#so like when I’m playing dolls in my head they’re rivals in some fashion

[veganhamsalad]

Amnesty please I have a sad backstory

[the-insomniac-emporium]

RE8 Ladies + Love Languages

While this isn't terribly long per character, I am putting it under a read-more for the combined length. Some characters have more details than others, partially due to how much I've written for them (and therefore had time to think about how they show their affections). For once the contents are not in alphabetical order. Crazy, right? PS there's a very, very brief implication of NSFW in Daniela's section.

Features the entire Dimitrescu family, Mother Miranda, Donna Beneviento, and as a lil bonus Ava.

Cassandra Dimitrescu:

Primary Love Language: Physical touch

Secondary Love Language: Acts of Service

Examples: Constantly wants to be touching some part of her lover, even if she sometimes pretends otherwise, from hand holding to making them sit in her lap. So goddamn touch starved. Preferably sleeps with her lover sprawled out on top of her, weighing her down, soothed by the constant pressure. Seriously, this woman needs someone to hold her as close as possible, running their fingers through her hair, pressing soft little kisses along her neck + shoulder. And then repeat. Every single day. For life.

Treating her lover’s wounds, or bringing them tea to soothe their nightmares, or monitoring their health when they're sick (see: Bound Blood + We Don’t Talk About That). Cassandra hates feeling like she owes someone, and isn’t fond of others owing her (because when they pay her back, she might end up owing them “the difference”). When it comes to love, however, all debts feel paid as soon as they are incurred. She does things for her beloved because she cares for them, expecting nothing in return. Sure, she’ll complain about the effort, but it doesn’t really bother her, and she truly hopes her lover knows that.

Mother Miranda:

Primary Love Language: Acts of Service

Secondary Love Language: Gift Giving

Examples: Despite the decades she has spent as a Goddess, commanding the willing masses, Miranda doesn’t put much emphasis on words. Instead, she values actions above all else. She doesn't care if someone says that they are devoted to her, she wants to see the effects of that devotion. In turn, she much prefers to show her affection rather than voice it, even if it leaves her lover less sure of her feelings. One must keep in mind that she is the leader of an entire region, and the fact that she chooses to personally take care of something for you means a hell of a lot. Even if it’s just making you a cup of tea whenever she brews some for herself, or something as big as setting up a studio for you and your personal projects, or simply ensuring that your favorite meals are added to the rotation.

Similar, in some aspects, to her preference to showcase her love rather than announce it, Miranda takes pride in her ability to select gifts. She remembers just about everything you ever tell her, easily memorizing things you express interest in. Though she won’t make a big deal out of it, you’ll often find little gifts from her lying around, casual reminders of how much of her attention is devoted to you.

Daniela Dimitrescu:

Primary Love Language: Words of Affirmation

Secondary Love Language: Physical Touch

Examples: What can she say, she loves to be worshipped. Having someone look at her with eyes full of adoration, one hand cupping her cheek, as they list a thousand reasons why they love her? That’s all she wants. Or sitting with her lover’s head in her lap, listening to them recite poetry that reminds them of her, while she runs her fingers through their hair. Ooh, or hearing them cry out her name like something holy as she all but buries her head between their legs. But don’t worry, she’s just as eager to return the favor, singing soft praises dedicated to her beloved. Admittedly, her compliments are sometimes a tad roundabout (so to speak).

“Mmm,” she’ll hum, “I’m the luckiest woman in the world. Living in a castle, my every need catered to, endless life, and, of course, the most darling little pet I could ever ask for. What more could I want?” Then she’ll pull her lover close, a kiss against their pulse point to claim them as her own. It’s impossible for her to determine her favorite place to touch her lover. There are little spots that elicit sweet sounds from them, then there are places where their warmth is a tad fiercer than normal, pure bliss against her own freezing skin. Wherever she touches them, it’s a silent declaration of her love.

Bela Dimitrescu:

Primary Love Language: Quality Time

Secondary Love Language: Words of Affirmation

Examples: It doesn’t matter what she does with her lover, as long as they are together, in the same room if not actively pressed against each other. Any hobby of theirs is one that she’ll instantly take interest in. An academic at heart, she loves to learn, regardless of the subject, and takes endless delight in learning from those close to her. There’s something incredible about the feeling she gets when she gets a chance to show her lover how much she remembers, and she sees that spark of joy in their eyes.

