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Biography
Michael J. Epstein is a Los Angeles filmmaker known for social-satire-horror Clickbait (2019), 70s-Euro-vampire Blood of the Tribades (2016), psychotronic-sci-fi Magnetic (2015), and the avant-mystery Ten (2014). He often co-writes, co-directs, and co-produces with his wife, Sophia Cacciola, with their production company, Launch Over.
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Their works
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Hacking at Leaves
Act like Self
event2024
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Hacking at Leaves documents artist and hazmat-suit aficionado Johannes Grenzfurthner as he attempts to come to terms with the United States' colonial past, Navajo tribal history, and the hacker movement. The story hones in on a small tinker space in Durango, Colorado, that made significant contributions to worldwide COVID relief efforts. But things go awry when Uncle Sam interferes with the film's production.
The Once and Future Smash
Act like Repo Man
event2022 star_border 8
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In 1970, Mikey and William both portrayed football cannibal Smash-Mouth in the influential cult hit, End Zone 2. Now, 50 years later, only one can wear the mask.
I Thought His Name Was Blarche
Act like Juxtapositional Orienting Dimension
event2021
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A woman and her questionable veterinarian search across dimensions to kill God in order to save Blanche the dog.
Wake Not the Dead
Act like You Guys
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Directed by Matt Stuertz
An LA Christmas Story
Act like Felix Finklestein
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When Sophie, a well-known internet lifestyle video blogger, posts a video searching for a "man who's not an idiot" after a break-up a month before Christmas, the video goes viral and her life is comically up-heaved into many hilarious situations. She ultimately meets Danny, a struggling stand-up comic and actor. Will the two find love deep in the heart of the craziness of Los Angeles? Find out in the edgy romantic comedy that centers itself around the most wonderful time of the year.
Fat Fleshy Fingers
Act like Young Grandfather (segment: "The King of Carrot Flowers")
event2023
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An anthology film that tells the tales of eight hapless souls infected with a monstrous sexually transmitted parasite that holds eldritch powers over its host’s mind.
The Devil's Tail
Act like Metal Guitarist
event2021 star_border 5.5
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A young nurse begins her shift at an old city hospital. After a strange apparition one of the oldest nurse tells her that a patient, Mr. Moore, entered the hospital a few years ago. His body was completely burned after a fire. Mr. Moore was operated urgently by the doctors. But no one wanted to assist him. The pain and drugs had driven him mad... One night one of the nurses went to his room but his bed was empty ... Nothing was heard from him anymore. A bell interrupts the story. The call comes from Mr. Moore´s room…
Solvent
Act like Nazi
event2024 star_border 10
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While searching for Nazi documents in an Austrian farmhouse, a team of experts uncovers a hidden secret buried in its bowels. American expatriate Gunner S. Holbrook becomes obsessed with solving the mystery, and as his sanity wanes, he must confront an insatiable evil. Can he find redemption before it drains the life out of him?
Salomé: Do Not Dance, My Daughter
Act like Bill
event2022
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Salomé: Do Not Dance, My Daughter
Micro-Budget Marauders: Micro-Budget Mentality
Act like Himself
event2021
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Micro-budget filmmakers
Micro-Budget Marauders 3: Marketing and Distribution
Act like Himself
event2020
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Third film in the documentary series that looks at low-budget filmmaking.
Robot Dracula
Act like Reynolds / Bobby Zombert / RoboCock
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A scientist with nefarious intentions seeks to dominate the world using his vast expertise in robotics.
Bloody Bridget
Act like Attacker
event2023 star_border 5.5
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Voodoo deity transforms burlesque dancer into a "Valentine Vampire." Blood only whets her appetite--she must eat her victim's beating hearts. A bloody fun horror/comedy by director Richard Elfman, music by Danny Elfman and Ego Plum.
