Gory Gear: Level 27 Clothing

If you like a slice of the darker side of life, like wandering cemeteries under a full moon, cozying up with some old black and white horror classics like Bride of Frankenstein or Dracula and counting the days until Halloween, then you will revel in the creepy clothing creations of Level 27!

Started by best friends Steve Sievers and Billy Martin (of band Good Charlotte fame), Level 27 Clothing boasts playfully dark designs, most of which are designed by Martin himself. Bats, zombies, blood splatter and monsters adorn their exuberantly macabre tees and hoodies.

Ghouls and boils will love their colorful designs that just scream “FOR THE LOVE OF HORROR!” They were kind enough to send us several of their designs for review, and now we present these to you, dear readers!

First up we have two of Level 27’s zombie tees. The first is called “Lone Zombie” and appropriately features one green-tinged, moldy-looking zombie shambling across the blood-splattered front of a black shirt, a bold Level 27 logo in the background. This tee will have you looking slick for the impending zombie apocalypse…

The zombie love continues with Level 27’s “Walking Zombies” tee. Printed on a black t-shirt, two zombies jerkily drag themselves along the right-hand bottom hem. The bright-blood red, gothic Level 27 logo stands guard over the right breast, seemingly protecting the wearer from attack…or perhaps encouraging it!

To complete the zombie homage, Level 27 also makes a “Zombie Head” belt buckle that is grotesquely endearing and will complete the horror fiend look. The belt buckle is hefty enough to kill a few zombies if you hit ‘em in the head with it! You can save money by buying the “Zombie Head” belt buckle along with the “Lone Zombie” t-shirt in one of Level 27′s bundles! It’s a killer deal!

Level 27 also makes spooktacular clothing for scream queens. Their limited edition “Creature Feature” tee comes in many different colors in women’s sizes (as well as men’s!). It showcases a collage of the classic horror monsters, including Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, the Wolfman and the Invisible Man.

Women will also go batty for Level 27’s “Bats with Bows” hoodie. This snug hoodie comes in black and features two creepy-n-cute bats gracing either side. The purple accents around them really make the boo-tiful bats stand out. Horror queens won’t be able to resist the lure of this hellacious hoodie! It’s the perfect thing to wear for a moonlit midnight walk through the old cemetery!

For fun-in-the-sun (or gloom), horror-lovin’ women can’t go wrong with Level 27’s “Blood Monsters” tank top. Designed exclusively for Level 27 by extraordinary artist Alex Pardee (www.eyesuckink.com), the tank looks blood-stained and soaked in gore, with two dismembered monsters staring out from beneath all the grue. The tank top runs extra long, so it’s perfect to throw over your bikini for a gruesomely cute cover up.

All of Level 27’s clothing is printed on high-quality American Apparel shirts and are 100% cotton. They are constantly bringing in new, horror-inspired designs, so keep your eyes peeled on their website (www.level27online.com) and their Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/L27Clothing) for new gory gear!!

Level 27 Clothing makes clothes for those of us that are unique, who love the dark side of life, who love classic horror movies, who cherish Halloween and want to make it everyday, who enjoy leisurely strolls through graveyards, who have pondered what they would do if a zombie apocalypse should happen…for those of us that consider ourselves “Children of the Night,” Level 27 Clothing will always be there for us, in the dark, waiting…

So what are YOU waiting for? Feel Level 27’s dark embrace and outfit yourself in some of their ooky-spooky, gory gear!

Bane (2008)

Four women awake in a drab holding cell, with nothing but wire and opaque paper walls separating them from masked nurses dressed all in white that scurry outside. They remember nothing of their past lives, not even their names, which is why their handy medical bracelets come in handy. The women discover their names are Katherine (the levelheaded one), Natasha (the tough one), Jane (the mousy one) and Elaine (the weepy one). None of them know how or why they are there and when they meet Dr. Murdoch and his partner (known only as the “Handsome Man”), neither shed any light on the situation.

The women are soon visited by a nightly intruder, known only as the Surgeon, who carves numbers into their skin while they sleep. Pretty soon the women figure out that the numbers signify what time they are scheduled to die…

What kind of sick experiments is Dr. Murdoch subjecting them to? What is their purpose? And can they survive long enough to get answers to these questions?

