"We're Back Baby!" Futurama Cast Members Returning To Show!

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Variety

This one's hot off the press!

Everyone can put away their weapons of mass destruction and cancel their plans to burn the offices of the Fox network to the ground! The original voice actors of the animated television series "Futurama", including Katey Sagal, Maurice LaMarche and Tress MacNeille, have just inked a deal to return to the series for it's second run. Billy West and John DiMaggio have not yet signed on, but are expected to do so shortly.

Two weeks ago it was announced that the actors and 20th Century Fox, who produced the series initial run and will produce the new episodes for Comedy Central, had come to an impasse in contract negotiations. It was revealed that the studio wanted to reduce the salaries of the actors along with other costs to make the series 'cost-effective' for a cable television run.

Last weekend, at the San Diego Comic Con, there was a special panel about the rebirth of the show, and none of the cast were in attendence, leading fans to believe that they wouldn't return to the series.

Via numerous internet sites, several cast members expressed their frustration with the contract negotiations, but vowed to return to the series stating that somehow everything would get worked out. And it did.

In conjunction with the signings, Fox has canceled their casting calls for replacement actors.

It has been learned that the actors were asking for less than their original salaries, which is reportedly $75,000 per episode, to return to the series. What ever that figure was, it is apparent that they had to settle for even less money to make the deal work.

This is the best possible news! I was really bummed when I learned that Billy West, Katey Sagal and company, were not expected to return.

Now I can be happy about the return of "Futurama" again!

Honestly, I think it was MIN's new banner that turned the tide! I'll go ahead and leave it up until Billy West and John DiMaggio sign......just in case.

Great Zombie Jesus!

See Also: Bad News Everyone! Futurama Voice Actors Unlikely To Return For New Series / Good News Everyone! Fox And Comedy Central Order 26 New Episodes Of Futurama / Wizard World Texas Scores The Premiere Of Futurama Bender’s Game / Futurama: The Beast With A Billion Backs Trailer / Futurama Series 2 Action Figure Set / Futurama: The Beast With A Billion Backs

Baack's Hardcore Bigfoot Babes....With Guns!

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: James Baack / Avery Guerra

Over the past few months I have learned quite a few things about "Bloody Rage of Bigfoot" director James Baack. The indie film maker loves Bigfoot, gore, crazy ass clowns, Illinois Bigfoot groups and lovely ladies.

Today, I learned yet another thing about James, he really, really, really loves girls with guns. Yes, he's one of those guys.

Now, I get it, hot girls with 'big f***ing guns'. It's like hot girls posed with cars, or boats, or, heck, anything guy related. The best of both worlds, I get it.

Recently Baack launched a website featuring his two leading ladies, Andrea Hutchison and Tina Boivin , called "The House of Sin". At the present moment it is nothing more than dozens of pictures of the two lovely actresses posing with guns. There's even one with both Andrea and Tina pulling there 'big guns' out on Baack himself. I'm sure that one got him all worked up.

Honestly he would be getting more hits if he worked the "girl on girl fun" angle, but I'm certain that the "girls with guns" stuff probably works as well.

Oh, and remember guys, this film is in 3D!

Here's a copy of the letter James sent me, that pretty much sums up what's been going on in "Bloody Bigfoot Babes With Guns Land":

We had a great shoot last Tuesday, Totally Blood-Soaked. Unfortunately, I got a bit injured during the shoot.
I bruised 2 ribs but it's all in the name of art.

At this point we are at about the halfway point of our production. We have about 20 hours of film and footage that needs to be chopped down to about 45 min.

We have a HUGE scene to do this coming Sunday. We will be shooting on a small farm near the Illinois / Wisconsin border in a little town called Antioch. There we will be filming our "pre-title" sequence where we introduce the audience to "Satantha" and "Loosey-Fur".

If it all goes as planed, we should have the most intense and disturbing scene of the entire film.

Speaking of "Satantha" and "Loosey-Fur", their website is now up and running. It is called "The House of Sin."

Right now it is still in the "infant" stages. We have a lot more photos to upload as well as getting the store started.
http://www.jamesbaack.com/house_of_sin.html

Meanwhile, please enjoy these sample pictures of the "Demonic-Duo" as well as two characters from the film: "Kasha" and "Gosha". Brilliantly played by our lovely actresses Karolina and Alicja Ziecina. You see see them at work in our "Teaser Trailer #2." Also featured is our young actress Allison Gascon. Who plays an "innocent" at a teen-age girls sleep-over early in the film.

Here is the sexy 'girls with guns' action shots:

See Also: The Bloody Rage Of Bigfoot - Censored For Your Protection / Satantha And Loosey-Fur The Two Wicked Witches From The Bloody Rage Of Bigfoot / Satantha Cuts Through The News - The Bloody Rage Of Bigfoot / The Bloody Rage Of Bigfoot (3D) - Beauty And The Beast....Well, More Like Beauty Is The Beast.. / The First Look At Demonfoot From The Bloody Rage Of Pigfoot...I Mean Bigfoot / The Bloody Rage Of Bigfoot - New Trailer And Filming News / The Bloody Rage Of Bigfoot - Bigfoot Revealed! / The First Image Of The Monster From The Bloody Rage Of Bigfoot / The First Publicity Stills From The Bloody Rage Of Bigfoot / The Bloody Rage Of Bigfoot Trailer And Teaser Poster / James Baack Is Conjuring Up A Bloody Bigfoot Movie In 3D

Is There Another Gremlins Movie On The Horizon?

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: JoBlo / Avery Guerra

It would only stand to reason with so many movie franchises from the 80s and 90s being resurrected these days, namely "Alien", "Predator" and "Ghostbusters", that eventually someone would turn their eyes once again to "Gremlins". And why not? The first two films were very-good 'family-friendly' monster movies, with cuter-than-cute critters who turn into nasty teenagers.....um, monsters.

What a better marketing idea, than to have store shelves filled with cute Gizmo related merchandise just in time for Christmas.....or Easter.

Now, is there a "Gremlins 3" in our future? Well, that depends on who you talk to.

On one hand you have the director of the original "Gremlins", Joe Dante, who recently told Empire magazine, that he has heard about the film being made:

"I hear they're going to make another one soon. I can see why - it would be stupid to let that title go to waste. The actors from the first two are too old to do a proper sequel, so I'm sure when the new one arrives it will be a remake of the original."

Then there is "Gremlins" creator, Chris Columbus, who swears on a stack of Holy Books, that he don't know nuttin about no new movie!:

"I haven't heard about it. If they do the monsters with CGI, I don't know if it would be the same. They should go back and do it with puppets again, though at this point I wouldn't be interested in being involved."

Now, if there were to be a new "Gremlins" movie in the works, then you would think Chris would be savvy to it. Then again maybe he knows stuff he can't talk about.

I think that both parties are on to something though. If there is going to be a new film, it will probably be a remake, and if said remake is made, it will, sadly, feature CGI critters instead of lovable puppets.

Bikini Monsters Scare Up Some Press In St Petersburg And Tampa - Exclusive New Photos!