Psycho Ape!! Part II: The Wrath of Kong
event2024
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After being apprehended by police during a big banana heist (and, you know, all the murders from the first film), the Psycho Ape! is put on trial for his crimes and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Bring Us Your Women
Act like King Solomon (segment "Queen of Sheba")
event2015 star_border 8
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Bring Us Your Women is an international anthology dedicated to women and the pursuit of divinity and freedom. The project seeks to tell existing and re-imagined stories of historic and mythical individuals, each presenting a message of humanity that transcends gender and religion.
Clickbait
Act like Hollywood Juggler, Donald Trump
event2019 star_border 4.4
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A college student who will do just about anything for Internet fame is kidnapped by a fan, and her reluctant roommate is the only one who can save her.
60 Seconds 2 Die: 60 Seconds to Die 2
Act like safe cracker (segment: "Poisoned")
event2018
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Horror Anthology "60 second short films that will scar you for a lifetime"
I Am an Addict
Act like The Pyromaniac (Segment: "Pyromania")
event2019
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An anachronistic public access TV channel plays host to a self-help guru with one goal — to scare viewers out of whatever addiction may be plaguing them. Using his trademarked "Eight Step Action Plan," he covers topics ranging from sex to gluttony, each of them glitching into a terrifying tale of addiction gone wrong. Eight international directors take on these stories, presenting horrifying shorts focused on the darkest and most surreal side of addiction.
A Taste of Phobia
Act like Elijah (segment "Somniphobia")
event2018 star_border 3.7
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For this anthology movie, producers Vestra Pictures assigned international directors with a phobia and set them to work making a horror short about it.
Half-Cocked
Act like Hooligan
event2019
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A science experiment gone horribly right.
Worthless
Act like Gary
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A distressed Flint and complacent GT pursue love interests while relishing in the sweet gains of worthlessness, but all bliss comes with a cost as they come to grips with their place in society.
Leopard (Part I)
Act like Dave
event2018
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Leopard (Part I)
Leopard (Part II)
Act like Dave
event2018
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Leopard (Part II)
Swipe Right
Act like Bill
event2017
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'Swipe Right' is a musical comedy set in the era of internet dating over the course of one night in New York City.
2 Die For
Act like Barista (segment: "With Whip"), Murderer (segment: "Witness")
event2018 star_border 3.5
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2 Die For is a horror anthology of short horror films from cult underground indie horror filmmakers from across the globe. This fast paced horror compendium of short horror films won't give you time to catch your breath, your heart will race, you will sweat uncontrollably, and you will be shocked to death. An anthology of horror stories helmed by more than 20 directors from the dark depths of horror's underground. What would you do if you only had two minutes to live? ...find out in 2 Die For.
Idioms Origins Volume 1
Act like Store Clerk
event2016
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Idioms Origins Volume 1
Grindsploitation
Act like Bad Guy #1 (segment "John Smith")
event2016 star_border 5.1
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Exploitation anthology from the twisted minds of established and up and coming directors from across the globe.
Planchette
Act like Killer
event2015
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A carefully planned Halloween party takes a dark turn when the guests discover Ouija is more than just a game.
Chainsaw Maidens from Hell
Act like Party Band
event2016
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Blake is captain of the football team and destined for a career in the pro leagues - that is if he passes his chemistry class. But destiny has a way of tackling the toughest of players when demons invade his college and begin to enslave the student body. A divine angel descends to give Blake an invincible suit of super football pads and send him out to battle the forces of evil. Unfortunately, the suit is missing one vital piece - the jock strap. In order to get it back, Blake must descend into the underworld and face the guardians of doom known as The Chainsaw Maidens from Hell. And he's got to do all this while studying for a chemistry quiz.
Hipster Ghost
Act like Michael
event2017
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A woman moves into an apartment haunted by a mischievous twee apparition.
Glossary of Broken Dreams
Act like DeForest Schbeibi
event2018 star_border 6.8
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Puppets! Pixels! Anime! Live action! Stock footage!