Considering her fondness for classical literature, it’s no surprise that she adores using language to convey the depths of her affection. Whether she’s quoting Sappho or Shakespeare, she often relies on dead poets to express herself. In turn, she cannot even begin to describe the feeling she gets when her lover returns the gesture, especially if they go so far as to write something original for her. More than once she’s tried to craft her own poetry, but has found herself lacking (at least to her own standards). One thing she enjoys is memorizing poetry written by someone from her lover’s home country, assuming that they’re not from Romania.

Alcina Dimitrescu:

Primary Love Language: Gift Giving/Physical Touch

Secondary Love Language: Quality Time

Examples: Considering the era in which she was born, it’s not terribly surprising that Alcina’s affection often manifests in less obvious ways. A hand on her lover’s back, guiding them along, or letting her knee touch theirs when they sit next to each other, or gently reaching out to give one of their hands a soft pat during quiet conversations. On top of that, she gives out gifts almost constantly. Oh, her lover very briefly mentioned enjoying a local artist? Well, Alcina will be certain to purchase several (or most) of their recent work. Did her beloved muse out loud about not having much jewelry? That won’t do! She’ll get them a large assortment, including plenty that bear the crest of House Dimitrescu. Everyone will know who her lover is, if only for the way that they are adorned with her loveliest finery.

Much like her eldest daughter (who likely takes after her mother), Alcina also enjoys the barest of interactions with her darling. With the endless stretch that is her potential lifespan, she knows that she has all the time in the world to learn new skills, or experience all that the village has to offer. Nothing warms her heart quite like the idea of getting to enjoy those things with the people that matter most to her- namely her partner and her children.

Donna Beneviento:

Primary Love Language: Quality Time

Secondary Love Language: Gift Giving

Examples: An odd mix of shy and calculating, Donna Beneviento is not one to rely on words, nor does she often take grand actions where others may observe. Instead, she works (and weaves) within the shadows. When it comes to love, she prefers to let her priorities reveal her feelings. Day after day, she chooses to spend time with her partner, regardless of the activity. If they ask for her company, she gives it without hesitation. She invites them to join her in the garden, or give input on her latest creations, and ensures that they are readily involved in just about every aspect of her life.

Being as talented as she is with crafting (both the overall art of doll-making and the somewhat related ability to sew all sorts of clothing), ‘tis not surprising that she also turns to gifts to express herself. From knitting hats in winter to soft blankets when her partner is sick, she provides for them in the easiest way she knows how.

Avaskian Caldwell:

Primary Love Language: Physical Touch/Words of Affirmation

Secondary Love Language: Quality Time

Examples: Arguably the most touch-starved person ever to exist, xer only possible rival being Cassandra. Struggles to strike a balance between hating being touched unexpectedly and wanting constant physical attention. Will give affectionate shoulder/back pats, loves forehead kisses/bumps, literally cannot sleep without cuddling someone/something (such as a stuffed animal). At the same time, a lifetime of severe anxiety has made it so that xe often relies on verbal encouragement from others to feel good/motivate xerself. Xe craves compliments, and defaults to poetry as a way of expressing love for others. One might think that being selectively mute might put a damper on this. However, if anything, it just furthers the value of xer speech. You know that xe cares about you if xe not only writes you poetry, but reads it aloud for you.

In true introvert/anxiety-riddled-bean fashion, Ava is also more than content to just chill with loved ones. Xe grew up in an admittedly fucked up family, but some of xer happiest childhood memories are of xerself sitting with xer brother, watching while he played through videogame after videogame, or sitting together on the big couch and reading. Years later, xe has a strong instinct to want to recreate those moments with xer new (slightly less fucked up) family.

[starlightaxolotl]

Collector’s Edition: Press Coverage

Nothing super angsty in this one, implied training, dehumanization, future punishment. 

Words: Approximately 1550

Coverage from the sixteenth annual GaGo Toy Faire is sponsored by Borg Industries. Borg Industries: The Future is What You Make It.

See More: GaGo Toy Faire; Our Annual Predictions See More: GaGo Toy Faire; Blurring the Line Between Plaything and Art

A Bittersweet Tribute: Fundraising and the Launch of GaGo Toy’s Newest Doll Line!

By Keyara B., Marketing and Public Relations, Borg Industries July 15th.

