A mobster film that has been finely tuned and scripted by the author himself, Carl Nicita.
The sets are being built, the cement shoes poured, and the actors have gathered to begin filming on this very ambitious project.
Not wanting to wait around for the perfect time and opportunity, Hectic Films is doing what they do best. Putting their feet to the ground, their eye to the camera, and making Blockbuster style films on budgets that would terrify even the most Indie of filmmakers.
Speaking of which, I know a guy who knows a guy who can get you in the credits and some other amazing perks if the price is right. Whattaya say?
Head over to Indiegogo to check out the campaign that is up now.
Normally you gotta be a Made Man to get a deal this good, but we trust you. We can trust you, right?
I just got some more insider news for you as well. Come here. A little closer. Don't worry about the plastic on the carpet, I'm having the place painted soon.
Principle photography is underway on Hectic Films newest production, Descensus! This dramatic little Indie Film based on a poem by Terry McGhee will star Rickey Bird Jr. as Cole Weir, the normal everyday suburban husband who begins his day in mundane normalcy but who quickly stumbles onto the path less traveled and always feared.
With Jason Mitchell and Rickey Bird Jr. both handling the reins of the Directors chair and Justin Cummings donning the Director of Photography hat, you can expect a thrilling spiral down into the depths of the darkest parts of our hearts, where shadows dance, and regrets are only a step behind.
Joining and often times helping Cole along on his journey is an all star supporting cast of both old and new Hectic Films alumni. From the always impressive and towering on screen presence of DT Carny, the always welcoming personalities of Jason Sanders and Ernesto Gomez, to the new and beautiful April Marion King, Descensus is sure to set both your heart and your mind on heightened alert.
Check back often as we hope to bring you a more in depth look into the crew and production of Descensus as it unfolds.
It’s time to shelve those outdated books you picked up in film school and hope they appreciate solely as a collector's edition somewhere down the road. Rickey Bird is here to bring you the only pocket project indie film book you will ever need.
From the exciting first thoughts to the nightmare of post-production marketing, Cheap Movie Tricks will give you the direction you need to navigate those sometimes daunting paths of indie filmmaking.
We’re talking hands on, “This is how we did it!” know how, not regurgitated dribble that has been boringly passed down from book to book over the years with little updating, except for some occasional sponsored industry standards which are out of most indie filmmakers price range anyway.
I had a chance to corner Rickey Bird in a home improvement store parking lot late one night to ask the following questions about the book.
Tell us about the book Cheap Movie Tricks:
It’s a really fun book. I teamed up with Nicholas Belardes and Mango Media to create this very cool book. That really isn’t just a book but a tool that you can keep with you to help you on your journey. There are some really good problem-solving tips that can get you outta tight spots while your filming. This is a book for the filmmaker by the filmmakers. It’s not some wishy washy BS. It has been dubbed the “Punk Rock” style of filmmaking. That’s totally my style. Just get out and get it done no matter what!
How is this book different from others?
It’s really different. It shows you a basic overview of how to create a short film for under $2000. To help people break away from the studio version of doing things (aka the really expensive way) and do things cheaply. Teaching the tricks you need to know to stretch your buck to the fullest. This is a basic style of filmmaking that I have been doing for over 10 years with short films and feature length films. Think of it as a text book written from years of trial and error filmmaking crammed into a small package.
Is this book only for people who want to get started in filmmaking?
No, this is a book for everyone that wants to start as well as those currently making films. This isn’t like any industry handbook, this is the extreme indie film handbook. This book goes from concept to film festivals and feature deal proposal. Does the book have Pictures?
Yes it has pictures and links for videos to go the extra mile for the filmmakers. Behind the scenes photos from a lot of Hectic Films projects and also some cool poster work. Very cool stuff!
What do you hope will happen with this book?
Honestly, I hope it gets people off their asses and motivated to shoot film. It is, in my opinion, the greatest art form in the world, that can also include any art form in it. From books to music in a film, I think it’s awesome. Video is the king. I want to help lay the ground work to get others motivated to create and give them the motivation they need to follow through to the end!