Lumpennerd Johannes Grenzfurthner gives an ideotaining cinematic revue about important political concepts. Everyone is talking about freedom! Privacy! Identity! Resistance! The Market! The Left! But, yikes, Johannes can't tolerate ignorant and topically abusive comments on the "Internet" anymore! Supported by writer Ishan Raval, in this film, Johannes explains, re-evaluates, and sometimes sacrifices political golden calves of discourse.
Not to be used with false consciousness or silicone-based lubricant.
The Blood Is the Life
Act like Self
event2016
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A documentary about the making of Blood of the Tribades
What Metal Girls Are Into
Act like Metal Guitarist
event2017 star_border 5.7
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Three women going to a three day metal festival in the desert find something disturbing in the freezer of their isolated vacation rental.
Ten
Act like Subject of painting
event2014 star_border 4
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Ten women spend the night in a supposedly haunted mansion on Spektor Island in December 1972. Crazy superstitions don't stop them from raiding the wine cellar and throwing a party, at least until the first murder.
Dept. of Reincarnation
Act like Urinator
event2018
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After a selfie-taking mishap, a young woman must choose what fate awaits her in the next life. But she must choose wisely!
Sugar Off The Button
event2019
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SUGAR OFF THE BUTTON is a short film about being in love. This film was my wedding gift to my husband, Douglas Burgdorff. With selected writing by Ruth Krauss from 1954, and shot on 16mm by Kansas Bowling.
Philia
Act like Dave (segment: Mythophilia)
event2021
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Eleven film directors explore how abnormal love and pushing the limits of obsession and danger can result in violent and unexpected endings.
Pride
Act like Pentheus
event2020
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A segment of the 7 Sins anthology, stand-alone for festival screening only.
PATCH POLYESTER ~ EVIL CLOWN EVIL
event2016
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PATCH POLYESTER is the only man that might save our world from the dumbing down of the clowns. 70's Faux Grind House trailer -- 2nd supplemental teaser for the main trailer, 'PATCH POLYESTER.'
For the Love of Metamorphosis
event2015
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Would you still love me if...? A couple explores a series of transformations to see if they would still love each other under unique circumstances, including if one was out of time sync, a fish, a Vulcan, or a log. This light-hearted short satires Twin Peaks, Star Trek, Blade Runner, and more...
7 Sins
Act like Pentheus (segment: Pride)
event2020 star_border 5.5
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7 Sins is divided into seven segments, each one unique in its voice, acting, story, and style. While the seven deadly sins are cemented in Catholic Theology and are always the same, the interpretation by any single person is always different, and this assemblage is no exception. This film uses the themes within its subtext and introduces, and then wildly perverts, the punishments associated with the 7 Deadly Sins. The overall atmosphere is one of uneasiness that, in addition to a fair amount of disturbing visuals, is amplified by its pulse-pounding soundtrack.
The Shackling
Act like couch TV couple
event2018
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When super model and movie star Victor is shot on the fashion runway, he is sent to a purgatory chasm where he must journey through a TV archway and confront the demons of fame, fetish and vanity on his quest to redemption, amidst media saturation of the coverage of his apparent death. The Shackling is an experimental independent feature, shot entirely on Super VHS and Super 8 film, which comments on celebrity in a surreal, horrific and hysterical style, complete with comedic commercials interspersed throughout the main plot.
Bloodhound
Act like Renfield
event2020 star_border 10
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He's all bite and no bark!
A Trip to Spektor Island: Behind-the-Scenes of TEN
Act like Self
event2014
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A Trip - is a behind-the-scenes feature giving an inside look into the making of TEN.
Kaiju Big Battel: Shocking Truth
Act like Alien Horde
event2005
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A shocking peak into the world of high stakes monster combat. Shocking Truth features a visit to Dino Kang Jr's Cave, the rise and fall of Silver Potato, Kaiju epic The Swarm, and much more.
