The Witching Season Web series

This week I was contacted via the 5D Facebook page asking whether I'd be interested in looking at a horror web series with a view to scribbling some thoughts about it. To be honest I was a little reluctant to do so so at first, after all the upcoming Comic-Con here in the north east of Scotland was taking up the majority of my attention  - you know the usual stuff; make sure I can remember how to use the camera this time, actually have questions ready for the guests I want to interview and to this time make full use of my press pass instead of getting sidetracked into buying lots of Comic-Con Goodies....... well one can hope. 

Well my couple of readers won't be surprised to learn that I quickly changed my mind and indeed decided the watch the three episodes made so far in the horror web series that is The Witching Season. Perhaps the main reason for my change of mind was the quick look I had of the short introduction sequence that accompanies each episode - because, well......wow!

The intro section of The Witching Season unashamedly nods a respectfully knowing head in the general direction of John Carpenter's sublime Halloween with a segment that oozes a dark atmospheric tension with it mix of dreamy visuals, seemingly normal small town scenes interspersed with jarring Halloween props and a haunting synth soundtrack throughout. The haunting soundtrack comes courtesy of the wonderfully named, Slasher Dave - it is not clear whether this is a harmless yet curiously strange nickname or the result of the man's predilection for unsavoury knife-related weekend activities which require the need for a number of body bags and bottles of bleach..... I'll check with him at some point. It really is a fabulous opening sequence which barely lasts 60 seconds, but nonetheless, the perfect precursor to the main attraction.

So what is this Witching Season malarkey, I hear you ask. Well ask no more, for in the words of the people themselves..........

"The Witching Season is an anthology of short horror films, presented on YouTube as a free web series. Inspired by classic anthology shows such as "Tales From The Crypt", "The Twilight Zone", and "Are You Afraid Of The Dark?", The Witching Season delivers originally produced tales of terror that are all set during the Halloween season. Fuelled by nostalgia, the series pays special attention to the atmosphere and spirit of the Halloween season."

Ahhh, brave words, but are they true? Well yes, in my opinion I would say that the claim is pretty much on the mark. If you don't believe me, we'll have a quick looksee at the descriptions below and then click on the YouTube link to watch the episodes for yourself.

Episode 1 - Killer on the Loose

In this first episode, and perhaps my favourite of the three, an escaped killer lurks in the shadows of an isolated home on Halloween night.

The episode is written and Directed by series creator Michael Ballif ("2 Hours"), and skilfully pays its own form of tribute to classics horror films of the 80's, but with its own particular Witching Season variation. As an introduction to the web series it works very well, containing a suitable level of tension and terror throughout. Not only that but the film is confidently filmed and acted with a degree of aplomb that occasionally escapes some low budget indie horror productions. Add a couple of genre in-jokes (watch out for the film playing on the Television) and you have a thoroughly polished and effective chiller.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNSGeEewbc8

Episode 2 - Princess

The second instalment of The Witching Season sees Kendra and her daughter Jamie move to a new home in the quiet suburbs in search of a new beginning........But something evil lurks in the basement and it isn't looking for roommates. The episode is written and Directed by James Morris ("The Astrological Whipping Boy" & "Absolution Is Now Public"), this second episode of The Witching Season takes the series in new direction of terror. The filmmakers sincerely hope that their Princess doesn't frighten you...... but she probably will!

The second instalment  will most definitely squeeze the nether regions of certain viewers, as it takes some other favourite elements of the horror genre, a family in a new home that on the surface seems perfectly blissful........however underneath lies something distinctly sinister in the buildings depths and fabric. Once again, we're provided with a skillful and effective slice of terror.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5Wv_Jeo44U

Episode 3 - Not Alone

In the third and final episode (well, so far at least) we find Kyle, who wakes from a horrific nightmare, struggling to bridge the gap between his dreams and reality in the darkness of his room. But then, he notices something… an ominous figure standing silent in the darkness. He is not alone. 

Once again the episode is written and Directed by James Morris ("Princess", "The Astrological Whipping Boy" & "Absolution Is Now Public"), here The Witching Season explores the realm of sci-fi horror, a sub-genre that I perhaps love more than any other.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNULNivoRbs

So there you have it, a trio of well written, acted, and filmed horror shorts all wrapped up in a delicious helping of atmospheric soundtrack. I have it on good authority from Mr James Morris himself that episode 4 is in pre-production so it should be hitting YouTube in the very near future. James also mentioned that they have a cunningly clever plan in releasing episode 5 after that. I may not be the sharpest knife in the kitchen drawer but I'm pretty sure I would have definitely worked that out for myself......... eventually.