Chelsea Newman̤ has a long list of film and TV credits including "My Dad's Tapes" (2011), "Bad Behavior" (2013), "Red Light Diaries" (TV 2014) and the IMDB list is growing. Which film or television role are you most proud of?
I take each role very seriously and each character is quite different so it is hard to say which one I'm most proud of. I did work on a movie called “At Long Last” where I portrayed a young woman that was stuck in her ways. It was really a treat to dive right in. Some people know a huge inspiration for me is Juliette Lewis. I really enjoy her work, especially the work in her younger years. I love her in “Kalifornia” and “The Other Sister.” Roles like the ones she had in those movies are ones I aspire to portray.
You have a contributing writing credit for "At Long Last" (2015). Any plans to get more involved behind the camera? Do you have an interest in directing?
I appreciate all aspects of creating but I really love playing pretend and that is the sandbox I belong in.
Making your mark on the film scene as a respected female actor can be a challenging journey. In this regard, can you share with us any obstacles you have faced, and what advice you would give your younger self and/or aspiring actresses/filmmakers?
To be honest, I believe my biggest obstacle I have faced would be myself. Actors constantly hear “no” and as a person, it’s easy to self-doubt and break down. As cliche as this sounds, I would tell people that it is really important to believe in yourself, no matter how hard it can be. If you have a passion, whatever it may be, go for it. You only live once.
Your Facebook cover photo is a still of Barry Corbin and yourself from a clip of you two, performing in a scene. What can you tell us about acting with him?
Barry is such a doll and a delight to work with. I admire his respect and passion for the craft. It was easy to forget we were in a scene together even before the camera started rolling.
"A FAMILIAR SPIRIT" was your first time on a Hectic Films Productions movie.
How was your experience with the cast, crew, and the director Rickey Bird?
Amazing! No joke, it was such an exciting film set to be on. Everyone was super welcoming and extremely professional. Rickey is just one of the coolest guys. It was so easy to be in front of the camera with him on the other side. I really enjoyed his opinions and appreciated all his hard work.
In the Hectic Films movie AFS, there is a scene, where you collapse in fear. As a viewer, we feel the breathlessness of terror. What can you tell us about your character and what was your motivation for your look of fear?
I was scared! There was some crazy monster coming for me. What else would I possibly feel? I had to survive!
Your character, Cynthia, feels terrified, saddened and angry throughout the movie. If you were in the same situation as your character, trapped in a haunted house, how would you react? Would you take action against whatever you thought was there?
I’d like to think I’d be a hero but honestly, if there is some crazy demon man after me, I’m going to run like hell.
Do you have any personal experiences with ghosts or spirits yourself? How would you describe your beliefs on that subject?
I don't have any personal experience with ghosts or spirits but I’d like to believe there is something else out there.
On your social media pages, there are images of you with children in Sierra Leone, Africa. Why were you there?
I was there teaching drama to children at a school named Benmat along with tutoring, learning and spending time with the locals. I went through this amazing organization called Young Vision Africa. This group has literally built and started up a school in Sierra Leone. It was an unforgettable experience. I believe it is so important to travel to experience how the other parts of the world live.
Let's look to the future. What are your long-term goals regarding acting?
Eventually, it would be great to act full time. I have like 17 jobs and would trade all of them to do film or theater. I’m in it for the long hall. “The turtle wins the race.”
What are you working on now and where can fans of ̤Chelsea Newman̤ go to learn more about what you're doing?
I wrapped on the film “Darkness on the Edge of Town” this past weekend. I have a few projects in the works and always looking for my next one. Fans can stay up to date on my Facebook fan page or my IMDB. I’m in the middle of getting together a new website so stay tuned!
The Lackey is a
non-stop roller coaster of an action movie. Jude St. Clere (Shaun Piccinino) is just
a man, trying to survive the game on his own when he finds that he has more
than he thought at stake. Taking one last job, he finds himself in the middle
of a mob war, in a city that won’t release its grip on him. Now he must fight
to make it out alive and figure out a way to keep those he loves safe from the
grasp of the criminal world.
Congrats to DT Carney for his nomination at the Action on Film Festival for Golden State Best Performance in an Acting Role Award for As The Man Drives! Holy crap, that is the longest award we have ever heard anyone nominated for!
