Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell - now available on DVD/BluRay from RLJ Entertainment

When you consider that for many people this series was a hugely anticipated adaptation of Susanna Clarke’s acclaimed novel, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, it may sound strange (see what I did there?....sorry, I'll get my coat) to say that I almost gave it a miss. In fact I didn't watch the first two episodes when it began on the BBC a couple of months ago.

You may be wondering (or then again, you may not care less) for the reason behind my reticence to watch the series. In all honesty I hadn't read Susanna Clarke's 2004 debut novel featuring a fantastical alternative version of England during the early 1800's. It wasn't a conscious decision not to read it either. I had heard mutterings at the time concerning some of the interest that surrounded it after its initial release, but I simply never got round to reading the book and so it remained on my 'to do' list indefinitely. As a result I wasn't part of the ever increasing band of followers that the story had gathered over the years. There was though one other possible factor in why I didn't begin watching the series when it first started. The problem for me is the concept of the period drama. Actually, let me rephrase that - I don't have a problem with the period drama as a thing in itself, but sometimes I just get the feeling that we know that we Brits do them well, so the result is that we do them .......and do them.......and once we've done them, we do some more.

Don't get me wrong, I can enjoy a deeply Gothic piece of TV or cinema with the best of them, in fact some of my all time films virtually drip with atmospheric Gothic splendour. My issue is that wherever you look here in the UK we seem to be perpetually drenched in period drama overload........and don't even get me started on Downton Bloody Abbey. You'd think (as many seem to be of the opinion across the pond) that is the only worthwhile thing we Brits are capable of producing.

Two things happened almost simultaneously to change my mind about watching the series. Firstly a friend of mine began to tell me just how much she loved this "fabulous new Gothic drama about magic m'lovely, you simply MUST watch it!" - yes, she really does talk like that. In fact it soon became evident that each time we talked this chap called Jonathan Strange found his way into our conversation, she was insistent to say the least. The problem was that I had by this point missed the first two episodes and so in my tried and tested fashion, I was already lagging behind the public consciousness. Now I know what you're thinking, I could have easily have caught up by using that there fangled Iplayer malarkey. However I thought I would simply wait until the series came out on DVD because there was no rush after all, was there?

Well as coincidence would have it the very day I had had that particular conversation with my friend I also received an email from Aim Publicity advising me of the following: "One of the BBC’s most ambitious and bold productions to date, a major new adaptation of, and following its hugely anticipated, seven week run on BBC One which began last night, it makes its DVD & Blu-ray bow on 29 June 2015 courtesy of RLJ Entertainment’s Acorn Label." They then went on to mention that review discs were available if I was interested. Well it blooming well seemed that the gods were indeed trying to get me to finally see what all the fuss was about.... Who was I to refuse?

So if like me, you were unfamiliar with the book and also missed out on the TV adaptation, let me provide you with a brief synopsis......

"The year is 1806. England is beleaguered by the long war with Napoleon, and centuries have passed since practical magicians became the stuff of legend. 

But scholars of this glorious history discover that one remains: the reclusive Mr. Norrell (Marsan), whose displays of magic send a thrill through the country. Proceeding to London, he raises a beautiful woman from the dead and summons an army of ghostly ships to terrify the French. Yet the cautious, fussy Norrell is challenged by the emergence of another magician: the brilliant novice Jonathan Strange (Carvel). Young, handsome and daring, Strange is the very antithesis of Norrell. 

So begins a dangerous battle between the two great men. Their obsessions and secret dabblings with the dark arts will cause greater trouble than they can ever imagine. With its brilliant drama, stunning period sets, and amazing supernatural events Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is truly magical."

I gorged myself on the seven episodes in one glorious Sunday just a few days ago - To put it simply, everything about Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell is an unadulterated triumph with its multi-textured narrative and characterisation. It is quite frankly exquisite on every level.

