Right after I pressed "publish" on the last post, I got word that we are now showing THE FAMILIAR at the Charleston International Film Festival. Details to follow, but should be around April 8th..!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Charleston International Film Festival
Right after I pressed "publish" on the last post, I got word that we are now showing THE FAMILIAR at the Charleston International Film Festival. Details to follow, but should be around April 8th..!
Good Things
A lot of good things are brewing on "The Familiar" front.
First off, we've relaunched the website to include a few more applications: a screening page will show you when the next showing of the Familiar will be, and the Press page will be able to show you the latest reviews, interviews and articles written about the short.
On the festival front, we seem to be starting the new year pretty good. We got word that we've been accepted into Puerto Rico's Rincon International Film Festival, where "The Familiar" will be playing on beach front property with a pig roast dinner offered afterwards. That's pretty cool. I've also gotten word from Deborah Robinson (reviewer at Stalk 'n' Slash) that we will most likely be having our UK premiere at the Bram Stoker Film Festival (http://www.bramstokerfilmfestival.com/), and hopefully/possibly move on to The Abertoir Festival (http://www.abertoir.co.uk/) in November.
And then there may be some cool stuff happening as far as actually distribution -- hopefully I'll be hearing more on that soon.
I am knee-deep into writing the second draft of my haunted house film "The Hollow Season," and then onto working on another script (a horror comedy I'm tenatively calling "Strange Realm"), but after that, I will be sitting down to cut into the feature length draft of "The Familiar."
Seems like a busy plate so far.
As always
K
First off, we've relaunched the website to include a few more applications: a screening page will show you when the next showing of the Familiar will be, and the Press page will be able to show you the latest reviews, interviews and articles written about the short.
On the festival front, we seem to be starting the new year pretty good. We got word that we've been accepted into Puerto Rico's Rincon International Film Festival, where "The Familiar" will be playing on beach front property with a pig roast dinner offered afterwards. That's pretty cool. I've also gotten word from Deborah Robinson (reviewer at Stalk 'n' Slash) that we will most likely be having our UK premiere at the Bram Stoker Film Festival (http://www.bramstokerfilmfestival.com/), and hopefully/possibly move on to The Abertoir Festival (http://www.abertoir.co.uk/) in November.
And then there may be some cool stuff happening as far as actually distribution -- hopefully I'll be hearing more on that soon.
I am knee-deep into writing the second draft of my haunted house film "The Hollow Season," and then onto working on another script (a horror comedy I'm tenatively calling "Strange Realm"), but after that, I will be sitting down to cut into the feature length draft of "The Familiar."
Seems like a busy plate so far.
As always
K
Friday, February 5, 2010
Film Monthly reviews The Familiar
A ‘familiar’ is the mortal servant who takes care of all his vampire master’s needs. They range from taking care of finances and bringing them fresh ‘harlots’, to bathing the centuries-old creatures and disposing of the victims. By ancient rules, they can never be turned into vampires and must commit to a lifetime of servitude.
The movie, The Familiar, is a 19 minute short written and directed by Kody Zimmermann and produced by Riley Walsh, Jennifer Nick and Zimmermann. Bolivar is the vampire played by thirty year acting veteran, Paul Hubbard, whose body of work includes ‘Sea Of Love’, ‘Physical Evidence’, ‘Look Who’s Talking Now’, ‘The X-Files’ and many more well known titles. Torrance Coombs stars as Bolivar’s familiar Sam, whose passion for vampire flicks and the undead lifestyle somehow lead him down this unusual career path. Mr. Coombs can be seen in the popular television series, ‘jPod’ and Showtime’s ‘The Tudors’. Some more of his past work includes ‘Battlestar Galactica’ and ‘Supernatural’.
The Familiar is a very entertaining mix of horror and humor, especially for it’s minimal running time and the monetary backing it must of had. The acting and production seem very professional, as well as believable, which most lower budget affairs seem to lack. There is also a true realism to the special effects and set design. This is a short that I would love to see get picked up by a large studio and made into a feature length film. Everyone’s doing the vampire thing nowadays but not from the perspective of the monster’s caretaker. What seems as a glamorous job at first turns into a disgusting, monotonous and thankless daily undertaking. Kudos to all involved.