1. So are you excited to be back at the Action on Film Festival this year?
Yes, I am. I love Monrovia, CA. I feel like I step back in time out there, like its a 1970's town. Very clean and quite. The Action on Film Festival treated us more than nice and you don't forget that. I am also proud to be with team Hectic Films.When you back one of their films you can rest assure it's going to be a great film. Hectic Films has three awesome films in the festival this year. Mable, Naked Zombie Girl, and As the Man Drives.
2. Tell us your favorite part about filming As The Man Drives?
My Favorite part of Filming As the Man Drives was actually the Script. After reading it I was stoked Rickey had the faith I could pull off such a character. We had a bunch of laughs driving around in that boat of a car that threatened to quit throughout filming. Of course, I'll never forget going into a freezing pool fully clothed and being laughed at by everyone involved. Gotta love the Hectic Films brotherhood.
3. Any good stories on the set of As the Man Drives?
I was in awe of the care given to the shots. Drone shots, underwater shots, trying to talk Rickey out of going into that freezing pool. I tried to tell him I'd come back in a few months when it wasn't so cold. Well we all know how that turned out. There is no saying, "No!" to Rickey Bird Jr.
4. What current projects are you working on now?
I am currently awaiting word from Chicago on my script of Redemption Owns a Gun. If green lit, you will see Hectic Films back at it with this real life mob story. I am also getting ready to work with Director Michael Rodriguez on his latest film Lake of Shadows.
5. How many yards do you think you can throw a football?
Farther than uncle Rico, that's for sure. I don't need a time machine to prove it, I can do it now in 2016. I'll throw that pigskin the length of Monrovia, you'll see!
6. Have you ever hit anyone while drinking a Pepsi?
No, I only drink Pepsi as a total last resort. I am a Coca-Cola man. I once hit a man who resembled a pirate with M.C Hammer pants on while sipping a coke, But that's for another time.
You can help support DT Carney and Hectic Films at the Action On Film Festival in Monrovia, CA on Monday, September 5 at 5:30 PM - 7 PM by purchasing tickets here: https://www.facebook.com/events/282073495508624/
Tracking down the ever elusive and always on the go Dana (D.T.) Carney is no easy feat, but Jesse Najera managed to do just that. Hectic Films is proud and honored to offer that interview to the masses. We truly love this man!
D.T. Carney was born in Boston, MA in 1965. A New Englander through and through, D.T. is known for his sharp wit as well as his huge presence in life and on the screen. D.T. is the father of four and lives in the Fresno, CA area with his wife Georgia. With many experiences in life, growing up in Boston, being a champion boxer, hockey player, and accomplished musician, D.T.’s vast list of talents lend themselves well to his many Acting ventures.
How did Dana Carney discover his interest in film acting?
I was a kid in Boston and was fortunate enough to go to the movies and get into any of them, rated R or not. I saw Jaws, Night of the Living Dead, The Omega Man, etc. I remember my dad taking me to Halloween and that movie made me want to get into acting. I liked the idea of playing a monster or the like.
You have the ability to utilize a very distinct American accent and personality in the performance of some of the characters you've played. Where were you raised and how has your upbringing influenced your performances?
Boston and the east coast in general, have a ton to do with how you act. I never liked taking shit from anyone. Who does? So you got to have an attitude that lets others know it. I wouldn't change growing up over there for anything. We grew up pretty poor. You learn to adapt to it and be thankful for things.
You have a long list of acting film credits with some notable, fellow, actors. Can you talk about the first film that you were in and what that experience was like?
The first film I did was playing a killer scarecrow in an indie film called Nightwalkers. It was directed by a friend of mine Steve Haack. It was a great experience because Scream Queen Brinke Stevens was also in it. She is the kindest person you could ever meet. We've been friends for over ten years now. I have had the pleasure of working with some awesome people like Felissa Rose, Deron Miller, Lynn Lowry, Reggie Bannister, Vernon Wells, and Joe Estevez. I just worked with Brinke again in Hectic Films’ Machine Gun Baby. I also worked with amazing talents Jin N Tonic & George the Giant in that same film.