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Terence Muncy / Nicolas Cuti / Avery Guerra

We all have our own personal idea of what the girls in Florida are like. A vision of the ultra-hot females that are regulary seen on travel shows, in the pages of men's magazines and in videos sold via late night infomercials. Girls who spend all day on the beach, tanning their bodies, before they run off to wild nightclubs where they flash their huge breasts for drunk horny guys (some of them with video cameras).

Well, director Terence Muncy wants to throw a monkey-wrench into that fantasy with his new film entitled, "Bikini Monsters".

Sure there are ultra-hot girls in bikinis in it, though, they have been turned into blood-thirsty mutants by a crazed scientist with a mermaid fetish.

Hey, they are still ultra-hot.......well, parts of them still are.

Apparently when you are on the beach in either Tampa or St. Petersburg with a bunch of girls in bikinis, who aren't posing for photos or filming a travel video, and are painted green and have fangs, then you tend to get attention, even media attention.

This past week, newspapers in both Tampa and St. Petersburg ran articles about Muncy and his "Bikini Monsters" movie production. (see below)

Lucky thing for Muncy was that he was filming in Florida, instead of here in California. You could walk around Los Angeles with a bunch of crazy looking bikini girls and no one would even notice.

Hey, have you ever been to Venice Beach? I rest my case.

Here are a copy of the articles, plus another exclusive photo from "Bikini Monsters":

See Also: It's Bikini Monster Girls Gone Wild! / Bikini Monsters - Posters, Behind The Scenes And Make Up Tests Oh My

Pirates Of The Caribbean 4 Starting To Get Some Wind Behind It's Sails

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Variety

It's looks like Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean 4" may yet sail. It appeared that earlier this year that plans for a fourth film in the mega-popular movie franchise had sunk into the depths of 'Davey Jones Locker' when director Gore Verbinski opted out of the film to work on the movie adaptation of the video game "Bioshock" for Universal studios.

Now, "The Mouse Factory" is on the verge of hiring Rob Marshall as the new director and has even gone as far as to begin casting new characters for the film. Over the past few months producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney have been mulling over potential directors and now seem to have found their right man for the job in Marshall, whose resume includes the Oscar-winning musical “Chicago”.

The studio is in somewhat of a hurry to begin production on "Pirates 4", wanting to get it in the can before actor Johnny Depp is set to film "The Lone Ranger", which is also being produced by Bruckheimer, also for Disney, in late 2010.

Though, Marshall has not officially signed on, studio executives consider it a 'done-deal'.

Actress Elske McCain Unexpectedly Dropped From Breath Of Hate

Written By: Elske McCain

I was both shocked and saddened to discover that I had been fired from playing the part of Hailey in Sean Cain's soon to be filmed "Breath of Hate" (Scheduled to begin shooting on August 7, 2009).

After 6 months of a positive and productive collaboration with Sean on the development of the film - a collaboration in which we communicated about the film on almost a daily basis - it came as a complete surprise to me that he no longer wanted me involved with the film just a week before we were scheduled to begin shooting.

It is a surprise that is taking its toll twofold:

From a business standpoint, I am naturally upset because of the hundreds of hours I spent working with Sean in an effort to bring this project to fruition. Sean announced publicly that I would be taking the part of Hailey in early July, and since then I have poured my heart and soul into the project.

But it is the personal affront that truly saddens me. When I woke this morning it was to a terse, two sentence email from his line producer that read :

Hi Elske,

Based on our conversation earlier and previous conversations with myself and the other producers it seems that you are disappointed with your role in the film. Therefore the producers and I have decided that it is best that we recast the part of Hailey. Thank you for your time and interest.
Tina

Her implication is odd to say the least since just two days before on Monday, July 27, I posted an open letter on Facebook to fans and industry persons telling them how excited I was to be playing the part of Hailey. It read :

Hey Everybody -

Just wanted everyone to know that everything is OK in Elske's world. Of course, I was disappointed to learn today that I did not receive the lead role of "Love" in Sean Cain's Breath of Hate. But hey....that's show business and I'm sure that the Director and Producers had their reasons for picking their lead actress.
As for me, I am still looking forward to giving 110% of pure Elske to the project! I will be acting in the original role for which I was cast, the part of Hailey - which of course comes with its own special set of challenges. :)

Unfortunately, disappointment is the nature of this business, but it's still the best business in the world, and I can't wait to get on the set of Breath of Hate to make it the best horror film ever! (Besides Jessicka Rabid, of course.:)

Love and Kisses
Elske

It is interesting to note that alongside the email firing me was another email from Breath of Hate producer Wes Laurie who wrote :

Every actor involved with this project went through a process in which we either knew them or auditioned and got to know them, except you. I did not question Sean's judgement in wanting to cast you; he really thought you would be great as Hailey...

The rest of Wes' email was encouraging even though it appeared that he too might be a bit confused by Sean's sudden, and as yet, unexplained change of heart.

After reading those emails, I then discovered to my bewilderment, that Sean had disassociated himself from me on Facebook and Myspace and has now cut off all communication with me. I still have no explanation as to why.

This truly is a bizarre and hurtful turn-of-events, made all the more difficult because I look to Sean as a friend, a mentor, a peer, and a confidant - I still do, and that is what makes this experience so terribly sad.

See Also: Killer Biker Chicks Premiere August 29th In Las Vegas / Elske McCain Heats Up Tucson In Her Bikini - Jessicka Rabid DVD Details / Debbie Gets Slimed, Elske Burns Up Her Camera Phone And Scarlet Is A Graveyard Girl / Elske McCain Set To Star In Breath Of Hate

Warner Bros Begins Production On The Losers

Source: Warner Bros

Principal photography is under way on Dark Castle Entertainment's action adventure "The Losers." The film is based on the comic book series published under DC Comics' Vertigo imprint, and is being directed by Sylvain White ("Stomp the Yard").

"The Losers" features an ensemble cast that includes Jeffrey Dean Morgan ("The Watchmen"), Zoe Saldana ("Star Trek"), Chris Evans ("Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer"), Idris Elba ("Obsessed," "RocknRolla"), Columbus Short ("Stomp the Yard," upcoming "Whiteout"), Holt McCallany ("Vantage Point"), Oscar Jaenada ("Che: Part Two") and Jason Patric ("In the Valley of Elah").

An explosive tale of double cross and revenge, "The Losers" centers upon the members of an elite U.S. Special Forces unit sent into the Bolivian jungle on a search and destroy mission. The team--Clay (Morgan), Jensen (Evans), Roque (Elba), Pooch (Short) and Cougar (Jaenada)--find themselves the target of a lethal betrayal instigated from inside by a powerful enemy known only as Max (Patric). Presumed dead, the group makes plans to even the score when they're joined by the mysterious Aisha (Saldana), a beautiful operative with her own agenda. Working together, they must remain deep undercover while tracking the heavily-guarded Max, a ruthless man bent on embroiling the world in a new high-tech global war.

Sylvain White directs "The Losers" from a screenplay by Peter Berg ("Friday Night Lights") and James Vanderbilt ("Zodiac"), based upon comic books written by Andy Diggle and illustrated by Jock. The film is being produced by Joel Silver ("Orphan," the "Matrix" trilogy) and Academy Award(R)-winning screenwriter Akiva Goldsman ("A Beautiful Mind," "I Am Legend").

