FBAC's Exclusive Interview With Filmmaker Larry Blamire

Filmmaker Larry Blamire is scary. Not in the way that gives you bad dreams but scary in the way that his jokes, characters, quotable lines, and well assembled comedies & sci-fi spoofs are so good…they’re scary. The art house darling and LA native by way of Massachusetts self schooled himself on a Super 8 camera as a kid making monster clay-mation/stop motion films in his parents basement and hasn’t looked back. His films such as Lost Skeleton OfCadavra, The Trail Of The Screaming Forehead, Dark & Stormy Night, and Lost Skeleton Returns Again combined have won numerous awards, garnered rave reviews, & packed houses across the country. 

In the build up to Freehold Borough Arts Council’s October 21^st  “Not So Horror Horror Film Fest” which will feature The Lost Skeleton Returns Again as well as a live Skype Q&A with the filmmaker, FBAC sat down with Larry Blamire to get into the head of his black & white world via an interview that was, well, sort of like his films…stilted acting, crazy dialogue, and absurd plots.

FBAC:  So “Larry Blamire”? Is that a stage name?

BLAMIRE: Yes. It was either going to be Larry Blamire or Blaine Larimor.

FBAC: Larimor Larry would have been cool.

BLAMIRE: Good one. Never thought of that.  

FBAC: Do you mind if I take it?

BLAMIRE: I may want it.

FBAC: Name hog. Whatever. I have other names.

BLAMIRE: Why am I here again?

FBAC: That’s deep. Do all horror filmmakers think like that?

BLAMIRE: I am more then a horror filmmaker.

FBAC: Did you answer my question?

BLAMIRE: Are you drunk?

FBAC: Question with a question. Clever.  So six years ago you created The Lost Skeleton Of Cadavra and it made you something of a cult hero.  What’s that like?

BLAMIRE: The movie or being a cult hero?

FBAC: I already know what it’s like to be a cult hero. Duh

BLAMIRE:  (blank stare) Thanks to Sony, Lost Skeleton became the darling of the art cinema circuit.  Its got mad scientists, bug-eyed monsters, alien invaders, and black-clad women who perform interpretive dances.

FBAC: In both Lost Skeletons Jennifer Blaire plays one of the black clad women, Animala. She is so hot. I have her poster on my fridge and I think of her every time I get something to eat. Is that weird?

BLAMIRE: That’s my wife. (it is)

FBAC: (laughing hysterically) Yeah right.  (awkward pause) So the film we are talking about is The Lost Skeleton Returns Again. It will be featured at Freehold Borough Arts Council’s Not So Horror Horror Film Festival on October 21^{st, 2011} . Do we need to see Lost Skeleton Of Cadavra (the first one) in order to understand “LSRA”?

BLAMIRE: No this totally stands on its own. It’s very self-explanatory with the exception of a few callbacks to its predecessor.

FBAC: Your writing style, especially in this movie, has been compared to the movie Airplane. Care to comment?

BLAMIRE:  I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.

FBAC: Really? That’s the best you can do?

BLAMIRE:  The point is that it’s similarly silly but with undercurrents of sophistication.

FBAC: Thank God you said that, because your reference line from Airplane didn’t get that across at all.  

BLAMIRE: Are we almost done?

FBAC:  Are you still quoting from Airplane?  Whatever. Moving on. One of my favorite moments, and the most referenced quote from LSRA is delivered by you as mala-prop laden scientist in a scotch-tinged flashback (in my best Larry Blamire impression): “The Jungle gets into your blood and builds tiny little houses of pain, and you’d better not be there when the rent’s due ‘cause the anaconda – funny thing – they don’t know how to read the lease”.

BLAMIRE: Were you just doing me?

FBAC: Don’t hate.

BLAMIRE: Yes that line get’s a lot of attention.  

FBAC: And my delivery on a scale of one to ten?

BLAMIRE:  Worthy of a callback.

FBAC:  I’ll take it. Can I work with your wife?

BLAMIRE: The closest you will get to my wife is your fridge.

FBAC:  Now I’m hungry. Weird. For the most part your films are models of economy. Is that always the plan with your work?

BLAMIRE:  I was just sick of trying to raise money and being non-creative.  Digital filmmaking allows access to making a movie fairly cheaply.  And I found the less money you have the more creative you are forced to be. We shot Lost Skeleton for $40K.

FBAC: Do you prefer it that way?

