A Hectic Films Interview with Jason Mitchell (2017)

Jason Mitchell is a busy man, that’s why I had to slip into the recording studio at Epixx Media Group and lock him in an audio booth to hit him with five quick-fire questions about his involvement with Hectic Films newest short film Descensus.

The others left the room and Jason made his way into the booth to set up equipment, I knew opportunity was presenting itself so I slapped at the lock on the door and as he spun around to see what was happening I smashed the intercom button and said, “Looks like you have time for an interview now.”

His eyes narrowed and my leg started to tremble in fear so I reached deep and found the courage needed to drag a chair towards me. I sat down and tried to relax as he fogged up the glass between us in a quiet rage.

I grinned knowing he wouldn’t destroy his own studio just to get at me and asked through the intercom, “As a Director, what are the top three things you always like to do before a production starts filming?”

He did the unthinkable at that moment and grinned back as he replied, “I really like to go through the script and dissect it thoroughly, to give myself a practical aspect of how to approach bringing everything together. Secondly I get a list of people together that I would need to bring the project full circle, and lastly, I think about what type of equipment I want to use to achieve the look I have in mind.”

Feeling like things might actually work out here I pushed ahead with the second question and asked, “How did you get started in filmmaking?”

Jason turned the handle on the door of the audio booth and I watched in horror as it opened. Apparently, the lock didn’t work at all. Jason was a professional though and answered, “I actually started with music videos. It was a good place to start because there is so much involved with making music videos that the experiences helped me to more easily make the jump into filmmaking. Also shooting weddings helped me because you are a one man band when shooting weddings, it’s a ‘run and gun’ mentality, you have to do everything from audio to film to edit on the fly. Shooting weddings really can help to polish your skills.”

Jason was still grinning as he walked over to the studio door and twisted the lock. I actually heard it click home and jumped up from the chair. Whatever filmmaking questions I had thought of ahead of time completely vanished and in a panic, I blurted out, “Is the book always better than the movie?”

Jason turned towards me then, a new sparkle in his eye. The grin even wider as he replied, “For me, the movies are always better because I know all the time, effort, and technology that goes into making them. Books are deeper and more forgiving in the fact that you can imagine what you are reading with infinite possibilities but when shooting a film there are so many elements that come into play to create a single vision it just isn't fair to compare them.”

I didn’t realize I was backing away until I slammed against the wall and a picture fell to the floor, glass shattering from the frame. I glanced down and noticed it was a family picture. “Oh, God no.” I whispered. Jason was slowly walking towards me now and I tried to distract him with another question, “You cut your Hectic Films teeth on Descensus, but you are not a first timer, where else can we see your work?”

He pushed the chair I was sitting on earlier out of the way and replied, “Actually surprising enough, Descensus is one of the first short films I have done. It was really a great experience for me. I got to test myself in different facets of filmmaking. I am looking forward to directing, shooting, and editing many more shorts and hopefully work my way into feature films in the near future.”

He stood before me now, close to the same height but seemingly looking down from high above as I tried to cower away but had nowhere left to go. I tried a smile and asked, “Skittles or Gummy Bears?”

He grabbed a loose cord from the table and started wrapping both ends around his fists as he smiled and answered, “Red Vines.”

Descensus Is Under Way!

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.

Cheap Movie Tricks (The Book)

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!

Cheap Movie Tricks can be pre-ordered on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, as well as IndieBound. 

Product Details: 

Price: $16.95

Paperback: 212 pages

Publisher: Mango (April 4, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1633535436

ISBN-13: 978-1633535435

Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds

The Bakersfield Clown (Breaking News)

The Bakersfield Police Department has confirmed that one person was killed Monday night in Bakersfield, California. The murder was unknowingly broadcast live by local radio station KNZR. While neither the DJ (Tony Lee) nor his station manager (Jason Sanders) were available for comment, KNZR released a statement that read, “We are all shocked and surprised by this unfortunate event and are doing everything we can to cooperate with the investigation. We apologize to our listeners as well as the community and our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim.”

Bakersfield Police Detectives turned down a request for an interview stating that it was an ongoing investigation at this time.

We do know however that the victim was apparently stabbed. Authorities know who the victim is but are waiting to release it, pending notification of loved ones, we do know that no arrests have been made and that the search is on for at least one male suspect. There are no descriptive details at this time.

Please continue to check back for updates.