Michael J. Nicholas - a.k.a. Nicky The Note - reviews, opinions & life lessons.
The movie, The Familiar, is a 19 minute short written and directed by Kody Zimmermann and produced by Riley Walsh, Jennifer Nick and Zimmermann. Bolivar is the vampire played by thirty year acting veteran, Paul Hubbard, whose body of work includes ‘Sea Of Love’, ‘Physical Evidence’, ‘Look Who’s Talking Now’, ‘The X-Files’ and many more well known titles. Torrance Coombs stars as Bolivar’s familiar Sam, whose passion for vampire flicks and the undead lifestyle somehow lead him down this unusual career path. Mr. Coombs can be seen in the popular television series, ‘jPod’ and Showtime’s ‘The Tudors’. Some more of his past work includes ‘Battlestar Galactica’ and ‘Supernatural’.
The Familiar is a very entertaining mix of horror and humor, especially for it’s minimal running time and the monetary backing it must of had. The acting and production seem very professional, as well as believable, which most lower budget affairs seem to lack. There is also a true realism to the special effects and set design. This is a short that I would love to see get picked up by a large studio and made into a feature length film. Everyone’s doing the vampire thing nowadays but not from the perspective of the monster’s caretaker. What seems as a glamorous job at first turns into a disgusting, monotonous and thankless daily undertaking. Kudos to all involved.
Michael J. Nicholas - a.k.a. Nicky The Note - reviews, opinions & life lessons.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Stalk N Slash Reviews THE FAMILIAR
The Familiar (2009) - Film Review
Kody Zimmerman’s new 22 minute short THE FAMILIAR is a well produced, excellently directed, and nicely written film. Not terrifyingly scary, not hilariously funny, but an easy-to-watch debut showcase of Zimmerman’s writer/director talents.
Sam Matheson (Torrance Coombs) has quite literally found himself saddled with ‘the job from hell’. Following a childhood obsession with Vampires,
he is at first delighted to be taken on as Simon Bolivar’s ‘Familiar’, a Familiar is basically a vampire’s Housemaid/P.A./Chef - and all round flunky. On the understanding that he will one day be turned into a vampire as a reward for loyal service, Sam is, for a while, happy in his work.
Time moves on however, and after a few years of disposing of bodies, finding victims, dressing and grooming Boliver (because of course he cannot see his own reflection – and I’d have liked to see Sam have a bit of fun with this one!), Sam is disillusioned and realises that all he really wants is his freedom back.
Of course, Boliver, used to being waited on hand and foot is not going to let him go without a fight....
For a 22 minute short The Familiar certainly packs in a good story, and because it isn’t too long it moves along at a good steady pace and holds the viewer’s interest. There’s some good comedy in there too, so kudos to Zimmerman for not taking his first film so seriously that he didn’t have fun with it. The Familiar is certainly superior to most of the short films I’ve seen on the festival circuit recently. The camera work, the direction, the writing and the performances all exceeded my expectations and I’m sure we can expect great things from Kody Zimmerman.
THE FAMILIAR (2009). Director/Writer: Kody Zimmerman. Cast: Torrance Coombs, Paul Hubbard, Rachel Sehl, Brock Shoveller, Jason Harder.
POSTED BY DEBORAH LOUISE ROBINSON
Kody Zimmerman’s new 22 minute short THE FAMILIAR is a well produced, excellently directed, and nicely written film. Not terrifyingly scary, not hilariously funny, but an easy-to-watch debut showcase of Zimmerman’s writer/director talents.
Sam Matheson (Torrance Coombs) has quite literally found himself saddled with ‘the job from hell’. Following a childhood obsession with Vampires,
he is at first delighted to be taken on as Simon Bolivar’s ‘Familiar’, a Familiar is basically a vampire’s Housemaid/P.A./Chef - and all round flunky. On the understanding that he will one day be turned into a vampire as a reward for loyal service, Sam is, for a while, happy in his work.