Amber Pictures wowed me before with their fun vamp flick The Witches Hammer and have returned with other solid, yet very different, film. Bane has a much more sci-fi feel than The Witches Hammer. It begins as a psychological horror film about four women stuck in a room (think Saw, Cube, etc.) but surprises with its sci-fi back story and plentiful gore.

The set design is rather impressive, with the medical facility where the women are being held feeling very claustrophobic and disorienting. When an escape is attempted, the escapee wanders the twisting and turning halls, with the small spaces make you feel constrained and hopeless. Kudos should be given to director James Eaves (who also wrote the script) for crafting such an effectively “imprisoned” feeling with the film’s visuals. Most of the film takes place within the holding cell where the women are kept (probably due to the small budget), but even though it is a small space, it works extremely well.

The acting is also top-notch, with all of the women giving stellar performances. Sophia Dawnay (Katherine), Tina Barnes (Natasha), Lisa Devlin (Jane) and Sylvia Robson (Elaine) all did a tremendous job. Each and every one of them was believable, without any of the over or under-acting usually found in low-budget films. Daniel Jordan (Dr. Murdoch) and Jonathan Sidgwick (the “Handsome Man”) were perfectly sadistic and sympathetic as the scientists behind the experiment.

The special effects were very impressive for a film with a small budget! The Surgeon paints the walls red with blood and the deaths are all very realistic and extremely gory! There are only four girls, though, so you can imagine that, unfortunately, the body count isn’t that high.

The story, written by James Eaves, is the one point of the film that runs into a bit of trouble. The explanation we are given for the experiment is adequate at first, but when you start thinking about it, it is never specified why four girls were needed or even why all their memories needed to be erased. The build-up is also too slow, with the Surgeon not showing up until at least 45 minutes to an hour into the film. If the women’s memories were erased, there wasn’t much characterization that could happen in this span of time, right? So the film starts off dragging, and when the killings start it feels like its suddenly switched gears and hopped genres to a bloody slasher flick. From there it jumps yet again to sci-fi territory (you’ll have to watch it and see how, but I’ll tell you that extraterrestrials are involved), which leaves the viewer a bit befuddled.

Still, despite the problems with plot and consistency, Bane is a solid effort by Amber Pictures. Bane blends psychological horrors, slasher sensibilities and a sci-fi story to make an entertaining (though uneven) film.

Available from Amazon!

Colin (2008)

Hailing from Britain, Colin is a touching, yet no less visceral, one-of-a-kind zombie film that turns the tables on the audience by presenting the film from a zombie’s point of view. The debut film from Nowhere Fast Productions and filmmaker Marc Price, Colin reinvigorates the zombie subgenre with its unique, bloody and meaningful story.

The zombie in question is the title character of Colin (Alastair Kirton), who becomes a zombie after being attacked in an apartment kitchen. Once his violent transformation is complete, he attempts to open the door to get out…but his stiff hands can’t work the handle. Night passes into day and he is still trying to get through the door. He finally gets out when he becomes enraged and accidentally trips and falls through a window (this little bit of humor works marvelously in the film, and there are sprinklings of subtle humor throughout the rest of the film). Once outside, Colin shambles around a city that looks post-apocalyptic. Smoke rises in the distance, gun-fire crackles at random, stray newspapers and dead bodies litter the streets and screams are heard regularly. Even when Colin runs into his family, who is still trying to stay alive and is overjoyed with finding him, the reunion is bittersweet. Colin shows no recollection of who they are and is only interested in their flesh. As the world comes crashing down around Colin, all he can do is continue to shamble onwards towards some vaguely familiar, unforeseen goal.

Colin is a stark, beautiful film that packs ample depth and emotion into its zombie storyline. Besides the storyline about Colin’s family, which is heartbreaking in itself, there is also a subplot that flashes back to when the outbreak first occurred and shows how Colin really became infected and what became of his girlfriend. This segment is shown towards the end of the film and nearly had me bawling at its emotional scenes.

Besides the emotional punch, the film also packs a visceral one. The gore here is ample and messy – oozing wounds, chomped off ears, a feast of fresh intestines, blown apart zombies – Colin certainly doesn’t disappoint in the grue department! Even the zombies are impressive and full of character! Each one seems to tell a story as they are all costumed differently and have different wounds. The makeup effects, done by Michelle Webb, were also well done. As Colin decomposes, his face clearly shows the decay. There are also nifty things done with someone’s face that gets partially blown off. All the effects look very believable, realistic and utterly fantastic, which is impressive considering the low budget of the film.