You have worked on a number of Hectic Films Productions projects, playing a variety of roles in a variety of film genres. Can you tell us a little about working with the Hectic Films cast and crew, as well as some of the Hectic Films projects you have been involved in?
I LOVE HECTIC! Plain and Simple. Rachel & Rickey Bird have always treated me so kindly. I am a little rough around the edges and they both manage to look the other way for me. They have given me nothing but awesome roles in their films. Rachel and Rickey have put me up in a helicopter shooting at a speeding car. They made me the leader of a homeless camp, a drunken detective, a kid eating zombie. How can you go wrong? I love the people they have surrounded themselves with. They use the same people on crew, f/x, etc. over and over. We have become a tight family. I love being on the set with all of them.
In the new Hectic Films project; Machine Gun Baby, you play a character in the "medical field". Can you tell us a little bit about your role and how you prepared for that character?
It’s an awesome role for me, as I get to be a little comedic. I play Dr. Spurlock, an abortion doctor. His only care in the world is money and getting more of it. He is quite a character as he is a drinking, whoring, golfing, ego maniac. I will tell you this, MACHINE GUN BABY will open your eyes one way or the other. I've never worked on anything like it before. I prepared for this character by actually watching Dabney Coleman's portrayal of Doctor Prang in Young Doctors in Love. This film is going to upset the apple cart no matter what your views on abortion are. I got to work with such a fun talented cast on this, from Brinke Stevens to Jared Rice, George the Giant, and a trooper of an actress Jin N Tonic.
Where can fans go to follow and learn about future projects from DT Carney?
It's none of their damn business. I'll let them know. GOD BLESS...
Did I mention that we love this man? Let me show you just how much...
All of us at Hectic Films thought it would be fun to send Jesse Najera out on a task to wrangle and interview a giant, but the joke was on us cause he managed to track down the loving and generous George the Giant and capture this great interview!
How tall is George The Giant?
7 foot 3 inches
What did you experience that led to an interest in the sideshow arts?
There are several parts to this story.
1 - when I was 12 years old I went to the Kern County Fair and saw the sword swallower & fire eater perform on the Bally Stage. I was amazed at what the human body could do, and at that time I knew that was "real magic", and not what magicians did.
2 - when I was 21 an incident happened in my life that made me have a fear of fire. I'm one of those people that if I'm scared of heights, I bungee jump. So I decided to eat fire.
You are a sideshow performer who performs a variety of sideshow stunts; one of which is fire breathing. While you once had a fear of fire, how are you able to, now, perform fire breathing stunts? Can you share what caused your fear of fire?
As I said when I was 21 an incident occurred. Someone broke into my brother's home, tied him up. lit him on fire, and left him to die. He survived, but it left him with a fear of fire. And in so doing, left me with a fear of fire.
What led to you being cast in films and an appearance on the tonight show with Jay Leno?
Being cast in film and television is the old story, it's who you know. I was doing Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios working with a great contortionist named Bonnie Morgan. She was doing the Grinch Stole Christmas during the Run. At the time she was 15 so her dad had to take her. Her father is a stunt performer and coordinator, he was in the original Pete's Dragon. Well, one of his friends called him up and said, "We need a henchman who can do something really, really strange". He gave them my name, I received the call, and three days later I was in Vegas shooting a TV show for UPN called "The Strip."
The Tonight Show, The Late Show, and some of the other TV shows I've done are the same thing. People know who I am, what I do, want something odd, and I get called.
Can you talk about the films and television shows you've been cast in and what actors you've played alongside?
Everyone knows about the movie Big Fish, where I got to perform with Danny DeVito and Ewan McGregor. The experience I had with Danny DeVito was something that I will have for the rest of my life.
I did a movie called "Firecracker" with Karen Black. She was a very odd and unusual actress that played great strange characters.
Another movie I did was called "Tough Luck" with Armand Assante, Norman Reedus ("Boondock Saints" and "The Walking Dead") and Dagmara Dominczyk from ("Count of Monte Cristo"). I Had very little interaction with the main actors except for on screen. Norman and Armand showed great respect of the stunts I did.