At face value, the story is about an alternative or parallel version of 19th century England infused with fantasy and magic and the impact the employment of has on the unfolding history and conflicts that embroiled Europe at that time. However, it is far more than just a story of an alternative England where magic and sorcery reign supreme. The real theme that underpins everything that takes place is the evolving and devolving relationship between in the main the two principle characters, but also the collection of individuals whose lives they intertwine and impact with. 

The standout factor here is the stunning ensemble acting performances of all the cast, there simply isn't one weak link between them. 

Indeed special mention is naturally going to go to the endearing and inspiring performances of of three main players - Both Eddie Marsan and Bertie Carvel are simply wonderful as the 'only two magicians in England'. Carvel is excellent as the charismatic yet insecure Jonathan Strange and perfectly captures the character's ever complex and conflicted story-arc, while Marsden captures the innately phlegmatic and fussy Norrel with equal aplomb. However, for me the standout performance is from Marc Warren as their adversary from another domain who steals every scene he appears in.....and always with a devilish twinkle in his eye.

Staggering in it's complexity and scope and yet never failing to keep the viewer enthralled and involved the story is nicely complimented by a number of ambitious set-pieces, some of which include a level of CGI excellence often missing from British TV productions. The scene in York Cathedral near the beginning of the tale when Norrell is trying to convince a sceptical magician society that he does indeed possess skills that died out centuries ago is fabulous. The 'bringing to life' of the statues within the cathedral is skilfully put together to produce some lovely moments of chills and comedy. Those whose unfortunate place is to know me and my blog quite well will be fully aware of my hatred for spoiler-ridden prose in reviews so I will refrain from discussing any other of the magical set-pieces. Suffice to say that the Napoleonic war sequences benefit hugely from some fine and exciting special effects.

Even though period type drama's may not exactly be at the top of my personal wish list, I would be foolish to deny that one thing that the BBC often gets correct is the attention to historic and social detail. Once again, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell displays an acute attention to detail throughout each and every one of the seven episodes, with each scene within being lavishly and authentically designed to the minutest element.

However, it is the friendship and rivalry between the two main characters that forms the backbone of this wonderful series. Not only is the television adaptation lovingly written but, as previously mentioned, it is the delightfully nuanced performances from Carvel and Marsen who bring the complexities of the characters and their brooding rivalry alive. The scene where Strange and Norrell first meet and in which Norrell's cynicism and dismissal of the young upstarts magical skills is quickly replaced by joyous wonder at his 'trick' with the mirror is a joy to behold. Any production like this, where the chemistry between the main players is of the utmost importance, needs its actors to convince us of the depth and complexity of their relationship. They succeed, and then some. Mention and praise should also be given to the production's other actors, John Heffernan, Alice Englert, Samuel West, Charlotte Riley and Paul Kaye, - a genuine ensemble piece.

I can't explain how surprised I was in the level of enjoyment I experienced in watching this series and so unsuprisingly cannot recommend it highly enough. If you like an authentic historical drama laced with magic, fantasy and every human range of emotion - then Jonathan Strange & Mr Norell is for you. It's now available on DVD and Blu-Ray......I assure you that you won't be disappointed.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:

- The Making of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell (includes key cast and crew, fascinating insight from the makers and the stars – Susanna Clarke is even on set!)

- Deleted scenes

- Two Making of shorts – showing how the special effects were added

- Bloopers

- Stills Picture Gallery

- Behind the Scenes Picture Gallery

- Subtitles

Planet Jimbot - Glasgow Forbidden Planet and Preston Comic Con signing

It was my pleasure a short time ago to pass on the news that independent Scottish publisher Planet Jimbot's 'Amongst the Stars' had made the Scottish Independent Comic Book Alliance (SICBA) shortlist for Best Graphic Novel 2015. The 64-page trade is written by Jim Alexander (Metal Hurlant, Star Trek Manga) and drawn by Mike Perkins (Stephen King's The Stand, Astonishing X-Men, Deathlok). 

