Hope and Hopelessness

The Future of FANGORIA

As I continue to grow as a writer at my internship, I have been paying attention to more than just the articles in both the print and online versions of FANGORIA. My desire to learn how to better reach our readers has lead me to looking deeper into the social media presence of the magazine as well as new ways to to bring life to staple events and creating fun, monthly columns. A few ideas that I have been tossing around is a brand new Instagram account, pre-show entertainment at our free monthly screenings, as well as a new segment for the print version of the magazine.  

Recently, I sat down with Editor Emeritus, Tony Timpone one evening in New York to discuss my ideas and how they could benefit FANGORIA Entertainment. I felt confident in speaking with Tony as I was well prepared in my plan of action should he give the okay to move forward with my ideas.  After I went through all that I had to say on the matter, I was ecstatic over the fact that not only did he like my ideas but encouraged me to speak with Ken Hanley, the Managing Editor, and Mike Gingold, the Editor-In-Chief. I look forward to my ideas and suggestions coming to fruition with the help and support from the great team of creative minds from whom I'm learning so much.

Though I can't speak of the details of all my ideas that I pitched to Tony that evening until that are solidified, I believe that they will truly add a unique quality, more so than FANGORIA already has. 

Preparing For My Career...

Having a career in the entertainment industry is something I have always longed for. I have been preparing myself for this my whole life and now that I am only a few months away from graduating college, I know that it I must continue that planning.  Working as an intern for FANGORIA has been a part of that planning, and having this job in media it is important that I stay on top of what is happening, not only in print and online entertainment news, but the trends in the horror world. In order to be successful one must often stay one step ahead of the game and focus the up and coming.

One of the most important things I’m learning is that growing my contact list in this industry is extremely important.  In the few short months of my internship I have begun creating a list of contacts that could be a great help to me as I push further down the path of successes. I’m realizing that no one can do it alone, and the more people you meet the more resources you gain. Of course, knowing is half the battle, yet understanding is just as important.  In the entertainment industry, just like other industries, it is important to do your research and know your history.  In my circumstance I must learn about the entertainment and media industry and not just the past thirsty years, but from the beginning.  Without understanding the beginnings or this industry it is virtually impossible to create innovative work.

However, no matter how much knowledge you can learn, gaining skills and experiences, both personally and professionally is top of the list.  Selling yourself to future employers is also important and what better way to do so than with a stellar resume.  Building your resume may take a long time and making sure that it is comprehensive and worth reading can be just as challenging.  Currently I am in the process of creating a resume that will stand out amongst piles and piles of others. My resume must be a textual extension of myself.

The next step I am currently working on is my online presence.  In today’s day and age, who you are online is almost as important as who you are off-line.  That is why I am working on creating a personal website to post samples of my work, a copy of my resume and links to my blogs and twitter accounts. This is a great way to let people know who you are without out sending them on a goose chase through cyber space.  It is a fun and creative process and one that is truly teaching me about how I want others to see me. 

It's A Horror-able World

Since starting my journey at FANGORIA magazine I have had the opportunity to meet and work with a very talented group of people, learned a tremendous amount about the world of working at a magazine, as well as having my work published on their website www.fangoria.com. The past few months have been filled with a plethora of experiences that are changing my way of thinking, both creatively and scholastically, and  I am growing as both a writer and as a person.

Just another day at the office with my personal
photographer/cousin Sabrina Wilson-Barrett

Still, there is more for me to learn. There have been times throughout the course of  my internship thus far that have proved to be challenging. However I forced myself to dig deep and keep going. I've learned that sometimes one must take a few steps backwards in order to move ahead and though it is important to be persistent, being overly persistent is never a good idea.  

I used to believe that to win the race you had to run as fast as you can.  I now understand that if you don't stop to catch your breath  and re-energize, you'll never make it to the finish line.

The entertainment industry is cut throat, an unforgiving industry is which, more often than not, a successful career is unreachable. One must have thick skin and an insatiable want to succeed: I believe myself to be one of those people. My drive and ambition  to write for FANGORIA as a full time job as well as writing horror movies is the fuel that keeps me focused. The doors that are now opening and the people that I am coming in contact with due to this internship is incalculable. 