Time moves on however, and after a few years of disposing of bodies, finding victims, dressing and grooming Boliver (because of course he cannot see his own reflection – and I’d have liked to see Sam have a bit of fun with this one!), Sam is disillusioned and realises that all he really wants is his freedom back.
Of course, Boliver, used to being waited on hand and foot is not going to let him go without a fight....
For a 22 minute short The Familiar certainly packs in a good story, and because it isn’t too long it moves along at a good steady pace and holds the viewer’s interest. There’s some good comedy in there too, so kudos to Zimmerman for not taking his first film so seriously that he didn’t have fun with it. The Familiar is certainly superior to most of the short films I’ve seen on the festival circuit recently. The camera work, the direction, the writing and the performances all exceeded my expectations and I’m sure we can expect great things from Kody Zimmerman.
THE FAMILIAR (2009). Director/Writer: Kody Zimmerman. Cast: Torrance Coombs, Paul Hubbard, Rachel Sehl, Brock Shoveller, Jason Harder.
POSTED BY DEBORAH LOUISE ROBINSON
Saturday, January 30, 2010
28 Days Later Analysis Reviews The Familiar
The Familiar Needs No Laugh Track: A Movie Review
Director/writer: Kody Zimmermann.
The Familiar is a twenty-two minutes horror short that is very comedic and tongue-in-cheek. The Familiar has played at the Screamfest Film Festival in Los Angeles and the New York City Horror Film Festival. Now, the film will be at the Nevermore Film Festival. Luckily, before the festival starts, a review of the the film is here and The Familiar is entertaining, punchy, efficient and worth more than twenty-two minutes of your time.
The Familiar involves, well yes, a vampire's familiar who goes about the mundane tasks of removing limbs, bathing his vampire master, and basically becoming disillusioned with life. Sam (Torrance Coombs) has the boss from hell! Simon Bolivar (Paul Hubbard), an ancient vampire, keeps Sam wrapped around his narcissistic little finger and things go from bad to worse when Simon steals his new girlfriend's blood and soul.
The Familiar, while short, is an example of what director Kody Zimmerman can do with a small budget and some creative ideas. Each scene is either rich in action or comedic delivery of well-timed lines. The film is exciting to watch, with the pacing delivering the story effectively and concisely. Yet, the film comes to a head much too fast.
One of the constraints of working within a short format is that characterizations cannot be totally fleshed out and the film seems to be a preview of a much longer film. However, the ending is delivered in such a way that a sequel is possible and the final scene is spirited, with a message of the powerlessness of immortality over humanity delivered in one last shocking line.
This film really will suck you dry and those in the North Carolina area need to get their Familiar infusion at the Nevermore Film Festival beginning February 19th. Witty, charming, and fun the characters Sam and Simon are truly a cut above other vampire icons. Their conflicting and sardonic dialogue will have you rolling in the aisles at the Carolina Theatre, or re-tasting your dinner, as one more headless corpse graces the screen. Glue your eyes to the screen whereever The Familiar shows 'cause your left superior frontal gyrus with thank-you (an obscure, unnecessary reference to the humourous part of your brain).
Overall: 7.5 dismembered corpses out of 10.
Director/writer: Kody Zimmermann.
The Familiar is a twenty-two minutes horror short that is very comedic and tongue-in-cheek. The Familiar has played at the Screamfest Film Festival in Los Angeles and the New York City Horror Film Festival. Now, the film will be at the Nevermore Film Festival. Luckily, before the festival starts, a review of the the film is here and The Familiar is entertaining, punchy, efficient and worth more than twenty-two minutes of your time.
The Familiar involves, well yes, a vampire's familiar who goes about the mundane tasks of removing limbs, bathing his vampire master, and basically becoming disillusioned with life. Sam (Torrance Coombs) has the boss from hell! Simon Bolivar (Paul Hubbard), an ancient vampire, keeps Sam wrapped around his narcissistic little finger and things go from bad to worse when Simon steals his new girlfriend's blood and soul.