Personally I can't wait.

You can find out all that you need to know about this excellent web series by checking out the following links;

▶ Main Website: http://witchingseasonfilms.com

▶ Facebook: http://facebook.com/witchingseasonfilms

▶ Youtube: http://youtube.com/witchingseasonfilms

▶ Instagram: http://instagram.com/witchingseasonfilms

▶ Twitter: http://twitter.com/witching_season

▶ Contact e-mail: witchingseasonfilms@gmail.com

This article can also be found via the 5D website www.5d-blog.com. There you can find a veritable feast of blog articles, news items, pictures and and other mouth-watering salutations to the gods of the geeks and the nerds. We have now inherited the earth, you know.

There is also a newly launched forum on the website designed for ANYONE involved or interested in the Independent film industry related to genres of Sci-Fi, fantasy and horror. Feel free to register and contribute - Everyone is welcome!

In addition the 5D website now has PayPal Donate button. Any donations kindly made will be fed directly back to help with a podcast materials, competition prizes and other general costs etc. If you wish to contribute to the exciting growth of the website & blog then we here at 5D headquarters would be eternally grateful. If you would like your contribution to be acknowledged publicly then simply send a message via the website’s contact section and we’ll send you some love!

If all that was enough to entice to 5D land, should any of you fine people out there wish to advertise on the 5D website then have a look at the offer below.

Top 10 games of 2015

In all honesty I'm not a great fan of 'best of' lists - partly because I'm notoriously undecided when it comes to nailing down my absolute favourites for just about anything. In fact as soon as I put any sort of list together I then spend an age stressing and pontificating whilst trying to ignore the seemingly endless other choices that seem to continuously pop into my head, each of them shouting all the while "Pick me, pick me, pick me!!"

If truth be told, the only constant in any 'all time' list that I put together is my favourite ever horror movie choices, with The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) permanently at the very top - well except when I think that my No1 is actually The Wicker Man (1973)....... do you see what I mean?

So when GT4 GameCon asked me to guest blog a couple of articles, one of which was to list my top 10 releases of 2015, I was a little reluctant. This due partly for the reason that I've mentioned, though I was also a little reticent for another reason. There is a saying that has developed over the years about life on the Internet that I rather like, which goes something as follows; There are two steps to cause a major fight on the Internet. 1) State an opinion; 2) Then wait one minute.

Because inevitably, once lists like this are published the result is a volume of responses such as "I can't believe you didn't mention........!" or the age-old classic "Why on earth (or words to that effect) did you have .......... at No1????!!!!" Well, it's my blog, my rules and my list, so feel free to disagree and suggest alternatives as much as your hearts desire - after all we're all entitled to our opinions and will probably have a multitude of 'best of' variations. 

However, after consultation, deliberation and not a little consternation....... here in reverse order is my personal list of what moved this ageing Gamers heart and soul in 2015.

10. No Man's Sky - Highly anticipated but lands in 10th spot as the little game play that has been revealed has a lot to live up to.

9. Mirror's Edge Catalyst - Hold on to your sick bags, Mirrors edge is back and looking better than ever.

8. Uncharted 4 - Drakes back and up to his old tricks, PlayStation 4 hasn't felt quite right without an Uncharted release.

7. Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow - Re-release of original Pokemon titles... Say.No.More

6. Far Cry Primal - Traditional Far Cry game play, the time period should offer a lot to the franchise.

5. Tom Clancy's The division - Would have been first if the graphics and game play hadn't been Nerfed since initial tease.

4. Doom 4 - Old School classic revamped and looks Killer!

3. Quantum Break - Big shame that this is an Xbone exclusive, the time shaping abilities look great.

2. Horizon Zero Dawn - Open World Fantasy game, intense graphics and a refreshing take on a post apocalyptic setting.

1. Gears of War 4 - Speaks for itself really.

This article can also be found via the 5D website www.5d-blog.com. There you can find a veritable feast of blog articles, news items, pictures and other mouth-watering salutations to the gods of the geeks and the nerds. We have now inherited the earth you know.

A 5D love letter to the Six Million Dollar Man

When I was 9 or 10 years old my parents finally succumbed to my never ending pestering for a guitar. You see, even at that early age I had pretensions of being the next Jimmy Page, the next guitar rock god. I can't quite remember how long I moaned and sulked to get my very own instrument, but knowing me it was probably for a good few months that they had to endure it all until one Christmas, Santa did his thing. That brand new acoustic guitar was my immediate pride and joy - my dreams of conquering the music world had begun.

