Brinke Stevens Interview (2016)

Hectic Films' own Jesse Najera had a chance to ask the beautiful and talented Brinke Stevens a few questions after she wrapped filming on "Machine Gun Baby".

It feels like you have a strong sense of self-awareness and this comes through in your performances. I understand you originally intended on a career path for science in marine biology. How, would you say, has your upbringing; environment, education, and life adventures shaped the way you perform?

I got a Masters degree in marine biology from Scripps Institute in San Diego CA.  I thought I’d remain in science all my life, but fate had other plans.  I’d never aspired to be an actor, and never expected to become a cult icon of horror movies.  As such, it’s hard to say that my upbringing shaped my performance because horror films require you to do things that never happen in real life, like scream bloody murder, run in terror, chase people with a machete, or get pulled apart by demons.  To quote a line from one of my favorite films, NIGHTMARE SISTERS:  “Advanced trigonometry never prepared me for this!” 

 

You were a member of a comic book club in college while in San Diego. In the early days of Comic-con, you cosplayed Vampirella. The comic book community and the television/film community have a symbiotic relationship. This is most apparent in the type of genre you, typically, perform in {scream Queen/ B movies}. Can you talk about that time and how the comic conventions have influenced you as well as how this comic-con community has influenced the horror genre?

I was one of the early founders of San Diego Comic-Con, and I ran the masquerade contest for many years in the 1970s.  This came after I won first place for portraying Vampirella in 1973.  Later, I staged elaborate costumed dance routines during the intermission to popular songs such as “Funeral for a Friend”, “Killer Queen”, “Ballroom Blitz”, and so on.  I’d say it was Comic-Con and fandom that really prepared me for an acting career that began in the early 1980s. 

                                                

You've recently completed a project for HECTIC FILMS with the director Rickey Bird, called "Machine Gun Baby". Who are you playing and can you describe your character? 

I play “Dr. Berinka”, who’s the head of a stem cell tech company.  She relies on an abortion clinic to provide fetuses for research of major diseases.  But the clinic’s greedy doctor is now holding her up for more money and threatening to sell his goods elsewhere. 

You've been in many films in the horror genre and worked with very talented people. How did you get involved with HECTIC FILMS? Can you describe your experience with the cast and crew of "Machine Gun Baby”?

In late 2015, I was invited to a horror convention in Bakersfield CA by filmmaker DT Carney, who had hired me for several past projects including “Nightwalkers” and “Dead Things”.  At that show I met Rickey Bird, who had a first-class booth for Hectic Films.  We got to talking, exchanged info, and I ended up shooting “Machine Gun Baby” in April 2016.  

My experience with the cast and crew was perfect in every way.  Producers Rickey and Rachel were very organized, efficient, and just plain nice folks.  I was delighted to work with DT Carney again and also my co-star George the Giant, who was so funny and exuberant.  I was even impressed when Rickey planned a professional photo-shoot at the end, complete with Hectic Films banners in the background. 

You have been known as an actress who is very welcoming to fans of your work. How can fans learn more about Brinke Stevens? Do you have any future projects or appearances?

My official website is www.brinke.com, where I list my convention appearances and talk about what’s new in my career.  I’ve shot some excellent movies in the past few months, including “The Haunting of Mia Moss”, “An Evil Curiosity”, and the big-budget film “Death House” that features dozens of horror stars.

  
My first audio book, “Darkness Unbound: Lady in Black” is now available on audible.com.  And I’m almost finished recording its sequel “Terror of Night” by author Glenn Porzig.  

Around Halloween 2016, my directorial debut “Personal Demons” will be released on the “Terror Toons 4” label.  I wrote, directed, and starred in it, along with pals Linnea Quigley and Debbie Rochon.

A Behind The Scenes Look at "A Familiar Spirit"

There’s something new stirring the shadows at Hectic Films Productions, and you might want to bring a friend or two when you see it.

A Familiar Spirit is a short film that reaches deep into the pages of history and horror to bring you a modern day masterpiece of madness and mayhem. Hoping to make its way to Hollywood later this year and into Screamfest, AFS is a story where the darkness breathes, nightmares live, and demons dwell. 

It might not look like it, but these amazingly talented and beautiful people just love to create horror, and they do it so well. Whether you're a fan of Hectic Films, or a new recruit, there is a catalog of greatness already out there, but it doesn't seem to slow them down from continuing to make amazing films at a hectic pace.