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes White's "Stomp the Yard" director of photography Scott Kevan and editor David Checel, as well as production designer Aaron Osborne ("Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang"), Oscar(R)-nominated visual effects supervisor Richard Yuricich ("Blade Runner," "Mission: Impossible II") and costume designer Magali Guidasci ("AVP: Alien vs. Predator").

"The Losers" will shoot entirely on location in Puerto Rico. The film is scheduled for an April 2010 release and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Bridget Moynahan Joins The Cast Of Battle Los Angeles

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Variety

Actress Bridget Moynahan has just signed on to star opposite Aaron Eckhart in the upcoming alien invasion film, "Battle Los Angeles".

The film, which being described as a west coast, "Cloverfield", follows a group of marines who attempt to defend the city of Los Angeles from an alien attack. From that it can be assumed that the action will be documented by a mounted camera on one of the marines, "Cloverfield" style.

"Battle Los Angeles" is being directed by Jonathan Liebesman from a script penned by Chris Bertolini. Filming is set to begin later this fall for a 2010 release.

Interestingly enough, though the film is set in Los Angeles, it is actually being filmed in Baton Rouge and Shreveport, Louisiana. Columbia pictures has set up production offices in both cities in preparation for filming in the fall. The studio cited both the poor economic conditions in California and new film making tax incentives in Louisiana for the reasons for the relocation of the project.

Killer Biker Chicks Premiere August 29th In Las Vegas

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Chad Clinton (Via Facebook)

I just wanted to post this item as a correction to the information that I had posted in several articles about the film, "Killer Biker Chicks" and in a few regarding actress Scarlet Salem. In those articles I stated that the world premiere was slated to happen back on July 4th, that info was erroneous. Although the date was listed on IMDB it was false. My apologies for that.

My first clue that something was wrong with that date, came when both actresses Scarlet Salem and Elske McCain contacted me and asked if their film had premiered without them even being notified.

Here is the 'real' scoop on the world premiere of "Killer Biker Chicks":

Killer Biker Chicks World Premiere Screening
Saturday August 29th, 2009 - 8PM
The Bunkhouse
124 S 11th Street
Las Vegas, NV

Live performances by:
Yeller Bellies
Quint and the Cowpunk Calamity
Lucky Cheats
The X-Girlfriend Experience

Looks like a part movie premiere, part music festival. Sounds like a lot of fun!

Here is the plot:

Killer Biker Chicks are hot women who live out in the desert and flirt with sex, drugs, rock&roll and murder.

These are the girls your mother warned you about.

See Also: "Stripper Wanted!" For Strip Club Slasher Movie / A Crazed Scarlet Salem - Lizzy Borden Has Nothing On You / Horrirfying New Photos Of Scarlet Salem By H Morgan / Scarlet Salem - Gothic Never Looked So Sexy / More Hot and Sexy Photos Of Scarlet Salem / David Byron Takes A Look At Modern Femme Fatales In Queens Of Scream: The New Blood / Strip Club Slasher Poster, Casting and Photos Of Scarlet Salem / A Different Kind Of 4th Of July Fireworks - Killer Biker Chicks / The Many Looks Of Scarlet Salem - Blond Or Redhead? / Heat Up Your Memorial Day Weekend With A Little Scarlet Salem / Terror Overload - Tales From Satan's Truck Stop Premiere Info And Pics / There Is Some True Grind House Being Made In Minnesota / The Many Faces Of Scarlet Salem - Plenty Of Fooling Around

Elske McCain Heats Up Tucson In Her Bikini - Jessicka Rabid DVD Details / Debbie Gets Slimed, Elske Burns Up Her Camera Phone And Scarlet Is A Graveyard Girl / Elske McCain Set To Star In Breath Of Hate

The Making Of Gathering Of Heroes: Legend Of The Seven Swords

Sources: Mark Grove / Avery Guerra

How it started: Mark Grove met Jon Firestone on the 2005 *-horror film “The Shadow Walkers”. Mark directed the film and he brought Jon on as a 2nd unit director of photography to shoot all of the action sequences in the film. Mark was also serving as the stunt coordinator and special effects supervisor and Jon was pulling double duty as the visual effects supervisor. It was while entrenched in the battlefield of low-budget filmmaking that these two men gained a great respect for one another. After Shadow Walkers completed, Mark was set to direct a feature he wrote called “Prime Evil: Spirits of the Fallen”, for the same investor who financed the Shadow Walkers film. The Prime Evil script was still being finalized when the investor received another script that he decided to produce first. Mark changed gears and prepared to direct the comedy-horror film “MIDNIGHT SUN” about backwoods vampires. The script was very mediocre and filled with low-brow comedic gags, but Mark was dedicated to turning it into something fun, so he renamed it “Red Neck” and worked with the writer to develop the story further. The writer wasn’t very supportive of Mark’s changes and the producer was adamant about letting the writer maintain creative control of the script. Mark knew this was film was headed for disaster, but his concerns went unheard. Jon Firestone was brought onto this film as well. Jon would once again serve in the camera department and be involved in visual effects. The production went to Los Angeles for a casting session as many of the supporting roles were cast, but the primary roles were proving harder to fill because the script was not enticing to the level of actors we needed to make the film marketable. As we grew closer to our start date, we had still not acquired our leads and the distributor cautioned us that without name actors the film was destined for failure. It was then that the producer pulled the plug…Red Neck was no more.

A meeting of the minds: With Red Neck at the wayside, Mark had decided to approach Jon Firestone with a new proposition. They met at a local restaurant and Mark gave Jon his pitch. A fantasy film. Mark had always wanted to make a film in the vein of Dungeons and Dragons. To Mark’s surprise, Jon was immediately sold on the idea. It turned out that Jon was equally interested in the same genre and had even developed a script called “Honor Bound” which he was set to direct with his twin brother, Heath Firestone. Unfortunately, the company he had owned with his brother, Firestone Studios, had recently been dissolved and he and his brother we no longer working together. It seemed like fate had brought them together at the perfect time. In 1999 Mark started a film related company with his partner Trygve Lode called Asgard Entertainment, but its primary focus was to provide stunt and special effects services to film and television and had never produced any projects under its own banner. That was about to change. Jon became a partner in Asgard Entertainment and the transition from services company to production company began.

The filmmakers: Mark Grove has owned and operated Martial Arts studios since 1983 and has worked in the film business since 1989. Mark began his career as an actor and stuntman. He apprenticed under veteran stuntman Lars Lundgren and began learning all aspects of stunts and special effects. Since that time he has gone on to work in the industry as a Stunt Coordinator, Special Effects Supervisor, Pyrotechnician, Firearms Handler, Prosthetics Make Up Artist, Historical Consultant, Writer, Editor, Director, and Producer. Mark maintains a full team of stuntplayer/actors and special effects personnel that he has personally trained.