As it turns out those dreams eventually turned to dust as to soon it became abundantly clear that I had practically no discernible talent when it came to playing the guitar. In fact I was, and still am, bordering on the wrong side of atrocious in my playing. My childhood dreams of being a rock god lead guitarist were shattered beyond all redemption forever.

And it's all the fault of The Six Million Dollar Man. Yes, that's right  - Steve Austin stopped my from being the next Jimmy Page.

At the same time the guitar was delivered to me a worldwide television phenomenon was in full force with the tales of Steve Austin, Oscar Goldman, Jamie Sommers et al. The Six Million Dollar Man had been gracing British TV for a couple of years, and to say that for me and my close circle of friends it had become something of an obsession would a huge understatement. The programme had also found itself to be a bona fide cultural phenomenon; the requisite edition figure (which I proudly owned) seemed to be everywhere, the term 'bionic' became part of normal everyday conversation and the phrase 'we can rebuild him, we have the technology' was muttered even by politicians. Not only that, but wherever you looked kids under the age of 14 seemed to only ever run in slow motion whilst trying to make some strange metallic whooshing sound in their throats when they jumped or lifted anything - it was all so very bizarre.

My friends and I were no exception with our making use of every school break for the mandatory reenactments of the previous weeks episode - all including the inevitable bouts of slow motion running, jumping from (not very) large heights and holding a hand over one eye as we stared into the distance (all of which were accompanied by the strange whooshing noises). 

Good looking, charismatic, stylish....... well enough about me, 

here's Lee Majors as the Bionic Man

It didn't all run smoothly for us though, we all wanted to be the Bionic Man and none of the boys wanted to be the Bionic Woman - though eventually we did manage to press gang one of the girls in our class to be Jamie Summers. So we all became Steve Austin. I often wonder what visitors from another world would have made of their first view of the children of this part of planet Earth, none of them able to run faster than slow-motion. It must have been a bizarre sight.

Anyhoo, back to the Bionic man being responsible for my guitar rock god career crashing and burning before it ever really began. The fabulous Christmas present from my parents of the guitar also came with something to else, a dozen Guitar lessons form a local trained musician - nice! Well except for the fact it wasn't. The problem was that the lessons had to take place after school, on the one day of the week that the musician could fit me in..........At 6.30, to finish at 7.30........On the other side of town.......... Driven by my dad (the slowest driver in the whole of Christendom)........But it was also the night of The Six Million Dollar Man............ I would miss the first 10 minutes - maybe more if Captain Slow decided to well and truly live up to his name. 

Now before you kids out there ask about recording the show etc etc....... This was the mid-1970's baby, well before the Anderson family could afford such luxuries and witchcraft as a video recorder. I know that in these after wonderful streamingly binging days of rarely watching TV live this may seem like the dark ages, in some ways it was. If you missed a programme, there was no catch-up on line alternative....... In others words, you were buggered.

It was a quandary. On the one hand my parents had paid in advance for 12 (and not inexpensive) guitar lessons, plus things had been made even worse as my school teacher had arranged for me to play in front of the class on completion of the said lessons - no pressure then. On the other hand, my 10 year old Bionic world was about to crash and burn around my ears. There was no option except for me to suck it up and get on with the lessons. I managed this for two or three weeks, but it was horrible, as all I could think about during the lesson was getting home in time for the programme to start - and the panic that came with it knowing I wouldn't make it, no matter how many 'quick' routes home I devised for my dad to drive. 

Courtesy of http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/the-six-million-dollar-man/

It wouldn't have been so bad an experience I suppose if for the fact that The Six Million Dollar man contained perhaps THE iconic opening intro sequence ever, and  one that people immediately still think of in connection with the show. In the days before that very first episode, whispers had abounded at school about this great new scifi show which was coming over from the States. Again to remind you, this was a lifetime before the trailer rich online teasers we enjoy today, all we had were a few magazine snippets here and there and the word of mouth (we had though moved on from using carrier Pigeons)..... So when I sat down with my best mate to watch this new show, we were mildly excited. By the time the opening credit sequence had finished we were practically uncontrollable with hyperactive hysteria.

The opening is pure genius and is still regarded as a template for programme makers. It uses real footage of a Northrop M2-f2 crash (the 1967 crash that nearly killed pilot Bruce Peterson and had acted as the inspiration for the original novel, Cyborg), Interspersed with authentic NASA type dialogue between Austin and mission control. After which comes the voice-over from Richard Anderson..........stunning, simply stunning.  It's a showcase example of intro perfection, in little under a minute and a half, a biography of a crash victim and an introduction into the world of bionics was expertly crafted, all wrapped up in a stunning musical soundtrack. 

It still gives me goosebumps even now...... even just here in it's raw dialogue form.