With this being my senior year, finally, it has been extremely challenging to maintain my grades, and focus on my internship as well as preparing myself for what happens after graduation.  However, with the help of the professors and staff at school, the wonderful team at FANGORIA, and of course my friends and family, I am confident in saying that I am successfully on my way to achieving my goals; graduating with honors and writing for horror lovers all around the world.

I know now that it is a horror-able world and I'm going to be a part of it.

The Best Intern Ever

For most, starting a new job or an internship, which are one in the same, can be scary and most often intimidating. However, no matter what emotions you may be experiencing it is important to understand that you were chosen for a reason and being the best at what you are doing is very important. Sometimes I say to myself that I am the best and there is nothing that can stand in my way from being the best.  However, I do that for self motivation; to continuously remind myself that it is important to aim for the highest of goals. 

Over the past few months I have had the pleasure of learning a great deal about being an intern, specifically an intern at FANGORIA Magazine.  I’ve come to realize that patience is very important and with patience comes the power of self control and self discovery.  Also, I’ve learned that asking questions can be the difference between standing out in the crowd and simply fading into the background.  Yet, as easy as that may seem to do, for me it was not.  

At first I thought if I were to ask a question or too many questions, I would seem unknowledgeable on the particular subject at hand. Even worse, I feared I would become that annoying intern no one wants to work with. Now, through the guidance of teachers, co-workers, and my editor I understand that asking questions is not only important but necessary to successfully accomplishing the many tasks of which I am assigned.

Though it may seem crazy, I have yet to actually step foot in the office. Right now it is very important that I make a good impression through my ability to stay connected and up-to-date on what is happening at the magazine as well as submitting publishable work.  With that said, I have not had a chance to personally meet any of my co-workers which is also very important during the internship processes.  Within the next few weeks I will be beginning my weekly visits to the office and I am extremely excited to do so. I look forward to meeting all of my co-workers in person as well as even joining in on social events outside of the office.  

There are exciting times ahead and as long as I stay focused on being the best intern I can possibly be I know that I will succeed.  Furthermore, I will do all that I can to uphold the reputation of FANGORIA, be it asking questions, taking on more responsibilities, or constantly showing my dedication to the company. 

FANGORIA: The Beginning of My Journey

FANGORIA, the first in fright since 1979. This most simply written mission statement says it all.  Since its first inception in 1978 as FANTASTICA, FANGORIA has gone through many changes over the year.  With the changes in magazine publications and mass media as a whole, FANGORIA has never lost touch of being the forerunner in bringing genre fans up-to-date information on everything that encompasses the wonderful world of horror. 

I remember being a teenager running to Strawberries, Coconuts, and Sam Goodie, (all record stores now only a memory to some), or Borders and Barnes & Nobles to pick up the newest issue of FANGORIA. It’s funny, I never ordered a subscription because I didn’t want the mail man to bend it, so I would make my parents drive me to those aforementioned stores. Once in the store I grew so excited to see which movies would be featured in that particular months issue.

Instantly I would skim through the pages to get an idea of the many articles, however I would always read the “coming soon” section first.  It was the most exciting part of the magazine; to find out what was hitting the theater in the months to follow, sometimes in the year to follow. As my fingers would guide my eyes through each and every line of every article my heart would race with the anticipation that one day my name, whether I was the interviewer or interviewee, would be printed on those pages.

Now, those memories fuel my desire to be the most successful intern that this magazine has ever had.

It is with great honor that I have been chosen to not only work with such a great team of very talented men and women in the field, but also to be given the opportunity to write for the magazine itself.  I know that my love of horror and my utmost respect that I have for FANGORIA will only help me in providing the first in fright as others have before me.   

This is only the beginning of my journey.  I look forward to what the future has in store for me and it is with the greatest of hope that over the next year great things will be happening.  More to come soon...

Finding Beauty in Tragedy:

Photo taken by Frank Relle from his collection "Until the Water"

It is probably safe to say that Hurricane Katrina was one of the most devastating natural disasters that some Americans have ever faced. The loss of life, culture, and history was devastating, not to mention the immeasurable impact this force of nature had on Louisiana and the world itself. Now, ten years after the tragic events of August 21-August 31 of 2005, photojournalist Frank Relle has captured the horror and the beauty in his collection hauntingly titled "Until the Water. I discovered this particular photo in the Photography, Video, and Visual Journalism section of  New York Times. 