Fat
Act like Dinner party guest #1
event2013 star_border 4.9
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Ken is a man that won't change his ways. Addicted to food, and bad health in general, he is headed on a one way path to an early grave. Despite help from his friends, he does what he wants, until a chance encounter that might just give him the motivation he needs. Fat is a funny, and dramatic look at food addiction. It is an unflinching story based on Mark Phinney's own experiences and writings on the subject.
Weekend Vampire
Act like Goth band drummer
event2016 star_border 4
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An ancient vampire is awoken and goes on a night on the town with a chatty millennial. Will she find a way to fit into her new life?
El Loco Ojo
Act like Number 6 / Subject of Painting
event2013
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A spy tries to steal a cybernetic eye.
Los Locos Manos
Act like Subject of Painting
event2012
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A former spy is interrogated by a sinister organization.
El Loco Nihilismo
Act like Pierre Kubiak, Paper Connoisseur
event2016
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A man searches for the meaning of life
Magnetic
Act like Subject of painting (uncredited)
event2015 star_border 7.4
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On December 31st, the Earth will be destroyed. Everything you know will become nothing. Maybe it already has.
Merde
Act like Inmate Harvey
event2019
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An affable oddball comes home one day to find his house ransacked and his most prized possession missing. Two police officers bring him in for questioning and his day goes from bad to worse.
Dinogore
event2020 star_border 4
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A group of college friends head to a remote cabin for the weekend when a mysterious earthquake unleashes a horde of bloodthirsty, subterranean dinosaurs.
Brides of Satan
Act like Dewdrop
event2020 star_border 3.9
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When a gang of satanic strippers kidnap an innocent young couple, a horrifying scenario ensues. Brides Of Satan is an Action Exploitation Horror film.
Los Locos Dientes
Act like Patients
event2015
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A man goes to a late night dentist...who might just be a vampire.
Happy Horror Days
Act like Mr. Keane (St. Patrick's Day)
event2020 star_border 7.2
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Voices...HORRIFIC Content...Right Here In The Holiday Of Horrors.
Magnetostatic Systems Training Video No. 108: The Making of Magnetic
Act like Self
event2016
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Magnetostatic Systems Training Video No. 108: The Making of Magnetic
The Michael J. Epstein Memorial Library: Amylee
Act like Animated band member
event2013
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The band fights space dolphins!
Darling Pet Munkee Presents: Creature Double Feature
Act like Dirt Thief
event2012
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In the style of drive-in film and late-night horror television, comprised of two horror spoofs, MONSTER S-I-Z-E MONSTERS and Genuine Soil From Dracula's Castle. Of course, no b-horror schlock-fest is complete with a host! Darling Pet Munkee has got its very own, Dalya, Mistress of the Munkee to introduce this terrifying twosome!
In the Dark
event2022
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A documentary exploring fears and experiences in the indie horror community.
The Big Steep
Act like Keeper of the kettle
event2021
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A gentleman is horrified to find his AirBnB does not have an electric tea kettle.
The Transformations of the Transformations of the Drs. Jenkins
Act like Dr. Jenkins / Dr. Jenkins / Self
event2021
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Determined to create the ultimate pandemic film, Stephen (who apparently has never heard of an exquisite corpse) brings a team of filmmakers together, believing he has created a brand new genre of filmmaking, they recruit 20 of their friends to each shoot a segment of the film. A lot goes wrong! Michael convinces the team he can program an AI better than Amazon. Bob wasn't invited. Kate has regrets.
Microbudget Marauders 3
Act like Self
event2021
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Several independent Filmmakers explain what micro budget movies are and how they make, distribute and market them.
Sitting Duck
Act like Burglar
event2021
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A short film.
Onlyfangs
Act like Monster Hunter
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A wannabe monster hunter helps a bloodthirsty gang of vampire chicks expand their business by creating a new app to turn their victims into customers.
Meat Friend
Sound
event2022 star_border 7
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When a child microwaves raw hamburger meat, it comes to life and teaches inappropriate lessons rooted in a life of crime. Is the ex-con, sentient pile of hamburger meat real, and what is the true cost of this unlikely friendship? Will Billie ever be the same?
