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Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards 2022

Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards 2022

Since 2002, the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards have been fandom’s only classic horror awards – decided by fans, for fans. 2022 marks the 20th anniversary of these awards! Every nominee is recognized for significant achievements in horror for 2021. 

There are many amazing films, DVDs, books, and more represented this year. I was excited to see the Screamfest alumn, “Good Head” nominated! I wish the best for all the nominees and know that whomever wins each category is certainly worthy of the honor.

How to Vote

Voting is by email only. Send an email to David Colton, at taraco@aol.com by Sunday night at midnight, April 17, 2022. Simply include in the subject: “Rondo Awards!” In the body of the message indicate your votes for this year’s awards.You do not need to submit a vote in each category. Write in as many selections as you would like.  Include your name and that’s it!
 
One vote per person, please. Every email must include your name to be counted. All votes are kept strictly confidential. The Rondo Awards promises no emails nor personal information will ever be shared with anyone.
 
See the complete ballot list below:

Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards 2022 Nominees

1) Best Film of 2021

Due to the pandemic, includes wide release, video-on-demand and streaming

  • ANTLERS
  • CANDYMAN
  • THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT
  • DON’T LOOK UP
  • DUNE
  • FREE GUY
  • GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE
  • GODZILLA VS KONG
  • HALLOWEEN KILLS
  • LAST NIGHT IN SOHO
  • MALIGNANT
  • NIGHT HOUSE
  • NIGHTMARE ALLEY
  • OLD
  • A QUIET PLACE, Part Two
  • SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME
  • ZACH SNYDER’S JUSTICE LEAGUE
  •  Or write in another choice:

2) Best TV Presentation

  • CHUCKY, Bravo. The deadly doll is back. ‘We’re gonna party like it’s 1999.’
  • CREEPSHOW, Shudder. Episodes in the EC vein.  ‘Naperville Ripper Still at Large’
  • DOCTOR WHO, BBC America. The Thirteenth Doctor battles enemies old and new. ‘Don’t blink!’
  • EVIL, CBS. Mysteries with a supernatural twist. ‘If one word is spoken within the monastery walls, the demon will be out.’
  • FEAR STREET,  Netflix. Teenagers battle a town curse in three eras. ‘Would you say he was more Dawn of the Dead, or Night of the Living Dead?’
  • SERVANT, Apple TV+. M. Night Shyamalan’s look at a family’s odd nanny.  ‘She’s not the sweet child you think she is.’
  • MIDNIGHT MASS, Netflix. A priest shakes a village’s faith. ‘God still has a plan, and death isn’t part of it anymore.’
  • THE SQUID GAME, Netflix. Players must choose self-preservation to survive. ‘You have a reason to leave this place, but I don’t.’
  • THE WALKING DEAD, AMC. Negan’s former life is tragically revealed. ‘I am starting to think that I am capable of damn near anything.’
  • WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS, FX. The vampires say farewell to one of their own. ‘How am I gonna eat if I don’t prey on people, dummy?’
  • YELLOWJACKETS, Showtime. Teen terror on an island lasts generations. ‘Hiding in the tree, she watches me at night.’
  • Or write-in another choice:

3) Best Blu-Ray OF 2021

  • THE AMAZING MR. X (1948; Film Detective)
  • AN ANGEL FOR SATAN (1966; Severin)
  • DEAD AND BURIED (1981; Blue Underground)
  • DEAD ZONE (1983; Shout!)
  • DOCTOR X (1932 Technicolor; Warners Archive)
  • FRANKENSTEIN’S DAUGHTER (1958; Film Detective)
  • THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN (1957; Criterion)
  • ISLE OF THE DEAD (1945; Warners Archive
  • KING KONG (1976; Shout!)
  • MILL OF THE STONE WOMEN (1960; Arrow)
  • MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD (1935; Kino)
  • THE POSSESSION OF JOEL DELANEY (1972; Imprint)
  • SECRET OF THE BLUE ROOM (1933; Kino)
  • TOMB OF LIGEIA (1964; Kino)
  • THE VAMPIRE LOVERS (1970; Shout)
  • Or write in another choice:

4) Best Blu-Ray Collection

  • ALL THE HAUNTS BE OURS: A Compendium of Folk Horror (15 discs, Severin). 20-film collection includes numerous rarities, companion material and video extras.
  • THE DUNGEON OF ANDY MILLIGAN 1967-1982 (8 discs plus CD, Severin). 14 films, some restored for first time; numerous shorts and special features.
  • THE EUROCRYPT OF CHRISTOPHER LEE 1962-1971 (9 discs, Severin) 6 films highlighting Lee’s European horror films; numerous extras.
  • HAMMER HORROR: Four Gothic Horrors (Imprint) Countess Dracula, Twins of Evil, Hands of the Ripper, Vampire Circus.
  • HAMMER VOLUME SIX: Night Shadows (Indicator). Includes Captain Clegg, Phantom of the Opera, Nightmare, Shadow of the Cat.
  • KOLCHAK: THE NIGHSTALKER: The Complete Series (1974-1975; Kino). Twenty episodes remastered, along with 21 commentaries.
  • THE MONSTER COLLECTION (Music Box Films). Two special effects documentaries, The Frankenstein Complex, and Phil Tippett: Mad Dreams and Monsters; plus bonus disc.
  • NIGHT GALLERY: Season One (Kino) All seven episodes with commentaries.
  • SILVER SCREAMS CINEMA (Imprint) Phantom Speaks, Return of Ape Man, She Devil, Unknown Terror, Vampire’s Ghost, Valley of the Zombies
  • THE SHERLOCK HOLMES VAULT COLLECTION (1931-37; Film Detective). Fatal Hour, Triumph of Sherlock Holmes, Silver Blaze, Study in Scarlet
  • UNIVERSAL CLASSIC MONSTERS: Icons of Horror Collection in 4K: Dracula, Frankenstein, Wolf Man, Invisible Man offered in 4K.
  • Or write in another choice:

5) Best Restoration or Upgrade

  • AN ANGEL FOR SATAN (1966; Severin) First official release, including restored audio.
  • DARK EYES OF LONDON (1939; Network) Remaster from original elements.
  • DEAD & BURIED (1981; Blue Underground). 4K upgrade.
  • DEMENTIA 13 (1963; Vestron) Francis Ford Coppola’s director’s cut.
  • DOCTOR X (1932; Warner Archives) Technicolor restoration, along with B/W version.
  • ELVIRA’S HAUNTED HILLS (2001; Shout!) 4K scan from original negative.
  • EYES OF FIRE/CRYING BLUE SKY (1983; Severin) First release along with longer alternate version.
  • THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER (1928) Restoration of silent by Richard Moses, music by Jay Woelfel; streamed on Silent Film Channel.
  • FLESH FOR FRANKENSTEIN (Andy Warhol’s Frankenstein; 1973; Vinegar Syndrome). Freshly scanned and 4K; colors brighter; 3-D version included.
  • THE INVISIBLE MAN APPEARS (1949, Arrow). First U.S. release of Japanese sci-fi.
  • THE KINDRED (1987; Synapse) Restored and uncut from original negative.
  • KING KONG (1976; Shout!). Includes complete expanded TV version.
  • KRAMPUS: The Naughty Cut (2015; Shout) Restored scenes and adult language.
  • MILL OF THE STONE WOMEN (1960, Arrow). Italian, American and French cuts included.
  • NIGHT GALLERY (1969; Kino) Restored two-hour pilot episode.
  • SANTA SANGRE (1990; Severin). 4K restoration of Alejandro Jodorowsky classic.
  • SKINNED DEEP (2004; Severin) Reassembled scenes from uncut negatives.
  • TIH-MINH (1919; Gaumont) Six-hour crime serial reconstructed and restored.
  • Or write in another choice:

6) Best DVD Extras

  • THE ATTIC EXPEDITIONS (2001, Severin). Online reunion with cast including Jeffrey Combs, Wendy Robie, Alice Cooper.
  • DARK EYES OF LONDON (1939; Network). Kim Newman, Stephen Jones discuss Lugosi’s UK work.
  • DOCTOR X (1932; Warner Archives): ‘Monsters and Mystery: The Horror Films of Michael Curtiz,’ directed by Constantine Nasr.
  • F.P.1. DOESN’T ANSWER (Kino): Includes U.S. version with Conrad Veidt.
  • FRANKENSTEIN’S DAUGHTER (1958; Kino) ‘Richard E. Cunha: Filmmaker of the Unknown,’ resurrects unseen film bio Cunha sent to Tom Weaver.
  • GRIZZLY (1976; Severin). Nightmare USA author Stephen Thrower documentary on director William Girdler.
  • HAMMER HORROR: Four Gothic Horror Films (Imprint): Three visual essays by Kat Ellinger among numerous features.
  • INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN (1957; Criterion) ‘Auteur on Campus: Jack Arnold at Universal’ documentary directed by Daniel Griffith.
  • THE KINDRED (1987; Synapse). ‘Inhuman Experiments: The Making of The Kindred.’
  • THE MEDUSA TOUCH (1978; Imprint). Visual essay by Ian McAnally on ‘Welsh Wizard’ Richard Burton.
  • NOSFERATU IN VENICE (1988; Severin) ‘Creation is Violent – Anecdotes From Kinski’s Final Years’ directed by Josh Johnson.
  • SHE FREAK (1967; AGFA/Something Weird) Compilation of David Friedman trailers.
  • THE VAMPIRE LOVERS (1970; Shout). New commentaries video features.
  • Or write in another choice:

 7) Favorite Commentator of 2021 

  • Craig Beam (Night Gallery)
  • Paul Castiglia (Haunted House episode, Abbott & Costello Show)
  • Travis Crawford (Demons 2)
  • David DelValle (Trog, Mystery of Edwin Drood)
  • Samm Deighan (Switchblade Sisters)
  • Kat Ellinger (The Seventh Seal, An Angel for Satan)
  • Lee Gambin (Day of the Animals; Possession of Joel Delaney)
  •  Gary Gerani (Night Gallery pilot; Dark Intruder)
  • Michael Gingold (Dead Zone)
  • Troy Guinn, Rod Barnett (Black Candles)
  • Steve Haberman (Isle of the Dead, Mad Love)
  • Bruce G. Hallenbeck (Capt. Kronos, Vampire Hunter)
  • Justin Humphreys (Flight to Mars)
  • Troy Howarth (Dead & Buried)
  • Tim Lucas (Night Gallery; Mill of the Stone Women)
  • Constantine Nasr (The Vampire Lovers; Night Gallery)
  • Kim Newman, Stephen Jones (Vampire Circus; Twins of Evil)
  • Amanda Reyes (Night Gallery; Phantom of the Mall)
  • Kelly Robinson (Ingagi)
  • Jonathan Rigby & Kevin Lyons (Hands of the Ripper, Countess Dracula)
  • Alan K. Rode (Doctor X)
  • David Schecter (various soundtrack commentaries)
  • Michael Schlesinger (Secret of the Blue Room)
  • Nathaniel Thompson (Dead & Buried)
  • Richard Harland Smith (Last Man on Earth; Prophecy)
  • Tom Weaver (Incredible Shrinking Man; Frankenstein’s Daughter)
  • Emma Westwood (Prophecy)
  • Taylor White (Night Gallery)
  • Or write in another choice:

8) Best Independent Film of 2021

Includes festivals and streaming channels.
 