The film’s direction and cinematography are equally impressive. There are some truly memorable shots, including some time-lapse photography showing skyscrapers framed against a deep blue sky, completely empty streets of London and a spectacularly shot scene showing zombie-Colin being transported with a burlap sack on his head – but the scene is shot from under the sack, giving us a view of Colin’s reactions. There are also two explosive, action-filled scenes. One involves zombies surging through a home (and the survivors trying to fight them off) and another involves an epic street battle between zombies and humans. On the down side, the film makes ample use of the “shaky cam” technique. The good news is that it works very well 80% of the time, but the bad news is that it wears out its welcome towards the end of the film.

That, my fellow fiends, is about the only complaint I have of this fantastic indie film. There is little dialogue throughout the film, but if you think watching a zombie shamble around could get a bit boring, think again! Writer/director/producer/editor Marc Price wisely injects plenty of action into the film, including scenes of survivors duking it out with hordes of the undead! Despite the fact that Colin is a flesh-eating ghoul, you’ll find yourself rooting for him rather than any survivors. I really grew attached to him (Alastair Kirton puts on an amazing performance, which helps you sympathize with his character), especially after the ear-eating scene where he takes a victim’s Walkman to listen to! These zombies are stumbling around, but it is like they are searching for bits and pieces of the human lives they lost. Colin is especially infused with remnants of his humanity and his journey is heart-wrenching to watch.

I think I can safely admit that Colin is the only zombie movie ever to bring me to tears with its moving storyline. It’s not mushy (unless you count the gore), but Colin will definitely have you counting your blessings and being thankful for the loved ones around you. This low-budget film has reinvented the subgenre and shows that humans, not zombies, are the real danger.

Colin is truly one of the best indie films so far this year and I urge you to check it out should you be lucky enough to track it down.

Interview with Macabre Musician Spookhaus

Fatally Yours got chance to chit-chat with musician, composer and all-around spookmeister Spookhaus! His varied musical compositions invoke nightmarish landscapes and lurid fantasies. We’ve wormed our way into his rotten core to see what makes Spookhaus write such deliciously dark melodies.

Fatally Yours: How long have you been playing/writing music?

Spookhaus: I’ve been playing and writing music for bout 21 years.

I started playing Bass in a band at about 20 without knowing much about playing music, let alone playing in a band. I had to learn real quick because the band had a bunch of gigs lined up.

I learned how to play music under pressure.

My bass playing led to songwriting. I was naturally artistically creative, so creating bass lines and song structures was easy.

My songwriting led me to the desire to explore playing other instruments: Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Keyboards, mandolin, theremin, drums and of course exploring the art of recording which is widely practiced at The SpookhauS Laboratory.

Fatally Yours: What software/hardware do you use to create your malicious melodies?

Spookhaus: I use old ADDATS on some stuff and I run ProTools and Nuendo on a massive gig hard drive. I still like the warmth of the old ADDATS because the digital information goes to tape.

I have a whole list of gear and gizmos that I keep in The SpookhauS Laboratory, check out my myspace page- myspace.com/spooktunes for details.

Fatally Yours: What interested you about creating music for horror films?

Spookhaus: It all started when I was a small child. I lived in San Antonio Texas and there was a Creature Feature Show that played old Black and White Horror on TV in the afternoons.

My first taste of horror was Ghost of Frankenstein (Universal 1942).

Soon after I became obsessed with Monsters and Horror. I collected Famous Monsters of Filmland and all of the Horror Movie ‘zines.

I drew Monsters, created Monster plays and had a spookhouse in my parents garage in the summer, attracting hundreds of kids from around town.

In my late 20s, I began an obsessive collection of Horror vids and was buying them second hand for cheap.

I was watching hundreds a month, absorbing the soundtracks and actually taping some of my favorite musical/visual moments on a separate tape for reference.

The soundtracks leaked into my compositions and slowly took over my songwriting. I was compelled to write dark music.

Fatally Yours: Which horror movie director would like most like to work with?

Spookhaus: Argento would understand a lot of my musical concepts. So would Fulci.

Fatally Yours: Is there a particular genre type of horror you most enjoy scoring? Zombie, Supernatural, Slasher, etc.?

Spookhaus: I love all aspects of the Horror Genre. There isn’t a movie in this genre that I wouldn’t score. I support Horror in its many forms.

Fatally Yours: Are you open to doing other types of movies? Action, Drama, Comedy, etc.?