Instantly I felt a deep connection with the picture for a few reason, one being, I didn't actually think it was real. At first glance it looked like an advertisement for a scary attraction, or new horror movie hitting the theaters.  It wasn't until I actually read the tag line for the photo that it in fact it was an image of an area that had fallen victim to mother natures powerful vengeance. 

The depth of perception and the way the water acts as a mirror to the sadness allows any viewer to create thousands of stories about the who, what, when, where, how, and why.  It is as universal as it is central. The use of lighting allows the image to almost seem 3-D. The background color of the sky seems to push forward the foreground to a level that surpasses the page, making the viewer a part of the image. Even the darkness itself plays a large role in creating a sense of dread and consumption of emptiness that makes this photograph haunting and unimaginably real.  However, there is still a sense of hope that one could feel from this, as the bright color of green pushing through the waters edge as well as from atop the almost lifeless cypress trees. 

Anyway you look at this picture, one can find the beauty and the beast of life and disaster. This photograph, along with the entire collection that Relle has collected thus far, enables audiences to see life through the eyes of an artist. His ability to capture the realness of life is spectacular as well as honorable.  

Here are a few other samples of "Until the Water", which is still in the process of being completed...

Follow along as we look at more pictures from Frank Relle as well as a glimpse into the life of the photojournalist himself. 

...next time we will take a look into Nightscapes

We Still Have Hope: A Review of Southpaw

Staring:                                               Directed By:                       Written By:

Jake Gyllenhaal                                  Antoine Fuqua                    Kurt Sutter     

Rachel McAdams

Forest Whitaker

Oona Laurence

Naomie Harris

Unabashedly heartbreaking, undeniably inspiring, and undisputedly a champion of films amongst some lackluster entries this summer.

Boxing has been in the center ring of many a film including Rocky and Raging Bull, and when it comes to sport flicks, stories are often rehashed for younger generations. Yet, what separates these films and makes them unique is the work and effort put into the storyline and characters.  In this boxing film, hot-headed street-kid turned world famous boxer Billy Hope, must over come the tragic death of his wife, (this is not a spoiler…it’s in the preview folks), his daughters sentence to be taken into child protective services, and the complete deconstruction of his life and career. A film, when introduced like so, may seem comparable to other films, however this is not the case with Southpaw.

Kurt Sutter 

Antoine Fuqua 

After seeing this moving film, it was obvious that the men and women that worked on this project were at the top of their games. Kurt Sutter, hot off the final, and brilliant season of the epic Sons of Anarchy, creates a world that is realistic, harsh, and soulfully deep. Antoine Fuqua, director of Training Day and Olympus Has Fallen, (and if you have not seen those two films...you need to), brilliantly directs this film in a way that makes you feel as if you are a part of this journey of self redemption. Southpaw hits audiences with a combination of beautifully damaged characters, and phenomenal actors bringing them to life.  The movie never once hits the breaks on action, emotions, and storyline.

Jake Gyllenhaal Variety

With Jake Gyllenhaal at the top of his game, both physically and professionally, it is hard to even imagine anyone else playing Billy Hope. The role was originally set to be played by Eminem however his part in the films musical tone was top notch. Phenomenal, is quiet brilliant and could very well be the newest Eye of the Tiger. Gyllenhaal brought such life to his performance that he seemed to disappear into the character and for the two hour running time, there was only Hope; his pain, his sadness, and his undefeatable strength. He just may finally have his day at the Oscars.

Rachel McAdams Huffington Post

Forest Whitaker Variety

Oona Laurence 

The supporting cast of Southpaw shines brightly making this film more than your average boxing flick. Rachel McAdams, the ill-fated wife of Hope is superb and her death scene alone deserves a best supporting actress nomination. More so, Forest Whitaker undoubtedly deserves a nomination and a win for his role as Willis, an ex-professional boxer, trainer, and Hopes’ (one) blue-eyed mentor. Whitaker seemed so comfortable and each time he spoke you knew he was going to say something memorable.  As far as moving performances, 10 year old Oona Laurence will break your heart and then piece it back together for you…bring tissues…for you emotional types.