Grindsploitation 2: The Lost Reels
Director
event2016 star_border 4
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Horror exploitation anthology from twisted minds of filmmakers from across the globe.
Craving
Gaffer
event2023 star_border 5.1
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After a drug deal goes south, four heroin addicts barricade themselves in a country bar as the cops close in. Withdrawal sets in, further complicating their hostage situation, while a secret one of them is hiding could destroy them all.
Memento Mori
Editor
event2022
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In 1983, a scientist in isolation resurrects a dead colleague.
13 Minutes of Horror: Sci-Fi Horror
Editor
event2022
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Sci-Fi Horror has led us into the depths of fear and back again, from the mundane to the fantastical. It's the fear of the unknown, the fear of the depths of space, and the fear of where our technology will lead. Here, the winners of Nyx Horror Collective's 13 Minutes of Horror 2022 60-Second Film Challenge lead you through the wicked, the weird and the worrisome all within one terrifying minute. =
Blood of the Tribades
Director of Photography
event2016 star_border 5
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A vampire named Bathor turned an entire village to vampires, stuck around long enough to teach them to survive, and then promised to return in 2000 years after conquering the rest of the continent. The only problem with this plan is that the vampires, although immortal, have only a limited capacity for memory. As time passes, they forget their utopian society and led by the totalitarian zealot Grando, become paranoid, superstitious fundamentalists, splitting their society by race and gender lines, seeking to destroy those who are deemed sinful. Long-forgotten lovers Élisabeth and Fantine find that, with the help of those who were banished in the past, it is their fate to piece together the past and help preserve the little that remains before Bathor’s impending return.
Trashsploitation
Director of Photography
event2018 star_border 4
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The greatest collection of current underground movie trailers around!
A Hard Place
Writer
event2025
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A group of criminals on the run in the mountains of West Virginia find themselves caught in the middle of an ancient feud between the monsters that rule the day and the creatures that rule the night.
Gay Jesus
Sound Mixer
event2015 star_border 5.5
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Once upon a time in a cheap Jerusalem hotel room, Jesus and Judas are spending their time away from Nazareth between hot, sweaty, carnal love and preparing sermons for Jesus' growing fanbase. Enter Mary Magdalene, jealousy, Satan, and the Romans, and the once-perfect love affair between Judas and Jesus becomes a hellish ring of fire, leading Judas to betray his beloved Christ and the Romans to punish everyone for trying to turn everyone gay.
The Streets Run Red
Camera Operator
event2017 star_border 1
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An aging detective and his hotheaded partner tirelessly pursue a serial killer who is right under their nose in this gruesome, deplorable, disgusting new feature film from Ungovernable Films! Ungovernable Films has set out this time to raise the bar on gore, obscenity, offensiveness, and nauseating FX in this feature film about a serial killer pursued by two dedicated cops. When the killer falls right into their laps without them realizing it, fact and fiction begin to blur for the three men whose senses of identity seem less and less certain.
Slasher Fetish
Cinematography
event2024
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Slasher Fetish dir by James Balsamo
Conspiracy X
Director
event2018 star_border 1.6
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An anthology of horror stories based on global conspiracy theories.
Blender Memories
Director
event2024
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A documentary about End Zone 2
Dear Diary
Director
event2024
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Neal Jones discusses The Once and Future Smash
Aerospace Engineering
Director
event2024
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A.J Cutler discusses The Once and Future Smash and End Zone 2
Fly Route on the Wall
Director
event2024
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Behind the Scenes of End Zone 2
Smash the Competition
Director
event2024
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An interview with Michael St. Michaels about The Once and Future Smash
Open Wide
Director
event2024
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An interview with Bill Weeden about The Once and Future Smash
Umbilicus Desidero
Director
event2019
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Some voids aren't meant to be filled...