"It looks good at NASA One." Flight Com

"Roger." B-52 Pilot

"BCS Arm switch is on." B-52 Pilot

"Okay, Victor." Flight Com

"Landing Rocket Arm switch is on." B-52 Pilot

"Here comes the throttle." B-52 Pilot

"Circuit breakers in." B-52 Pilot

"We have separation." Steve

"Roger." SR-71 pilot

"Inboard and outboards are on." B-52 Pilot

"We're comin' forward with the side stick." B-52 Pilot

"All looks good." Flight Com

"Ah, Roger." B-52 Pilot

"I've got a blow-out in damper three!" Steve

"Get your pitch to zero." SR-71 pilot

"Pitch is out! I can't hold altitude!" Steve

"Correction, Alpha Hold is off. . . Trim selector is emergency!" B-52 Pilot

"Flight Con! I can't hold it! She's breaking up, she's break—" Steve

Narrator (Harve Bennett): "Steve Austin. Astronaut. A man barely alive."

Oscar Goldman: "Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology. We have the capability to make the world's first bionic man. Steve Austin will be that man. Better than he was before. Better ... stronger ... faster."

Now have a look for yourself.....

So what made this show so special for it not only to be a ratings hit for the majority of it's original five series, but to become such a cultural phenomena?

Well for a start it had a leading man who for a time represtend the 1970's zeitgeist, Lee Majors was good looking and insanely charismatic - and not only that but he was married to Farrah Fawcett! Talk about the golden couple, and for a time until she dumped him for his best mate, the darlings of the press. Every man and boy wanted to be him, and many of us dreamt about being with her..... but that's another, ahem, less savoury story.

In addition, the characterisations were given a detailed level of layered texture and richness that up until that time had often been avoided by such genre shows. It's not often that a supporting character can come close to up-staging the lead, but in the case of Richard Anderson's portrayal of Austin's boss, Oscar Goldman we had an intelligent, warm and often humorous personality. The interplay between Anderson and Majors was always a joy.

The lovely Bionic couple

Another notable aspect of the series was the inclusion of practically a who's who of guest stars throughout it's lifespan - William Shatner, the fabulous Monte Markham (who played the tortured seven million dollar man), the legendary John Savage and of course, Farrah Fawcett herself to name but a few provided a regular weekly "Oh that's ........"

The result of which was that this was a series that made you genuinely care for the characters. Yes, it's true that on occasion (especially towards the end of it's life) it could occasionally wander into the realms of over-sweet sentimentality, but generally the emotional punch it delivered was extraordinary. Take for example the introduction of Jamie Sommers, the love interest of Steve Austin and soon to be Bionic woman. I can still remember the power of the shock when, after her bodies rejection of her Bionics she was 'killed off'. The day after that episode there happened to be the birthday party of one of my friends, essentially it was a non-event, we were emotionally dumbstruck by the death by the previous nights episode - it was genuinely powerful stuff for a 10 year old I tell you! It didn't harm also that I and a few million other boys were also a immediately more than a little in love with Lindsay Wagner.....

Add to the mix countless exciting and inventive storylines  - The Seven Million Dollar Man, The Secret of Bigfoot, Day of the Robot, Death Probe ....... perhaps my personal favourites with Death Probe being at the absolute top, brilliant stuff!. Yes in amongst the classics were some duds and occasional the lapse into drippy over-sentiment but in general the good far outweighed the bad.

But don't just take my word for it! By the mid to late 1970's the world of popular culture had been taken over by the show. Everybody could recite the "We have the technology" quote and hum the theme tune....... the sales of the Six million Dollar Man action figure were truly huge (yes I had one), as were the respective board games and other series merchandise. Not only that but the series itself spawned numerous spin-offs, including a very successful Bionic Woman series starring the aforementioned gorgeous Miss Wagner. And of course, I've already mentioned the infinite amounts of slow-motion running (with sound effects) in infinite playgrounds around the world.

So do you see my predicament? It was either the Bionic Man or the guitar lessons - one of them had to suffer. After a few weeks of missing chunks of what had now become my favourite ever TV series (and probably is even to this day) I cut short my lessons, stating that I had too much homework as an excuse. I know that makes me sound like a truly ungrateful son, and maybe that's correct, but in my defence I did apologise to my parents who accepted it on the proviso that I eventually pay them back the cost of the cancelled lessons. This I did by doubling up my daily paper rounds and working weekend in the local store for the next six months....... but it was worth it.

I never did become a guitar hero and it was all your fault, Steve my man. But boy you were worth it.