  • THE ADVENT CALENDAR, directed by Patrick Ridgemont. Monstrous menaces intensify, day by day. See trailer here
  • BRAIN FREEZE, directed by Julien Knafo. Horror comedy from Canada, fertilizer zombies plague a gated community. See trailer here
  • CENSOR, directed by Prano Bailey-Bond. A film censor hunts down the source of a film, with shocking results. See trailer here
  • THE CHANGED, directed by Michael Mongillo. Neighborhood finds imposters taking their place. See trailer here
  • COME TRUE, directed by Anthony Scott Burns. Sleep study goes deeper than expected. See trailer here
  • CRAWLER, directed by Joe Ripple. The late Don Dohler’s last independent film. See trailer here.
  • FRIED BARRY, directed by Ryan Kruger. Aliens take control of hard-to-control loser. See trailer here
  • HORROR NOIRE, anthology of six tales from black directors. See trailer here
  • HOWL FROM BEYOND THE FOG, directed by Daisuke Sato. From Japan, monsters battle land grabbers. See trailer here
  • IT KNOWS YOU’RE ALONE, directed by Chris Alexander. An old phone washes up on shore. See trailer here
  • JAKOB’S WIFE, directed by Travis Stevens. Starring Barbara Crampton, vampiric happenings in a small town. See trailer here
  • KANDISHA, directed by Alexandre Bustillo and Julien Maury. A changeling demon stalks an abusive boyfriend. See trailer here
  • THE LOCKDOWN HAUNTINGS, directed by Howard J. Ford. Tony Todd stars as pandemic has its own special horrors. See trailer here
  • THE PHANTOM LAKE KIDS IN THE BEAST WALKS AMONG US, directed by Christopher Mihm. Neighborhood kids fight a hideous creature. See trailer here
  • RED SNOW, directed by Sean Nichols Lynch. An injured vampire offers a chance for fame to a frustrated horror writer. See trailer here
  • THE SADNESS, directed by Rob Jabbaz. A couple must escape a city filled with sadistic plague victims. See trailer here.
  • THE STYLIST, directed by Jill Gevargizian. A lonely hairdresser does more than cut hair. See trailer here
  • SAVE YOURSELVES! Directed by Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson. Young couple shelter in the woods amidst an alien invasion. See trailer here
  • TITANE, directed by Julia Ducournau. A woman’s head injury could be linked to brutal crimes. See trailer here
  • WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING, directed by Sean King O’Grady. Family trapped by a tornado finds its own horrors. See trailer here
  • Or write in another choice:

 9) Best Short Film

  • THE BALLERINA, directed by Aaron Fradkin (8 mins). A dancer is haunted by her reflection. See film here
  • BRACKISH, directed by Christa Boarini (8 mins). A menacing spirit from the mangroves in this folktale of the Americas.  See film here
  • DAWN OF THE ATOMIC BEAST, directed by William Turner  (11 mins). Send up of 1950s 3-D, bubbles included. See film here
  • GOOD HEAD, directed by Matt Servitto (29 mins) Getting fitted for a prop movie head goes horribly wrong. See trailer here
  • THE GUEST: A Lockdown Story, directed by Andrea Lombardo (33 mins). A man finds an intruder in his house during Covid-19. See film here
  • HUNGRY JOE, directed by Paul Holbrook and Sam Dawe. About a boy who just can’t stop eating. See film here
  • KOREATOWN GHOST STORY, directed by Minsun Park, Teddy Tenenbaum (15 mins). Margaret Cho stars in tale of macabre marriage rituals. See film here
  • THE MOST HAUNTED HOUSE IN VENICE BEACH, directed by Ansel Faraj (17 mins). A haunting memory of L.A. Venice Beach. See film here
  • A NIGHTMARE IN THE SHOWER, directed by Shane and Aylward (19 mins). A disability doesn’t stop battling a radioactive menace. See film here
  • THE THREE MEN YOU MEET AT NIGHT, directed by Beck Kitsis (13 mins). A woman walks home and must decide among three different men. See film here
  • WHO GOES THERE? Directed by Astrid Thorvaldsen (23 mins). A stranger promises help, but with a price. See trailer here
  • Or write in another choice:

10) Best Documentary

  • BORIS KARLOFF: The Man Behind the Monster, directed by Thomas Hamilton. Actor’s biography includes numerous interviews, rare audio and vintage footage beyond Frankenstein. See trailer here
  • CARL LAEMMLE, directed by James L. Freedman. Exploring the founder of Universal films and his work with Jewish refugees before WW2. See trailer here
  • DARK SHADOWS AND BEYOND: The Jonathan Frid Story, directed by Mary O’Leary. Interviews and personal letters trace the story of television’s favorite vampire. See trailer here
  • PENNYWISE: The Story of IT, directed by John Campopiano, Chris Griffiths. Examining the original Tim Curry adaptation of the Stephen King novel. See trailer here
  • THE SLEEPER MUST AWAKEN: Making Dune, directed by Daniel Griffith. Tracking various attempts and the creation of David Lynch’s 1984 version. Available on Arrow Player
  • UNITED STATES OF INSANITY, directed by Tom Putnam, Brenna Sanchez. The story of horror rappers Insane Clown Posse. See trailer here
  • WOODLANDS DARK AND DAYS BEWITCHED, directed by Kier-La Janisse. (Severin) More than three hours and 50 interviews exploring the special world of folk horror. See trailer here
  • Or write in another choice:

11) Book of the Year (non-fiction)

  • ALWAYS THE BRIDE: A Biography of Elsa Lanchester, by Victoria Worsley (BearManor Media, hardcover, 276 pages, $35). Owning a nightclub, marriage to Charles Laughton and, of course, screen immortality.
  • BECOMING DRACULA: The Early Years of Bela Lugosi, Vols. 1 and 2, by Gary D. Rhodes and Bill Kaffenberger (BearManor Media, softcover, 447/436 pages, $38/$36) New revelations about Lugosi’s challenging journey to what became his signature role.
  • BEHIND THE KAIJU CURTAIN, A Journey Onto Japan’s Biggest Film Sets, by Norman England (Aiwa Books, softcover, 250 pages, $27.99). A look at the Japanese movie industry, including the sets of Godzilla and Gamera.
  • THE BODY SNATCHER: Cold-Blooded Murder, Robert Louis Stevenson, and the Making of a Horror Film Classic, by Scott Allen Nollen with Gregory William Mank (BearManor Media, softcover, 252 pages, $25). From Burke and Hare to Karloff/Lugosi.
  • BORIS KARLOFF: The Man Remembered, by Gordon B. Shriver (BearManor Media, hardcover, 234 pages, $35) Revised and expanded biography includes numerous interviews with Karloff co-stars.
  • THE BUCKEROO BANZAI COLLECTORS’ COMPENDIUM, by DeWayne Todd (Independent, softcover, 162 pages, $30). All about the marketing and promotional items surrounding the 1984 cult classic.
  • THE CAREER THAT DRIPPED WITH HORROR, by John Stanley (Independent, softcover, 254 pages, $23.99). Hundreds of photos, interviews (Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Carrie Fisher, others), and remembrances from West Coast’s second Creature Features host.
  • CHANEY’S BABY: Lon Jr., The Wolf Man, 1948, and the End of a Dream, by Bill Fleck (Independent, softcover, 226 pages, $9.99). Triumphs, tragedy and report of a suicide attempt.
  • CREEPY BITCHES: Essays on Horror from Women in Horror, by Alyse Wax and Rebekah McKendry (BearManor Media, softcover, 204 pages, $25). Actresses, scholars and writers explore the world of the feminine fantastique.
  • DAMN DIRTY GEEKS: Talk Among Us (Independent, softcover, 264 pages, $33). Podcast veterans Jack Bennett, Frank Dietz, Rob Maynard, Scott Weitz and Frank Woodward on films that inspired them.
  • THE DARK SHADOWS DAYBOOK, by Patrick McCray (Independent, softcover, 252 pages, $12.99). A fresh tour of the key moments in the eternal saga of the Collins Family.
  • ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK: The Official Story of the Film, by John Walsh (Titan, hardcover, 160 pages, $47.99) Retrospective of 1981 film includes unseen artwork.
  • FROM THE INNER MIND … TO THE OUTER LIMITS: Scripts of Joseph Stefano, Volume 1, edited by Dave Rash (Gauntlet Press, hardcover, 529 pages, $60) Scripts for six teleplays, plus two never produced episodes.
  • THE GIALLO CANVAS: Art, Excess and Horror Cinema, by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas (McFarland, paperback, 258 pages, $45) How art and artists energize a murderous genre.
  • GLAMOUR GHOUL: The Passions and Pain of the Real Vampira, Maila Nurmi, by Sandra Niemi (Feral House, softcover, 400 pages, $21.95). A photo-filled biography by Vampira’s niece.
  • THE GREAT WAR and the Golden Age of Hollywood Horror, by R. Bruce Crelin (Midnight Marquee, softcover, 324 pages, $30). How WWI shaped the careers of James Whale, R.C. Sherriff, and J.B. Priestley and early horror cinema.
  • HERE THERE BE MONSTERS, by Bryan Senn (BearManor Media, softcover, 476 pages, $47). Interviews and essays from Universal to Hammer and beyond.
  • HOSTED HORROR ON TELEVISION: The Films and Faces of Shock Theater, Creature Features and Chiller Theater, by Bruce Markusen (McFarland, softcover, 251 pages, $39.95).Tracing the rise of late night ghoulish comforts.
  • LANDIS: The Story of a Real Man on 42nd Street, by Preston Fassel (Encyclopocalyp[se Publications, softcover, 148 pages, $9.99). The life and tragic legacy of the founder of Sleazoid Express.
  • SCRIPTS FROM THE CRYPT Vol. 11: Mr. Sardonicus, edited by Tom Weaver (BearManor Media, softcover, 290 pages, $30). Close-up look at the Ray Russell/William Castle classic.
  • SMOKE AND MIRRORS: Special Visual Effects B.C. (Before Computers), by Mark D. Wolf (BearManor Media, softcover, 272 pages, $43). A behind-the-scenes look at how movies made you believe before the days of CGI.
  • TERENCE FISHER: Master of Gothic Cinema, by Tony Dalton (Fab Press, softcover, 504 pages, $34.95). An authorized biography of the Hammer director who sparked the second wave of classic horror.
  • UNHOLY COMMUNION: Alice, Sweet Alice, From Script to Screen, by Troy Howarth (BearManor Media, hardcover, 304 pages, $39.95). The making of Brooke Shields’1976 debut.
  • UNIVERSAL ‘40s MONSTERS: A Critical Commentary, by John T. Soister (BearManor Media, hardcover, 798 pages, $52) A huge exploration of the studio’s sometimes overlooked 1940s horrors.
  • UNTOLD HORROR, by Dave Alexander (Dark Horse, hardcover, 152 pages, $39.99). Interviews with top directors about horror films that were never made.
  • WARPED & FADED: Weird Wednesday and the Birth of the American Genre Film Archive, by Lars Nilsen, edited by Kier-La Janisse (Mondo, softcover, 416 pages. $35). How Austin’s Alamo Drafthouse sparked a two-decade restoration effort of near-forgotten films.:
  • WHEN DRACULA MET FRANKENSTEIN: My Years Making Drive-In Movies with Al Adamson, by Sam Sherman (Independent, softcover, 378 pages, $29.95). Tales from the bargain side of filmmaking.
  • YOURS CRUELLY, ELVIRA Memories of the Mistress of the Dark, by Cassandra Peterson (Hachette Books, hardcover, 304 pages, $29). Horror host’s personal and newsmaking autobiography.
  • Or write in another choice:

12) Best Classic Horror Fiction (Fiction that uses horror icons as jumping off points)

  • ATTACK FROM THE ‘80s, edited by Eugene Johnson (Raw Dog Screaming Press, hardcover, 266 pages, $39.95). More than 20 gnarly tales of video monsters and more.
  • BELA LUGOSI’S DEAD, by Robert Guffey (Macabre Ink, softcover, 264 pages, $17.99). A search for the lost Lugosi test footage from Frankenstein leads to an impossible choice.
  • THE CLASSIFIED DOSSIER: SHERLOCK HOLMES & COUNT DRACULA, by Christian Klaver (Titan Books, hardcover, 432 pages, $19.99) The endless vampire and the Great Detective must join forces to defeat a fierce enemy.
  • DRACULA NEVER DIES: The Revenge of Bela Vorlock, by Christopher R. Gauthier (Independent, softcover, 297 pages, $15). Alternate take on the life of a horror star from the 1930s to the 1950s.
  • DRACULA OF TRANSYLVANIA, by Ricardo Delgado (Clover Press, hardcover, 560 pages, $45). An expansive retelling of the Bram Stoker classic, with illustrations.
  • THE FINAL GIRL SUPPORT GROUP, by Grady Hendrix (Berkley, hardcover, 352 pages, $26). A secret group of survivors must fight yet again.
  • HORSEMAN: A Tale of Sleepy Hollow, by Christina Henry (Berkley, hardcover, 315 pages, $17). Villagers wave off the legend of a headless horseman as a myth. But then …
  • THE MAMMOTH BOOK OF FOLK HORROR, edited by Stephen Jones (Skyhorse, softcover, 552 pages, $16.99). Anthology of old and new tales of what lurks in the darkness.
  • MY HEART IS A CHAINSAW, by Stephen Graham Jones (Gallery/Saga Press. Hardcover, 416 pages, $26.99). A woman’s reverence for horror films becomes so intense that she hopes a slasher will come to town.
  • THE PASSION OF THE MUMMY, by Frank J. Dello Stritto (Cult Movies Press, hardcover, 503 pages, $31). A fictional wrapping of the Mummy’s various incarnations, from Universal’s ancient Egypt to Hammer’s modern times.
  • THIS THING OF DARKNESS, by K.V. Turley and Fiorella De Maria (Ignatius, softcover, 260 pages, $16.95). A fanciful interview with Bela Lugosi in 1956 leads a reporter to dark places.
  • TURNING THE TIED, edited by Jean Rabe, Robert Greenberger (International Association Media Tie-in Writers, softcover, 453 pages, $19.99). Sherlock, Dracula, Frankenstein all figure in collection of stories by Max Allan Collins, Jonathan Maberry, Stephen D. Sullivan and others.
  • Or write in another choice:

13) Best Magazine of 2021

  • Bare*Bones
  • Cinema Retro (UK)
  • Classic Monsters of the Movies (UK)
  • The Dark Side (UK)
  • Delirium
  • Fangoria
  • Filmfax
  • Freaky Monsters
  • G-Fan
  • HorrorHound
  • Horror Scholar Journal
  • Infinity (UK)
  • Little Shoppe of Horrors
  • Monster Bash
  • Retro Fan
  • Rue Morgue
  • Scary Monsters
  • Scream (UK)
  • Screem
  • Shock Cinema
  • We Belong Dead (UK)
  • Or write in another choice:

14) Best Article (Please select two; one will win)

  • ‘Child of Dark Shadows,’ by Kathryn Leigh Scott, FANGORIA #11. The disappearance and return of her soap opera co-star.
  • ‘Christopher Lee’s Euro-Horrors,’ by John Martin, THE DARK SIDE #221. How the actor’s European projects helped define him as a horror icon.
  • ‘Dario’s Deep Designer Deaths,’ by Ian Taylor, WE BELONG DEAD #29. Argento’s murders were always in the most elegant settings.
  • ‘A Dinosaur in New York,’ by Mike Hankin, INFINITY #36. Harryhausen expert on the making of Beast From 20,000 Fathoms.
  • ‘Dracula’s House of Science,’ by Mark C. Glassy, SCARY MONSTERS #122-123. Was curing the monsters medical science or Universal quackery
  • ‘The Ferrymen (and Women) of Fright,’ by David Dastmalchian. FANGORIA #11. Why horror hosts matter.
  • ‘Filming Nemo,’ by Gregory Kulon, INFINITY #39. A deep dive into the earliest versions of Mysterious Island and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
  • ‘Haunted Houses for Dummies,’ by George Humenik, SCARY MONSTERS #123. What makes an effective cinema haunted house.
  • ‘Horror Business,’ by Rodrigo Gudino and Andrea Subissati, RUE MORGUE #200. Retracing the history of horror journalism and Canada’s long-running magazine.
  • ‘Horror Heads: The Men Who Ran Hammer,’ by Denis Meikle, THE DARK SIDE #216-218. Profile of James Carreras, Anthony Hinds and others.
  • ‘In Search of the Elusive Monsters of Denis Gifford,’ by Alan Tromp, WE BELONG DEAD #28. A young man’s quest to see films mentioned in Gifford’s Pictorial History guide.
  • ‘I Was a Middle-Aged Werewolf,’ by Paul Davis, FANGORIA #12. Up close with the transformation in An American Werewolf in London.
  • ‘Karloff’s Monster or Lee’s Creature,’ by Nige Burton, CLASSIC MONSTERS OF THE MOVIES ANNUAL 2021. Comparing the two classic portrayals of Mary Shelley’s creation.
  • ‘Kong ’76 at 45,’ by John Hovey, G-FAN #132. Reassessing the controversial remake.
  • ‘Legend of a Blood Countess: The Legacy of Daughters of Darkness,’ by Kat Ellinger, SCREAM #69. How The Vampire Lovers proved not only Dracula can rule the night.
  • ‘London After … No, the Remake,’ by Matthew E. Banks, WE BELONG DEAD #30. Re-examining Tod Browning’s Mark of the Vampire.
  • ‘Lugosi’s Awful Doctor Orloff,’ by Brian J. Robb, THE DARK SIDE #223. Censors just one of the challenges in the making of The Dark Eyes of London.
  • ‘Monsters on Parade,’ by Martin Arlt, MAD SCIENTIST #34. All about Toho’s kaiju celebration, Destroy All Monsters.
  • ‘More Than a Normal Person Can Endure,’ by Jon Towlson, THE DARK SIDE #222. The makings and restorations of Doctor X and Mystery of the Wax Museum.
  • ‘Of Monsters and Magic,’ by Michael Mezmer, SCARY MONSTERS #121-122. Magicians and charlatans in the horror films.
  • ‘The Overlooked Library,’ by Don D’Ammassa, bare*bones #6. Unearthing the Hammer ‘Omnibus’ collections which adapted the studio’s horror classics.
  • ‘Reflections of Fear: The Making of The Gorgon,’ by Joshua Kennedy, LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #47.
  • ‘Michael Ripper: Hammer’s Most Prolific Star,’ by Alex Hopkins, CLASSIC MONSTERS OF THE MOVIES #24. Career-spanning look at Hammer’s versatile actor.
  • ‘No Death, Only Change,’ by Frank Dello Stritto, SCARY MONSTERS #121. Reincarnation in film goes far beyond the mummy films.
  • ‘Repairing Lon Chaney Jr.’s Legacy,’ by David Rosler, filmsinreview.com A director questions the drunk-on-set reputation of the horror star.
  • ‘Sam Katzman’s Cold War Creatures,’ by Stephen Bissette, SCREEM #39, An examination of the  paranoia and memorable images in Katzman’s 1950s sci-fi thrillers.
  • ‘Say Her Name,’ Natalie Erika James, FANGORIA #12. How director Nia Dacosta guided Candyman through the pandemic.
  • ‘The Secret History of Godzilla vs. Kong,’ by John LeMay, G-FAN #133. The legal and production hurdles faced by the 2021 epic.
  • ‘Storm Clouds Over Collinwood,’ by Rod Labbe, THE DARK SIDE #219. A fan’s personal encounters with the Dark Shadows phenomenon.
  • ‘Suspiria Retrospective,’ by Aaron AuBuchon, HORRORHOUND #90. Both versions of the giallo classic.
  • ‘Twisted Roots of Folk Horror,’ by Andrea Subissati, RUE MORGUE #202. Examining the enduring power of folk legends in Severin’s major box set.
  • ‘A Weekend with Barbara: A Tribute to Barbara Shelley,’ by Stephen Laws, LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #46. Recalling a 25-year friendship with  late horror queen.
  • ‘Who Will Be His Bride Tonight: The Making of Horror of Dracula,’ by Bruce G. Hallenbeck, LITTLE SHOPPE OF HORRORS #46. Extensive look behind the scenes of one of horror’s most important films (including more than a dozen artist interpretations).
  • ‘Willis O’Brien: Triumph, Tragedy, and the Son of Kong, Parts 1-3’ by Greg Kulon, FILMFAX #157-159. Family nightmare that haunted O’Brien and production.
  • ‘Woman Without a Soul: The Scandalous Second Life of 1914’s Lola,’ by Kelly Robinson, SCARY MONSTERS #122. One of the first film’s about a life restored.
  • Or write in another choice:

15) Best Interview

  • Axelle Carolyn (director, The Manor), by Chris Alexander. DELIRIUM #29.
  • Elvira (Cassandra Peterson), by Sam Irvin, THE DARK SIDE #222.
  • William Friedkin (The Exorcist), by Tony Earnshaw, THE DARK SIDE #223.
  • Halloween Kills (cast and crew), by Jessica Dwyer, HORRORHOUND #91
  • Brett Halsey (actor), by Paul Amundsen (FILMFAX #159-160)
  • Kier-La Janisse (director, Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched), by Jay Kay. HORROR HOUND #91.
  • Jared Krichensky (designer of latest MegaGodzilla) by Colin McMahon, G-FAN #132/
  • Lynne Lugosi Sparks (Lugosi’s granddaughter), by Don Smeraldi, SCARY MONSTERS #120.
  • Ve Neill (makeup artist), by Meredith Borders, FANGORIA #10
  • Ron Oliver (director of Prom II and III), by Michael Varrati, FANGORIA #10
  • Lara Parker (actress on Dark Shadows), by Rod Labbe, RETROFAN #17.
  • Daniel Roebuck (about The Munsters), by William Wright, ruemorgue.com
  • Martin Stephens (child in Village of Damned), by Calum Waddell,  DARK SIDE #220.
  • Oliver Stone (about his horror influences), by Michael Doyle, RUE MORGUE #200.
  • Or write in another choice:

16) Best Column

  • Asylum for the Psychotronic, by Ansel Faraj in WE BELONG DEAD
  • Emma Dark’s Dark Corner, WE BELONG DEAD
  • Deep Focus, by John-Paul Checkett, SCREEM
  • Devil’s in the Details, by Stacey Ponder, RUE MORGUE
  • Exordium, by Michael Gingold, FANGORIA
  • Files from the Black Museum, by Paul Corupe, RUE MORGUE
  • Grey Matters, by Richard J. Schellbach, Mondo Cult Online
  • It Came from Bowen’s Basement, John Bowen, RUE MORGUE
  • Kaiju Korner, by Mike Bogue, SCARY MONSTERS
  • The Nasty Files by Iain Todd, SCREAM
  • Kim Newman’s Dungeon, THE DARK SIDE
  • Overlooked in Hollywood by Laura Wagner, FILMS OF THE GOLDEN AGE
  • Ralph’s One & Only Traveling Reviews, by Richard Klemensen, LITTLE SHOPPE OF      HORRORS
  • R&D, David J. Schow, BARE*BONES
  • Rondo Remembers, by Ron Adams, MONSTER BASH
  • Scene Queen, by Barbara Crampton, FANGORIA
  • Strange Days by Jason Strangis, SCARY MONSTERS
  • Trilogy of Terror by Jim Ivers, SCARY MONSTERS
  • They Came from the Krypt, by Jon Kitley, HORRORHOUND
  • Or write in another choice:
17) Best Magazine Cover
bare*bones #6 Design by John Scoleri
Classic Monsters of the Movies #25 by Daniel Horne
The Dark Side #222 by Rick Melton
Delirium #27 by Ryan Brookhart
Fangoria #13 Design by Jason Kauzlarich
Fantastique Vintage Vol. 1 by John Capone
Filmfax #158 by Alex Schomburg in 1947
G-Fan #131 by Todd Tennant
HorrorHound #90 by Nathan Hanneman and Joel Robinson
Little Shoppe of Horrors #46 by Mark Madox
Mad Scientist #34 by Jeff Zonow
Scary Monsters #124 by Scott Jackson
Monster Bash #43 by Daniel HOrne
Rue Morgue #202 by John Pearson
Scream #64 Design by Imran Kelly
Screem #39 by Mark Maddox
We Belong Dead #30 by Brux

18) Best Website of 2021

19) Best Podcast

20) Best Events of 2021

  • AFTERNOON OF LIVING DEAD: Despite Covid and bomb scare, cast members from Night of the Living Dead appear at first CHILLER EXPO in two years.
  • AX WOUND VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL: Nine days of panels, short films and audience participation.
  • BOND CARS IN ATLANTA: Full-size replicas of James Bond cars on display at MONSTERAMA’s SpyCon2
  • CREEPSHOW CREATORS: The Walking Dead’s executive producer Greg Nicotero and writer Frank Dietz preview Creepshow at WONDERFEST.
  • A DARK SHADOWS CHRISTMAS CAROL: Collinsport Theatre of the Airwaves streams a reading by original cast members, including Lara Parker, Kathryn Leigh Scott, David Selby.
  • HEATHER BUCKLEY HONORED: Film producer, writer and preservationist named ‘Patron of the Cinema’ by New York City’s Winter Film Awards.
  • LIVE AT THE BASH: Authors Greg Mank (Werewolf of London), Frank Dello Stritto (Wizard of Oz), lecture at the Monster Bash.
  • MICHAEL ROOKER in Hawaiian shirt takes charge during Q&A at HORRORHOUND WEEKEND in Cincinnati.
  • MISKATONIC INSTITUTE OF HORROR STUDIES: Online studies of Hammer, voodoo, makeup and more from New York, Los Angeles and London.
  • NIGHTMARE IN HUNT VALLEY: Robert Englund heads up Nightmare on Elm Street panel at MONSTER MANIA.
  • PLAN 9 TABLE READ: SF Sketchfest/TCM present online reading with Bob Odenkirk, Bobcat Goldthwait, Dana Gould (as Criswell), Laraine Newman, David Koechner, others.
  • RAISING THE DEAD: Virtual talk from University of Pittsburgh exploring George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead archives.
  • SERLINGFEST: Daughter Anne Serling, expert Marc Zicree and others at Twilight Zone celebration in Binghamton, NY, Rod Serling’s home town.
  • TALKING KONG: Expert Steve Vertlieb appears on Classic Movies with Ron McCloskey to discuss King Kong and gorillas in cinema.
  • THE TRANSGRESSIVE URGE: Horror and Taboo in the 21st Century. An online panel from FANTASIA 2021, hosted by Heather Buckley, with Doug Winer, David J. Schow, Stephen Bissette, Christina Ward, David Kerekes and John Skipp.
  • UNIVERSAL MONSTER PARTY: Scholar David J. Skal, horror host John Stanley celebrate Dracula’s 90th anniversary at Orinda Theatre in California.
  • THE WHISPERER IN DARKNESS: Live/virtual show off-Broadway by RadiotheatreNYC.
  • WOMEN IN HORROR: Female Perspective. Online panel at Beyond Fest hosted by Clarke Wolfe, with Gigi Saul Guerrero, Axelle Carolyn, Marcella Ochoa, Lisa Bruce, Maritte Lee.
  • Or write in another choice:

21) Favorite Horror Host of 2021

  • Al Omega (Creature Features)
  • Arachna of the Spider People (Beware Theatre)
  • Baron Mondo, El Sapo and Mittens (Nightmare Theatre)
  • Big Chuck and Lil John (Cleveland)
  • Bobby Gammonster (MonsterMovieNight)
  • Bone Jangler and Nocturna (The Monster Show)
  • Count Gore DeVol (Creature Feature)
  • Deadwest (Screaming Soup)
  • Drac and Countess Carita (Transylvania Tonight)
  • Dr. Dread (John Murray)
  • Dr. Fearless (David Dastmalchian)
  • Dr. Gangrene (Cinetarium)
  • Elvira (40th Anniversary on Shudder)
  • Gruesome Graves (Haunted Hotel)
  • Halloween Jack (Haunted Theatre)
  • Igorro (The Igorro Show)
  • Ivonna Cadaver (Macabre Theatre)
  • Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl (Last Drive-In on Shudder)
  • Karlos Borloff (Monster Madhouse)
  • Lamia, Queen of the Dark (Horror Hotel)
  • Lilith Von Bloodworth (Mondo Creepy TV)
  • Lord Blood-Rah (Nerve Wrackin’ Theatre)
  • Marlena Midnight (Midnight Mausoleum)
  • Miss Misery (Movie Massacre)
  • Mr. Lobo (Cinema Insomnia)
  • Penny Dreadful (Shilling Shockers)
  • The Mummy and the Monkey (Hairy Scary Hangout)
  • Ritch & Triv (The Midnight Movie)
  • Son of Ghoul (Ohio)
  • Svengoolie (Me-TV)
  • Vincent Van Dahl (Creature Features)
  • Zelda, Bird & Theo (Off-Beat Cinema)
  • Or write in another choice:

22) Best Graphic Novels/Collections of 2021

  • THE ART OF ENRIC (FPG). Collection of Enric Torres-Prat’s work in comics, paperbacks, and magazines.
  • THE AUTUMNAL: The Complete Series, by Daniel Krause and Chris Shehan (Vault). A daughter returns to the horrors of home.
  • CLAN OF THE DEVIL: The Sawney Beane Saga, by Maurice Devereaux, and various artists. (clanofthedevil.com). Scotland’s secret cannibal cabal.
  • THE COVERS OF EERIE PUBLICATION (Gwandanaland) The grisly covers of the company’s black-and-white horror magazines of the 1960s and beyond.
  • CULT OF DRACULA Collected Edition, by Rich Davis (Source Point Press). A modern take on a timeless legend.
  • DAMNED, CURSED, CHILDREN Vol. 1, by Howard Wong, Josh Stafford, Robin Simon Ng (Source Point). An unthinkable dilemma: Children on a murderous rampage.
  • A DISGUSTING SUPERMARKET OF DEATH, by James C. Harberson III (Margosia). Collected stories of comedy, horror and madness.
  • THE EPIC ART OF JOE SMITH, by Gary Gerani (Dreams and Visions). Poster artist who ranged from Dinsey to Gorgo concepts.
  • THE ICE CREAM MAN, Vol. 6: Just Desserts, by W. Maxwell Prince, Martin Morazzo (Image) A ringing bell signals tales of the bizarre and bitter sweet.
  • JOHN CARPENTER’S TALES FOR A HALLOWEEN NIGHT, VOL. 7, edited by Sandy King. (Storm King, softcover). Variety of creators offer chilling stories.
  • LUGOSI: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood’s Dracula, by Koren Shadmi (Life Drawn). Fact-based graphic novel interpolation of Lugosi’s life and challenges.
  • LUX ET UMBRA: The Monster Sketch Art of Frederick Cooper (Nitt & JibJib, softcover, 100 pages, $24.95). Black and white renditions of classic monsters, introduction by Joe Jusko.
  • MARK SPEARS MONSTER TRADING CARDS (Spears Art) Painted cards feature 72 monsters.
  • MONSTERS, by Barry Windsor-Smith (Fantagraphics). A collection of horror and grotesques, but family, too.
  • NORSE MYTHOLOGY, Vol. 1, by Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell, Mike Mignola, Jill Thompson, Jerry Ordway (Dark Horse). Legends of northern gods brought to life.
  • AN OLD SCHOOL HALLOWEEN, by Jason Young (Oldtimes). History of Halloween costumes, toys and art.
  • SHUDDER (Warrant). The renamed Creeps magazine carries on the tradition of EC and Warren horror.
  • SOMETHING IS KILLING THE CHILDREN, Vol. 3, by James Tynion IV, Werther Delledera (Boom!) Some monsters hide in plain sight.
  • THOUGHTFUL CREATURES, by Steve Bissette. A 120-page sketchbook from the artist of Swamp Thing and others.
  • Or write in another choice:

Write-In Categories

23) Writer of the Year (Whose work stood out in 2021?)

24) Best Artist of 2021

25) Best Fan Artist of 2021 (The Linda Miller Award)

SPECIAL CATEGORIES: Your votes will help determine who receives these special awards:
 

26) Monster Kid of the Year

This is Rondo’s highest honor: Who did the most in 2021 to advance the cause of classic horror scholarship, film preservation or genre creativity?
 

27) Special Recognition

Who deserves recognition for achievements that may have been overlooked or don’t fit into other categories?
 

28) The Monster Kid Hall of Fame

Name as many as six fans, pros, writers, artists, researchers, horror hosts or others who over the years have made a permanent mark on the world of classic horror appreciation.
 

Screamfest Presents “Darkman”

July 3, 2025 No Comments

Screamfest presents “Darkman”. Join Screamfest Horror Film Festival at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, for a special screening of Sam Raimi’s Darkman (1990).  Dive into

Read More »

2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions

June 17, 2025 No Comments

Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions   The Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon is open for submissions! Now in its eleventh year, the 61-day multimedia celebration spotlighting haunted

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Categories
Events Movies News

Screamfest Fears & Beers: My Bloody Valentine 3D

Screamfest Fears & Beers: My Bloody Valentine 3D

Get ready for a deadly date night with your sweetheart! At 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 10th, 2022 Regency Theatres Van Nuys Plant 16 will be home to the Screamfest Fears & Beers: My Bloody Valentine 3D Screening. My Bloody Valentine 3D is the 2009 remake of the classic 80’s Valentine’s Day slasher flick of the same name (minus the “3D”). The film is directed by Patrick Lussier and stars Jensen Ackles, Jaime King, Kerr Smith, and Betsy Rue.

The screening will include a Q&A with writer Todd Farmer, director Patrick Lussier, and other TBA cast members moderated by Brian Collins. Attendees 21+ will also receive one complimentary beer per ticket. 

My Bloody Valentine 3D tickets are $16.00 each and can be purchased on Eventbrite. Purchased tickets will be available at the Screamfest will-call table in the theater’s lobby starting at 7:00 p.m. (NO EARLY ENTRY). Please bring your Eventbrite email confirmation.

COVID Policy:

All attendees will be required to show proof of full vaccination and matching photo ID.

You can access your digital vaccine record at https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov

For more info visit SafePassLa.org

Regency Theatres COVID Guidelines

My Bloody Valentine 3D

Tom returns to his hometown on the tenth anniversary of the Valentine’s night massacre that claimed the lives of 22 people. Instead of a homecoming, Tom finds himself suspected of committing the murders, and it seems like his old flame is the only one that believes he’s innocent.

Cast: Jensen Ackles, Jaime King, Kerr Smith, Betsy Rue

After the film, there will be a Q&A with cast & crew. Be sure to check the Screamfest website for participant announcements.

Get Your Screamfest Fears & Beers Tickets Today!

Spaces are limited for this screening and Q&A event. Get your ticket early to ensure your spot.

Regency Theatres Van Nuys Plant 16 is located in a shopping center in Van Nuys. The address is: 7876 Van Nuys Blvd Van Nuys, CA 91402.

Have a meal at one of the nearby restaurants and grab some popcorn from the theater’s concessions stand. This Screamfest screening is sure to be a frighteningly fun event!

Past Screamfest Events Include:

Screamfest Ho Ho Horror Drive-In Screenings

Bloodvember Double-Feature

Screamfest Presents “Darkman”

July 3, 2025 No Comments

Screamfest presents “Darkman”. Join Screamfest Horror Film Festival at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, for a special screening of Sam Raimi’s Darkman (1990).  Dive into

Read More »

2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions

June 17, 2025 No Comments

Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions   The Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon is open for submissions! Now in its eleventh year, the 61-day multimedia celebration spotlighting haunted

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Categories
Music

Howl at the Moon Playlist

Howl at the Moon Playlist

No full moon is quite as titillating as a full moon in October.  Its bright glow illuminates all the ghosts and goblins roaming the night – and it entices even the shyest of werewolves to join the autumnal festivities. This Howl at the Moon Playlist is my love letter to this October moon – and the perfect way to add some spooky spirit to any full moon throughout the year!

The Song List

Werewolves are my favorite monsters. They represent duality of the soul – calm and collected by day and a wild release by the light of the moon. Give me the passion of a wolf over the calm and brooding demeanor of a vampire any day!

Ever since high school I have had quite the collection of wolf-related songs. My senior year I directed my high school’s fall play, The Werewolf’s Curse – or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow. It told the tale of Harry Pate, an American student in Romania who is bitten by a werewolf cub. During the full moon, Harry sprouts hair and craves rare roast beef, much to the dismay of his vegetarian fiancée. So it’s off to Dr. Frank Einstein’s castle to consult Madam Clara Voyant, where the doctor decides to make Harry a full fledged werewolf. To set the mood before the show and to use during bows, I created a curated soundtrack using only songs featuring lycanthrope lyrics. 

This Howl at the Moon playlist is an updated version with some new music to delight more modern audiences. 

Playlist Song Explanations

1. Bad Moon Rising - Mourning Ritual (Featuring Peter Dreimanis)

Let’s get this playlist started with a dark and edgy cover of the classic Creedence Clearwater Revival song. While the original has a fun and upbeat style, this version has a more goth edge. Singer Peter Dreimanis (of the band July Talk) lends a gritty, almost growling vocal tone to the piece. He sounds like quite a proper werewolf!

2. Wolfsbane - Gein & The Graverobbers

Even a man who is pure in heart and says his prayers by night, may become a wolf when the wolfbane blooms and the autumn moon is bright.

The Wolf Man (1941)

Gein and the Graverobbers’ Songs in the Key of Evil was my first experience with modern horror surfer rock, having picked up the CD at a record store solely based on the cover and band name. Their songs from this album all feature audio or riffs from classic horror movies and television. Wolfsbane features audio from 1941’s Universal Monster classic, The Wolf Man. Poor Larry Talbot could not escape the curse of the werewolf – might we meet a similar fate?

3. I Was a Teenage Werewolf - The Cramps

As mentioned earlier. Werewolves embody unbridled passion. I was a Teenage Werewolf by The Cramps captures that sexy desire through pulsing drums, a sharp electric guitar riff, and howling vocals. One can’t help but to feel empowered by this classic punk rock anthem. It is my go-to song when I want to feel sexy and confident. 

4. Wolf & I - Oh Land

Wolves are not just horror icons, they are also featured in some of the earliest fairy tales. Oh Land’s Wolf & I embodies this fantastic side of wolf tales with the fairy-tale like lyrics and melody. The catchy refrain will stick in your head long after the moon disappears beyond the horizon.

5. Wolves on Parade - Mr. Moonshine

Continuing a sultry vibe is Wolves on Parade by Mr. Moonshine. The lyrics invoke a feeling of a tortured soul:

“I need you to leave,
I want you to stay,
I won’t chase you,
Anymore, anymore, anymore”

Let’s also take a moment to appreciate the fantastic music video by artist Michelle Prebich. Her red robed plague doctors, wolves, and ravens are beautiful horror figures and the forest background is a haunting setting. Be sure to check out her Etsy shop, Bat in Your Belfry, to purchase a print or two for your horror art collection.

6. Love Bites - Ice Nine Kills (Featuring Chelsea Talmadge)

Ice Nine Kills takes inspiration from horror classics for the lyrics to their rock songs. Love Bites is their love letter to An American Werewolf in London. This is a touching duet for horror-loving lovers. Sing along and howl at the moon.