60 Seconds to Die
Director
event2017 star_border 7.7
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Horror Anthology "60 second short films that will scar you for a lifetime"
Manos Returns
Sound Re-Recording Mixer
event2018 star_border 3
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MANOS Returns is the follow up film to the cult favorite Manos: The Hands of Fate, created by Jackey Neyman Jones who portrayed Debbie from the original film.
Re-Home
Sound Recordist
event2019 star_border 7
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In the near future, the U.S.-Mexico border wall has been completed and the high cost of living has skyrocketed. As a result, loved ones are re-homed like pets.
The Ungovernable Force
Sound Editor
event2015 star_border 3
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The latest exploitation / Grindhouse feature film from Ungovernable Films, featuring all your favorite ungovernable motifs like sex, gore, violence, nudity, schlock, and laughs! Oh, and of course a social message! This time it's "fuck the police!"
Innsmouth
Boom Operator
event2015 star_border 5
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Detective Diana Olmstead arrives on the scene of a body with a mysterious egg sac. A clue leads her to Innsmouth, where she meets a seductive and horrific fate in the form of Alice Marsh.
Honky Holocaust
Sound Editor
event2014 star_border 5
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Racial tensions rise in San Francisco when Charles Manson's cult returns to find that white people are the new oppressed race. A new war is about to be started, but can somebody prevent that from happening?
Party Time: The Music of Return of the Living Dead
Camera Operator
event2016
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Party Time : The Music of Return of the Living Dead
The Greatest Question Facing the Future of Science and Robotics
Sound
event2017
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Jordy wants to use his precious robots for scientific pursuits, while his employers have other plans for them.
For a Good Time, Call...
Boom Operator
event2017 star_border 6.2
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Revenge is only the beginning.
Shiny Diamonds
Producer
event2020
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Valerie has a job to do, but Todd is playing games. And there is something lurking in the night that doesn’t like to lose. With a surreal take on the analog, neon backdrop of the1980’s, Shiny Diamonds follows a religious acolyte on her first night out proselytizing. Valerie has her work cut out for her, seeking to change the status quo amid a culture of toxic masculinity in a work environment that’s anything but familiar.
The Obliteration of the Chickens
Editor
event2019 star_border 6
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The universe does not care. The abyss is stupid. Narrated by author Bracken MacLeod, this Herzog-inspired fever dream uses 100% stock footage to reflect on the banality of existence.
Eagle Rock
Sound Mixer
event2019
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In the early 1970s, a young woman in prison for murder reflects on what led her to the crime, the cult she was a part of, and her relationship with its leader.
Darling Pet Monkey
Producer
event2020
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In 1969, two young brothers ordered a monkey from an ad in the back of a monster magazine. After the postal carrier delivered the box - things got weird. Tim Tate's true's story has been covered on NPR and made into a musical. This is the story's first cinematic telling.
Disco Graveyard
Editor
event2020
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Don’t be dead. The dead are dumb. Be weird.
Consider the Titanic
Editor
event2020
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Watch Clark -- Consider the Titanic music video
Tea Time
Gaffer
event2020
top_panel_open
Are you nervous? You should be.
Thirteen
Cinematography
event2016
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Thirteen depicts the creatures vying for control of your subconscious while you sleep. Starring Sophia Cacciola and her mother, Julia Cacciola.
The Dial Tone of Doom
Writer
event2019
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A cursed phone
Direct to Video: Straight to Video Horror of the 90s
Sound
event2019 star_border 4
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A documentary about the direct-to-video horror hits of the 90s.
Dyin' Ryan
Sound
event2017
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Short Film
Don't Fuck with Anne Margaret
Assistant Camera
event2023
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Directed by Ama Lea
Kill Dolly Kill
Editor
event2023
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Tromaville’s local celebrity murderess, Dolly Deadly, is a shoo-in to win Serial Killer of the Year. Unfortunately, Slasharella has designs on the title and will stoop to the lowest of lows to take the crown. The two will drag Tromaville out and turn it upside down in their fight to the death, decimating the fictional city’s population all along the way.
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