The Familiar, while short, is an example of what director Kody Zimmerman can do with a small budget and some creative ideas. Each scene is either rich in action or comedic delivery of well-timed lines. The film is exciting to watch, with the pacing delivering the story effectively and concisely. Yet, the film comes to a head much too fast.
One of the constraints of working within a short format is that characterizations cannot be totally fleshed out and the film seems to be a preview of a much longer film. However, the ending is delivered in such a way that a sequel is possible and the final scene is spirited, with a message of the powerlessness of immortality over humanity delivered in one last shocking line.
This film really will suck you dry and those in the North Carolina area need to get their Familiar infusion at the Nevermore Film Festival beginning February 19th. Witty, charming, and fun the characters Sam and Simon are truly a cut above other vampire icons. Their conflicting and sardonic dialogue will have you rolling in the aisles at the Carolina Theatre, or re-tasting your dinner, as one more headless corpse graces the screen. Glue your eyes to the screen whereever The Familiar shows 'cause your left superior frontal gyrus with thank-you (an obscure, unnecessary reference to the humourous part of your brain).
Overall: 7.5 dismembered corpses out of 10.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Fatally Yours reviews The Familiar
Review by Fatally Yours
In this quirky short film, Sam (Torrance Combs) is a vampire’s assistant, or familiar. At first, he thought it was his dream job, but his boss, the vampire Bolivar (Paul Hubbard), is a real nightmare! From disposing of bodies to taking care of the bosses’ finances to bathing his dead body, Sam pretty much does all of the vampire’s menial and disgusting tasks, getting little back for his loyal service. As he says, “I wanted to meet Dracula and I ended up serving Danny Bonaduce with fangs.” Sam sticks with the horrible job with hopes that Bolivar will eventually make him into a vampire as well, but when Sam finds out the truth about vampires and his position all bets are off.
The Familiar is a hilarious short film from writer and director Kody Zimmermann, full of quotable lines, great performances and is just an overall fun experience. Zimmermann wrote the film after a horrible experience as a personal assistant to a Hollywood actor. After that experience, Zimmermann became interested in what Renfield’s point of view might have been in Dracula as well as addressing how countless underpaid and underappreciated assistants feel every day. Keeping that in mind, Zimmermann decided to helm the unforgettable Familiar short.
With a quick wit, perfect comic timing and clever cultural quips (Sam asks, “Do all vampires know jujitsu so they can fight Buffy and Blade?”), Zimmermann’s script is whip smart. This is his first writing credit on IMDB.com, but I sure hope he writes something else because his immense talent shouldn’t go to waste! If his humor peppered TV shows and more films the world would be a better place!
His direction isn’t shoddy either, and The Familiar looks pretty damn amazing taking into consideration its small budget. We aren’t talking anything fancy here, but it still looks great and doesn’t have that low-budget look that haunts most indie films. Even the special effects that are peppered throughout the film look professional. My favorite would have to be an impressive staking of a vampire and the subsequent burning by sunlight. The fact that the film is low budget AND a short film makes it all that much more impressive.
The two leading actors, Torrance Combs and Paul Hubbard who play Sam and the vampire Bolivar, respectively, do a fine job as well. Their stellar acting also makes the film seem like it’s got a much bigger budget. And it wasn’t just the two leads that were great, it was also the supporting actors who gave strong performances, among them Jason Harder who played a vampire slayer and Art Ritching who played, as Sam calls him, “the vamp equivalent to the Godfather”.
My only complaint about the short is that it isn’t longer. Zimmermann has said that the only reason that The Familiar was made into a short was because of monetary constraints, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that one day this will be made into a full-length feature because I think it would be a smash hit and has the potential to be the funniest horror film since Shaun of the Dead! In fact, The Familiar does for vampires what Shaun of the Dead did for zombies.
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