March 2009

INTERVIEW: Richard Myles & Mischa Perez

Is horror you thing?…well you’re in for a treat if you said yes, at least for the first half of the show. We start off this month’s episode by sitting down with Executive Producers Mischa Perez and Richard Myles to talk about Viper Productions’ latest film, Mental Scars.

According to their website, the film…

“Mental Scars” tells the story of a group of young Investors who are converting an old abandoned junkyard into a successful parking lot. What the investors don’t know is that the junkyard has a very dark past, and is the home of the evil David Taggart who is not receptive to intruders. What makes Mental Scars different from most horror movies, is not only David Taggart’s elaborate and methodical ways of killing man, but the unpredictable events, complex back story, lessons to be learned, and blend of the eighties slasher films with contemporary psychological horror that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.

And from the newly edited trailer, (you may remember a “teaser” floating round last year…well forget that one) you get a greater sense of what the film’s about, where it’s going, and how they’re going to get you there; making their comments, “keeps fans on the edge of their seats” a closer target than first imagined.

With Mental Scars, Myles and Perez (not even filmmakers by trade…they are both Federal Security Officers for the Department of Homeland Security) have accomplished more than most film grads, with a feature length film shot in 35mm and nabbing a recognizable name in Sonny Landham (Predator, Poltergeist, 48 Hours) under their belts.

We hope you enjoy the interview below and make sure to stay tuned afterwords for the newly released trailer for Viper Productions’ Mental Scars.

FILM REVIEW: Cat’s Eye

Next up, our friend, filmmaker, and newly garnered film reviewer, Nick Karner takes a stab at Stephen King’s Cat’s Eye. The film was directed by the efficient and underrated director, Lewis Teague (Navy Seals, Jewel of the Nile, and don’t forget, The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! ) and starred the belly scratching, pistol carrying, James Spader with balls, now known for his role in Family Guy more than classics such as Videodrome and Once Upon a Time in America, James Woods, Alan King, and a young, and possibly stoned, Drew Barrymore. Enjoy…

FEATURED SHORT: The Last One Standing

Our short film for this month comes to us from Roderick Shepard and Bestram Productions out of Charlotte, NC. The film entitled, The Last One Standing, gives,

…a look into the lives of a grandfather, Abel and his grandson, Thomas. They hold what could amount to their final conversation. Abel let’s Thomas know that we never want to look back and wish we would have done something, but we always seem to. Life is not promised but death is, regardless of when it comes.

A thought provoking film with a twist, The Last One Standing, succeeds on all accounts…good actors, good direction, and most of all a well paced moving story…Check out the trailer online HERE, but you have to catch the show to see the film.

We hope you enjoy this month’s episode of Second Cinema. Once again we would like to thank you the fans, the viewers, and the filmmakers that have submitted their films and those that have appeared on the show…without your devotion to the film community here in North Carolina, none of this would be possible…so thank you…until next month…stay classy North Carolina.

February 2009

Hey Second Cinema fans….we have a great show to start off the new year!

First off we were back at our home away from home, The Carolina Theatre in downtown Durham. And speaking of the Carolina Theatre, please remember that the Nevermore Film Festival will be in town February 20-22nd. Check out our Nevermore Preview.

To start the show off this month we had the chance to sit down with Co-Chair for the newly named, Hayti Heritage Film Festival, Angela Ray. Angela shares information about the upcoming festival taking place in Durham, the history behind it, and what’s in store for those in attendance. The Hayti Heritage Film Festival will take place February 19-22, 2009.

The annual Hayti Heritage Film Festival (HHFF), formerly known as the Black Diaspora Film Festival is celebrating 15 years of existence. The 2009 festival, being held February 19-22, will be totally spearheaded by three dynamic women with years of experience in the performing arts community.

Enjoy our interview below and to find out more information about the festival, you can visit them online.

Next we had a chance to explore the films of the upcoming Nevermore Film Festival. The festival will take place the weekend of February 20-22nd at the Carolina Theatre. For more info, check out the clip below and visit their website for more info on the films and screenings.

Next up on this month’s show we got a sneak peak at an upcoming feature on Second Cinema. Nick Karner of Prank Films took the time out to share with us a little knowledge on the classic, Night of the Hunter. This was a first for Second Cinema, to have a viewer, submitter, and friend, review another film, but Nick’s so knowledgeable about films in general that we had to ask him to contribute. Nick will continue to submit film reviews, not only because he’s got the knowledge, but because he’s just so damn entertaining. Check out the first of many below.

Following the break, Hilary sits down with George Sartiano from The School of Communication Arts. He covers various topics about the film industry here in the Carolinas, talks about his background in the film industry and his ties to North Carolina, and if that’s not enough, George decides to bring along a film to share. One of the school’s student films entitled “Crash Course” gets screened and if you like visual effects, you’re in for a real treat. Below is our interview with George Sartiano.

It was an action packed episode this month and we appreciate your support of North Carolina filmmmakers. Remember that Second Cinema airs state wide and to find out where we air in your neck of the woods, check out our Times and Location page.

Until next month, remember…

We have too many intellectuals who are afraid to use the pistol of common sense.
~Samuel Fuller