Alas, winning the award wasn't to be. However, instead of sulking in a corner and vowing to hold his breath until the award committee change their obviously crazy-as-a-box-of-frogs minds, Jim has asked me to pass on his thanks for the support he received. If it was me in his situation I would be seriously demanding a recount, a re-vote or at least be attempting find out the home addresses of the judges in order to send my personal selection of horse's heads to share their beds.

I know I sound as if I'm a bitter man, maybe I am. I cannot confirm the rumour that I have never really recovered from the headmaster at my primary school smirking at my idea of a reenactment of the final scene from The Wicker man (the original 1973 masterpiece, not the Nick Cage monstrosity) for that year's harvest festival school celebration. He always lacked wit, talent or imagination (the headmaster or Nick Cage, take your pick).

It seems though Jim is a better man than me as he is moves onwards and upwards as Planet Jimbot will be appearing and doing their signing thing at Forbidden Planet in Glasgow on Thurs 30th July from 6-7pm.  Writer Jim Alexander and artist Will Pickering will be in attendance. Jim has also said that they'll be only be too happy to sign anything people send their way. Now as I'm still unsure about the nature of just how the legal system may view my personal interpretation of that last sentence I think it's better that we all stay on the clean and righteous side of what may be acceptable to Jim et al in what they would be prepared to sign. After all, I know from personal and painful experience that a defence of "Well they weren't very clear, were they?" is not generally acceptable in a court of law.

The team will be signing selling examples of their fine comic wares, namely: 

* Casebook#1 & #2 of award winning GoodCopBadCop (True Believers/Eagle)

* Issues #1-4 of award nominated Wolf Country (True Believers/Eagle)

* And of course, the award nominated Amongst the Stars.

It was my absolute pleasure a couple of weeks ago to work my way through the delectable  series that is Wolf country. I aim to do the series justice with a proper in-depth type attempt at a review (I will crack this review thing malarkey one day) of the series in the next few weeks. What I will say for now that the series is genuinely one of the most exciting and imaginative comics that I've read in a very long time. 

"A vampire settlement is surrounded by hostile werewolf tribes.  The settlement is there for religious reasons, following the teachings of a vampire god.  The werewolves don’t want them. They consider a vampire presence on their land to be sacrilege.  

It is a frontier of fang and claw, with death and vengeance the common currency.  In Wolf Country, you need to watch your back and keep your loved ones close, because someone – or something – is always out to get you."

Jim Alexander first described Wolf Country to me as 'vampires v werewolves in a Wild West setting - and a whole lot more'. That particular description barely scratches the surface.  Written by Jim Alexander (Metal Hurlant, GoodCopBadCop) and drawn by Will Pickering (Burke and Hare) with cover art by Luke Cooper (Hollow Girl) Wolf Country is epic both in it's scale and depiction. I'm only sad that I won't be at Forbidden Planet in Glasgow on Thurs 30th July to buy a real paper copy (the only proper thing) and get it signed by the guys themselves.

Jim will also be attending the Preston Comic Con the following Sat 1st August.  Comic guests also include Kate Brown, Andy Diggle, Dave Taylor and Antony Johnston). Once again you'll be pleased to hear that I won't be in Preston that week either......... pesky restraining orders. 

So if you want more information about the event in Preston than click on the link at http://www.prestoncomiccon.co.uk/

Just looking at some of the names appearing at the Comic Con, in addition to Jim and his comic goodies, is enough to make me utter something that I never ever thought I would ever say in a lifetime of lifetimes - get yourself to Preston!

You can find out more about Planet Jimbot and the comic talent that lies therein at the following links;

Twitter - @PlanetJimbot

Website shop - http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/planetjimbot/

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Granite City Comic Con pt3. Interview with Comic writing legend, Alan Grant.

There are some who were probably wondering if my articles on Granite City Comic Con 2015 were ever going to end. I can imagine numerous vigils in even the most secluded corners of the world where people are praying for me to stop, not necessarily praying for a stop to my musing over GCCC, they're just hoping that I'll just..........well, stop. 

