Headless Critic Films Official Production Blog

NOSTALGIA! Movies Ep1: Into the Woods

2012-01-16T19:01:00.000-08:00

The first episode of our NOSTALGIA! Movies series is online. While this is more of a pilot than a full fleged episode, it does give you an idea on what a weekly series would look like.

Space ship test: Short Version

2012-01-14T14:02:00.000-08:00

Auto Transmission

2011-12-27T16:34:00.000-08:00

Some insert shots for Auto Transmission. We would use these images to illustrate the pros and cons of our featured car.

Winter Opening

2011-12-26T17:50:00.000-08:00

Test opening for our horror film Winter.

The story so far.....

2011-08-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

After compiling the movie list for series 1, we started watching/catching up with the 60 (that's right, 60) movies on our list. Some are classics like Friday the 13th or Invasion of the Body Snatchers, while others are lesser known to modern audiences like "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" and "The Stepford Wives".

So far we have watched:

The Stepford Wives

Friday the 13th (the original)

The Legacy

Invasion of the Body Snatchers

They Live

The Blair Witch Project

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls

Altered States

We have a lot more to go. Check out our Facebook page at Headless Critic Films production page for continuous updates.

Good news, we have watched all the movies for episodes 1 and 2. The first draft for episode 1 is done, but will undergo a few rewrites before it's ready to record. Review scripts for episode 2 have been started, and we expect they will be completed by the end of the week, with review and re-writes taking another week.

We hope to have four episodes in the can, and be finishing up episode 5 when we hit October.

Things are on track. We will be also doing some faux adverts to illustrate why advertising with us is cool.

Thanks for the support, and talk to you all later!

NOSTALGIA! movies progress report

2011-08-14T20:18:00.000-07:00

Just watched The Stepford Wives for episode 2 of NOSTALGIA! movies. Let's just say, this movie is perfect for our series, and a movie you really don't want to see before you watch our review!

NOSTALGIA! movies

2011-08-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

This year, HC Films has decided to go "one step beyond" and take NOSTALGIA! mini into "NOSTALGIA! movies", a half hour long program that features reviews of some of the best, and worst, movies made before 2000.
There are multiple reasons to expand the show to a half hour. One of which is to allow sponsors (if we can find anyone dumb enough to advertise) to hawk their products. Who knows, we may even get a movie trailer or two?
Second, we can utilize the reviews we have already done on an individual basis to help make production a little easier. It's better to use one old review per episode than have to come up with three to four whole new ones.
Third, with so many movies, and an ambitious 12 episode schedule, we can give everyone more of what they want.
Well, almost everyone. There is some guy who thought we hated Equinox (we don't) because he didn't watch the entire review. He voiced his displeasure, in spite of going off half cocked. So, he (as far as we know) is the only one who doesn't want more NOSTALGIA!
Our line up for "series one" is a wide range of films to include "Squirm", "Airport 79", "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls", and one of our personal favorites...."OUTLAND" starring the always cool Sean Connery.
Episode one is in production as we speak. We hope to launch on 1 October, and run for 12 weeks. That means while some of us try to find a job, we will also have to try get at least 4 episodes in the can by the end of September!
If things shift, we will let you know.
Thanks for the support. See you on the show!

Death: The First Journey

2011-07-02T23:03:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce our first official short film, Death: The First Journey.This fictional story is about a young girl exploring her world after a man made plague. She meets Death, who has something to say to her.Depending on the feedback we get, this may be the first of a series. So, let us know what you think, just keep the comments professional. No cursing.

HIPSTAMATICAL Episode One

2011-07-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first episode of HIPSTAMATICAL, our new series that shows the world from the great view of the Hipstamatic app!

NOSTALGIA! mini: ffolkes (aka Bad Assed Misogyny)

2010-10-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

After a week delay due to an evil hit and run, Episode 7 of NOSTALGIA! mini is online.

This week, we look at the action film ffolkes, starring a bitchy Roger Moore!

NOSTALGIA! mini Halloween SP trailer

2010-10-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

It's almost time kids! The Clock is ticking! Be infront of your computers on Halloween for the NOSTALIGA! mini Halloween Special. Don't miss it, and don't forget to wear your masks!

We may even have a special guest or two!

NOSTALGIA! mini: Hot Stuff (Not a porno)

2010-10-11T11:04:00.000-07:00

Episode 6: Hot Stuff. No it's not a porno. It isn't even a good movie.

It is our 6th episode. Half way to the end of the series.

NOSTALGIA! mini: Equinox (AKA Lost with Jack Woods)

2010-10-04T17:15:00.000-07:00

Episode 5 of our fun, and dangerous series NOSTALGIA! mini. This time we tackled Equinox, a movie we here at HC Films hope to make a sequel to.

NOSTALGIA! mini: Bubblegum Crisis (aka Streets of Bubblegum)

2010-09-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

Episode 4 of our 12 part series NOSTALGIA! mini. This week we take a look at anime classic Bubblegum Crisis. We notice there is more than a passing resemblance to "Streets of Fire"!