Spookhaus: Absolutely…..NOT!! I dislike most other types of movies and my headspace is not in to those types…my headspace is floating in Darkness and Atmosphere. I am Deadicated to Darkness. After all, I am “The Artist of Darkness”

Fatally Yours: Were there any particular scenes from the movies you’ve done that were fairly difficult to score?

Spookhaus: It’s never easy to score any scene. I mean, there are many ways to interpret a scene musicaly. Sometimes silence is best…

Fatally Yours: What do you think is the most memorable horror movie theme?

Spookhaus: It’s a toss up between the creepy simplicity of Carpenter’s Halloween theme and the complicated dramatic classic that is Bernard Herrmann’s Psycho theme.

Fatally Yours: Are there any horror movies that utilized little to no music that you thought were good?

Spookhaus: The Blair Witch Project comes immediately to mind. But Blair Witch didn’t have anything; no special fx, no gore, no lighting or camera work, or cool sets or witches…shit, everyone at the theatre that I seen it at were sayin’ “when we gonna see the witch??”

But the movie was scary without all the extra stuff to make it “scarier”

Fatally Yours: And also do you find that a break in the music or an extended period of silence can help to build suspense and tension in a film?

Spookhaus: I am not a believer in soundtrack overkill. I mentioned silence earlier as one of the scariest sounds in a horror movie.

If a director wants me to score his movie and wants me create a lot of silence in it, then I respect his decision. Hey…and less work I gotta do!!

Fatally Yours: If you could work with any film composer, alive or dead, who would it be and why?

Spookhaus: Ennio Morricone. The man is a genius, an innovator that’s willing to explore and experiment with music and sound. We would create some Fascinating Monsters in The Spookhaus Laboratory, no doubt!

Fatally Yours: What is your favorite type of music to listen to outside of film scores and soundtracks?

Spookhaus: I listen to prog metal, industrial bands like Opeth, early Metallica, NIN, Rob Zombie.
Psychedelic, atmospheric stuff like Pink Floyd, Tangerine Dream, Jean Michele Jaree.

I dig Johnny Cash, Prince, Beck, James Brown, Alice Cooper, David Bowie and Jim Morrison and The Doors.

I dislike new country and most popular music.

Fatally Yours: Thanks for your time, Spookhaus! You can check Spookhaus out on his Myspace, www.myspace.com/spooktunes.

Book Review: Deep Inside by Polly Frost

I’ve never been a big fan of written erotica, looking at it as too tacky, sleazy and repetitive for my tastes. Horror-themed romance novels were the absolute worst, usually featuring one-dimensional males with rippling muscles and flowing tresses and maidens in distress that needed saving (and sometimes a good spanking). And why do they always seem to feature seductive vampires in the lead roles, intent on sucking more than just blood?

So, I stayed clear of the whole “horror erotica” genre, until I received Polly Frost’s Deep Inside in the mail. Great, I thought, now I have to give it a go! Yet reading Deep Inside, something was awakened deep inside me that had me begging on my knees for more after each short story. Frost has crafted ten tantalizing tales that each feature strong, well-drawn characters, kinky situations that will pique anyone’s interests and satisfying supernatural twists that give her stories a very unique outcome.

As mentioned, Deep Inside features ten separate short stories that explore the twisted and horrific side of sex, with plenty of bizarre yet enticing situations to tease readers with. Frost injects her stories with dark sensuality and black humor. One particular example would be a dominatrix who is slowly losing control of her life and career. Frost’s dialogue is sharp and witty one moment, then down and dirty the next. She covers everything from tentacle porn to voodoo dildos to erotic asphyxiation with aplomb.

My personal favorite stories included “The Pleasure Invaders,” about a tentacled alien race that turns out to be the ultimate in ecstasy, “Viagra Babies,” about sexually superpowered humans who were created by a generation of Viagra abusers, “Visions of Ecstasy,” about a psychic that can see other’s sexual futures but not her own, and “Deep Inside,” about dildos infused with magic to make them feel like the real thing…but with chaotic consequences.

Frost’s writing is deliciously naughty, an indulgent experience that will push you to the brink but keep you satisfied with a commanding writing style. Frost avoids clichés and stereotypes – there are no “throbbing members” or other repetitious language in her novel, only highly original, unique and kinky vignettes that share their pages with engagingly horrifying story lines.

