert goers, some dark denizens will don tuxedos and dresses to strut down the red carpet for the World Premiere of “Inkubus,” the latest horror film starring icons Robert Englund and William Forsythe.
In this film, Englund plays the demon Inkubus who arrives during the last shift, a skeleton crew of officers closing Cranston Police Station, with the severed head of a girl so he can use his one phone call to contact retired detective Gil Diamante [Forsythe], who nearly caught him 13 years ago.
In addition to the intriguing plot, it’s interesting that this film with amazing star power behind it—Jonathan Silverman, Joey Fattone, and Michelle Ray Smith help round out the cast—is a local production filmed less than an hour away, in Cranston, R.I., at the old Cranston Police Station, employing local cast and crew.
“During ‘Inkubus,’ I drove twoand- a-half minutes from my house to the police station,” describes actor Tom DeNucci, who plays Offi cer Pax. “It’s something that wouldn’t have happened even a few years ago. Maybe a whole future generation of filmmakers could get churned out of Rhode Island because they see what we’re doing and say, ‘Oh, we can do that, too.’”
Producer Chad Verdi explains, “We want locals to support local filmmakers. And I can guarantee you, no one had more fun making these films than us and the actors. They’re coming to this red-carpet premiere because they want to come.”
Only attendees of Rock & Shock will be able to attend the World Premiere of “Inkubus.” Tickets are being given out via contests and giveaways throughout the convention. After the premiere, there will be a special Q&A. The movie will be released in theaters throughout nine states on October 28.

Oct 10 2011

Interview With Ghost Rider And Dark Wolverine Writer, Rob Williams

This article appeared on www.comicbookmovie.com.

Interview With Ghost Rider And Dark Wolverine Writer, Rob Williams!

Talking to me about his work on Daken: Dark Wolverine, Ghost Rider, The Iron Age, RoboCop/Terminator, his thoughts on comic book

movies and more, hit the jump to read this fascinating interview…

Despite being insanely busy writing countless titles for Marvel, writer Rob Williams was kind enough to take the time to talk to me about the many comic books he’s been working on as of late. As you may notice, some of the questions below focus on titles which have already come out, but that is simply down to Rob only just now having managed to find the time to answer them! If you’ve missed any of the comics, I strongly advise hunting down the back issue or trades when they’re available. To keep up to date with all of his work, you can find Rob on Twitter (@Robwilliams71).How exactly did you get into writing comic books for a living?

I was writing and directing for a small video production company and that taught me to write with visuals in mind, albeit very dull visuals. It made me think maybe I could try my hand at a comic script. This was back in ’99/2000, I think. I wrote issue one of Cla$$war without a clue what to do with it. Luckily for me I heard that a new comic company called Com.X was starting up in the UK and I gave them my script at the Bristol comic convention. A few months later they rang one evening, said they loved it and wanted to publish it. That was my break. After Cla$$war gained some positive reviews 2000AD asked me if I’d like to write for them. My comic work then grew gradually over the years. But I was a professional journalist throughout my comics career. It wasn’t my sole source of income. I was already writing for a living.

Not too long ago, it was revealed that you’ve signed an exclusive contract with Marvel. It must be a pretty exciting time for you, right?

It’s been an exciting year. I’ve been a Marvel fan since I was a child, so getting a chance to tell stories within their universe, writing some of my favourite characters, has been an absolute blast. It’s been very busy and very challenging, but I’m enjoying it hugely. Marvel editorial really do push you to create the best stories you can. It’s a different level.

One of your first ongoing series’ with Marvel was of course Daken: Dark Wolverine. What would you to say to anyone who’s not yet picked up the title, and what can current readers expect to see in store for the son of Wolverine in the coming months?

Well, we’re a good way into the run now. I took Daken to Los Angeles in order to try and become its kingpin of crime, but he hasn’t found that as straightforward as he thought it would be. There’s a serial killer in Hollywood called The Claws Killer, and all signs point towards that being Daken. The thing is, he’s become addicted to a new drug called HEAT, and that is not only giving him blackouts but it’s shutting down his healing factor. We’ve had some fun guest starring moments from Taskmaster and Moon Knight and we’ve got an arc coming up co-starring The Runaways. So, it’s been fun. Nasty, violent, psychotic fun. I wanted the book to be a ‘Kingpin Of Crime: Year One’ type book. The villain as the protagonist.

Your run on Skaar: King of the Savage Land is also well under way. How’s it been working on that character in such a setting?

Skaar was a lot of over the top fun. How can it not be in a setting like The Savage Land? Devil Dinosaur and Moon Boy were the highlight. Every time they were in the script it seemed to lift the series due to the enormous silliness of the concept. That lends itself to comedy and crazy visuals. King Of The Savage Land was a hoot to write. Dinosaurs, aliens, pulp characters like Kid Colt and The Phantom Eagle, giant robots. You could really go for it.

What can you tell us about your upcoming work on the new Ghost Rider series? The recent #0.1 issue seemed to hint at a somewhat different status quo for the character.