The annual GaGo Toy Faire always goes out with the reveal of what the genius behind the designs, Enzo Kurai, thinks will be the top seller of the year. This year the young CEO started things off differently, taking time to honor the six months Ninjago has seen without its greatest protectors. As anyone could tell you, the Ninja went missing under mysterious circumstances at the beginning of the year. The loss of our symbols of peace and heroism can be felt in the streets, which prompted Kurai to put together a very special doll line to inspire young minds across Ninjago. “I think that in such times of uncertainty, we need to remember anyone can be a hero like the ninja.” Kurai said before unveiling his newest line of dolls. Kurai has designed the last six successful doll lines which launched him to become the CEO of GaGo Toys a decade ago, with hits such as Mega Monster Pop Stars, and my personal favorite growing up the Charmer Designs line. With a focus on friendship, problem solving, and courage, Kurai promised that he felt the Ninja would be proud of his newest line: High School Ninja Squad! High School Ninja Squad features a main line up of six primary dolls, and focuses on a storyline that will be released in a series of animated episodes within the next year. Kurai mentioned he wanted to focus on themes of unity, family, differences, and problem solving with the story he has helped to craft for the dolls. The initial line up features Five high school students and one younger sibling. While not much of the story has been revealed yet, Kurai promises that this line will provide comfort to those missing their heroes. As an additional measure to continue investing in search efforts and resources to continue the hunt for the ninja, Kurai has declared that the company will be donating all profits from this doll line directly to the search effort for the first six months, hopeful that this effort would help bring the Ninja home sooner. After the press briefing, I was lucky enough to get to sit down with Mr. Kurai to discuss the process behind creating the dolls and even was fortunate enough to see the GaGo Toy Faire exclusive collector’s edition set, which I was lucky to snag as well. See More: High School Ninja Squad Collector’s Edition Unboxing! Kurai said that the concept had been on his mind for a while, and had met with the Ninja’s former merchandising team from the short run of their television show NinjaGO! Adventures nearly a year ago to discuss the team of color coordinated ninja. “I focused really hard on what made each member of the team special, what dynamics existed, and what lessons they could teach kids.” Kurai said with a smile. “Each of them bring something so different to the team. They’re why I focus first on the idea of a team as a family. It’s actually why I have the younger sibling, Ren, he’s adopted in, and the team becomes close to him because of that. They show him what family is.” I of course ask if that means that Ren is eventually joining the team, as he’s the only doll to not come with a costume to change into from his school clothes, and Kurai only smiled and shrugged. “Time will tell. He has a lot of growing up to do first.” In addition to Ren, the line up includes Rikuto, Kaito, his sister Kiki, Raiden, and Yuki. While it’s obvious which doll represents which ninja, as Kurai chose to keep their color palettes and natural features, their personalities are very different from those of the missing ninja. He instead created new stories for each of them. Ren, as previously mentioned, was adopted and now has the sibling duo of Kiki and Kaito to teach him what family really means. He even promised there wouldn’t be any weird love triangles, and that romance isn’t a central focus in the minds of these teen heroes. He does mention that Rikuto, the caring team leader and captain of the high school cheer team might have something for a cheerleader from a rival school, and this is backed in Rikuto’s introductory journal. Kaito and Kiki, twin siblings, come from a high fashion, fast paced family, and are learning how to fit in with their new school and new friends and new sibling. They’re representing the idea of adapting and change, something Ninjago itself has been working through these past few months. Kaito even struggles with his academics and has to ask his friend Raiden for help to study for a big exam in math! Kurai had a few things to say on this. “By humanizing them, and seeing that they’re both these incredible heroes to their city, but also every day students, I hope that youngsters find it easier to relate. They could very well be the next protectors of the city, through civil positions, through political change, through whatever they put their minds to, just like these kids can. The dolls are projected to hit shelves within the next month, find them and create their stories! Each doll comes with two additional outfits and a journal as well as a pack of collectible cards to learn more about them and their friends! Play sets are expected to be released later in the fall, including one for their school!