Jon Firestone has been a filmmaker in Colorado for over 10 years. Specializing in compositing and #D animation, Jon Firestone used his knowledge to create the MAYA animation program for the Colorado Film School in the late 90’s. Since that time he has been applying his skills in the industry on a variety of film and television projects. One of the foremost authorities on the RED camera, Jon has written many in-depth articles for magazines about the camera’s technology and use.

Together, these two form a complete package. Physical prowess and technical knowhow.

Developing a story: Mark and Jon began tossing story ideas around. They came to agree on three things. First, the story needed to be based in a fantasy world of their own creation. Second, it should have an ensemble cast that represented different races and professions that audiences could connect with. Third, it would involve an antagonist that could summon the dead. The working title would be “Gathering of Heroes: Legion of the Dead”. Although they collaborated on the story concepts, Mark was given the chore of actually writing the script. The first draft began to take shape and various group readings led to numerous rewrites.

Visualization: During the process, Mark and Jon decided to shoot a bit of pre-visualization footage. Taking out a Sony Z1U HDV camera, they shot a variety of scenes focused on some of the characters in the script. No dialogue, just action and visual effects sequences to test their ideas. The footage turned out awesome and was indeed inspirational, but in the end, Mark and Jon were not content with the specific characters that were to become the heroes and villains in the film. Back to the drawing board.

Story realization: With a complete revamp of the characters, the script took its final form and was re-titled “Gathering of Heroes: Legend of the Seven Swords”. But having the script in place did not mean the film could go into production. Now was the time to find financing…the hardest part of the filmmaking process.

Building the company: One of the primary pieces of the puzzle arrived in December 2007. The RED camera. High definition HD with the combined benefit of using film lenses. This camera was going to change the industry…and Asgard now owned one. Asgard had also acquired a 5 ton grip truck from Universal studios, and lots of lighting equipment as it prepared to become Colorado’s leader in feature film production. Mark and Jon kept focused on the Gathering movie while attempting to survive in the industry by renting equipment and services to commercial productions.

An Angel investor: Mark and Jon were hired to go to Los Angeles to work on a concept piece for a big budget production of the top MMO roleplaying game on the planet. Mark was serving as a stunt/fight coordinator and Jon Firestone was a camera operator using Asgard’s RED camera. During that shoot, Mark and Jon met quite a few influential financing people and they pitched the concept of Gathering of Heroes. The pitch went very well and one of the financiers said they would be very interested in investing in the project. After various phone conversations and a few personal meetings, it looked like Gathering of Heroes was going to get a fairly large investment to make the film. Although the potential investment was considerable, it would still be very low budget for a epic fantasy piece, but Asgard had the advantage of owning all the high end equipment and editing facilities. Asgard also had its own in-house stunt and special effects teams, so they were content to move forward despite the limited funding. At that point, another investor with a smaller amount of capital also came forward. The smaller capital was immediately available so Mark and Jon decided to use it to fund the creation of costumes, weapons, props, and anything else related to the overall look of the film. With that process well under way, they received the news that the primary investor had changed their mind and would not be putting money into the film.

Choices to be made: With money already spent designing and creating the look of the film, Mark and Jon had some hard choices to make. Do they put everything in storage why they try to secure another investor, or do they move forward and make the film with virtually no budget? The answer was clear to them before the question was even asked. The show must go on. Mark and Jon called in all the favors they had both accumulated over the years. They gathered with cast and crew and explained that the shoot would happen despite the lack of funding. To their surprise, the vast majority of those involved stepped up and agreed to work on the project.

The Crew: Jon Firestone knew this wasn’t going to be a traditional shoot because the crew would be working on a volunteer basis, so they would be revolving. Mark and Jon knew this would make it difficult, but that was the situation. Most of our primary crew remained intact during the shoot, but when they offered higher paying jobs, they had to take them.

The Cast: The primary cast was made up of performers from the Asgard Action FX Team, most of which had performed in television and feature films in a stunt capacity. Because of this, they were all excited to become involved with a project that would allow them to put their acting skills to the test. A few local actors outside the team were also cast and were equally excited to be involved in the project.

The Shoot Begins: July 15th 2008 the shoot began at a Bishop castle in Beulah, Colorado that had been secured as one of the primary locations. After three days of non-stop shooting, they had amazing footage. This set the standard as the crew moved on to shoot for two at the Bear Creek Lake Park in Morrison, Colorado. Eight days in the dense mountains of Blackhawk, Colorado. Four days in the Pike National Forest in San Isabel, Colorado. Two days on private property in Littleton, Colorado. Two days at a series of caves and two days at a private ranch in Golden, Colorado. These 24 days allowed the production to capture most of the location shots. Next it was onto studio shoots on the Asgard green screen stage. Two of the rooms of the Bishop castle were recreated to accommodate three days of interior shots. The Bishop castle set was then removed and the green screen was utilized to shoot the interiors of the Deep Elven kingdom were shot for five days. Lastly, the most elaborate set was the interior rooms of the Grayraven castle which were shot for seven days. Now a total of 39 days were spent shooting Gathering of Heroes over three and an half months.

American Film Market: On November 1st, Mark and Jon accompanied their other partner Trygve Lode to the American Film Market in Santa Monica, California. Mark had been involved with AFM since 2003 with partners Trygve Lode and Darlene Cypser, actively selling movies to buyers throughout the world. Asgard took promotional posters to test the response of the buyers and it was far beyond their expectations. The interest in the film was almost universal as buyers visited the room in search of products for their prospective countries. The outlook was good.

Returning to Denver: Upon returning to Colorado, Mark and Jon began preparing to shoot the final scenes of the film, but various commercial projects took precedence over the in-house production. The Gathering film would have to wait until the beginning of the year.

When it rains, it pours: As the end of December drew near, a new film production came to Asgard Entertainment that would require all its attention. A full co-production with all of Asgard’s equipment and crew to be kept busy for 5 weeks of shooting and eight weeks of post production. Production was set to begin the last week of February 2009 and finish the last week of March. Post Production was set to be completed the first half of June. Once again, Gathering would have to take a back seat.

More growth: Asgard grew once again. The studio expanded to twice its size. Multiple HD edit suites, a Maya animation room, a multi-seat stadium theater, sound booth, graphic design room, and prop shop. All of this along with a large open production room and offices for key personnel.

The quest begins again: In June 2009, Asgard was once again free to focus its efforts on Gathering of Heroes. Pick up shots have taken the film over 50 days of principle photography and The post production process has progressed at great speed. The edit, the music, the sound effects, the visual effects… all coming together. Now, the film will be ready for distribution at the end of 2009/beginning of 2010.

The journey to making Gathering of Heroes was a long one, but it is a testament of what you can do if you strive forward with firm resolve. Mark Grove and Jon Firestone are simply two filmmakers who are focused on making feature films in Colorado. They live by a simple motto. “The best way to predict your future, is to create it yourself”.

The Future: With Gathering of Heroes near completion, Asgard Entertainment is already developing it’s next few projects. The next film on the table is “Rogue Space”, a sci-fi adventure with plenty of spaceships and aliens.