Terrific through and through, Southpaw may very well have a chance in becoming a contender as one of the greatest boxing films in cinematic history.  Yet, that all depends on what you think.  Go to the movies, buy a ticket, sit back with an champion-sized popcorn and soda, and enjoy the film.

        Please, feel free to tweet me or comment here telling me what you thought of the film! 

  

A Leap of Faith

Inspiration may come in many forms and often cannot be recognized or even named. It's something that takes us over and allows us to be creative and motivated in ways that move us towards greatness. In my life, my family and friends have always been my inspiration for my writing, and then, back in the early stages of 2015 I "met" a woman who forever changed my life. She has inspired me to push forward as well look out for me in ways that I can only describe as angelic. Though she and I have never met in the flesh, only making contact through LinkenIn, and personal emails, she has now become my Scary Godmother.
Cydney Neil, a horror geek herself, has taken time out of her life to offer me guidance, support, and networking that can only be described as immeasurable. From the moment we connected I felt a deep sense of sincerity in her emails and her kind words always put a smile on my face.  Soon after we grew to know each other, as pen-pals, she put herself out there and introduced me to a dear friend of hers, with whom I was very familiar with. Ironically enough, I was just given a book recently published by him for my birthday. This connection has changed my life for forever.
I remember joking with Cydney through an email about her being my Fairy Godmother, and in a later email she corrected me stating that she was my Scary Godmother, something more fitting for our friendship and shared love of horror. I knew after that single email that she was something special.
Now, thanks to a leap of faith from this spiritually and intellectually gifted woman, I am on the verge of making my dreams come true.  She has opened a door for me that had been locked for sometime and now, I know that door will forever be open!
I'll share with you something Cydney told me in our last conversation, at least my interpretation of what she told me. Ones life is like a tree, providing shade and fruit for others, changing seasonally through it's lifetime.  However, one day all the fruit from those branches will fall and the leaves will died, no longer offering shade; just know that it is only seasonal. With patience, that tree will be able to offer fruit and shade to others once again. Embrace the seasons of your life and never give up on what you want and who you are.

Thank you Scary Godmother...

I Could Have Given Birth By Now...

The time it has taken me to write a new post since the last, way back in December, I could have had a baby...well almost. Actually probably not and for two very good reasons; 1. I'm a man. 2. It was only 7 months ago and I'd still have two more months until my due date, which is September 8th if anyone wanted to know.
So what have I been doing in those 7 months you ask, and If you didn't since you've already read this far you can just keep on going:

I Finished my Junior Year of College at the age of 35...
That's right! I just finished my junior year of college and in a few more months I'll finally be senior, and let me tell you it will be cake compared to the last two semesters!  Going back to school is hard enough at my age, but to keep up with the new technology, the new ways of teachings (all PowerPoint and hand held devises), and of course the 18 year old kids, was a challenge!  However, I did very well.  I finished with a 4.0/4.0, I was inducted into the National Communications Honor Society Lambda Pi Eta, received two scholarships, become the president of the television society on campus (by accident), and even got an internship at FANGORIA Magazine, (which has not yet started but I have already written one article for them and you can click here to check it out!).

I've Been Writing...Like A Lot!
Obviously I haven't been writing on my blogs, my other blog being I Want To Suck Your Blog, check it out when you have a minute...or after reading this post...either way thank you! I have really been concentrating on my scholastic writing, including writing a research paper on the connections between Zombies and Catholicism...That's right, this Jewish boy is getting his Jesus on, and I must say it has been amazing to study this religion..not to mention I attend a private Catholic university lol. As well as research papers, I'm now doing some re-writes on my newest horror-centric screenplay, The Masquerade, a movie about revenge, murder, and good old fashion slashings...NO FOUND FOOTAGE IN THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!.  (More to come on that!)

Well, that's enough for the time being....Coming up is a blog post on the screening of Alleluia presented by Tony Timpone and FANGORIA Magazine.

Glad to be back!