Keys smiled as she sent it for publication to the Toy Faire blog and closed her laptop, looking across the table at Mr. Kurai. His personal office was only five minutes from the convention center, and had a spectacular view of the convention plaza and the outskirts of Ninjago City. Keys could even see the ports from up here. She waited until it seemed like he wasn’t doing anything too delicate before clearing her throat. “Thank you so much for letting me type this up and ask questions as we went along. I haven’t had an assignment this big yet.” She looked at the model of the classroom he was working on. It was well detailed. She had watched him all afternoon after the reveal as he painted and set around several working flip-top desks for the set. It almost looked lifelike and perfect, like a scale model for an actual classroom. A detailed vision. “That looks amazing.” Enzo Kurai looked up and smiled, setting his paint brush down gently on a towel. “You’re quite welcome. Without Borg Industries support, we wouldn’t be able to make the donations to the police effort to find the Ninja. It’s only fair that you get a much more detailed and personal interview than other outlets.” He carefully spun the turn table the set was on and Keys looked close. “What do you think?” She gave a small smile. “It’s so realistic. I think it’ll be hard to duplicate this for sale…” Kurai only gave a sharp laugh. “This one is a special edition, more for me personally than for sale. The general market will get a simpler version, but this lets me see what details I want to have in the final product. For me, the realism helps tell the stories.” It made sense, a visionary like Enzo Kurai was naturally detail oriented. Dolls on a whole were similar to the generic designs of androids and other mechanical things. There’s always a blueprint. Of course as the blueprint was developed, some troubleshooting was bound to happen. Keyara nodded. She put her laptop in her bag and turned to leave. As she reached for the door handle, a thought crossed her mind. She turned back. “Are you going to stay for the closing events tonight? Cyrus—Mr. Borg—would enjoy seeing you again. He wasn’t able to get off today, meetings with Eco Future for Ninjago all day.” Kurai shook his head. “I’m afraid not. There’s some issues back home that I must attend to, and I actually need to leave within the hour to deal with them. A few…prototypes are being rowdy while I’m in the city I’m afraid.” That threw her for a loop, and Enzo saw the confusion in her face as she opened the door. “Well, I’ll let him know. Another time perhaps.” With a final thin smile, Keys exited the office.

Enzo looked at his phone again, at the photos that had been sent to his phone. Three angry trouble makers, left restrained at the dinner table for him to discipline when he got home. He clicked his tongue as he locked his phone. And here they had been so good, making such progress at last. It didn’t surprise him, it only disappointed him. They would go back to their doll boxes for a little time out until they were ready to behave again.

[fantastica-daily]

Richard Elfman on his new bizarro comedy - Aliens, Clowns & Geeks

By Staci Layne Wilson

When it comes to cult science fiction movies, Forbidden Zone stands tall. Richard Elfman's 1980 Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo vehicle was a one-of-a-kind film zooming down on a one-way street to a whacky conclusion that’s stayed in the minds of schlock cinema fans ever since. His latest film, Aliens, Clowns & Geeks is an equally wild and expressionistic indie featuring Austin Powers' Verne Troyer in his last role, promising that Aliens, Clowns & Geeks is the antidote to mainstream and a breakneck cure for the run-of-the-mill.

“I was fortunate to have my dream cast on this one, including Verne Troyer (Mini-Me) as my demonic clown emperor–his final film role,” says Elfman. “Our ninety-minute film has seventy-five minutes of driving music by my brother Danny (Elfman) and acclaimed animation composer, Ego Plum Guerrero. Along with Danny’s to-die-for clown and alien music, Ego added a Latin element with the band we play with, Mambo Demonico.” The score was composed by Danny Elfman, who wrote the theme song to The Simpsons, the music to The Nightmare Before Christmas and did the singing voice of Jack Skellington, and won six Saturn awards.

"Eddy Pine (Bodhi Elfman) is a jaded actor dealing with the cancellation of his series," reads the official synopsis. "To complicate matters, he wakes up with the key to the universe stuck up his ass. Apparently an alien Clown Emperor (Verne Troyer) is in hot pursuit of this, as are his rivals, the Green Aliens. Professor von Scheisenberg (French Stewart) and his comely Swedish assistants, the Svenson sisters (Rebecca Forsythe as Helga, Angeline-Rose Troy as Inga), come to Eddy’s aid. If only Eddy hadn’t fallen for Helga, and then the aliens manipulate his mind to confuse her with Inga! And when the mad little Clown Captain (Martin Klebba) steps on the gas and shifts his spaceship into fourth gear, all hell breaks loose.”

We had the opportunity to sit down with Richard to ask him about his movie.

Q. To what do you attribute your enduring interest in clowns? And why do you think they’re so fascinating to people in general?

As I’ve always said: “To be born a male redhead is to be born into a clown suit.” Hence my carrot-topped brother Danny and I have always had a fascination with clowns. Coupled with our wicked sense of humor and a love of the horror genre, it was an easy morph into thoughts of creepy clowns. Just like dolls and puppets—yes, I’m speaking Anabelle—clowns can have something “surreal” about them.  Bill Skarsgard’s Pennywise really nails it. And I laughed my head off at Killer Klowns From Outer Space. (And we have honk-honking shit-load of killer clowns in my new film).