By now you’ll have seen that Johnny Blaze is no longer the Ghost Rider. It’s passed on to a new character called Alejandra. An 18-year-old warrior girl who’s been trained her entire life to become the Ghost Rider. But there’s a huge amount of rage inside her and that’s bad news for the world. Johnny’s going to be forced into a mentor role that he’s really not best suited for. #5 & #6 focus on Alejandra and then #7 & #8 co-star Hawkeye in a crazed bike chase adventure. Like Skaar, it’s a fun series to write. The core concept begs for OTT action. #4 takes the Ghost Rider into space, which just seems perfect.

And how about Fear Itself: Uncanny X-Force with Simon Bianchi?

We finished up FI: Uncanny X-Force recently. Yeah, Simone was great to work with. There was some beautiful imagery that he was able to capture and the storyline was one which, hopefully, went to the heart of what X-Force is as a group. A kill crew. I wanted to write a story about the moral question of the group’s existence. What did that say about superheroes in general. Plus lots of action and explodo, obviously.

The Iron Age recently kicked off with something of an explosive and shocking start to say the least. What can you tell us about the series and where things are going from here?

Well, due to my being appallingly late with these answers the series has now finished. But it was a huge amount of fun for several reasons. Being able to play with so many Marvel characters in classic storylines, getting to collaborate with so many top talents. Art-wise, I had Rebbekah Isaacs, Ben Oliver and Roberto De La Torre drawing my issues, and as a writing team there was people like Christos Gage, Jan Van Meter, Louise Simonson. I got to write Iron Man, Captain Britain, the classic ‘new’ Uncanny X-Men lineup – characters like Nightcrawler and Dark Phoenix. It was a bit of a dream job. The type of storyline that spoke to my inner Marvel fanboy from years gone past. Hopefully that sense of fun translated to the end product.

Did delving into the past of so many Marvel characters leave you feeling pretty pressurised to live up to the expectations of long-time fans?

Not really. I was aware of it, of course, but I weirdly felt a bit naive about that kind of pressure. I just wanted to tell the best story I could. If you let yourself get bogged down by the pressures of writing classic characters you’d never get anything done.

Talking of Captain Britain, is that a character you’d like the chance to work with again? I know a lot of people really enjoyed your work with him in Deadpool Team Up, not to mention the excitement of seeing him in The Iron Age!

Definitely. The Alan Moore/Alan Davis Cap Britain run is one of my favourite comics and I’ve got a huge soft spot for the character and his look as a result. I’d jump at the chance to write more Cap. I’m not sure there’s currently a market for a Cap Britain title right now. Paul Cornell’s MI:13 was highly praised but, despite that, the sales just weren’t there. There’s a line of thinking that U.S. comic fans aren’t interested in buying a book about British characters. That’s a shame. But maybe I can crowbar Cap in somewhere down the road.

One other thing you’ve got coming up outside of Marvel is a Robocop/Terminator series. What can you tell us about that exactly?

It’s called Kill Human and is drawn by 2000AD and Battlefield’s PJ Holden. I’m really pleased with the storyline. It starts in the far future where mankind is wiped out and Robocop finds himself re-awakened in a museum. From there he travels back to the time of T2 in an effort to try and save history. So it’s Robocop vs. the T1000. And then the timeline does change and we go in a completely new direction. I was working on the proof of the final issue last week and it’s a really strong comic, I think. The type of thing that would make a great movie.

Although you’re working on a pretty diverse range of characters right now, is there anyone else in particular you’d like to write you’ve not yet had chance to?

Got to say, I’ve written an awful lot of Marvel characters in the last year and a half and I’m pretty happy with who I’ve had the chance to get my mits on. I supposed I’ve not written Daredevil yet. That might be fun. I’m such a fan of the classic Frank Miller run.

Have you had a chance to check out any of this years big comic book movies yet? Any in particular that you’re looking forward to seeing in future?

I saw Thor and really enjoyed it. Thought it was a fun, nicely handled movie that could’ve easily been something camp. The tone was great, and the Asgard stuff, which was a difficult line to tread, was really good. Plus, the core of the story was two brothers fighting over their father’s love. That’s pretty brave for a summer blockbuster.

Didn’t get to see Cap, which was a shame. I was looking forward to it. I’ve got two young kids so cinema visits are pretty infrequent. Green Lantern, I must admit, the trailers put me off. Maybe I’ll see it on DVD.

I’m ridiculously excited about The Avengers and I’m sure Nolan’s next Batman movie will be great. Man Of Steel is an intriguing one. The casting choices have been great and Nolan’s involvement is reassuring. I can’t help but think that Zach Snyder’s a very odd choice for director. Just the wrong tone for a Superman movie. But, we’ll see. I hope I’m proved wrong. I’d love to see a bloody great Superman movie.

Sep 19 2011

Nick Cato’s Suburban Grindhouse Memories Column on CKF

Nick Cato’s current column “Suburban Grindhouse Memories” column at Cinema Knife Fight (www.cinemaknifefight.com).