Whether it’s directing actors and crew, or showing off his T-Rex impersonations, Rickey Bird is quickly becoming a master storyteller on the Indie Film scene. Making Rickey's ideas a reality is no easy task, but the camera crew stepped up to every challenge and never hesitated to find a way to get the shot that was asked of them.

Kelly Henderson creates the creepy while the actors and crew bring this little short film to fruition. Putting in extra long hours and effort to give it leathery wings of wickedness as well as more than a few armrest-gripping moments of suspense and surprise to keep you on (and off) the edge of your seat.

Don’t be fooled by the smiling faces in these behind the scenes pictures, when the film makes its debut, you’re going to want to trim your nails so you don’t break one in a panic of fear and flailing!

Camp Crystal Lake Short Announced!

                            
 As Halloween quickly approaches, there seems to be a quiet stirring in the midnight air. That subtle noise that draws your attention as you lay awake at night, wondering if you are indeed as alone as you thought!

Fear you should, for Hectic Films in association with Curtis Noble Photography & Project Oh! Magazine have been burning up the midnight oil to produce and film a new terror short for your Halloween enjoyment.

Camp Crystal Lake is a fan film short from the world of Friday the 13th. Starring Jessica Bertrand, Erica Morgan, and D.T. Carney as Jason Vorhees, the hockey mask wearing lover of weaponry and murder! Oh how it warms my horror loving heart just thinking about it!

Camp Crystal Lake is the brainchild of the award winning Rickey Bird from Hectic Films and Curtis Noble of Curtis Noble Photography. Curtis actually discovered the location while snapping some awesome pictures for his photography business and mentioned it to Rickey. Together they quickly drove up and scouted this deserted area to make sure it hadn't been torn down, or over run by bears. Seeing that all was well, they rallied the troops and headed off to film.

However, this last minute idea never would have happened on it's own. In fact, the call to arms went out not long ago and was answered swiftly by local artists, actors, and entrepreneurs.

Jeremy Gonzalez, the founder of Project Oh! Magazine jumped on board and brought No Image Photography to this table of terror. In addition, Curtis Noble of Curtis Noble Photography slashed some time from a very busy schedule to be a part of this fan film project. The actors, Jessica Bertrand, Erica Morgan, and D.T. Carney heard the idea and fell in love with it as well, making time and sacrifices to make sure Hectic Films could get this out to the people by Halloween 2015!

There were others who headed out into the night to make sure this project got done as well. Among those who waded out into the post mud slides darkness are Rickey Bird III, Charlie Jacquez, and others!

 

Even after all this sacrifice and hard work, Camp Crystal Lake still needed a little extra help to get it ready for it's Halloween release! Enter the ever cunning magician of post production magic Jason Sanders of Cinertain Drive-In Bakersfield, who dedicated time and resources to this project, while juggling many others at the same time!

While Team Hectic Films scampered about tying up loose ends, as well as witnesses, and finishing the film, actor and model Erica Morgan had an idea. Why just stop at releasing it online? Why not find an amazing Halloween Party event to showcase it?

That is when Patrick and Priscilla Spurlock got involved and with the help of 89.7fm (KSVG Savage Radio) and Sandrini's Bar, offered to bring the unedited version of Camp Crystal Lake to the Phantom Strangers Halloween Boogeyman Jam on Saturday October 31st.

That's right folks, anyone and everyone can watch the edited version when it releases to stream for free on October 30th, and then the party people can get down to Sandrini's on Saturday and watch the full version, with a hint of nudity on Saturday!

Check out the Behind the Scenes Outtake:

   

Naked Zombie Girl Bootleg Edition Now on DVD!

THE TIME HAS COME!

The long awaited dvd Naked Zombie Girl is just went on sale at www.hecticfilms.com. The decision was made to sell them on Amazon, but they take an extremely long time to approve a film. So we thought, why not pack a DVD with not only NZG, but add some extras including the behind the scenes video of the Malevolent Magazine photo shoot.

Malevolent Magazine

Check out Malevolent Magazine Here:
http://www.joomag.com/en/newsstand/malevolent-magazine-3-july-2014/0465518001404013966

The DVD Packages

Did I say that we have also added interviews with the cast and crew from the movie premiere? Or that the DVD comes packed with 2 short films and a music video from Forget Your Friends "Scream Queen" Featuring Naked Zombie Girl. We also have 3 different package types. The first package is "Just the DVD" this includes just a DVD. Second is the "Help us Package" in this package you get your DVD  and poster signed by director Rickey Bird. And our third package is the best deal! The "Total Package" comes with a DVD signed by the director, the first issue of the NZG comic, a signed poster and a 4x6 signed by Naked Zombie Girl herself Meghan Chadeayne. You also will get some Hectic Films and Naked Zombie Girl stickers.  This is a sweet deal for anyone that loves zombies and naked chicks, lol.