The problem is that I simply cannot stop. It's not that I think that I'm any good at this blogging lark, perish the thought. No, the thing is that 5D. The Fifth Dimension just keeps on providing me with the privilege of getting to meet people whose work I've admired for many year, some of whome have had a profound affect on my life. Once again, GCCC provided me with the opportunity to indulge another of my obsessions.

I've made it no secret that perhaps the most potent early influence on my love of Scifi was the comic, 2000AD. As a young boy in the late 1970's I was slowly coming ever more under the influence of scifi and fantasy, I just needed one final push to send me well and truly into the world of nerdom and geeksvile. By 1977 the genre of Science fiction was moving away from the niche market that it had always inhabited to becoming part of mainstream culture - and as we all know, we're talking big time mainstream of monstrous proportions! The success of a certain Star Wars movie, together with some Close Encounters et al meant that a huge science fiction Tsunami seemed to be taking all in its wake. You couldn't turn on a television without seeing a light sabre, droid or an alien of any type. The timing was perfect. 2000AD was a comic that tapped into this cultural explosion and not only that, it was edgy, it took chances, it was intense and at times it was shocking.

The first copy, and the ones that followed each week were intensely seductive in their mixture of futuristic offerings which at times pulled few punches when it came to mixing in a little horror and gore. It was to me, and many other pre-adolescent boys, the punk rock of comics - it tested the boundaries of taste and daring and simply went places where the mainstream comics dared not tread. I distinctly remember my dad one day picking up one of the early editions and exclaiming that the blood and guts in one of the story lines was far too much for a boy of my age - I sulked for a week until he finally relented. For the next few years the characters and stories were my constant weekly companions - my already existing interest in science fiction now became an obsession.

The comic has now passed its 35th year of production and going on nearly 2000 editions, a testament to its enduring and endearing quality. A quality that has been brought to us from what reads like a who's who of literary and graphic British talent, many of whom have crossed over into Graphic novel, literary novels, television, cinema and the wider American comic market.  Peter Milligan (Tank Girl), Grant Morrison (Batman: Arkham Asylum), Neil Gaiman (Sandman), Alan Grant, Dave Gibbons, Mark Millar, Garth Ennis, Brian Talbot, Brian Bolland and Alan Moore have all become synonymous in many other areas. Indeed, many others that initially cut their teeth on 2000AD went on to succeed in America, with huge influences in the Marvel and DC universes. 

Judge Dredd is without doubt the single most iconic creation to come out of the comic, having crossed over into the wider social consciousness in everything from pop art to feature films . One of the movie adaptations is terrible, the other, much much better…….sit down Mr Stallone and just say nothing. Dredd didn't actually appear until the 2nd edition of 2000AD, though he has appeared in every single edition since then. His character was allegedly inspired by the movie cop'  Dirty Harry' played by Clint Eastwood, a tough, unrelenting San Fransisco policeman who was more than prepared to kill the bad guy first than waste time going through the annoying bureaucracy of the justice system. 

Judge Dredd is entrusted with the ability not only to enforce the law, but also to instantly select the appropriate level of extreme justice on the spot – often this means execution. Initially set in 2099, he fights his crime in Mega-City One, a huge dystopian monstrosity of a city which stretches down the entirety of the U.S. eastern seaboard. The huge sprawling stories such as The Cursed earth and The Robot wars took the reader into story arcs of complex and thought provoking beauty that had hitherto to that point been rarely explored by other comic creations.

One of the writers synonymous with Dredd is Alan Grant and someone who also inextricably linked with a fellow Mega-City One Judge, the quite wonderful story arc of Judge Anderson. I must admit here and now that the character of Dredd didn't remain my absolute favourite of the comic. I'm not sure why, possibly his character over the years lost some of the dry humour and all too often fell into the realms of caricature. Over the years I have actually developed more of an affection for the character and story arc of Judge Anderson, if truth be told.

So when the names of GCCC's guests were originally announced, the name of Alan Grant was the one that I dearly wanted to speak to, perhaps more than any other person there. 

For the uneitiated, according to comicbookdb.com......