BLAMIRE: Don’t get me wrong, low budget films are stressful to make. For Lost Skeleton Of Cadavra I wrote the script in five days, storyboarded the entire film, listened to a ton of background music, budgeted the production, handled permits, and unions, casted, table readings, location scouting, making props, designing alien costumes, 10 ½ hour shooting days, managing actors schedules, and all in 3 months by myself.

FBAC: I can relate. I remember having to walk to school 2 miles without shoes in the winter.

BLAMIRE:  Not even close.

FBAC:  I didn’t have feet then.

BLAMIRE: I might put that in my next movie.

FBAC:  Before I go I have to ask, what will a renaissance independent filmmaker of 1950 sci-fi spoof films be for Halloween?

BLAMIRE: Larimore Larry – Cult Hero.

FBAC:  Winner.

Larry Blamire will do a live Skype Q&A appearance at FBAC’s  “Not So Horror Horror Film Fest” October 21, 2011 at 7:30 pm in the American Hotel. The event, in association with DowntownFreehold.com will also feature an emerging filmmakers horror film short preview and celebrity appearances. For advanced tickets or more information go to www.FBArtscouncil.blogspot.com.  

Freehold High School Students Pick Muralist & Vision For Mural Park Project

Mural Selection Committee

While the rest of Freehold Borough enjoyed the Legend Of Rock series featuring Thursday night’s The Nerds in front of the Hall Of Records, a select group of Freehold residents and students gathered for the final selection process of the Master Muralist and overall vision for the Freehold Borough Arts Council’s Mural Park Project slated for the vacant gas station at 63 East main Street.

Among the participants was mural vision essay winner and borough resident Jennifer Lilley, whose essay was selected among hundreds of applicants vying to have their concept adorn the gateway project. Students John Amorosa, Rebecca Gruber, Mai-Anh Tran, Felicia Ng represented the Freehold Borough High School art students who the monumental project has been created for by the FBAC. Helping to round out the committee was borough resident delegates Nolan Higgins and Lynn Reich. Neal Girandola, President of the Freehold Borough Arts Council, led the proceedings while council members Jeff Friedman, Samantha Daesener, and Richard Berger represented the mural sub committee of the FBAC.

Matt Halm of Allentown, Pa was selected as the winning Master Muralist based on his interpretation of Lilley’s essay. A time line of relevant images that relate to the history and future of the borough and the arts. “The final decision was based simply on who would we learn more from? We agreed it would be Matt”, said borough high school Junior John Amorosa.

“Halm’s interpretation will be slightly adjusted to include the Battle of Monmouth and a few images that will be more representative of the Borough High School students since this is their project”, said FBAC President Neal Girandola. “However, I am thrilled with the outcome of both Halm's interpretation and Lilley's vision”, added Girandola.

Halm is a professional muralist who has worked with the Lehigh Valley Arts program as well as the Philadelphia Mural Arts program. The mural project is slated to begin mid August. To support or to become a sponsor of the Mural Park Project please email Info@FreeholdBoroughArtsCouncil.org.

Freehold Boro High School Art Show 2

So much art to see so little time. Another sample from the FBAC of the Freehold Boro High School Art Student's work from the annual art show. These students are the Artists In Residence for the Summer Mural Park Project.

FBAC's Night At The Borough High School Art Show

The FBAC attended the Annual Freehold Boro High School Art Show where the students displayed several stunning works highlighting the best produced from all classes. These students will be the Artists In Residence on the FBAC's Mural Park Project.

FBAC Float Makes Memories

Prepping The Memorial Day Parade Float

FBAC Mural Park Contest

The Freehold Borough Arts Council is hosting a community mural vision contest for the very first Mural Park Project in Freehold Borough, New Jersey. The site located at 63 East Main Street on the corner of Spring Street will become an interactive arts initiative to build community pride and civic partnerships within the Borough of Freehold.

Mural projects have been used numerous times throughout the state and country to bring together artists, families, businesses & local organizations as a way to strengthen community relationships. The FBAC’s Mural Park will beautify the neighborhood, create a new gateway entrance into the downtown, personally engage residents, and provide an outlet for expression and ideas that best reflect our town.

The winning design will be decided based on the artistic concept, incorporation of the FBAC vision statement and relationship to the history of Freehold Borough and its support for the arts.