June, 1989. I see an ad in the NY Daily News for what promises to be a real wild one. I venture out of the safety of my suburban neighborhood (alone) and hit the still-sleazy pre-Guiliani Times Square for what would be my final visit to the famed area before it was cleansed a few years later. Getting off the train around 36^th Street, I see a huge billboard poster for “Lady Terminator,” and attempted to peel it off. No luck. I was offered weed and other substances at least five times during my eight-block trek uptown to the theater. One guy claimed to have switchblades. I kept walking, keeping my eyes straight ahead, hoping I made it to the theater in one piece.

Man, do I miss the old NYC.

“Lady Terminator” played solo, a rarity for a Times Square feature at that time. I attended an afternoon showing, and the place had at least a dozen people in attendance…yet I was thrilled about ten minutes into the film when screams and comments were flying as loudly as any midnight screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” could hope for.

Check out the plot of this Indonesian import: An anthropology student named Tania Wilson (played by the beautiful Barbara Ann Constable in her ONLY credited role) becomes possessed by some ancient queen—while exploring her underwater lair. In a surreal/dream-like sequence, Tania finds herself swimming one second then tied to a huge bed the next. An eel-like creature wiggles up the sheets and into her vagina, causing her to become possessed. She soon emerges on shore (stark naked) and interrupts a lame drinking party where she wastes a couple of losers. After taking one of their leather jackets (yeah, this follows “The Terminator” (1984) quite closely at this point), she begins an all-out attack that’d make Hurricane Irene green with envy. While it’s never clear why this ancient sea witch is bent on revenge, the audience (and I) really didn’t care. Tania (aka the Lady Terminator) goes Tottally Balistic, creating a body count ten miles high via machine guns and a couple of brutal sex scenes (Remember the tag line: “She mates…then she Terminates!” One blurb that lives up to its promise).

Why this woman is turned into a cyborg-type revenge creature by an ancient sea witch is anyone’s guess, but that’s not even a quarter of a quarter of the flaws in this insanely ridiculous action romp. And when Tania starts her killing spree, you’ll either overlook these flaws, ride with it and have the greatest time of your trash film life, or shut the DVD off and continue to be a dullard (This film is actually playing in NYC at a rare screening in a couple of weeks—I’m freaking out that I can’t attend— hence the inspiration for this week’s column).

What put the crowd into a screaming frenzy were several repeated scenes, especially one of Tania spraying a group of military men with machine gun fire: that had to be shown at least five times. I’m guessing this saved the film crew from having to shoot from different angles? Either way, this is the type of thing that makes “so-bad-they’re-good” movies memorable.

I’m a big fan of the original “Terminator.” But, I can sit through “Lady Terminator” a thousand more times without being bored, as it contains more car chases, explosions, gore, violence, nudity and sheer insanity than a dozen low budget rip-offs combined. (It should be noted that star Barbara Ann Constable is also credited as doing the make-up for the film, too).

The most amazing aspect of “Lady Terminator” is it’s ability to entertain to the core, despite a plot that’s all over the place (or not even there, depending on who you talk to), dialogue that’s beyond inept, and question after question after question and confusion on top of confusion. Somehow this pile of Indonesian trash works. It’s a true miracle of low-budget filmmaking that I’ve been contemplating for the past twenty-two years, made worse by my second viewing via a VHS screening in the early 90s.

I think I’m finally ready to seek this out on DVD…although when I do it’ll be hard not to toss it in the DVD player for weekly viewings.

“Lady Terminator” was one of the greatest exploitation films I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing on the big screen with my fellow Noo Yawk trash hounds at the near-end of the genuine grindhouse era.

I think I’m gonna go cry now…

Dec 23 2010

Director Screens Film in January

NEHW member Nathan Wrann will be screening his film, Burning Inside, at the Somerville Theater on Wednesday, Jan. 5. The film is part of the theater’s monthly screening series, All Things Horror Presents.

The Somerville Theater is located at 55 Davis Square in Somerville, MA. For more information about the theater, check out the venue’s website, www.somervilletheatreonline.com.

Burning Inside is an exploration of the intertwined nature of revenge and memory.

Burning Inside is the second feature from Wrann and his production company, Dalton Gang Productions. The production company was founded in 2006 by Wrann and his wife, Kimberly Dalton. They started the production company because they were dissatisfied with the caliber of modern independent horror movies and cult thrillers. They set out to create the kind of underground movies they would like to see. They want those movies to be literate and thought provoking in plot, brutal and unrelenting in tension.

Burning Inside is the first film distributed by Channel Midnight Releasing (www.channelmidnight.com), the new distribution label from respected cult filmmaker James Felix McKenney (Canniballistic!, Hypothermia) and producers Lisa Wisely (Automatons, Satan Hates You) and Chase Tyler of The Work Room Productions. The trailer is available at http://youtu.be/n6SLeg1STCU
Wrann is an independent filmmaker out of West Haven, Connecticut. He shot the film entirely in Connecticut. For more information about Wrann and his production company, check out the website www.daltongang-productions.com.

There will be a Q & A with director/producer Nathan Wrann after the showing. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased either at the door or online at http://www.allthingshorroronline.net. Doors open at 7:30 pm. For more information call (617) 869-3690 or email allthingshorroronline@yahoo.com

Jason Harris Promotions

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