NOSTALGIA! mini: Krull (aka Killer Krull)

2010-09-14T17:23:00.000-07:00

A little late, but still good. Check out episode 3 of NOSTALGIA! mini.

Machete Mini Review

2010-09-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

Headless Critic Films is proud to present our first mini review of a "Now Playing" movie, Machete!

NOSTALGIA! mini: The Children (aka Hot Topic Kids)

2010-08-29T15:22:00.000-07:00

Episode 2 of our NOSTALGIA! mini series. This time we check for leadks on "The Children" a 1980's horror film that skirts the line between explotative gold, and pure junk!

NOSTALGIA! mini: Prophesy (aka Bear Scat)

2010-08-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

Headless Critic Films is proud to present our first NOSTALGIA! mini review. For episode one, we tackle Prophesy (or as we call it Bear Scat), a very, very bad 1979 horror film with some pretty big stars. Never heard of it, well watch the review and learn.

Helicopter Girls: The Comic

2010-08-04T18:14:00.001-07:00

hg comic test page, originally uploaded by DVJ Photo.

This idea has been floating around for 20 years. On the 24th of July, my dream came true, at least in picture form.
So, having done some editing on other pictures, I decided to see what Helicopter Girls would look like as a comic.
What do you think?

NOSTALGIA! Concept and Design.

2010-07-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

Once NOSTALGIA! is finished with pre-production, we will move on to the next phase, prepping clips.

It's very simple. When we decided on a topic, we will post any and all clips we have, or can find, about the show, movie, or other NOSTALGIA! items. From there, we will ask for you the viewers to provide your opinions, memories, and warm fuzzes about the topic.

We are still hashing out the rules on content, but we do know this:

1. I must be done in front of a green or blue screen.

2. No profanity or humor of a sexual nature toward anyone under 18 years.

3. You must follow the approved format: introduction, overview, memories/personal accounts, summation (how the topic was a positive influence, or a humorous quip).

4. Stay on topic!

Once we have everything set, this will become a regular feature here on the blog and on our FACEBOOK page.

Assassin

2010-07-18T13:32:00.001-07:00

Assassin, originally uploaded by Novafly.

Is this not a kick ass picture? I smell a new HC Films production idea!

HC Films Production Meeting Tele-Con

2010-07-08T17:41:00.000-07:00

HC Films had it's production meeting tele-con. We talked about quite a few things.

Y-Me: Production on Y-Me is on hold as we work on the scripts, and make sure everything is ready to go before we even start with casting.

NOSTALGIA!: While we were happy with the technical quality, Producers Crystal and Ann felt that the background was too distracting. They both suggested we do a static picture (wall of DVD's perhaps) in order to not distract from the commentator.

Auto-Transmission: Still working the logistics of this one. The main issue-how do we get the cars and afford the insurance. The current solution; do a casting call for reasonably priced car owners who are able to drive and talk at the same time. That and a hold harmless letter. Next issue-where is our test track going to be.

One idea that Crystal came up with in regards to Auto-Transmission was the addition of AT girls. Two beautiful women are given silly tasks to do. One example- the AT girls are required to drive an obstacle course in mini-vans, dressed as soccer moms!

We discussed Helicopter Girls. Lots of things going on getting ready for that. We also talked about some other photoshoots for the future. Not really Headless Critic Films production items, but there is some crossover.

Many things are coming down the pike! We will keep you informed!

The Punk War: Delayed to 2011

2010-07-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

While I am excited about this project, with production on Y-Me and NOSTALGIA! taking so much time, I regret to say that The Punk War shoot has been delayed until next year.
This will give us time to work on the concept, and better manage the 15 people needed.

HC Films Shallow Cuts: 23 June 2010

2010-06-23T17:48:00.000-07:00

What's going on at Headless Critic Films?

1. Y-Me is going to be 6 episodes, each one ten minutes in length. This will enable us to shoot all six simultaneously, and give us enough for a 60 minute DVD + extra features.

2. We are hard at work setting up a casting call. We hope to start casting in the next couple of months to meet our January start date.

3. We have chosen the theme song for Y-Me. "Farewell to You Baby" by blues singer Carl Martin.

4. More test footage is on the way. Trying a different lighting scheme.

Thanks for your support.

Cut you later!

NOSTALGIA! Test Reel

2010-06-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

After the disaster of our first test reel, we have gone back to the drawing board, and tried again. We now have the first test reel for our entertainment series NOSTALGIA!
Yes, we know the background footage has nothing to do with Ultraman Tiga. We are just testing the quality of the chroma key.

NOSTALGIA cover animation and shows that we love, from Ultraman to Max Headroom. We hope to feature interviews with actors, writers, directors, industry pros, and you, the fans. That's right, NOSTALGIA will be the first entertainment show to accept fan input!