If you are looking for a series of short stories that blend horror and erotica, Polly Frost’s Deep Inside is your one-stop shop for x-rated Twilight Zone-type stories.

Available from Amazon!

Quench (2007)

Brimming with angst and a heavy, somber tone, Quench tells the tale of Derik (Bo Barrett), who hitchhikes to Indiana after an unspecified tragedy in his life to see his best friend Jason (Ben Schmitt). Though he hasn’t spoken to his friend in three years, Derik is expecting some sort of comfort and deep understanding from Jason. Problem is, Jason is a changed man, both in the way he dresses and the way he acts. He belongs to a close-knit group called “the family” that he excludes Derik from and doesn’t have time to spend with his old friend. Derik eventually comes to the conclusion that Jason is hiding something from him. After puttering around Jason and his girlfriend Veronica’s (Samantha Eileen DeTurk) house for a few weeks, Derik finally becomes fed up and leaves…but he runs into one of Jason and Veronica’s friends, Gina (Mia Moretti) who’s just as lonely and lost as he is. She convinces him to join their “family,” but Derik has his own secrets to hide.

Quench has a lot going for it and just as many things against it, but I must warn readers that this isn’t a straightforward horror movie. It’s more of a slow-burning character study of a man who has lost everything…but has much more to lose. Though it does feature some nudity and blood, most mainstream horror fans will be turned off by the slow, brooding pace of this low-budget flick.

The production values themselves are stunning, especially with such a low budget (reportedly in the $40,000 range). Shot in the Midwest in the autumn, the color palate is full of rich reds, bright oranges, deep blues and bleached yellows. The direction, by Zack Parker, is impressive considering this is only his second low-budget film. The shots are tight, crisp and straightforward with no annoying amateur “shake.” As a director, Parker looks like he will go far…I just wish he had better material to work with.

See, the actual story aspect of the film, co-written by Parker and Brandon Owens, is a little weak. I understand the concept of a man returning to seek acceptance and comfort from an old friend, but people change and the most annoying part was watching the sullen Derik stubbornly refuse the fact that Jason wasn’t the same person he used to know. Who would masochistically stick around while their former best friend ditches them time and time again, even though they are staying as a guest at his house? Also, the “family” aspect of the film seemed pretty stereotypical and trite. Is anyone really shocked by people that drink their own blood anymore? I mean, really? The whole stereotypical “goth” crowd that made up the “family” was also mundane and tired. Does that mean that anyone who dresses in black and wears heavy eyeliner is a sanguinarian? I think not…

The story builds slowly (a bit too slowly) and doesn’t cover a lot besides Derik moping around, looking dejected. It’s not until the last few scenes where a curveball is thrown, but by then it’s a little too late. The story failed to carry much tension or suspense, reveling in its high school dramatics more than anything else, which is a pity considering the high-caliber direction and acting.

Yes, the acting was surprisingly decent for a low-budget flick. While I found the character of Derik to be annoying and unlikable (now that I think about it, most of the characters were unlikable), Bo Barrett did a commendable job playing the sad character. Other characters, including Ben Schmitt as Jason, did a decent job as well, while others, like Samantha Eileen DeTurk as Veronica, were a bit wooden. The absolute stand-out of the cast was Mia Moretti as Gina. She did an excellent job of playing cute and seductive yet horribly lonely.

Quench is definitely not a film for everyone in the horror crowd. It’s slow pace and un-horrifyingly story will turn many off, but it may be worth watching for Zack Parker’s impressive direction and overall good performances. While it bills itself as a “gothic tragedy,” it carries none of the traditionally gothic atmosphere…just a bunch of actors dressed in fetish and bondage clothes.

Proceed with caution with this one…Quench won’t satisfy your thirst for horror unless you are looking for a downbeat, somber drama.

Interview with Revenant Magazine's Geoff Bough

Fatally Yours had the pleasure of interviewing another like-minded horror journalist, Geoff Bough of Revenant Magazine! Geoff is the “deaditor”-in-chief of Revenant Magazine, an online rag that covers all you could ever want to know about zombies!

With plans for Revenant to become a print publication, it was the perfect time to chew the fat with Geoff and talk to him about his insatiable appetite for the undead!

Fatally Yours: Thanks for letting us pick your brain, Geoff! Your tasty, tasty brain…

Ummm, anyhow, tell us how and when you fell in love with horror films.