So where does the money go? Well I think Walt Disney said it best, 

“We Don’t Make Movies To Make Money, We Make Money To Make More Movies.”

That's our goal. 100% of the profit is going into future projects. That is what we will continue to do. So if you just want to help us out get a "Help us Package". If you really want to help us out get the "Total Package". And if you just wanna see it, then just get the dvd. 

Is the movie any good you ask. Well our dear friend Scratchy Pete seems to think so. Check out his review of the film:

NAKED ZOMBIE GIRL “…Stripped naked…armed to the teeth…all 40 of them on a 20 inch bar…” “…Will leave you gagging for more…” Director Rickey Bird Jr has nailed it in 2014. With a great title, images of gore and beauty in the form of the unashamedly delicious Meghan Chadeayne, this one was destined for Grindhouse greatness or garbage. Exceeding all expectations. Thank you for the opportunity to get to review this one first. Rated “N” for Nudity and shot in glorious 2D. Screams, running and gasping for air – panic in her eyes…those gorgeous pale blue eyes…wide open, a distant bell tolls, a sea of crowd noise… A gunshot. And the scripture states “Their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets and their tongues will rot in their mouths”. Opening credits roll with film negative images that tease grainy grindhouse goodness… Start your engine – your rusted out 1971 Cadillac Fleetwood Broughman hits the highway with Barbara at the wheel – smoking coolly with her passengers Tony and Jill along for the ride. Swerving to avoid dead bodies, the radio calling it the end of the world. Tony is far from cool, Tony is anything but well. The bite mark oozing blood and puss and as the car splutters its final breath, the passengers suffer a similar fate. Sanders/Bird Construction Co next exit. The middle of nowhere and the car becomes a prison, a haven from the walking dead – grasping, groaning, rotting. Eating flesh almost animal like, the scent of a new food source… Black Doc Martins kick the car door, a yellow dress caught on the catch and Barbara is left naked, shooting and running to escape. A temporary shelter offers little privacy – reality sets in with each bullet unloaded – it’s time to get real. In the form of a bright yellow chainsaw that rips flesh…decapitations left and right, blood soaked goodness covering her smooth skin…face, breasts, arms, legs and everything in between… One mean mother…sexy as hell…meets her match with a worthy adversary and shows us just how competent she is with a tire iron… A straggler just won’t quit and when the chainsaw kicks into life, you watch and watch again a scene that would make Leatherface more than proud. Hell, I was cheering her on – she had my full admiration in more ways than one… A heroine was born right there. But everyone needs a little help from a Redneck and Barry helps her out as she approaches ladylike towards his ute…”C’mon get those butt cheeks in here”… whilst you as a viewer can’t help noticing the rest of her that needs a helping hand too. Padgett Towing – If you’re stuck, we’ll yank on ya… A kind offer in a desolate situation, but somewhat premature… A shower to wash the blood and grime away, a fresh start, yet something is not quite right. Standing in the hallway, visions of suffering between her open legs and like the final curtain falling ,it’s time to grab the chainsaw and drop the yellow towel. Naked once again, a look of intensity in her eyes as a zombie tongue wags crudely at what it sees before her… Naked Zombie Girl, I think I am in love… 30 minutes of pure entertainment. Hardly a word spoken. Acting cleverly and skilfully portrayed in true Grindhouse style, not amateur, I am talking skill. Gore that soaks the screen, effects and make up that you just want to roll around in…blood and guts… A woman with a chainsaw that stakes a new claim to the Horror Queen stakes – eyes you want to bathe in, a form that is both seductive yet formidable with curves in all the right places… A real winner in my book, leaving me with a few desperate needs…one of which is a full length feature. “…Naked Zombie Girl rocks…”   “Scratchy” Pete April 2014 

Check out Scratchy Pete on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pete.ellott?fref=nf&pnref=story

Still not convinced? Then sit back and enjoy the trailer:

So go ahead and get your copy of NZG!
http://www.hecticfilms.com/the-naked-zombie-girl-bootleg-dvd-short-film/

INFECTION Zombie Short goes for the WIN! #HBFilmFest

"Please take a moment to like this film on YouTube. We did. 3 of 4 stars. "– The Omelet Team