7. Wolves & Werewolves - The Pack A.D.

My Honey-bunny has been my own personal werewolf ever since he starred in my high school play (The Werewolf’s Curse – Or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow). Therefore, I let him pick one song on this Howl at the Moon Playlist. Wolves & Werewolves is his contribution. He likes this Canadian garage rock duo’s blend of rock and blues. 

8. Werewolves of London - Warren Zevon

This silly Halloween classic was based on an old horror movie of the same name. Phil Everly (of the Everly Brothers) joked with Warren Zevon that they should adapt the title into a song & dance craze. Zevon, Everly, and Waddy Wachtel wrote the lyrics in about 15 minutes and didn’t take the song very seriously. After a few other musicians heard the song and played it live for their own concerts, Zevon finally recorded his own version – which went on to be a top 40 hit for over a month and lives on via Halloween playlists to this day!

9. Clap for the Wolfman - The Guess Who

Never one for subtlety and an affinity for literal translations, there was no better song for the curtain call of my fall play than Clap for the Wolfman. 

This song is an homage to on-air radio disc-jockey Wolfman Jack, who can be heard several times on this classic hit. 

10. Hungry Like the Wolf - Duran Duran

Finishing out this trio of classic wolf-themed songs, is Hungry Like the Wolf. You’ll be dancing in the moonlight to this 1980’s hit. The bridge is the perfect soundtrack to a werewolf transformation. The heavy breathing and building background music can easily make one image the full moon appearing from behind the clouds and a cursed soul turning from man into  musical monster.

11. Me and Mr. Wolf - The Real Tuesday Weld

Me or you, one of us is going to need to die

The Real Tuesday Weld

Me and Mr. Wolf showcases The Real Tuesday Weld’s signature jazzy and upbeat style. Mr. Wolf seems to have met his match in this swinging duet. 

This is another fantastic animated music video. Artist George Fort’s animated noir masterpiece takes inspiration Fleischer Studios cartoons (such as Betty Boop, Popeye, etc.).

12. Li'l Red Riding Hood - Bowling for Soup

Although the original Li’l Red Riding Hood by Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs is a classic, I enjoy this modern take. I first heard it on the surprisingly awesome Cursed soundtrack. Wag your tails and howl along with this rockin’ hit!

13. Full Moon Tonight - Silvastone (Featuring Bellsaint)

Full Moon Tonight serves as a fitting finale to our full moon-themed playlist. It celebrates not only werewolves but all the ghosts, goblins, and creatures of the night that revel in the full moon’s glow. Keep this energy and playful spirit with you the entire night!

Bonus: Full Moon - Elvira

As with any good horror movie, there is always one last post-credits scene, so here is one bonus song for our playlist. This rare Elvira track was my favorite song growing up (although I didn’t fully understand the lyrics until I was nearly a teenager). Elvira schools us on the roots of the word moon and all the lunar hazards one may face as the full moon rises in the night sky – all with her iconic brand of sexy humor:

“Could it be the story of.. oh! Or just my time of the month? I don’t know!”

And with that, it is really time to say “pleasant nightmares” boys and ghouls. 

And That's the Howl at the Moon Playlist!

Did you like it? What is on your full moon soundtrack? Let me know on Instagram and Twitter @EmilyIsHorror

Want more terrifying tunes for keep your spooky groove going?  Check out more music and playlists here.

Screamfest Presents “Darkman”

July 3, 2025 No Comments

Screamfest presents “Darkman”. Join Screamfest Horror Film Festival at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, for a special screening of Sam Raimi’s Darkman (1990).  Dive into

Read More »

2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions

June 17, 2025 No Comments

Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions   The Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon is open for submissions! Now in its eleventh year, the 61-day multimedia celebration spotlighting haunted

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Categories
Home Decor

2021 Halloween Shopping

2021 Halloween Shopping

The 2021 Halloween Shopping season has been unlike any other. Firstly, we are still in a pandemic (closer to the tail end than last year, but it is still complicating things).

Secondly, there have been severe shipping delays on merchandise. Retailers such as Spirit Halloween, Target, and more are seeing increased delays on products due to port closures and slow container processing times. These port delays due to issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have a ripple effect and are compounded by ground-shipping logistics once the items have arrived in the U.S. This has resulted in items hitting store shelves sometimes much later than expected. Affected items include animatronics, decor, and fog machines. 

Lastly, due to many people being unable to celebrate Halloween to the fullest last year, there is an increased demand to participate in the holiday this year. Poll after poll have shown that a majority of Americans plan to celebrate Halloween 2021 – and they want to buy more decor, candy, and other supplies. More shoppers are competing to buy the few items that made it to shelves!

Despite all the issues, I still managed to find a few items worth trying to snag before they disappear!

2021 Halloween Shopping Highlights

While many items from last year have returned for 2021, here are some new highlights for this season:

1. Skull Welcome Sign (Michaels $29.99)

Images from Michaels.com

The green and off-white colors of this skull welcome sign are a wonderful change of pace from the normal black and orange Halloween color scheme. The vine-like pattern behind the skull adds a touch of whimsy. This sign will be the perfect addition to my home! The only detail to note is that the sign is a little large at 28” x 15.4”, so it may not fit easily above a doorway if you have lower ceilings.

2. 12”x12” Scrapbook Paper (Joann $14.99)

DCWV makes some of the best Halloween scrapbook paper designs currently on the market. This year’s lineup at Joann is another smash hit. “Halloween Town” is a fun and bright pack with bold colors. “Haunted Harvest” features floral prints rich burgundy and moss colors. “VoooDooo” mixes purples, blacks, off-whites, golds, and greys with skulls, spiders, and voodoo occult images. “Halloween Party” is the perfect fit for a light and girly project – with its peach colors, flowers, and cutesy images.

3. Nite Nite by Munki Munki Halloween Pajamas (Kohls $54.00)

Image from Kohls.com

As an owner of these pajamas in a different style from last year, I can say that they are in fact extremely comfortable. I love the new designs available for 2021 – Halloween characters in frames on a black background; pumpkins and fluffy black cats; and ghosts, cats, and pumpkins. Each set includes a top and matching pants with an elastic waistband.

4. Sam Rules of Halloween Journal (Spirit Halloween $14.99)

Image from SpiritHalloween.com

Ever since I was a kid, I have loved buying new journals to write stories, poems, and ideas in. Absolutely anything one can imagine can be put to the blank pages. This Trick ‘R Treat journal looks so cute and would be a great way to flaunt my love for Halloween & horror. I also like that it has the built-in strap to keep the pages closed when not in use.

5. Owl Double Old-Fashioned Glasses (Williams Sonoma $59.95)

These glasses may be a little more fall themed than Halloween, but you have to admit, their cold, black eyes are pretty creepy! Each double old-fashioned glass has a unique owl design that is cut and polished by hand and then hand-painted by Turkish artisans. They have a 3” diameter and are 3.75” high with a 10.5-oz capacity.

If you like these, Williams Sonoma also sells hand towels, plates, and a tablecloth to match.

While the pickings were a little slimmer this year, it is still fun to go out and hunt for cool items. What did you find?

Share your haul pictures with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

Screamfest Presents “Darkman”

July 3, 2025 No Comments

Screamfest presents “Darkman”. Join Screamfest Horror Film Festival at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, for a special screening of Sam Raimi’s Darkman (1990).  Dive into

Read More »

2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions

June 17, 2025 No Comments

Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions   The Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon is open for submissions! Now in its eleventh year, the 61-day multimedia celebration spotlighting haunted

Read More »
Categories
Emily News

In Good Health Issue #84

In Good Health Issue #84

What drives the desire for a good scare? Reporter Amanda Jowsey reached out to me and asked my opinion on why horror and Halloween are so alluring. She included my thoughts in her piece for In Good Health Issue #84, Western New York’s Healthcare Newspaper. 

Read the Ful Article Here

While the article is short, I have quite a lot more to say on the subject! With my history in the Halloween & horror industries, I have gained a wealth of insight into the horror genre and both scary and spooky sides of the autumnal holiday. 

Horror and Halloween can be very beneficial to one’s mental health. Firstly, they are both about connecting with others – as I always say, “Halloween is not a holiday you celebrate alone”. With Halloween you connect with neighbors and the people in your community as you go out into your neighborhood or welcome trick or treaters into your yard. Horror connects audiences around the world. No matter where you are from or what your background is, everyone has felt fear; we all know that feeling of the hairs on the back of our neck standing up and the uncomfortable idea that something sinister may lurk in a dark corner. We go into the theater or haunt with a group, enounter all sorts of horrors, and then survive together (even if our onscreen counterparts do not). Trauma bonding.

Secondly, horror and Halloween allow us to face our fears and explore them. Whether you are dodging larger-than-life spiders in a haunted house or getting grossed out by a body-horror film, you get the chance to confront the things that scare you in a safe and controlled environment. Our minds can process our feelings and emotions through a fantastic lens – without having to actually put ourselves in peril.  We can learn to cope and maybe see things differently. 

Lastly, horror and Halloween give us a chace to play make-believe. Horror allows us to dabble in the fantastic and monsters of our youth. Halloween encourages dress-up and becoming whatever you want to be – if only for one night. We all accept these fun, playful activities and allow others to let loose and embrace their inner demons, princesses, or Flamin’ Hot Cheeto. 

There are so many other ways that horror and Halloween can positively impact your mental health. For an in-depth analysis of this science of fear, I highly recommend the works of Dr. Margee Kerr. Her book Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear is a fantastic read. 

Screamfest Presents “Darkman”

July 3, 2025 No Comments

Screamfest presents “Darkman”. Join Screamfest Horror Film Festival at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, for a special screening of Sam Raimi’s Darkman (1990).  Dive into

Read More »

2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions

June 17, 2025 No Comments

Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions   The Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon is open for submissions! Now in its eleventh year, the 61-day multimedia celebration spotlighting haunted

Read More »
Categories
Film Friday Movies

Film Friday: Hazbin Hotel

Film Friday: Hazbin Hotel

Freaky Fright-Filled Flicks for Film Fanatics

TGIF! The Horror Of Being Emily likes to start the weekend off right by featuring one spooky short film each week. Watch late at night with the lights turned down low to maximize the scary atmosphere. Grab your popcorn and enjoy!