Geoff Bough: Well, my parents are old hippies so growing up there were always VHS dubs of films like Halloween, The Howling, Friday the 13th and various other slashers laying around. My Dad is also a HUGE Universal monster movie fan and so I was cultivated on a great horror upbringing.

As a kid in the 80’s, I was always trying to find ways to rent films like Creepshow and A Nightmare on Elm Street.

Before places like BLOCKBUSTER and whatnot, there were the little Mom & Pop video shops…they always had the good stuff. I remember watching Night of the Living Dead with my friend when I was 8 and I knew horror and I would be friends for life.

Fatally Yours: Why were you ultimately drawn to the zombie subgenre?

Geoff Bough: I think the horror genre as a whole is an incredibly diverse genre. There are a lot of excellent films that make a lot of statements about society, politics, and things that shape and define our character as people. I look at watching a horror film like going on a rollercoaster, you’re after the thrill and if you don’t get it then you are forever on the chase for one that will…it’s an endless cycle, like zombies!

I think if someone can convey a message about humanity in what some might consider an unconventional method such as zombies then it really opens you up to be much more introspective about your own life and surroundings.. I appreciate all aspects of the subgenre but I like the films that challenge your thoughts on existence or how we go about rebuilding society after an overwhelming tragedy.

Fatally Yours: Why did you decide to start a magazine based on your love for the undead?

Geoff Bough: At the time I started Revenant, there weren’t too many places that were covering just the zombie subgenre. There were places like allthingszombie.com but as a fan, I wanted more than what was offered.

I wanted to read interviews with independent film directors, comic book writers/artists, fx artists, original articles on the zombie mythos that I couldn’t find from just one site. I wanted to go beyond just the films and books and provide articles on how the mythos started throughout history all over the world.

Fortunately for me, my friend John Reppion was on the same page of thought as I was and he was really instrumental (and continues to be) in helping to establish Revenant Magazine by crafting thought provoking articles and reviews.

Fatally Yours: How did you go about starting Revenant?

Geoff Bough: As mentioned above, I wasn’t overly satisfied with the amount of coverage the zombie subgenre was receiving…that’s not to say that sites and publications weren’t doing a great job, I just wanted more than what was offered at the time.

Revenant Magazine was actually conceived from the forums at ATZ by me and a friend Dan Barnes in 2005. Dan had obligations with another publication and sadly had to bow out of the project. My aspirations were too high to let it slip away so I developed the site and created a following online with plans to bring a print version later down the road.

I also have to extend my sincerest thanks to the very awesome Abby Perry (Cutelucca) www.cutelucca.com – who provided some of the very early Revenant artwork.

Fatally Yours: In your opinion, what makes a great zombie film?

Geoff Bough: A unique blend of post-apocalyptic character study, original character dichotomy, good blood and gore/special effects, convincing looking zombies, good acting, vague reason for outbreak, an unresolved ending and sometimes a little sardonic humor.

There have been too many films that have created this clichéd, almost forced explanation for the cause of a zombie outbreak. I have always found it to be much creepier and more convincing when there is little to no explanation for the cause. Given the event, there really wouldn’t be a whole lot of answers, doubt and skepticism would far outweigh fact.

There is also this often unnecessary need to resolve the whole film and make it some pseudo-happy ending. Way to be a buzzkill! The thing about zombies is they’re relentless and virtually never-ending. That’s what is so terrifying about them.

Fatally Yours: If you could have played any zombie character in a film, who would it have been and why?

Geoff Bough: Wow, this is an excellent question…first off if I could play any character in a zombie film I’d have to go with Harry Cooper from Night of the Living Dead…just so I could scream the line “You’re all a bunch of yo-yo’s!” Haha! I still love that line.

As for any zombie? hmmm… tough call, I’d have to go with ‘Blades’ from Dawn of the Dead/Land of the Dead because Tom Savini is a badass and I for one would be terrified of a zombie Tom Savini with a machete.

Fatally Yours: Do you have an opinion on the fast zombies vs. slow zombies debate?

Geoff Bough: I guess I am of the more traditional persuasion. I favor the shambling undead to the tenacity of the runners. I think they would both be scary as hell but my suspension of belief has some bounds. I’m no medical expert but if anything, as the body decomposes it certainly doesn’t gain dexterity.

Fatally Yours: Have you been impressed by any new zombie flicks lately?