ENTRY RULES
This is an essay contest only. No artistic renderings will be considered. Each contestant must take into consideration that the entire building & grounds will have the mural applied when creating a potential vision. Please submit an under 450 word essay describing the vision of the mural based on the following FBAC theme guidelines.

VISION THEME:
1. The Mural Park vision must exemplify public interest in the arts, an example of cultural awareness, and include arts organizations, institutions and community individuals within Freehold Borough. Since the Mural Park is deemed a gateway destination for the borough, the vision should also demonstrate the continuing development of Freehold Borough as an historic institution and cultural destination as well as show the borough’s support for area artists and patrons alike. The FBAC’s mission statement is “Inspire, Provide, & Champion The arts”. Freehold Boro catch phrase is “My Home Town”. Please take into consideration the history of Freehold Borough when creating your vision and how it pertains to the arts.

2. Each contestant must accompany their 450 word submission essay with a brief personal bio with no more then 300 words. Include Name, Contact Number, & Email Address.

SUBMISSIONS:
Include your name, email, contact info, & brief bio along with your vision essay and submit by no later then June 15, 2011. One entrée per contestant.

Please send all submissions to:

Freehold Borough Arts Council

c/o VIP Mural Selection Committee

PO Box #369

Freehold Borough, NJ 07728

Or email to Freehold Mural Committee:

INFO@FreeholdBoroughArtsCouncil.org

Include in the subject line: MURAL VISION CONTEST

VIP MURAL VISION SELECTION COMMITTEE
The winning essay will be selected by a VIP committee made up of five dignitaries dedicated to the future and integrity of the borough, community, and its institutions.

WINNING ESSAY
The contestant with the winning submission will receive a prize value up to $250, a one year membership into the FBAC including membership benefits as well as have their name immortalized in the final mural application. Further the finalist will be honored in a dedication of the mural park initiative and featured on the FBAC’s online “Arts Moment” series.

Thank you for supporting the arts in Freehold Borough with your vision.

Mural Park Vision Contest Video

Follow the link for Mural Vision Rules and details. Deadline is June 15, 2011: http://tinyurl.com/4xvvtfw

Author Tony Hawks Chats "Round Ireland" With The FBAC

The FBAC got to spend some time with Tony Hawks, the author and star of “Round Ireland With A Fridge” (via Skype from London) and asked him a few questions about the film which will receive its exclusive US benefit debut screening at the American Hotel in Freehold, NJ on March 11th. The international best selling author slash comedian slash actor stayed up way past his bed time (1 am UK) to provide some insight on the film, packaged with a little (deserved) attitude.

FBAC: What gave you the idea to hitchhike ‘round Ireland with a fridge?

Tony Hawks: It was the first time I was in Ireland and I was getting a lift in this car and we passed an old guy on the side of the road who was hitching with a fridge. It struck me as very strange. I remember recounting what I’d seen a few weeks later with some friends in a pub back home in Brighton (England) and saying that if there was one country where you could hitchhike with a fridge, it was Ireland. That’s what sparked a friend to bet me 100 pounds it couldn’t be done.

FBAC: You obviously have never been to Trenton, NJ before have you?

TH: I didn’t know Trenton was a country?

FBAC: Tourist. Where in Ireland did you travel with the fridge?

TH: Dublin, Donegal, Galway, Wexford, and Waterford.

FBAC: My mother collects Waterford.

TH: I think every mother collects Waterford.

FBAC: Enough about Moms. How did the people of Ireland receive you?

TH: I don’t think the world would have noticed had it not been for one Gerry Ryan of RTE Radio. Gerry got to hear about what I was doing and had me on the show one morning. Then I started ringing in every day. Pretty soon I was “The Fridge Man” and the whole country was offering me lifts.

FBAC: Yeah that wouldn’t have happened in Trenton. So how did you go about writing the book?

TH: Very disciplined. I worked 6 days a week for at least six months straight.

FBAC: Thank God for DVR. The book “Round Ireland With A Fridge” was an international best seller. Why do you think it became such a success?

TH: It makes people laugh. The Irish response was silly and inspired. And I think it appeals to people’s desires to escape from the mundane aspects of life.

FBAC: I’m sorry. I wasn’t listening. I was thinking about hitchhiking through Ireland. So now it’s a movie and you star in it. I heard it was between you and Brendan Fraser.

TH: It wasn’t between me and Brendan Fraser. It was his part to be had but the financial package fell through in the end.