New Added Special Effects Push Wolfman Release Back To February

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Wenn

It appears that the release of "The Wolfman", starring Benicio del Toro, has been pushed back yet once again. The remake of the 1941 film, which starred Lon Chaney Jr., has now had it's release date changed a total of four times. Originally slated for a 2007 release, the film has suffered setbacks due to director changes and the unwillingness of Universal Studios to place the film up against other popular releases, now has been postponed due to new special effects being added.

Universal had recently planned to release "The Wolfman" in November, that was before they realised that the film would be going head-to-head against the "Twilight" sequel, "New Moon".

Feeling that a February 2010 release would be better for the film has given the production team time to go back in and add some new effects to the film. Mainly changing Del Toro's Wolfman from a monster on two legs, like Chaney's werewolf in the original, to one that travels around on four legs, like a 'real' wolf.

Now, being a fan of the original 1941 film, and the subsequent sequels produced by Universal in the 1940s, I think that this is a bad idea. There have been dozens of modern werewolf movies made over the past few decades were a human transforms into a savage wolf. I was really looking forward to seeing a character that was more like Chaney's.....and the publicity photos of Del Toro as a more 'human-like' Wolfman looked spectacular.

I'll be interested in seeing how fans react to this news.

See Also: Leaked Wolfman Trailer Hits The Net / Three New Teaser Posters For The Wolfman / Del Toro Makes One Hell Of A Good Looking Wolfman! / The Wolf Man (1941)(Universal)

Update And Behind The Scenes Photos For Fable: Teeth Of Beasts Starring Melantha Blackthorne

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Medicine Show Cinema / Melantha Blackthorne (via Facebook)

Back in late June I posted the poster for "Fable: Teeth of Beasts", an occult/sci fi film starring Melantha Blackthorne. At the time, there wasn't much info on the film, in fact it wasn't even listed on the Medicine Show Cinema, the company who is producing the film, website.

Since that time more information has surfaced and actress Melantha Blackthorne has posted some behind-the-scenes photos.

"Fable: Teeth of Beasts" is Medicine Show Cinema's first attempt at producing a 'big-budget' film with multiple locations, a large cast, epic story arc and high-end special effects. Prior to this effort both producer David R Williams and director Sean Michael Argo had been wallowing in the depths of ultra-low-budget horror films, something that the duo had long wanted to break free from.

Here is a description of the film, from the production companies website:

FABLE: TEETH OF BEASTS a dark fantasy epic seasoned with elements of film noir, cyber and steam punk, black magic, action, horror, and an ass-kicking female hero. Not to mention a white trash pregnant muscle car driving goddess of the desert, mythological creatures updated, one of the creepiest child molesters ever put on film, and Ouija board modding frankenscience witches.

The basic story? A demon seeks to destroy the city of Fable, a city that exists between the worlds of magic and science, reality and fantasy, the mundane and the amazing. One woman, the aforementioned ass-kicking Lilith Noir played by the beautiful and buxom Melantha Blackthorne stands between the demon and the end of the city she calls home.

Production on "Fable" began back in 2007 and is presently entered the editing stages. As of yet, no release date has been announced.

Here are a set of behind-the-scenes shots posted by actress Melantha Blackthorne:

See Also: The First Look At Melantha Blackthorne As Lilith Noir In Fable: Teeth Of Beasts

Kong: King Of Skull Island - The Mighty Ape Sequel

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: JoBlo / DeVito ArtWorks / Avery Guerra

Is there a more iconic monster in the history of American pop-culture than "King Kong"? Arguably not. The movie monster was a gigantic box office success back in 1933 and inspired countless movie makers around the globe, who-in-turn, went on to create their own iconic monster creations.

Indeed Kong will never die in the hearts and minds of movie fans and movie makers for decades to come.

Presently Spirit Pictures is working on a sequel/prequel to the classic film "King Kong" based on Joe DeVito and Brad Strickland's novel "Kong: King of Skull Island". The story takes place some twenty-five years after the monsters iconic fall off the Empire State Building, but ultimately tells the story of Kong's origins.

Here is a synopsis of the story from the book:

The story begins in 1957, twenty five years after King Kong’s fall from atop New York City’s Empire State Building. Following Kong's death, both Carl Denham and the body of Kong quickly vanished before any investigation could be launched, leaving rumor and speculation in their wake. Carl's son, Vincent, was left behind. He is now a paleontologist facing a spiritual dilemma, which has its seeds in the disappearance of his father. Upon a chance finding of the hidden Skull Island map, Vincent contacts Jack Driscoll, one of Kong's original captors. They piece together a plan and go to Skull Island in search of Carl Denham, King Kong, and an answer to questions spanning a quarter century.

During a disastrous landing attempt, Vincent is almost killed and Driscoll sets out to find his stricken friend. Upon waking in a dark cavern, Vincent finds himself being cared for by an enigmatic island elder and her young, exotically beautiful but ominous assistant, Kara. The ancient woman, who asks to be called "Storyteller," seems to possess extraordinary knowledge about Vincent and his father. She relates a story from a century earlier that Vincent half-hears and half-dreams through the haze of narcotic herbs kept burning to aid his recovery. Her tale hints at the true origin of the island’s culture and the mystery behind questions such as: Who built the Wall and how? If the Wall was built to keep Kong out, why are its doors big enough to let him in? How could such an island and its monstrous creatures still exist? The answers to those questions and more are all revealed.

Or are they?

While the Storyteller’s tale is sometimes confirmed, it is often refuted by the sights and experiences of Jack Driscoll. He stumbles upon pieces to Skull Island’s primordial history as he struggles to survive the various threats of the island and find his friend. When Driscoll and Vincent reunite, their experiences combine to determine just who the Storyteller and Kara are, what became of Carl Denham, the story behind King Kong and clues to the origins of Skull Island itself. As a result, their lives are all changed forever.

As the story unfolds against a fantastic prehistoric backdrop, woven throughout are themes of personal redemption and reconciliation. All the protagonists have a particular cross to bear: Vincent is on the brink, both emotionally and spiritually; Driscoll comes face to face with past fears and prejudices; in the wake of Kong's death, the lives and culture of the islanders themselves hang in the balance; and we find that Carl Denham's desperate attempt to assuage his conscience decades earlier had very unexpected consequences…

Mysteriously, everyone is inextricably bound to the Storyteller’s ancient tale. It tells of Islanders Ishara and Kublai, and their quest to escape a terrible fate which threatens both themselves and their people. That struggle has the power to reach across time and change the destiny of all - if they survive. For at the nexus of every event is the beast-god of Skull Island: KING KONG.

Sounds like a pretty cool story to make a film out of.

Details on this one are still a bit sketchy, but so far the producers have stated that it is planning on using state-of-the-art motion capture technology to create Kong and the other prehistoric residents of Skull Island.

Presently one of the production companies involved, Fantastic Films International, has the film listed as "King Kong: The Beginning" on their website. No word yet whether that is a 'working title' or not.

Also on a side note, it is the estate of Merian C. Cooper, not Universal Studios, who own the rights to "King Kong", contrary to popular belief.

This is the main reason why there have been so many Kong related films produced over the decades including, "Konga", "Queen Kong", "King Kong's Fist", "King of Kong Island" and "King Kong Lives."