"Alan Grant first entered the comics industry in 1967 when he became an editor for DC Thompson before moving to London from Dundee in 1970. After going back to college Grant found himself back in Dundee and living on social security. It was here that he met John Wagner and a writing partnership was forged. Together they penned hundreds of Judge Dredd’s weekly adventures in the graphic comic ‘2000AD’. Grant has been writing for ‘2000AD’ for more than 25 years now, and many of the predictions made in his SF stories have come to pass in the real world. He is internationally acclaimed for stories featuring heroes like Batman, Robocop and Terminator (based on the blockbuster Arnold Schwartzenegger movies). He is also the co-author of ‘The Bogie Man’, Scotland’s best-selling independent comic, and the recent comic incarnation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Kidnapped’. "

The Interview bit..........

Q) I’ve been big fan since you took over Judge Dredd in the early 1980’s. I know you’ve probably been asked a thousand times, but just what is about him that makes him so popular. After all, he’s essentially a bad guy.

A) Oh I honestly don’t know……but I remember back in the early days John, John Wagner and I got 2000AD to put in a questionnaire page asking what do you like most about Dredd? Why is Dredd your favourite? Do you want to see Dredd being harder or do you want to soften his image?

Q) I bet most people wanted it harder?

A) Yeah, most people wanted it harder and most people, something like 8 out of 10, when they were asked what they liked most about Dredd they replied “The leather costume!” (Laughs)…….there must be something in that (laughs)

Q) I’ve always been a bigger fan myself of Judge Anderson, who for me is more ‘human’. Was that a deliberate intention to counteract the harshness of Dredd?

A) Yeah, I figured that as she was a woman there was no point turning her into a hard version like Dredd .

Q) How did you like her as she was depicted in the movie, Dredd?

A) It was ok, I didn’t have any complaints about it.

Q) I quite liked the movie, a huge improvement on the Stallone thing

A) On the Stallone one, definitely! (chuckles)

Q) Why were you not asked to have any part in it, some input? Its bonkers.

A) I don’t know, it’s the way movies work. There are plenty of people in the movie business who don’t want to share the money!

Q) I must admit that what I didn’t quite like about the Dredd film was the depiction of the ‘rogue Judges’. It didn’t quite fit.

A) Yep, that’s where it fell down for mw. We had done stories about rogue Judges but they were few and far between and when they happened you made a big point of it, you didn’t suddenly say “Aw here’s four judges who’ve been bought off with a million credits each” That was the big stumbling block in the Dredd movie for me.

Q) What do think of events like this (Comic Con’s). Crazy, overwhelming?

A) I think it’s fantastic. I have never understood the pleasure that people get from dressing up (laughs) but it’s unbelievable, I love it.

Q) Do the younger kids know your work?

A) No, no no…..but unless their fathers have introduced them! (laughs)

Q) So when did you join 2000AD?

A) Erm, 1980…editorially for a couple of years before I left to go freelance.

Q) 2000AD ‘got away’ with a lot of stuff in terms of violence at the time that they would now. Do you agree?

A) Yeah it did….but I think the humour in Dredd was a big thing to start with but now I don’t think that the humour seems to count for much. Sometimes I look at Dredd stories and think, well, you know, that could have been anybody….it didn’t need to be Judge Dredd, it could have been anybody at all.

Q) So what are you working on thesedays?

A) I’m working on a new Anderson story……..

Q) Nice, nice……anything that you could share with me about that?

A) No, no…..nothing I could give away (laughs)……but I wanna kill Anderson off!

Q) You’ve done that before though, with your characters!

A) Well I did it with Johnny Alpha - but they brought him back to life! (laughs)

Q) But why kill Anderson off??!!

A) Well they probably won’t let me do it! And even if I did do it they would probably bring in someone else and bring her back to life! (laughs). Characters like that make too much money for the publishers for them ever to allow them to be killed off.

Q) With all the new technology now and fomats, are traditional comics still viable?

A)  Yeah, it’s still the core, comics are still the core but there is much more peripheral stuff for people to buy. But I’m old-fashioned, I was brought up in the old days (laughs) I still like to hold the comic!