Geoff Bough: Indeed I have! Andy Davis’ recent film 2 was absolutely amazing and we have picked it up as the first official selection for the 2008 Revenant Film Festival! It’s a great film about 2 survivors and the mental anguish and emptiness they must deal with during and after an outbreak. I am really excited to have it be a part of our event this year.

I just saw some of Marc Price’s Colin which so far has been really excellent. It’s a very different film and tells the story of a man named Colin from his perspective as a zombie. It doesn’t have much dialogue which really adds to the ominous tone of an outbreak. I think in the event there wouldn’t be a whole lot of talking going on in favor of more action.

Spencer Susser’s short film I Love Sarah Jane totally blew me away. Definitely the best zombie short film I have seen in a long time.

I have yet to see [REC], which I hear is amazing so I am on the hunt to procure the Spanish version.
There are a ton of zombie films coming up that I am looking forward to seeing…Stone’s War, The Dead Matter, World War Z, Dance of the Dead, The Book of Zombie and tons more.

Fatally Yours: Where do you think the zombie subgenre is headed in the future?

Geoff Bough: I think the future lies in the independent market. If it’s any indication of the popularity of these films with indie zombie films playing major film festivals like SXSW, Cannes, Toronto International Film Fest, Sundance, Seattle International Film Festival, Screamfest, Toronto After Dark, etc…a lot of these films are getting distribution deals from major studios at these festivals.

I think there is a kind of lackluster originality in Hollywood horror lately and it’s getting better but I think indie horror is a breath of fresh air.

There are also a TON of totally kickass original comic books and zombie fiction that have been optioned for film rights as well. Films like World War Z and Tag are in the works and we’re in for some good times as zombie fans!

Fatally Yours: Are you involved with a lot of the zombie walks and other horror events in your area? If so, what has been your favorite event and why?

Geoff Bough: Revenant is based out of Seattle, Washington which has a ton of hardcore zombie fans. I developed www.seattlezombiewalk.com to help organize local area events. We have a Seattle walk planned for October 4th to promote our film festival this year and I am also coordinating the Seattle zombiewalk for World Zombie Day on October 26th! I work in partnership with local zombiewalk organizer Miss Cleo – www.myspace.com/seattlezombiewalk to organize walks.

As for my favorite event so far…2 years ago we did a zombiewalk here in Seattle to an outdoor screening of Shaun of the Dead. It was through a very eccentric neighborhood here in Seattle and it was a lot of fun.
Fatally Yours: Can you tell us about the film festival that Revenant is hosting in October?

Geoff Bough: We are hosting the 2nd annual Revenant Film Festival here in Seattle on October 11th 2008 from 4pm to midnight at Seattle’s Museum of History And Industry. We’re an all independent zombie film festival and so far we’ve received entries from all over the world! We’re accepting entries until July 1st so if anyone out there has a project that you’d like to submit for consideration, check out www.revenantfilmfest.com for more details.

We will have some very exciting films this year that you might not see anywhere else!

If I may also take a moment to extend my virtual donation pot, ha! W are accepting sponsorships for the event this year which are only $50 and include the option to screen a 1 minute commercial or logo placement on screen at the event, a very unique advertising opportunity! If you’re interested in sponsoring the event, check out the sponsors page at www.revenantfilmfest.com

Fatally Yours: Name your favorite zombie films.

Geoff Bough: Dellamorte Dellamore, Night of the Living Dead, Dawn of the Dead, Day of the Dead, The Living Dead At Manchester Morgue, Shaun of the Dead, Zombie, Night 90’, The Beyond, The Serpent and the Rainbow, Dawn 04’, Dead Alive, ‘2’.

Fatally Yours: Besides zombies, what other horror subgenres/movies do you enjoy?

Geoff Bough: I’m a HUGE fan of the genre as a whole. I am particularly fond of ghost stories and hope that there are more interesting ghost stories in the works. I also have a love for werewolf movies and I am about to start a script for a werewolf film.

Fatally Yours: What do you have planned for zombie-lovers in the future with Revenant Magazine?

Geoff Bough: We are in talks to bring a print version of Revenant Magazine to the masses. It has always been my intention to bring the project to print and I am hoping that everything will fall into place and people will have our putrid mag in their rotting hands in the near future.

In addition to all of the awesome content and interviews that we always have, we will continue to keep our readers in tune with the undead.

Fatally Yours: Thanks for such a great interview, Geoff! I wish I could eat your brains to gain your knowledge…!!