Here are some illustrations from the novel "Kong: King of Skull Island:


See Also: 3D Animation Bonanza - King Kong And Killer Beans / Steve Bissette Creates Special Artwork For New Hampshire Screening Of King Kong vs Godzilla / King Kong And Godzilla Invade The London Subway / King Kong vs Godzilla (1962)(Toho) / Nerdoh Is Producing Movie Inspired T-Shirts In The UK / King Kong, Godzilla And The Creature From The Black Lagoon At The Rose Parade / King Kong vs Godzilla: Trailer / Universal Fire: King Kong & Godzilla Up In Smoke? / Kingukongu no gyakushu / King Kong Escapes (1967)

New Information On Aya Kiguchi And Robo-Geisha

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Japan Today

Readers here at Monster Island News may be all to familiar with the film "Robo-Geisha", do mostly to the out of this world trailer for the film that I posted here on the site at the beginning of the month.

Well, the Japanese press has now begun following the film, centering their attention mostly on 23 year-old, pin-up queen, Aya Kiguchi, who is following in the footsteps of Yumiko Shako and Eriko Sato, by making the transition from model to Sci Fi actress.

In conjunction with this new interest in the film, the makers of "Robo-Geisha" have released the following synopsis for the film:

Yoshie (Aya Kiguchi)is the younger sister and attendant of a geisha (Hitomi Hasegawa). One day, the sisters are invited to a dinner party by a customer, the son of the president of Kageno Iron Corporation (Takumi Saito). They are kidnapped and then trained to be assassins by the company president. Yoshie, who shows promise as an assassin, then begins to doubt the motives of the group.

Okay, that synopsis made me laugh.

If you've seen the trailer for "Robo-Geisha", then you know why. If not check it out here - Gonzo Movie Trailers From Japan - Vampire Girl vs Frankenstein Girl & Robo-Geisha

Does that description match what we are seeing in the preview? It may be a basic idea of what the story is, but it's a bit watered-down to say the least.

Seems that they forgot to mention that after Yoshie is captured she is turned into a cyborg, who can transform in to a tank and has razor sharp saw blades that come out of her mouth....plus about a zillion other things.

Oh, and don't forget the swords that come out of girls butts and the acidic breast milk thing. Hard to forget those.

From the released description, you would think that "Robo-Geisha" is your typical action film, which it is definitely not!

See Also: Gonzo Movie Trailers From Japan - Vampire Girl vs Frankenstein Girl & Robo-Geisha

Jennifer Love Hewitt Launches Comic Book Series

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: WENN

The shapely Jennifer Love Hewitt has done a lot of things, she is an actress, model and chart topping vocalist. Now you can add, comic book publisher to the list as well.

Hewitt has teamed with IDW Publishing, publishers of the "Transformers" and "GI Joe" comic book series, for the release of her own horror graphic novel, "The Music Box."

The novel centers around a possessed music box, which causes strange events to happen to anyone who comes in contact with it.

The actress, who is no stranger to the horror genre, is very proud of her creation and hopes that it will give fans a good scare.

Hewitt explains, “The chance to create my very own comic, and a horror/thriller at that, is like a very fun nightmare come true. I’ve always been fascinated by the notion that an inanimate object can hold as much malevolent energy as a human being can. And when the two meet, or are at cross purposes, very bad things can happen. I’m so proud of 'The Music Box' and can’t wait for people to read it... with the lights on, of course!”

"The Music Box" will hit store shelves in November.

See Also: Sci Fi Acquires Ghost Whisperer, Star Trek TNG, Charmed And Mork & Mindy

SyFy Announces Air Date For Caprica

Source: NBC / Universal

Syfy has announced the airdate for its highly-anticipated upcoming series Caprica. On Friday, January 22, 2010 @ 9 PM, the show will kick off with a 2-hour premiere and will air regularly on subsequent Fridays @ 10 PM.

Humanity's storyline takes completely new twists with Caprica, which follows two rival families and their patriarchs, Daniel Graystone (Eric Stoltz) and Joseph Adama (Esai Morales), as they compete and thrive in the vibrant realm of the 12 Colonies, a society recognizably close to our own. This original, standalone series will feature the passion, intrigue, political backbiting, and family conflict in an omnipotent society that is at the height of its blind power and glory…and, unknowingly, on the brink of its fall.

Caprica also stars Paula Malcomson (Amanda Graystone), Polly Walker (Sister Clarice Willow), Magda Apanowicz (Lacy) and Alessandra Torresani (Zoe Graystone). The series is from Universal Cable Productions and is executive produced by Ronald D. Moore, David Eick and Jane Espenson. Jeffrey Reiner (Friday Night Lights) directed the pilot.

See Also: Battlestar Galactica And V Coming To The Big Screen Retro Style?! / Tricia Helfer Talks Galactica And Burn Notice With The Media / USA Launches Second Online Game Based On Burn Notice / Galactica Prequel Caprica To Premiere On DVD / iPhone Users Can Now Download Their Own Cylon Detector / Galactica Brings Record Viewers And Web Traffic To Sci Fi / Galactica Actors Hand Pick Items For Charity Auction / Sci Fi Begins Producion On Galactica Prequel Caprica / Battlestar Galactica Props To Go On The Auction Block In Pasadena / The Galactica Begins Its Final Journey Battlestar Galactica Props Go On The Auction Block / Actress Profile - Grace Park / Galactica's Grace Park Set To Star In The Cleaner / Nothing Brightens Up A Home Like A Life-Size Cylon / Interview - Richard Hatch /Battlestar Galactica (1978-1979) /Sci Fi Begins Production On Caprica

"Stripper Wanted!" For Strip Club Slasher Movie

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: Scarlet Salem
Photo Credit: Scarlet Salem by H Morgan

Actress Scarlet Salem is presently helping NFTS Productions search for an actress for the film "Strip Club Slasher" needed for a shoot this weekend. Only thing is, the actress would have to get her butt to Minnesota by the weekend. Oh, and also the part requires nudity. From the title "Strip Club Slasher", you probably already guessed that.

So if you are available to travel this weekend, and your not shy, NFTS Productions wants you!

Interested parties should contact Jason Stephenson at NFTS - HERE

Here is the film's synopsis:A seedy, small town strip joint takes a down and dirty donkey punch to the back of the head when one of the girls is brutally murdered. Fearing that the killer may be targeting the local talent, the authorities shut the place down while they investigate the crime. Sad and scared, the other girls decide to spend the weekend together to reflect on the loss of their friend and to keep each other safe. Sex, drugs and rock and roll ensue before everything comes to a scream filled halt when a madman starts picking them off in a brutal display of blood drenched depravity!

The film also stars Elske Mccain, Rachel Grubb, Corrin Manning, Saint Deville, Leah Avery, Lindy Starr and Obituary Mary.

Besides working on "Strip Club Slasher", Scarlet Salem is shooting a fight scene for a music video this weekend. Artist and song unknown.