Q) Well as I said, I’ve been a long time admirer of your work, Alan. It’s been a pleasure to meet you, a thrill.

A) Ok cheers, you’re very welcome.

Starspawn - The Kickstarter campaign for this H.P Lovecraft inspired film + interview with director, Travis Bain

It was my genuine pleasure some time ago to watch and review a fine Aussie film, Throwback (2015) which features their version of the fabled Sasquatch and Yeti, the Yowie. If you have a few stolen or lost moments to spare you could check out my musings on the film RIGHT HERE. However, if you quite rightly have far more important things to do, like watching paint dry, then I'll just say this; Throwback is a visually stunning film that, while never taking itself overly seriously, nevertheless succeeds in producing more than enough thrills and chills to satisfy those of us who love a damn good monster movie - and this is a damn good monster movie. It may not be perfect, however what imperfections there are may well be due more to a combination of the original budgetary constraints and unexpected cast and filming problems than to any lack of talent on the filmmakers part.

I did wonder what the director, Travis Bain and his team, would produce if indeed they did have the opportunity to make a film that employed a far bigger budget. Well it seems that I might get my answer in the form of the press release I received from Travis himself this week;

Australian filmmakers launch Kickstarter campaign for H.P. Lovecraft-inspired feature "Starspawn"

The makers of recent Australian horror feature Throwback have launched a Kickstarter campaign for their new feature Starspawn. The sci-fi/horror thriller from Queensland writer/producer/director Travis Bain is about a TV current affairs journalist who uncovers evidence of an imminent alien invasion whilst on assignment to interview some Outback survivalists.

The 40-day "all or nothing" crowdfunding campaign is aimed at raising $30,000 to allow the filmmakers to commission alien puppets and costumes and shoot a proof-of-concept excerpt from the full feature in Northwestern Queensland. Vernon Wells from Mad Max 2, Commando and Bain's previous feature Throwback has signed on to play a key role, and other name actors are said to be “circling” the project. 

Filmmaker Travis Bain says he drew inspiration for Starspawn from the films of John Carpenter and the works of cult horror author H.P. Lovecraft.

“I've been a huge Lovecraft fan since I was a teenager in the '80s,” Bain says, “but I've always found it hard to find satisfying film versions adapted from—or inspired by—his mythos, so I decided to try to make one myself. Starspawn will be a film made by Lovecraft fans for Lovecraft fans, and we're hoping to put some of his most iconic monsters on screen in a way they've never been seen before, using old-school practical effects.”

     

Bain’s previous feature Throwback screened at eleven international film festivals and was released by Monster Pictures on DVD in Australia, the UK, New Zealand and Turkey earlier this year. Throwback is due for DVD release in the US on July 21st. A third and final trailer for the film has been unveiled to support the US release: http://youtu.be/BDm2fFnUrtY

The Starspawn Kickstarter campaign will conclude on 19 July 2015. For more information, please visit: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/starspawn/starspawn-an-hp-lovecraft-inspired-sci-fi-horror-f/description

The official Facebook: www.facebook.com/starspawnmovie

Official website: www.sapphirepictures.com.au

Well you should know me by now, dear reader person. I'm not one for just lazily cutting and pasting a press release onto my own blog. For a start it doesn't really enable me to fully explore the depth of self-indulgence for the 'me, me, me - it's all about me' flavour that most of my articles convey with apparent ease. So in an effort to get some more of 'me' into this article I decided to include a chat that I recently had with the director himself, Travis Bain. In between the talking about me, I also manage to let him pass on some details too about him and his work. I'm all heart.

Interview with Starspawn writer and director, Travis Bain.

5D) I can't tell you how excited I am about the concept for this movie. What news can you divulge to my loyal reader?

Travis) We appreciate your support. Are you a Lovecraft fan yourself? I have been since I was a teenager back in the late 80s, and I think the fans are crying out for a decent Lovecraft-inspired movie. A lot of them have been disappointments. And it could be years before we get to see Del Toro's "At the Mountains of Madness." I want to make the Lovecraft film the fans like myself have been waiting for. It's a big challenge, but I'm up for it. After all, I tackled an Australian Bigfoot movie with Vernon Wells for only $4,000!