UPDATE:

Detective Jesse Najera with the Bakersfield Police Department has released more details about the murder that took place late last night. The victim has been identified as local Bakersfield resident Erica Rey who was twenty-something years young at the time of her death. Erica worked with kids and had made it her goal to reach out to organizations such as Make a Wish to fulfill her lifelong dream of making children smile.

A description of the murderer has also been released. Police believe he is a white male, in his late twenties, five foot nine inches tall, with a dadbod physique, with unknown colored facial hair, and possibly wearing grease paint to hide his features. The local community has dubbed him, “The Bakersfield Clown” after audio of his call to local talk radio station KNZR was leaked to media earlier. 

To see the video without having the sides cut off (What the heck blogger?) click the link found here: The Bakersfield Clown






Please don't call the real cops, this post is just a fictional introduction to our latest short film from Hectic Films. No people were harmed in the making of this film, we pinky promise. 

Erica Rey Interview (2016)

Let us collectively thank Jesse Najera and Sara Carey for setting out into the forest with butterfly nets and questions as they tracked and humanely detained the faerie like beauty Erica Rey for some Hectic Films style questioning! Also, let us also be grateful they didn't pull any wings off during their interrogation. 

Erica Rey is a beautiful and talented model and actress. What was your first experience in front of the camera?

My very first experience in front of the camera was in church when I was about 3 or 4, I played Marry in the Christmas nativity scene. I have it on VHS somewhere.

How did you get involved with working at Character Masters? What characters do you play?

I'm the B team for character masters who are based out of Los Angeles, CA, but have just recently started my own company here in town called Bakersfield Fairytale Friends. Our slogan is "It's never too late to invite your BFF" Right now I have Elsa, Ariel, Tinkerbell, Belle and Snow White, but I plan on adding more starting with Rapunzel, as soon as possible.

You have worked with Hectic Films on other projects, including the fan film "Camp Crystal Lake". Can you tell us what that experience was like and what other movies you've made with Hectic Films? 

"Camp Crystal Lake" was a long process. It was cold. It was bloody. But it was amazing. DT was the best Jason ever. And Jessica did her best for her first time on screen. I've been in a few films with the Hectic Films team. I started with "Tear Her", had a small part in "As The Man Drives", "Camp Crystal Lake", and then my best work, in my opinion, in "A Familiar Spirit", and finally but certainly not lastly, I have a small part in "Machine Gun Baby", along with my boyfriend, Christopher Puckett.

You play in Hectic Films upcoming project "Machine Gun Baby". What can you tell us about your character and her place of employment?

"Machine Gun Baby" was so much freaking fun! Best time I've ever had on set! I play a, not so very bright, secretary, at an abortion clinic. Classy, I know. Haha. But I can't give too much away just yet.

You create a lot of your own modeling designs and often do your own hair and makeup. Any plans to get behind the camera more in regards to film making? 

I actually started out behind the camera, but no one would pose the way I wanted so I switch spots to create my art. My dad is the one who instilled a passion in me for the behind the scenes. He himself wanted to become a director as a kid and now creates amazing sculptures in his spare time. So you can see where I get most of my creativity from. I had a chance to run the boom mic on set of MGB and it was a blast! I would love an opportunity to be behind the camera more often.

Finish this line: If you were not the strikingly beautiful model/actress Erica Rey; you would be Erica Rey, the strikingly beautiful...?

If I wasn't a model/actress, if I had the opportunity to be anything I wanted, no money to account for, I would want to be a motivational speaker, to encourage young women. I would love to go to schools and have seminars, and be a voice of reason and redirection for the lost. ...or own a pit bull paradise owner, where I find happy homes all the pit bulls ever. Then end. 

You have a great presence on social media sites like SnapChat and, almost, 2,000 followers on Facebook. Where can fans of Erica Rey go to follow you and see what your up to next?

If anyone is interested in seeing my silly and sometimes boring shenanigans, you can find me on SnapChat at mscaptnmorgan. I have a Facebook page just called Erica Rey that has all my modeling stuff. I have both a modeling Instagram and a personal Instagram. @modelingbyericarey and @the_erica_rey.

Meghan Chadeayne Micro Interview!

Congrats to Meghan Chadeayne on her nominations for Breakout Action Film Star-Female-Short and Female Action Performer of the Year at the Action on Film Festival for Naked Zombie Girl! 

Hello! Thank you! It’s quite a thrill and amazing that Naked Zombie Girl (NZG) is still captivating audiences! 