See Also: A Crazed Scarlet Salem - Lizzy Borden Has Nothing On You / Horrifying New Photos Of Scarlet Salem By H Morgan / Scarlet Salem - Gothic Never Looked So Sexy / More Hot and Sexy Photos Of Scarlet Salem / David Byron Takes A Look At Modern Femme Fatales In Queens Of Scream: The New Blood / Strip Club Slasher Poster, Casting and Photos Of Scarlet Salem / A Different Kind Of 4th Of July Fireworks - Killer Biker Chicks / The Many Looks Of Scarlet Salem - Blond Or Redhead? / Heat Up Your Memorial Day Weekend With A Little Scarlet Salem / Terror Overload - Tales From Satan's Truck Stop Premiere Info And Pics / There Is Some True Grind House Being Made In Minnesota / The Many Faces Of Scarlet Salem - Plenty Of Fooling Around

Peter H. Brothers' Ishiro Honda Bio To Be Published

Above, Kumi Mizuno and director Ishiro Honda during filming of "Monster Zero." I guess Mizuno was quite a handful to direct.

Peter H. Brothers' Ishiro Honda Bio To Be Published

by Armand Vaquer

To quote a line from The Mysterians, "Good News! Good News!"

I received the following message from Peter H. Brothers:

The publisher has decided to publish my Ishiro Honda book.

It's in the early stages yet; no contract or release date and there will be many details and possibly more delays, but they have agreed to publish it.

I will keep you posted, and thanks many times over for your encouragement and support.

As mentioned previously, Peter had been working on his biography/filmography on Ishiro Honda for the past several years.

Details will be posted here when they are finalized.

Orphan (2009)(Warner Bros)

Source: Warner Bros

After a series of difficulties in their marriage, culminating with the loss of an unborn child, Kate and John Coleman, who have a son and daughter, decide the best way to heal is to add to their family by adopting a nine-year-old girl. Esther recently experienced the loss of her previous adoptive family in a house fire, from which she only narrowly escaped herself.

Director Jaume Collet-Serra, who previously directed the horror film "House of Wax" for producers Joel Silver and Susan Downey, describes Esther as "very mysterious, but at the same time, she seems very smart, very creative. Kate and John, the adoptive parents, want a child who is special. And they definitely get somebody who is really, really special," he smiles.

Almost as soon as they welcome Esther into their home, however, an alarming series of tragic events begins to unfold, leading Kate to believe that something isn't right--this seemingly angelic little girl is perhaps not what she appears to be.

"I think a villain like this is interesting to watch," states producer Joel Silver. "You wouldn't want to see her in the real world, but it's fun to see her in a movie. She's a psychopath in the shape of a little girl who will stop at nothing."

In fact, it doesn't take long to realize that there really is something wrong with Esther.

Producer Susan Downey relates, "Kate and John were ready to put their lives back on track, and they decided to adopt an older child. To fit in with the kids that they already had, they wanted to find one somewhere between their older son and their younger daughter, and hopefully have a really happy little fivesome." But there's something about Esther that they don't know.

When John first happens upon her, Esther is singing sweetly and painting a beautiful picture. Kate joins them and the couple quickly find themselves drawn in by Esther's intelligence and her singular point of view. Conservative and shy, Esther is clearly a unique little girl. Kate, a musician, and John, an architect, easily see this exceptional child fitting into their family, despite--or perhaps even because of--her tragic past.

Collet-Serra observes, "Esther is welcomed into the family, but soon after her arrival we see that she's not as innocent as she seemed. In a film, when you have an evil kid who does evil things, you start small and more subtly than you might expect in a horror movie. Little things start happening, and before you realize it you have an enemy inside the house, this little girl manipulating the situation."

The current state of the Coleman family is ripe for manipulation. Kate, still healing from her loss, is a recovering alcoholic, and her drinking has led to near-tragedy in the past when their daughter Max nearly drowned on her watch. John continues to fight the urge to blame his wife for what might have happened. The fractures in their relationship run deep, making them vulnerable and giving Esther an opportunity.

Leonardo DiCaprio, a partner at Appian Way and a producer on the film, states, "We were as excited as we were about the project because it felt like so much more than your typical genre film. A lot of its appeal has to do with the fact that there is a complex psychological drama playing itself out alongside the typical genre scares."

Actress Vera Farmiga, who stars as Kate, remarks, "This story puts a new spin on the genre. It's not just bloodletting; it's horrifying events happening to real people with real problems. Events that make you shudder and say, 'Thank God that's not happening to me!'"

Peter Sarsgaard stars as Kate's husband, John. The actor also appreciated the realistic base to the story. "At its core, this is a family that was broken. Kate has extreme guilt over Max's accident, the drinking, and even the stillbirth. Despite trying to get past all of that, John's still not sure he can trust her, and even blames himself. Esther comes in and shines a light on these things, and uses them to her advantage. I think the best horror movies highlight the human condition and play on the fears and problems so many of us are faced with in our own lives."

Working from a story by Appian Way's Alex Mace, screenwriter David Leslie Johnson wrote the script.

"David's screenplay delivered," attests Silver. "He really made the story and the characters come to life."

For Johnson, it was a labor of love. "I've loved the genre ever since I saw 'The Bad Seed,'" he notes. "It's one of my favorite horror sub-genres--the evil child. There's something very visceral to it. Viewers have a strong reaction, whether it's a child being corrupted by the devil, or whether it's just a bad kid...we're very knee-jerk in our reaction to it. And I didn't want to do it in a way that it had been done before. I wanted to find a new way into it, to bring a new angle to the subject matter. I came up with the twist at the end, the secret, and sort of worked backward from there."

"David's script was great," says Collet-Serra. "The characters were so well-developed. I really saw the potential of making a movie that had all the elements: great acting, great atmosphere, tension, not to mention really scary. 'Orphan' is really a psychological thriller that turns into a horror movie. It's not straight horror. The whole story revolves around this secret, and it's very rare for me to read a script and be completely surprised by the ending. It was so believable. That's what got me hooked on it."

Silver adds that, while audiences will recognize that there's something different about Esther, "I want them to have that shock, that never-saw-it-coming moment. I want them to leave the theatre talking about it the same way we did when we read the script."

"David created characters that we could really invest in," says Downey. "Kate and John are a couple that I think people can relate to, because they're very flawed. But their back stories aren't thrown out there as a crutch or just something to give the characters depth. That's what set this script apart for me--the realistic component of these people who we are investing in and believing in, just falling apart. And then there's this really surprising twist..."

Producer Jennifer Davisson Killoran agrees. "From its inception, I felt this story was fantastic fun. It keeps you guessing, and just when you think you know what the secret is, it throws another curveball and you're not sure."

In addition to the thriller aspects of the film, Killoran was also drawn to the mother-child relationships at the heart of the story. "I think Kate is a wonderful portrayal of a woman trying desperately to do right by her children, whether biological or adopted. She just wants the best for them."

"There's just something really primal in that mother-child relationship," says Johnson, "so I felt like that was really the best relationship to exploit and corrupt; to take what should be the most natural bond in the world and turn them into enemies. And I gave the mother a troubled background so that when she starts saying there's something wrong with Esther, everyone has reason to doubt her because she's not the most reliable person."