Our Current status is 2nd Place! Keep up to date with the film fest HERE

We're excited to be a part of this contest hosted by Horror Block and Rue Morgue. The grand prize is $10,000 for best horror short, so we entered our zombie short film INFECTION. We shot this film in a parking garage late one evening with only four people; epic special FX artist Nick Reisinger, camera operator David Karnowski and one of Hectic Film's best grips Anthony Galland. We had been planning a day shoot but we unfortunately ran out of light. Making the best of the situation, we went to a local parking garage. We were lucky, and the parking garage was deserted so it was a perfect filming location. Nick used his talents to turn Anthony into a zombie quickly, and we were ready to shoot! 

We pulled into the parking garage and unloaded the little gear we had at the time. David was armed with a Canon 5D and Nick picked up the Canon 7D. Nick caught all the extra shots so different angles would feel the same and natural. We started this project only wanting to do one thing: have a man fight a zombie and then turn into one. We used the fact that the garage was deserted to help create the atmosphere we wanted. We checked our surroundings and came up with the best type of situation that would happen in that location. I feel that we came up with a good plan. So we shot for a couple of hours and fortunately no one came through there while we were filming, which made it great! 

One thing we did mess up with is you can see Nick in one of the shots! If you haven't already, check it out and see if you can find him. If you have watched it already, then watch it again and keep your eyes open for him!  (See the clip here) Once we finished, I cut the footage and sent it over to our best editor, Jason Sanders. He added few effects to the footage; for example the shot of the police car was just a regular car but Jason was able to add lights on in post. Once Jason had shined up the footage, we sent it over to Landen Belardes and Nick Stockman to create the score. They put a great mix together and once we added it, we had a completed film.

Hopefully if you're reading this, you want to give us a hand to win this contest! This is how you can help: all we need you to do is click on that YouTube video above or click here. Then you hit the like button on YouTube. If you don't have a YouTube account, you can start one HERE.  

Please leave us a comment even if you didn't like it! If you did like it, you should be leaving a comment anyway. :) We greatly appreciate the support we have already received by so many awesome people! With your help, we know we can win this thing! So again, please check out the video and hit the like button. Share it with your friends and anyone you know that likes horror. Post it on your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Also check out Horror Block aka Nerd Block. They send you epic stuff every month for cheap! :) It's a cool way to get something unexpectedly exciting in the mail once a month. Check them out!

Horror Block

Check out Rue Morgue Magazine as well! They are an epic horror magazine that is a MUST for any horror fan! :) And they support indie horror which is alway a plus! :)

Rue Morgue Magazine

So please share and use these hashtags, #HBFilmFest #INFECTION #TeamHecticFilms

Thank you for your continued support of our projects! Much Love!

-Rickey Bird

We made to 2nd place in the Horror Block Film Contest. Help us win 1st place by just liking the video #HBFilmFest-Infection on youtube! #horror #HBFilmFest #teamhecticfilms #zombies #winning @HorrorBlock @robertbejil @bloodbrothershorror

A video posted by Rickey (@hecticfilms) on Feb 12, 2015 at 9:13am PST

Naked Zombie Girl on the Festival Run

It has been a great ride for our short film Naked Zombie Girl.  NZG played in over 15 film festivals, walking away with 5 awards.  You learn a lot by watching different people watch your film.  Also you learn a lot just watching it yourself on the big screen over and over again.  I feel the team and I have now know what we can do to improve the feature film of NZG.  Over all it has been a great experience and I would like to thank the team at Hectic Films for making it all possible.  I would also like to thank the people that have watched/supported it all this time. We have teamed up with FRI to make this into a full feature.  We will keep you posted!

I hope you are all ready for the feature of Naked Zombie Girl!

Much Love,
Rickey Bird

TEAR her (Slasher Short Film)

Tear Her is a play on words for Terror. We decided we wanted to make a film like the old horror movies you would watch on VHS back in the 90's. With the screwed up tracking, you know that blank tape that had something recorded on it that was a sure promise to be the scariest thing you ever had seen! Well thats what we tried to do here. Put together a short film for Halloween, but mostly for those kids that grew up in the 90's and remember just how creepier things were on tape! Written and Directed By Rickey Bird and Shot by Robert Bejil. Starring Erica Stroup and Ray Vargas. Please share with your friends! Thanks for watching! :)

TEAR her (Slasher Short Film) from Hectic Films Productions on Vimeo.