I have also done TV shows ranging from "America's Got Talent", "Life According to Jim", "CSI Vegas", "Nitro Circus", and "A 1000 Ways To Die".
You have a towering role in the new Hectic Films project; Machine Gun Baby with director Rickey Bird. What can you tell us about your character and your experience with the cast and crew of Hectic Films?
There is nothing I can say about Rickey Bird that is not already in the police report!
I've known Rickey for several years. We worked on a movie where he was doing the special effects of the blood blast from a shotgun where I was shot in the face. We ended up doing a scene that was supposed to take 40 minutes to shoot... it took 5 hours so we had a lot of time to chat.
Whenever he's shooting films I try to donate to the project or help him in any way I can by putting him in contact with people, this just so happened to be one time he wanted me in the actual film. The character he wanted me to do was... so disgusting... how could I say, "No"?
Can you share just a few of the stunts you perform, for the brave of heart? Where can fans go to follow and gets updates on George The Giant?
I use several of the classic Sideshow stunts. Sword swallowing, fire eating, glass walking, bed of nails, and old-time strongman stunts. I also do my own twist on weight lifting, using fish hooks and weights from my eye sockets. The thing that made Sharon Osbourne say I was the most disgusting person she knows, is a stunt called "crazy straw".
Jesse Najera tracked down the world traveling ☆Jin N Tonic☆ to ask her a few questions about her adventurous life as well as working on Hectic Films' 'Machine Gun Baby'.
I have to ask about your kick ass name ☆Jin N Tonic☆ Do you ever use your real name? Why Jin N Tonic?
Real names are boring, and I haven't gone by mine for a long time. In high school, I had a variety of nicknames, but Jin N Tonic started as a fake Facebook name and just stuck. It feels right. Everyone except my grandparents calls me Jin. A friend and I got pulled over once, and the cop was like, 'This guy doesn't know your real name, is that normal?' Yes, yes it is. Pretty sure they thought I was a prostitute.
Did you grow up in a daring and expressive environment?
Where I grew up is boring, but I do have family in Bakersfield which is likely what has ultimately led me to being a part of the Hectic Films team (finally!) and this awesome role in MGB.
I pride myself in my diversity and it's what I'm most known for in my modeling career (that and my great knockers), and I use my diversity and my cans to my advantage with every role I play.
In addition to modeling, your an actor. You've played a variety of roles. Can you talk about the types of characters you've played in the past and your sense of versatility?
My acting career began ten years ago in the indie film "Person of Interest" in which I played, you guessed it, an underage prostitute. I like to joke that I've been typecast ever since, but that's not true. I've also played a stripper on multiple occasions!
You play an interesting part in Hectic Films new project; Machine Gun Baby. What can you tell us about your character?
When I read the script, I was pretty disgusted by my character, which continued through the entire time on set. I am just such a skank in the film. Every time I passed a mirror or window I would get a little bit upset with just how perfectly trashy I looked. After all, I was basically wearing my own clothes out of my own closet, and my hair is naturally just that skank-tastic. There was a lot of blood, a lot of boobs (mine), and a lot of fun filming Machine Gun Baby. It ended with me naked and sticky taking a whore bath in the sink.
What can you tell us about working with director Rickey Bird and the cast and crew of Machine Gun Baby?
Our director Rickey Bird is a fellow badass and we run in a lot of the same circles. It was an honor to be a part of his cast, and I look forward to more, trashy fun in the future!
(Jin and Lionel 'Not Rickey Bird' Washington on set)
Where can your fans go to follow and learn more about future projects for Jin N Tonic?
I've been making my way as a full-time Actor/Model/Badass for the past four years, and would love everyone to come join the fun on IG/Twitter @TheJinNTonic, and they can see my own video projects at www.youtube.com/TheJinNTonic.
But all the really good stuff happens on my site, and each month I send out free downloads, uncensored photo sets, giveaways and more to my #JNT VIPs - you can join the fun at www.JinNTonic.com/vip!
Also coming soon is my own Patreon page and bidchat (live videos that give to charities). This white gurl bootay is everywhere! And I couldn't do it without all my amazing fans/friends/family around the world.