However, Johnson credits the director with "making it not only scary, but also bringing a sense of menace and mood to the family scenes. Even early on, when things haven't gone wrong yet, there is this feeling that something is going to go wrong, and that has a lot to do with the way he shot the film and the look he brought to it."

"To be great, a thriller has to be smart; it has to have fresh ideas," offers Silver. "And for it to really work it has to have suspense, and it has to take you on a journey. And Jaume does that brilliantly. He's a really patient storyteller who takes his time in luring an audience in."

"I wanted to portray a family that has good moments and bad moments. I didn't want to put a finger on their pain from the very beginning; I wanted to see why they were together, to give them a chance for a happy ending," Collet-Serra says. "Then, as things start to really go wrong, we see, just for a moment, the actual act of violence. The key for me is to show it in a very real but brief way, emphasizing the story and the performances."

See Also: Orphan - You're Not Going To Tell On Me, Are You?

Torchwood: Children Of Earth - Day Five

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Source: BBC America

It's hard to believe that the epic mini-series "Torchwood: Children of Earth" is about to come to a close. How far we all come in just five days. Amazing! Now, what will I do with the rest of my life? - lol

I want to go on record as saying that "Torchwood: Children of Earth" may very well be the pinnacle of British sci fi television. Now, I know I'm saying that without even seeing the finale for the series yet, but unless the episode takes a huge step in the wrong direction....I dunno....we finally get a good look at the 4-5-6 and the turn out to be one-legged-circus-clowns or something off the wall like that, then this may be as good as it can get.

Which brings me to an important question. How do the producers of "Torchwood" top this? I mean really, making season four of the series is going to be hard if they have to measure everything up to this, right?

Okay, lets talk about "Day Four". Wow! What a powerful episode!

Let me first start off by talking about, what in my eyes, was one of the most memorable scenes in sci fi television history, and no I'm not talking about Ianto's death. I'll get to that in a second. No, I'm referring to the scene where the leaders of the UK and representatives of the United States are discussing ways to somehow trick the world's population into giving up 1/10th of their children, as the 4-5-6 have requested.

Now, I have heard some critics call this scene, 'boring', but I totally disagree. I found the scene riveting. I mean I was glued to the set. You could have marched centerfolds through the room and I wouldn't have noticed .....okay...that's a stretch, but I was sitting deep in my chair watching the whole thing unfold.

That is what I really love about "Children of Earth", it follows the same premise as "Babylon 5", another series that I love, that is, we (the human race) are the enemy. That when the chips are down, we as a species don't react like the 'goody-goody' Federation in "Star Trek" and do the right and noble thing, sometimes the bad side of our nature surfaces, and we do something unthinkable. Well, at least the slimy people we put in charge do.

Ah, the death of Ianto in Jack's arms. What can I say about that? Unexpected? Yes. Very emotional? Certainly. The whole thing was kinda hard to deal with after Tosh and Owen's deaths at the end of season three.

Just goes to show that the producers of "Torchwood" are not afraid to do anything that they believe will make the series more interesting and believable.

Now to tonight's episode. The series is certain to end with a bang as all the plot points that have been built up over the past four episodes come to a head.

I just wonder how they are going to wrap all this up in an hour an fifteen minutes?

Children of Earth - Day Five

As violence erupts and anarchy reigns, an ordinary housing estate becomes a battleground where the future will be decided. Torchwood is defenseless – can Gwen Cooper save the day? Part 5 airs Friday, July 24th, 9:00 - 10:15 p.m et/pt.



What the critics are saying:

Hero Press - Written By: Acrobatic Flea

And THAT is why Russell T Davies is the King Of The Whoniverse. Bookending Children of Earth, his two solo episodes, Day One and Day Five, are the finest two hours of Torchwood we have seen.

From the left field revelation of what the 456 actually wanted the children for to Jack's past involvement with the creatures karmically catching up with him when he - the man who can't die - had to pay the ultimate price to defeat them, this was some of RTD's strongest writing.

The defeat of the 456 took a quite clichéd gimmick (of turning an enemy's weapon back on them) and gave it a very dark, Torchwood spin.

Read More

Air Lock Alpha - Written By: Alan Stanley Blair

"Torchwood" may be its own show for a mature audience, but time and time again it has shown how easily it can integrate with the mother series for a bigger scale of adventure -- like Daleks, the end of the world and entire planets stolen from time itself – which only raises the question of if the situation is so dire, why wouldn't The Doctor materialize in his little blue box and save the day?

Before any such questions can be muttered, Gwen (Eve Myles) so eloquently offers an answer so desperate and devoid of all hope – almost desolate -- that it perfectly captures the tone of the tone of the miniseries as it squashes a simple niggling question. The Doctor is ashamed.

What more needs to be said? The Doctor, a man that can see the whole of time and who looks at humans with inspiration, love and admiration, turns away in shame of the enduring darkness that is the Human soul. From there on in, "Day Five" gets darker, heavier and offers the most shocking and inhumane of twists that it can easily be considered among the finest hours of British television.

Read More

The fan movement to bring back Ianto

Indeed fans in the UK have already begun a campaign to convince the producers of "Torchwood" to bring Ianto back to life.

A group of devoted fans has created SaveIantoJones , a website devoted to the return of the character. On the site there is even a charity set up by the BBC to honour the fallen "Torchwood" member.

The website's designers say Ianto's passing has left them "as sorrowful and hurt as any death of a person close to us".

"Though we, his devoted fans, still hope that he'll come back (it's still sci-fi, and in sci-fi, death can be reversed, can't it?), we mourn him."

"In the series, he died saving the children of Earth; so it seems fitting to honor his memory by helping the Children in Need."

The group is hoping to raise more money and gain support now that the series has aired in America.

Here are some new photos from "Torchwood: Children of Earth - Day Four":

See Also: Torchwood: Children Of Earth - Day Four / Torchwood: Children Of Earth - Day Three / Torchwood: Children Of Earth - Day Two / Torchwood: Children Of Earth - Day One / Torchwood: Children Of Earth (2009)(BBC) / Torchwood: Children Earth Doctor Who On BBC America In July / Torchwood Children Of Earth Air Date And Spoilers / New Michael Golden Artwork For The Cover Of Torchwood Magazine / Torchwood Jack Harkness And Gwen Cooper Mug / Tonight's The Night Gives One Doctor Who Fan The Chance Of A Lifetime / Torchwood: Children Of Earth - Trailer / Torchwood Children Of Earth Trailer To Screen On Both Sides Of The Atlantic / Torchwood Wave 1 Action Figure Set / Eve Myles - New Myspace Photos And Convention Appearance / Freema Agyeman Talks About Doctor Who, Torchwood And Her Latest Series Survivors / 400 Fans Go Behind The Scenes Of Doctor Who And Torchwood / A Devastating Virus Wipes Out Most Of The World Population In Survivors / Fans Are Given A Rare Chance To Visit The Sets Of Doctor Who, Torchwood, And Sarah Jane / Torchwood: Children Of Earth Begins Filming / Torchwood Is Set To Experience The Big Bang / Torchwood Star Eve Myles Is A Knockout For BBC Radio / Torchwood - Are You Missing The Best Series On TV?