Since my days curating ScareLA’s screening room, I have loved watching creative films from around the world. Short films are a wonderful way to start out as a filmmaker and demonstrate a proof of concept for longer works. It is much harder than you’d think to convey a coherent story in a short amount of time! I hope you enjoy this curated selection of the best fantastic horror, science fiction, and fantasy the internet has to offer. 

Want to binge more? Check out all my past Film Friday entries.

Hazbin Hotel (Created by Vivienne Medrano)

Hazbin Hotel is the brainchild of animator Vivienne Medrano (AKA Vivziepop). Medrano graduated from SVA (School of Visual Arts) in NYC with a major in animation. She has a distinct style with her original cartoons – they are snarky, fluid, and filled with spunk. Medrano assembled a talented team of artists and animators to create a 30-minute pilot for an adult-themed animated series, Hazbin Hotel. This passion project is a mix of a traditionally animated style, the sexual themes, coarse language, and wackiness of Ralph Bakshi, and a dash of Invader Zim all mixed together with Medrano’s signature characters at the helm. And, it’s a musical!

Synopsis

Follow Charlie, the princess of Hell, as she pursues her seemingly impossible goal of rehabilitating demons to peacefully reduce overpopulation in her kingdom. After a yearly extermination imposed by angels, She opens a hotel in hopes that patients will be “checking out” into Heaven. While most of Hell mocks her goal, her devoted partner Vaggie, and their first test subject, adult film-star Angel Dust, stick by her side. When a powerful entity known as the “Radio Demon” reaches out to Charlie to assist in her endeavors, her crazy dream is given a chance to become a reality.

Watch the Movie

Warning: While this may be an animated series pilot, it is intended for mature audiences. Be prepared for lots of inappropriate language, sexual themes, and adult situations. This is an R-rated watch for sure!

My Thoughts on Hazbin Hotel

While I would prefer just a tad less swearing and overtly sexual overtones, I am enthralled by this VivziePop version of Hell. There are so many little details in each scene – even after multiple viewings, I am still finding new nods to other characters and ways that each segment relates to other scenes.

I also love how the pilot perfectly sets up the relationships between the various characters and introduces many different storylines a full series could follow. There are no one-dimensional characters here; they all feel alive and multi-layered. 

Charlie, the princess of Hell, is a bubbly, passionate young woman. She follows her dreams of reforming the damned souls of those in her kingdom. Her partner, Vaggie, is far less of a glass-half-full personality, but her commitment to Charlie and protectiveness make her a force to be reckoned with. Angel Dust, a famed adult-film star & stripper may outwardly seem headstrong and in control, but part of him is certainly happy to be Charlie’s first test subject with her “Happiness Hotel”. 

The last main character of note is simply referred to as the “Radio Demon” . He is one of the creepiest animated characters I have ever seen. I can’t wait to find out what sinister motives are hidden by his ever-present grin (although the fan girl in me wants him to end up secretly being a good guy instead of the main villain). I’ll just have to wait to find out. What can I say – I’m a sucker for bad boys!

The Future of Hazbin Hotel

In 2020 A24 (the company behind such modern horror classics as Midsommar and Hereditary) announced that they would be producing a full season. No release date is currently scheduled, but you can learn more about Hazbin Hotel and all VivziePop’s updates at the official website, Twitter, and VivziePop’s Patreon page. You can also check out VivziePop’s Youtube channel for other original animations from her and her team.

Call for Submissions

Are you a filmmaker? Do you have a scary short film you would like posted on The Horror of Being Emily? Send me a message with the youtube or vimeo link via my contact form for a chance to be featured in a future Film Friday entry.
Submit Your Film Via My Contact Form

Screamfest Presents “Darkman”

July 3, 2025 No Comments

Screamfest presents “Darkman”. Join Screamfest Horror Film Festival at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, for a special screening of Sam Raimi’s Darkman (1990).  Dive into

Read More »

2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions

June 17, 2025 No Comments

Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions   The Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon is open for submissions! Now in its eleventh year, the 61-day multimedia celebration spotlighting haunted

Read More »
Categories
Film Friday Movies

Film Friday: Rick & Ruby

Film Friday: Rick & Ruby

Image credit: samuelfddunning.com

Freaky Fright-Filled Flicks for Film Fanatics

TGIF! The Horror Of Being Emily likes to start the weekend off right by featuring one spooky short film each week. Watch late at night with the lights turned down low to maximize the scary atmosphere. Grab your popcorn and enjoy!

Since my days curating ScareLA’s screening room, I have loved watching creative films from around the world. Short films are a wonderful way to start out as a filmmaker and demonstrate a proof of concept for longer works. It is much harder than you’d think to convey a coherent story in a short amount of time! I hope you enjoy this curated selection of the best fantastic horror, science fiction, and fantasy the internet has to offer. 

Want to binge more? Check out all my past Film Friday entries.

Rick & Ruby (Directed by Scott Woodburn)

Image from the Rick & Ruby Kickstarter Campaign

Rick & Ruby is the brainchild of Writer/Producer/Actor Samuel FD Dunning and Director Scott Woodburn. Dunning wrote the piece after the success of Woodburn’s previous horror short, It’s a Boy. Hype and excitement continued with this new venture – over $26,000 was raised from two Kickstarter campaigns to film and later complete post production for the short. Since entering the film festival circuit in 2019, Rick & Ruby has graced screens around the world at Screamfest, NYS Horror Film Festival, Dead by Dawn Film Festival, and Sitges Film Festival – just to name a few.  

Although I had thoroughly read the description in the 2019 Screamfest Horror Film Festival program and had been recommending this short to festival attendees for most of my week, nothing prepared me for the awesomeness that is this action-packed horror-comedy short. From an intriguing opening of a mysterious woman dragging a large chest to the surprising reveal of Rick, the audience never quite knows exactly what twists and turns they are in for next. This film had me and the rest of my fellow moviegoers laughing and cheering for the captivating onscreen duo of  Samuel FD Dunning and Ellie Lee. Their strong chemistry as allies journeying to defeat a shared enemy brought the already well-written script to life. Dunning’s Rick is a fun, refreshing take on the classic vampire – and his comic timing is impeccable. Lee’s Ruby holds her own as a strong female character who is an equal to her vampiric counterpart. One also can’t help but enjoy the over-the-top gore and mayhem.

The short sets up a larger story that I hope someday becomes the feature film we all deserve. I need to know exactly how their quest end!. Well, I am pretty sure Rick & Ruby will kick butt – but I need to know how they ultimately get there, what other quick retorts they will spew out, and how many bodies will pile up along the way.

Stay up-to-date with the filmmakers via Samuel FD Dunning’s website and the films Facebook & Instagram pages.

Synopsis

Ruby, a mysterious, leather-clad badass, drags a trunk with unknown cargo to a seedy Roadhouse in the middle of nowhere.​ Inside, three overly friendly hicks overpower her and prepare to have their “dueling banjos” way, when her trunk teeters over and… out…​pops…​RICK, a “man” with an unquenchable thirst and an allergy to the sun.​ In short order Rick and Ruby dole out their own form of frontier justice on the trio of hillbillies in a suitably grotesque and oddly satisfying fashion. Heads and dad-jokes roll.

Watch the Movie

** Warning: This film contains violence, gore, strong language, and is intended for mature audiences. **

About Screamfest

Screamfest Horror Film Festival is America’s largest and longest running horror film festival. The festival runs for 10 days each year in October in Los Angeles. Screamfest, has launched careers – providing a platform for filmmakers and actors to showcase their latest work to enthusiasts and general audiences. Every week they upload a fantastic short horror film that has premiered in their festival to their Youtube channel. Horror fans please LIKE, SHARE, FAVORITE or EMBED their videos with your friends and support talented filmmakers on Screamfest’s official Youtube channel. Join me in supporting this amazing non-profit organization!

Call for Submissions

Are you a filmmaker? Do you have a scary short film you would like posted on The Horror of Being Emily? Send me a message with the youtube or vimeo link via my contact form for a chance to be featured in a future Film Friday entry.
Submit Your Film Via My Contact Form

Screamfest Presents “Darkman”

July 3, 2025 No Comments

Screamfest presents “Darkman”. Join Screamfest Horror Film Festival at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, for a special screening of Sam Raimi’s Darkman (1990).  Dive into

Read More »

2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions

June 17, 2025 No Comments

Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions   The Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon is open for submissions! Now in its eleventh year, the 61-day multimedia celebration spotlighting haunted

Read More »
Categories
Attractions News

Haunted Attraction Network’s Annual Hauntathon

Haunted Attraction Network’s Annual Hauntathon

Countdown to Halloween with daily podcasts from the Haunted Attraction Network’s annual Hauntathon. September 1st through October 31st, this daily programming will help haunters navigate the unique challenges of this upcoming Halloween season.  

“This year’s Halloween is critical for the industry, and we’ll be there every day to help. While we’re producing serious segments on emerging issues, we also need some room to enjoy the holiday; I’m thrilled with the balance of informative and entertaining content that we have lined up. I’m grateful to all the partners that have stepped up to help this year,” – Philip Hernandez, Publisher at the Haunted Attraction Network and CEO of Gantom Lighting.

As a contributor to the Haunted Attraction Network, I am proud to be a part of this 61-Day Hauntathon. Keep an ear out for my interviews with various haunters and some on-location audio from haunts around California! As usual, I will also help create the weekly newsletters to keep you  up-to-date with all the haunt industry news from around the globe. 

Follow the Haunted Attraction Network for daily podcasts, available on: iTunes, Spotify, Soundcoud, RSS, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Programming Details

The Haunted Attraction Network’s Annual Hauntathon has gathered a gang of ghouls to provide a wide range of informative and entertaining content, including:

  • State of The Industry updates from the Haunted Attraction Association Board Members.
  • Trip Reports from The ScareFactor, The Hauntline, and ScareTrack.
  • Hack Hacks, implementable tricks to provide haunt professionals helpful information in small packages, from Scott Swenson.
  • Industry News from Green Tagged, Haunter’s Toolbox, and Socalloween909.
  • Foam Carving and decorating from Victoria Lohman of Hot Wire Foam Factory.
  • Various poems and short stories of the dark and witchy sort from Whispers of a Witch.
  • Guerrilla Marketing from Scary Good Marketing.
  • Last Minute Haunt Lighting from Gantom Lighting & Controls.
  • Haunt owner check-ins from around the world.