1. How does it feel to get 2 nominations at the Action on Film Festival? 

Dreamlike, to be honest. Naked Zombie Girl is such a soft spot for me to this day. We filmed it almost three years ago, it was the very beginning of my journey, and the first time I put blind trust into a director, and complete reactive instinct into a performance. These nominations solidify my belief that Hectic Films created something magical when they filmed NZG. I couldn’t have received either nod without that entire team at my back. Even if I go home at the end of the night without either award, I’ll still be immensely proud of the film we’ve created. I doubt that will ever change.

2. What was your favorite scene in Naked Zombie Girl?

Oh man, of course, looking back, I’d do everything entirely different now, knowing what I do, but my favorite scene I think has to be the crowbar in the Cadillac. I love everything from the way it was shot, to the inserts, Josh’s zombie performance, and the way it amps up the ending kill scene. Just a phenomenal example of Hectic’s enticing cinematic and post production ability. 

3. How was it being naked on set for over 12 hours at a time?

As I tell anyone who asks about the revealing nature of NZG, it was fine. It was intimidating at first, but after I realized no one on set was inappropriate or I wasn’t being shot in a grotesque way, I relaxed and was able to focus on the performance. Besides, after the blood and guts were applied, I hardly felt naked.

4. What are some of the other projects you are currently working on?

This year is getting pretty busy already. Currently, I’m preparing for my next lead role in a horror-comedy called ‘Violet’ by filmmaker and photographer Chad Michael Ward of Underhaus Productions. After that, I have a science-fiction micro short to be shot in the desert. I’m playing Poison Ivy in a Batman fan film, I’ll be traveling to Sweden to film a horror-fantasy feature in 2017, and I’m in the process of putting one of my own scripts into production. 2017 looks to be pretty busy, but I’m excited to see what other adventures it holds. 

5. How did you get involved with the most explosive film company on earth, Hectic Films?

I met the director, Rickey, on the set of another horror feature we were on! He jokingly pitched the idea to me and I agreed, within a few months, I was stripping down and killing zombies. That’s also when I learned Rickey’s crazy film ideas aren’t actually just crazy ideas, he gets them done, and I respect the hell out of that. 

6. What's your favorite show on Netflix?

I have to choose just one?  Show wise, I haven’t had time to binge too much of anything, but holy hell, I did squeeze in ‘Stranger Things’. I want to adopt Dustin, he’s my favorite, and I’m pretty certain Eleven makes for a kick-ass female protagonist. 

Films… I recently watched Baskin, and found it to be a trip. If you’re into foreign horror that has beautifully set up shots, neon-tinted dewy coloring, and kill scenes that cause you to squirm, give this one a go! 

You can catch Naked Zombie Girl at the Action On Film Festival in Monrovia, CA on Sept. 4th. Tickets and Information can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/129548017495425/

Coryn McBride Micro Interview!

Mable is up for Best Western at the Action on Film Festival, we wanted to Congratulate the cast and a special shout of thanks to Coryn McBride for starring in this film and making it award nomination worthy!

1. You seem to get really into your characters. Did you do any type of western style prepping for this film?

I have always been a fan of classic westerns. I have been involved with The Gaslight Melodrama for many years which has provided bountiful experiences doing many western melodramas with my loving TGM family.

2. What do you think was your favorite moment while filming Mable?

Witnessing the talented crew work behind the scenes is so much fun. I loved meeting the horses especially. The many people dedicated their craft, tools, space, and time to bring it all together was so awe inspiring. At Ethel's Old Corral, I was Pat and Dave's bartender and to see what he had been hounding Rickey to do (a western) for so long finally come into production was heartwarming. I know Dave would be damn proud of that worm.

3. How did you get involved in the most epic/mind blowing company in the world, Hectic Films?

I worked with Rickey while shooting Matt Kieley's film Carte Blanche. That started it all!

4. What kinda stuff do you like on your tacos? Corn or Flour?

Corn always! I love al pastor tacos with a pineapple mango salsa, or fish and shrimp tacos, or veggie tacos with bell pepper, onion, and avocado. I love tacos!!!

5. Are you currently working on any upcoming projects?

I have moved out of the area but I look forward to making some time for some cameos, shorts, or feature length films as they are accessible and available throughout the years. I'm hoping to be the next Betty White!

You can catch the beautiful and talented Coryn McBride in Mable at the Action On Film Festival in Monrovia, CA. Tickets and information can be found here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/922378104540581/

DT Carney Micro Interview!

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/

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!