So, check out our test footage, and if you have any suggestions on how to improve, please let us know. Just don't be rude when you do!

HC Films Shallow Cuts: 16 June 2010

2010-06-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

What's going on at Headless Critic Films?
1. Just sent the first 7 pages of Y-Me for Crystal to review.
2. The Helicopter Shoot is on. Mapping out the storyline for the photos, getting the models, and the costumes.
3. This weekend, going to do some more test footage for our name TBD show (contenders: Grab Bag Animation or Backwards Compatible).
Any suggestions?
See you after the test footage!

Hyperarm

2010-06-10T18:30:00.001-07:00

IMG_5328comic, originally uploaded by DVJ Photo.

I wish this could be a promotional poster for our next feature, but honestly, it's just a cool idea thanks to some photo editing.
Can you imagine a cool, sexy action flick featuring a hit woman whose arm can go beyond the normal limits of human ability? Would she be on the run, or going after someone? Could she kick Ultraviolet's ass?
You decide!

Y-Me Script

2010-06-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

Wrote the rough draft of the first act of Y-Me this weekend. Rough, as in "very rough", as in "the creator is going to trash it and re-write it" rough.

Thanks to producer Crystal Waters Elliott for getting us on track.

Hope to have more for you very soon!

Red Riding Reloaded

2010-06-03T16:47:00.001-07:00

Red Riding Reloaded, originally uploaded by slavewire.

A photo from the hyper gonzo photographer and editor slavewire posted on my flickr group "The Punk War".

He just gave me an idea for a whole new movie. Of course, it would have to be different, but would this not be the ultimate low budget grindhouse flick?
See more of slavewire's photos at slavewire's flickr photostream.
See tons of photos from amazing, cutting edge photographers at "The Punk War!"

First Y-Me Production Meeting!

2010-06-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

Headless Critic Films just had its first Y-Me production meeting!
Via teleconference, Producers Crystal Waters Elliot and Matthew Anderson discussed pre-production on Y-Me. Not to bore you with all the critical details, but the key points that came out in the meeting are:

Start spreading the word about Y-Me by setting up a Facebook and possibly a MySpace info/fan page.

Finish the first draft of the script.

Start location scouting (funeral homes, morgues, med-schools).

Develop a production bible/package for potential investors, actors, and location shooting.

Make this as fun as possible.

So, if you live in the Maryland or Virgina area, and either work at, or know someone who works at the above places, leave a comment below!

Lots of people are excited about this project. Come join in all the fun!

Test Reel: Epic Fail

2010-05-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

Well, today was not so good a day for the test reel of our show that does not even have a name. Well it kind of has a name, To Be Determined (TBD). The Otaku was or original idea, but that limits us quite a bit. But I digress.

As it turns out, the area of the studio we chose to do the shoot didn't have enough light to make the blue/greenscreen stand out. The blended footage with the greenscreen was full of static. The bluescreen failed to show any video. I looks like we need better lighting and to try a different location.

So, as it stands, development on TBD has been put on hold. We will go back, re-evaluate, and try again.

Don't forget to check out the first 10 minutes of Floor Popcorn (just below this post on the main page).

Episode 1-1: Cool as Floor Popcorn

2010-05-30T05:22:00.000-07:00

Part one of our first episdoe of Floor Popcorn. The Headless Critic Film tackle the beyond cool movie, Cool As Ice

Punk War Teaser Trailer

2010-05-29T06:43:00.000-07:00

The name says it all!

Welcome to Headless Critic Films Production Blog

2010-05-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Headless Critic Films Production Blog.

Company Overview

Headless Critic Films is an independent video and photo production company. We create, develop, and produce Internet based programs, and direct to DVD projects. We have our own in-house production and online distribution facility to help reduce production costs.

Mission

Our mission is to provide a creative outlet for independent and amateur filmmakers and provide niche entertainment to the world at large. As we are outside of the system, we have the leeway to produce and distribute independent/low budget films on any number of genres.

Headless Critic Films Production Committee

Matthew Anderson (Executive Producer, President; Headless Critic Films)

Ann Marie Willette Anderson (Executive Producer, Creator, Chief Writer)

Crystal Waters Elliot (Producer, Director, Actress)

Products In Development

We have several projects in various stages of production.

Floor Popcorn (Internet based review and commentary show) in production; 2 episodes currently online on YouTube.

Y-Me (Internet based black comedy, with possible DVD release) in development

The Punk War Video/Photo shoot (photo/short movie shoot) in production with trailer and blooper online on YouTube

DCI (Internet based crime/comedy) trailer online, some footage shot, production currently on hold

Title to Be Determined (Internet/DVD based news and entertainment series) test reel in production

Helicopter Girls (web based photo/CG comic) in development

This blog will be updated as we continue production. We will also provide links and updates to our various production and promotion pages on Facebook, YouTube, DVJ Photo, and DVD Vision Japan.com.

Thanks for your support.

Matthew Anderson

Headless Critic Films