About the Haunted Attraction Network

The Haunted Attraction Network connects and educates the Global Haunted Attraction Industry through weekly podcasts and newsletters. In 2021 they’re celebrating their 7th year, 500th episode, and over 2 million downloads!

Follow the Haunted Attraction Network for daily podcasts, available on: iTunes, Spotify, Soundcloud, RSS, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Haunted Attraction Network's Annual Hauntathon Partners

Gantom illuminates attractions worldwide with the world’s smallest award-winning intelligent spotlights.

ScareTrack is the UK’s first podcast dedicated to the Scare Attraction & Haunted House Industry. We bring listeners in depth interviews with some of the biggest names in the UK scare scene, discussion & debate episodes as well on on-location review episodes from scream parks, zombie chases, immersive theatre and much more.

For over 30 years, Scott Swenson has been bringing stories to life as a Producer, Director, Writer and Performer. His work in Theme Park, Consumer Events, Live Theater and Television has given him a broad spectrum of experiences. After 21 years working with SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Scott has now formed Scott Swenson Creative Development LLC and is working with various clients developing shows, events, festivals and training classes.

The Hauntline is a YouTube show and Podcast dedicated to SoCal Haunts & Events! Follow for Haunt Reviews, Rumors, & Behind the Screams!

SoCalloween909 is the 909’s LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS Source On All Things Horror, Haunts, Halloween, & Everything In Between in SoCal, 365.

The Haunted Attraction Association, the only official association in the haunt industry, serves as the voice of the haunted attraction industry. Their mission is to promote their worldwide network of haunted attractions including Haunted Houses, Haunted Hayrides, Scream Parks, Mega-Haunts, Halloween Festivals, Haunted Outdoor Trails, Corn Mazes, and Amusement Park Halloween Events.

“Our board members are a wealth of knowledge and we’re excited for this opportunity to share solutions to the challenges for this season. It’s also in alignment with our goal of connecting more with our members,” – Spencer Terry, Board President of the Haunted Attraction Association.

The Scare Factor provides Haunted House and Halloween lovers with the most professional and accurate info possible. They are not the oldest or the newest, but they are BY FAR the most complete and up-to-date website of our kind in the haunted attraction industry.

Do you have questions about starting your own haunted attraction or keeping the doors open at your current one? The Haunter’s Toolbox is the place to get those answers. Monthly online masterclasses with professionals in the haunt industry, access to the exclusive toolbox media library, and a private community to get instant feedback. Get the tools you need at HauntersToolbox.com

Created by actress and voice over artist Jennifer Anne Scott this weekly podcast provides something of a different sort to listen to and enjoy – a dark escape if you will. If you love spooky stories, you will love Whispers of a Witch!

Hot Wire Foam Factory offers a wide range of foam cutting and shaping tools, foam coating products, instructional DVDs and patterns for the hobbyist, home crafter and professional artist.

At Scary Good Marketing, they take the fear out of marketing and advertising your business using battle-tested strategies and creativity to bring you a better ROI.

I hope you give these podcasts a listen! Happy haunting!

Screamfest Presents “Darkman”

July 3, 2025 No Comments

Screamfest presents “Darkman”. Join Screamfest Horror Film Festival at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, for a special screening of Sam Raimi’s Darkman (1990).  Dive into

Read More »

2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions

June 17, 2025 No Comments

Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions   The Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon is open for submissions! Now in its eleventh year, the 61-day multimedia celebration spotlighting haunted

Read More »
Categories
Film Friday Movies

Film Friday: Shine

Film Friday: Shine

Freaky Fright-Filled Flicks for Film Fanatics

TGIF! The Horror Of Being Emily likes to start the weekend off right by featuring one spooky short film each week. Watch late at night with the lights turned down low to maximize the scary atmosphere. Grab your popcorn and enjoy!

Since my days curating ScareLA’s screening room, I have loved watching creative films from around the world. Short films are a wonderful way to start out as a filmmaker and demonstrate a proof of concept for longer works. It is much harder than you’d think to convey a coherent story in a short amount of time! I hope you enjoy this curated selection of the best fantastic horror, science fiction, and fantasy the internet has to offer. 

Want to binge more? Check out all my past Film Friday entries.

Shine (Directed by Jesse Blanchard)

Although not used together as much as they should be, horror and puppetry go together quite well. From Jim Henson’s creepy Skeksis to fluffy aliens in Attack the Block, puppets can add an element of horror to films. They lead themselves to practical effects and can be quite expressive if done well. 

Puppetcore understands this principal well. The group makes all-puppet horror films. Their self-imposed rules are simple: 1. The Characters are real; they just happen to be puppets. 2. The effects are practical whenever possible. This leads of solid horror films that would work well even if created as live-action films. The group has created multiple short films and, in 2020, a feature. 

Shine (2011) uses a simple concept – and harmonious tune – to create a chilling little tale of terror Be wary, there will be blood – a surprising amount in fact. This juxtaposition of cutesy puppets and gore adds to the uneasy atmosphere and watching these poor puppets meet their horrific fate packs an extra punch for the viewer. 

As someone who enjoys spending her time in the spotlight, I think I’ll keep an extra light (or two) on tonight – because you never know what may be lurking out there in the dark. Enjoy!

Shine - Synopsis

A barbershop quartet fears their moment out of the spotlight.

Watch the Movie

Fun Fact: A Family Act – The barbershop quartet’s costumes were creaeted by director Jesse Blanchard’s mother. 

Now that you’ve had a taste of Puppetcore, are you ready for more? In 2020 Puppetcore finished their first feature film, Frank & Zed. It has since been touring the festival circuit and delighting horror fans around the world. You may even see a cameo from our lovable quartet in the feature. Follow the film’s latest news and stay abreast of release announcements via Puppetcore’s official website. 

Frank & Zed Synopsis: Two reanimated corpses, dependent on each other for survival, live a life of solitude until a power-hungry magistrate tricks a group of villagers into attacking their lonely castle, fulfilling an ancient prophecy: The Orgy of Blood.

See the trailer below.

Call for Submissions

Are you a filmmaker? Do you have a scary short film you would like posted on The Horror of Being Emily? Send me a message with the youtube or vimeo link via my contact form for a chance to be featured in a future Film Friday entry.
Submit Your Film Via My Contact Form

Screamfest Presents “Darkman”

July 3, 2025 No Comments

Screamfest presents “Darkman”. Join Screamfest Horror Film Festival at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, for a special screening of Sam Raimi’s Darkman (1990).  Dive into

Read More »

2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions

June 17, 2025 No Comments

Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions   The Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon is open for submissions! Now in its eleventh year, the 61-day multimedia celebration spotlighting haunted

Read More »
Categories
Film Friday Movies

Film Friday: Rebooted

Film Friday: Rebooted

Freaky Fright-Filled Flicks for Film Fanatics

TGIF! The Horror Of Being Emily likes to start the weekend off right by featuring one spooky short film each week. Watch late at night with the lights turned down low to maximize the scary atmosphere. Grab your popcorn and enjoy!

Since my days curating ScareLA’s screening room, I have loved watching creative films from around the world. Short films are a wonderful way to start out as a filmmaker and demonstrate a proof of concept for longer works. It is much harder than you’d think to convey a coherent story in a short amount of time! I hope you enjoy this curated selection of the best fantastic horror, science fiction, and fantasy the internet has to offer. 

Want to binge more? Check out all my past Film Friday entries.

Rebooted (Directed by Michael Shanks)

Before the days of CGI and the catchall “we’ll fix it in post”, practical effects were king in horror, sci-fi, and fantasy. Ray Harryhausen’s stopmotion  skeletons in Jason and the Argonauts and dinosaurs in One Million B.C. thrilled audiences. Rubber suit monsters like The Creature from the Black Lagoon terrorized teens at the drive in. The animatronic t-rex from Jurassic Park still holds up for today’s audiences.

Rebooted, written and directed by Michael Shanks of Late Nite Films,  pays homage to these classic effects with a touching story that is sure to delight move fans of all ages. Despite being a silent stop motion skeleton, Phil is relatable and a character to root for as he comes to terms with the fact that the world has moved on from the type of filmmaking he rose to stardom through. Although Phil’s world may no longer have a use for stop motion, this film proves that classic practical effects do still have a place in modern films. With a strong story and using digital processes to enhance the practical effects, you can create a filmic world that feels real – much better than CGI alone. 

Synopsis

It’s not easy for a movie-star to age – especially when you’re a stop motion animated skeleton monster. Phil, once a terrifying villain of the silver-screen, struggles to find work in modern Hollywood due to being an out-of-date special effect.

Watch the Movie

Mixing Classic and Modern Techniques

Rebooted is a perfect example of how filmmakers can mix classic techniques and the “realness” of practical effects with modern computer technology. Shanks incredible team combined traditional stopmotion animation, rear projection, creature suits and more with motion capture and After Effects to bring Phil and his friends to life. You can learn more about the techniques and filmmaking process for this short from this interview Shanks did with Ian Failes of Befores & Afters. Shanks describes many of the behind the scenes challanges the team faced – and overcame – during production. It is a fascinating read and quite inspirational!

Want another behind-the-scenes look? This video gives a more in-depth look at the stopmotion and VFX processes used to create the film:

Call for Submissions

Are you a filmmaker? Do you have a scary short film you would like posted on The Horror of Being Emily? Send me a message with the youtube or vimeo link via my contact form for a chance to be featured in a future Film Friday entry.
Submit Your Film Via My Contact Form

Screamfest Presents “Darkman”

July 3, 2025 No Comments

Screamfest presents “Darkman”. Join Screamfest Horror Film Festival at the LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Glendale on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025, for a special screening of Sam Raimi’s Darkman (1990).  Dive into

Read More »

2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions

June 17, 2025 No Comments

Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon Open for Submissions   The Haunted Attraction Network’s 2025 Hauntathon is open for submissions! Now in its eleventh year, the 61-day multimedia celebration spotlighting haunted

Read More »

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