FBAC: So in a sense, casting you saved money.

TH: I’m sorry…who are you again?

FBAC: You are not Irish but the film is Irish in nature. Do you promote this as an Irish film?

TH: Yes, because the story is Irish and only could have happened there. Nowhere else in the world. The cast is predominantly Irish. Co-stars Michael Redmond, Valerie O’Connor, Ed Byrne, Sean Hughes…all Irish. So yes this is an Irish film.

FBAC: I sense ‘tude. Next question: How does the film differ from the book?

TH: It probably has a better “shape” and tells the story of a “lost man finding himself” a little better.

FBAC: What’s next for Tony Hawks? Any new bets in the near future?

TH: I am in the process of making a feature of my second book, Playing The Moldovans At Tennis. No plans for further bets.

FBAC: Finally, how many people mistake you for Tony Hawk the pro skater?

TH: Only you.

Tony will be available live via SKYPE from London following the screening of  "Round Ireland With A Fridge" to answer your questions. 

For tickets for the March 11th exclusive event go to FBAC on Facebook or to www.FreeholdBoroughArtsCouncil.blogspot.com.

Freehold Borough Arts Council Announces Benefit Film Screening

On March 11, 2011, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early with the Freehold Borough Arts Council (FBAC)! The FBAC will present a benefit film screening of the new comedy based on the international bestseller by Tony Hawks, "Round Ireland with a Fridge"

The movie begins after a night of drinking when Tony Hawks accepts a bet that he cannot hitchhike the perimeter of Ireland with a refrigerator. During the course of a month, Tony has one of the most unforgettable experiences of his life. This new comedy road movie proves that, no matter how gloomy things seem, open the fridge door and a little light comes on. 
 


The novel has been described as “a classic travel adventure in the tradition of Bill Bryson with a dash of Dave Barry.” The New York Times Book Review called it a "ridiculous and sublime example of the high-concept travel book ... and the sweet bottom line is that anything that brings people together and shows them this good of a time isn't stupid at all."

This benefit screening, the first showing in the United States, will be preceded by short films provided by the Irish Film Institute, Reel Ireland and Culture Ireland. After the feature, there will be a live Skype question and answer session with the author and actor, Tony Hawks.

Please join the FBAC on March 11, 2011, at 7:00 pm, in the American Hotel’s Majestic Ballroom, located at 18-20 East Main Street, Freehold, New Jersey. Tickets are $15; advance ticket purchase is recommended. To purchase tickets, visit www.freeholdboroughartscouncil.blogspot.com, or go to our Facebook Page at FBAC. There will also be a cash bar. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Freehold Borough Arts Council and their efforts to inspire, provide and champion the arts.

Be sure to become a fan of FBAC on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at FBArtsCouncil.

For more information on upcoming events or becoming a member, please contact us at: info@freeholdboroughartscouncil.org, or call 732.800.2173.

An Arts Moment With Gregory Sheppard: An Opera Lesson

An Arts Moment With Gregory Sheppard: Part 4 - History Of The Negro Spritual

An Arts Moment With Gregory Sheppard: Part 2 - Pro Debut

An Arts Moment With Gregory Sheppard: Chapter 1 - Opera Styles

An Arts Moment With Operatic Bass Gregory Sheppard

FBAC Announces Inaugural Event For February, 2011

  

The Freehold Borough Arts Council (FBAC) presents it's inaugural event in honor of February's Black History month. The newly formed arts council of Freehold Borough, NJ presents operatic bass performer Gregory Sheppard and pianist Byron Sean on February 25th, 2011 at 7:30 pm at St. Peters Church located at 33 Throckmorton Street, Freehold, NJ.  The performance will be an eclectic evening of Opera, Art songs, Musical Theater, and spirituals by African American composers.    For tickets go to www.FreeholdBoroughArtsCouncil.blogspot.com.  Or call the FBAC at 732-800-2173. All proceeds to benefit the Freehold Borough Arts Council and their efforts to cultivate the arts within the borough and partner municipalities in New Jersey.

Follow us on FaceBook to hear about upcoming cultural events for Freehold Borough and surrounding areas in New Jersey.  Or email us at Info@FreeholdBoroughArtsCouncil.org to become a member. Your membership contribution will help the FBAC achieve its mission of providing a strong cultural presence within the Borough. As a member of the Arts Council, you support the community growth and preservation of the visual, literary, and performing arts.