This article can also be found via the 5D website www.5d-blog.com. There you can find a veritable feast of blog articles, news items, pictures and other mouth-watering salutations to the gods of the geeks and the nerds. We have now inherited the earth, you know. 

Guest Blog #2 - How to survive a Zombie Apocalypse: 10 rules that could save your life! by Tony Newton

Welcome to the second of the guest blog slots for 5D. This particular piece comes from Tony Newton, who is a writer and filmmaker from Essex in the UK and here deals with a subject close to my cold, cold heart - namely the Zombie apocalypse, or more specifically, how to survive it. It's a great read so check it out!

If you would like to be a guest blogger for me then you can contact me through my website at www.5d-blog.com.

How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse!

10 Rules that will save your life!

A zombie apocalypse is imminent you need to prepare now!

There will be a breakdown of infrastructure and civilization as we once new it will be gone.

When the zombie apocalypse strikes you will need to be in peak mental and physical condition.

Zombies the walking dead are a major threat, an outbreak of zombies/the infection will change the world as we know it.

Within a matter of minutes, hours or days, everything could be lost forever!

These ten rules may just save your life!

1. The only way to kill a zombie is to destroy the brain.

Remember this rule!

This rule you cannot get enough of, this is the only way to kill them by completely destroying the brain, until the brain is completely destroyed they will keep coming for you, Don’t waste time and energy attacking any other body part of the zombie just aim for the brain.

 2. This is not a horror movie.

Don’t let your mind run wild and think of zombie movies you have seen in the past these are far from the supernatural ghouls on TV, the enemy you will be facing are not weak creatures, they are flesh-eating monsters that will stop at nothing to devour your flesh and eat you alive.

3. Make a bug out bag.

Buy a strong durable bag, preferable a back pack that is big enough to fit all your needed belongings in, the bug out bag is the most important thing you will need in the zombie apocalypse because your bug out bag will include a weapon, food, drink and a small first aid kit and shelter.

4. Board up windows inside and out.

Secure your base and board up the windows, don’t just do it on the inside, make sure it’s safe before you tackle the outside. You will need to board up windows from the outside too this is a mistake a lot of people make but if you just board up the inside then zombies and looters can push their way through, if the boarding is on the outside as well you have a much safer base all round.

5. Be alert!

Zombies won’t sleep, they will be coming for you day and night constantly craving flesh to feast on. Be alert 24/7, sleep in shifts where possible with a group member on guard duty at all times.

6. Ditch transport.

Roads will be blocked and covered with vehicles and dead bodies, it’s not safe to evacuate to a safe zone by car, you will be drawing attention to yourself in a vehicle. Do not attempt to try to travel on public transport everyman and his dog will be trying to get out of town this way a pushbike is the safest as it’s quiet but you will have no protection so always be on the lookout for danger.

7. Don’t give mouth to mouth resuscitation.

Do not give mouth to mouth resuscitation in the zombie apocalypse, as the spread of infection through saliva could occur, avoid this at all costs and instead pump hard in 3’s onto the breastplate of the patient.

8. Learn to apply a tourniquet.

The tourniquet is something very useful in cases of bleeding wounds or amputation of limbs, thus constricting the blood flow and controlling the bleed/loss of blood. This will help clotting which the body will do naturally, a bandage can be used or torn clothing tied tightly making sure the pressure remains from the tourniquet and that it will not get knocked or moved.

9. Set your mobile to silent.

In the early stages of the zombie apocalypse phones will most probably be working, you don’t want to be creeping around the undead and then your mobile phone goes off alerting others to your location.

10. The three 3’s.

Think 3

You can approximately last 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water and up to 3 weeks without food. Remember the three 3’s and use them as a guideline.

You are a survivor!

YOU WILL SURVIVE!

#ZombieApocalypseSurvivor

Tony Newton is the author of "The Zombie Rule Book: A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Guide" and the upcoming title "#I'm Zombie: A Zombie Mosaic Novel" the creator and producer of the upcoming zombie mosaic film "Virus of the Dead". He loves all things horror, obsessed by zombies and collects old school VHS tapes just for fun.

"The Zombie Rule Book: A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Guide" is out now and available from Cosmic Egg Books.

#I'm Zombie: A Zombie Mosaic Novel is a zombie book featuring  mosaic accounts from the day the zombie apocalypse strikes the globe, the book see's the horror unfound through an online forum to found notes from doctors and survivors!

"#I'm Zombie: A Zombie Mosaic Novel" will be released on May 27, 2016available from Cosmic Egg Books.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Im-Zombie-Mosaic-Novel/dp/178535096X/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1459818013&sr=1-4&keywords=i%27m+zombie

Twitter @TonyNewton1

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