5D) I'm a big Lovecraft fan - For me, few works from anybody in Gothic horror has ever surpassed 'The Dunwich Horror' - it's  practically perfect. I have to agree with you, many Lovecraft- themed movies have been pretty poor so I'm expecting great things from you - no pressure then! 

Travis) The Dunwich Horror is one creepy story alright. I just re-read it a few months ago. Some Lovecraft fans might wonder how I'm going to transpose his New England-style horror to the outback, but all I can say is I have a cunning plan. 

5D) A cunning plan, eh? Tell me more......you can trust me.......probably.

Travis) Can you keep a secret? We're putting ********** on the screen in this movie. Now are you excited?

(I'm not allowed to say what is under the asterisks - for now it's a secret!)

5D) You bet your life I'm very excited! Of course your secret is safe with me......looking forward to seeing your cunning plan! I do know one thing that I can mention, that the legend himself, Vernon Wells (Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, Commando) will appear. How exciting is that?

Vernon Wells; in Mad Max 2, Commando & Throwback

Travis) I hope you get to chat with Vernon. He's a top bloke. He'll have a much bigger role than in my previous film, Throwback. He'll be a badass farmer with a large gun collection. But he'll also get to show off his acting chops as I've written some really meaty dramatic stuff for him.

5D) I would love to have the chance to chat with him. What else can you tell me about what we might see in Starspawn?

Travis) Just privately, here's a sample piece of our concept art. Not many people outside our inner circle have seen this, but I feel I can trust you, mate. This is hopefully a glimpse at the sort of creature we've got in store for the movie if we can raise the money for it.

(Once again I must resist passing onto to you, dear reader, a quite wonderful piece of art....but I will say for now that you'll love it when you see it!)

5D) I must say how much I enjoyed your previous film, Throwback - a very enjoyable slice of Aussie Sasquatchploitation!

Travis) Thanks so much, Stu, that is one very cool article, and very supportive, too. My team and I are so thankful you decided to get behind our little movie. Your review was totally fair and spot-on. The production in the rainforest was a real challenge, but I persevered and thankfully, it's turned out OK, got a distribution deal, played some festivals and won some awards .. and earned some cool reviews from people like yourself! 

I have a different tolerance to slow-paced films than most other people. I love slow films like Barry Lyndon and Once Upon a Time in the West. I love stories that take their sweet time, as long as they are making discernible progress. I'm currently reading Dan Simmons' mammoth novel The Abominable, which is ostensibly about the Yeti, and I'm about 300 pages in and the heroes are only just reaching the lower summits of Everest. So far the novel's all been about crampons and goose down jackets and all the minute details of the expedition, but I love that. I jokingly said to my colleagues recently that one day, when I'm old and doddery, I might cut together a four-hour mini-series of Throwback, because I actually have enough footage to do that! But they all shot my idea down in flames. I wonder why? 

5D) So how will that experience influence Starspawn?

Travis) Starspawn will move much quicker. I'm looking at classic alien films like Aliens and Super 8 to take a cue from their pacing. I want Starspawn to absolutely HURTLE at times. There's a great chase scene at the start of Act 2 which no one has ever seen the likes of before. I can't wait for you to see what we're cooking up. I reckon it'll be right up your alley.  If the stars align, we'll have a budget many times greater than Throwback, and with that, I fully intend to make a movie that's many times more impressive. 

5D) So where does the Kickstarter campaign fit into your plans for Starspawn?

The Kickstarter campaign is the cornerstone to it all, at each stage of the project, we'll be able to produce something cool to attract more investors, like some kickass footage. Our first $30k is essential for us to commission some high-quality alien costumes and puppets. We don't want the aliens in this film to look like Halloween-store rejects, we want them to be convincing and scary. 

Howard Phillips Lovecraft - a personal hero of mine