Q. How did the idea for Aliens, Clowns & Geeks come about? Is it similar to The Forbidden Zone?

 Joined-at-the-hip. Yes. And no. Forbidden Zone is basically a surrealistic “human-cartoon” set to musical numbers. So I was working on Forbidden Zone 2, a thematic extension of FZ but on a much grander scale. I did a successful crowd-funder to develop the project, then, with the help of my producers, raised about half the budget. They asked me if we could do something quick (and cheaper) in the interim to keep the momentum going.

So I basically locked myself in my roof-top writing garret with a box of cigars and many bottles of whiskey and banged out my Geeks script over the next three weeks.

Geeks is utterly zany and music-driven, but it’s not a “singing musical” so to speak like FZ. It has surrealistic elements, thanks to my insane special effects department--and a little help from Hieronymus Bosch—but I would describe Geeks having cartoony elements rather than being a total “human cartoon” as FZ was…if that makes any sense. (And please don’t try!)

 Q. Tell us about the multiple roles played by your family – and do you have role as well? What was it like working with your family – any funny stories?

My son Bodhi Elfman—a serious dramatic actor with 100s of credits--did a great comic turn as Eddy, the lead; a bitter out of work actor who wakes up with the key to the universe stuck up his ass. He also played the ass-kissing clown (literally) on the space ship plus the green alien network executive who orders the destruction of Earth. My wife Anastasia played multiple roles, everything from a nun to a carny slut. She also danced and choreographed the cabaret burlesque numbers as well as played a clown…until she got sick from the chemicals inside the clown mask and had to throw up—after we got the shot, of course--committed trouper that she is. When I met Anastasia she was a ballet dancer with a “day job” at a horror fx shop. She can dance with a broken toe but seems to have developed a sensitivity to certain shop chemicals.

I played a clown as well and almost threw up from laughing. I must say Geeks was a fun show to work on (my greatest joy is creating a sense of fun) and the actors and crew had serious trouble keeping from laughing as I directed in insane clown attire. What a fucking visual!

And brother Danny—what can I say? As an independent (hence lower budget) film maker it helps when your little brother in Mozart.

Q. Tell us how you ran away and joined the circus.

Actually, The Grande Magic Circus--a French musical theatre company. 1971, I was twenty-one, visiting the Festival of New Theatre in Montreal. I ran into a scruffy Parisian street troupe. They had something though, a charisma, an élan, whatever-- it attracted me. Director Jérôme Savary needed a percussionist—et voila, that was me! I persuaded them to give me several minutes onstage at the festival doing my comedy/horror piece set to an Eric Satie’s Gnossienne. When I “killed” the pianist in a pool of blood the audience was shocked. And they loved it!

Then, back in California, I went to see Marcel Carne’s masterpiece Les Enfant de Paradise , a three hour film set in the Paris theatre scene of the 1830’s. I exited the theatre, stopped, turned around and went back in and saw it again.

A few months later I received a letter from Jerome. Peter Brook, famed director of London’s Royal Shakespeare Company was backing the Magic Circus in a large Paris theatre. Would I like to join them? Bloody hell!! Hence, I ran away and joined the “circus.”

Q. Tell us something about your time with the Magic Circus, how it influenced you and also how your brother Danny Elfman joined the show.

I might say that working with Jérôme Savary was perhaps my single greatest influence. The troupe had classically trained actors from the Comedie Francais as well as more Avant guard performers. Jerome was a genius, his material had a sense of Absurdism that really struck me. I would later develop this absurdism in my own fashion. Certainly with my own troupe, the Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo (later Oingo Boingo). By the way, my film Forbidden Zone was essentially our Mystic Knights stage show set to film.

Danny—several days out of high school--showed up at my 5ème, Rue Descartes doorstep with his electric violin. The company violinist was from the Paris Opera. Jerome liked to improvise. The opera guy couldn’t deviate one note from the written score. I believe my brother is Mozart reincarnated. He could follow any improvisation and got the job and toured with us for the summer throughout France. He and I opened the show with him on violin, me on percussion—the first music Danny Elfman ever wrote.

Q. Any other interesting experiences that you and Danny had there?

We were in a Basque town near the Spanish border. If I may digress, I am four years Danny’s senior. I went to a high school in Crenshaw (Boyz in the Hood), Danny ended up at a school with no guns. I was a tough boxer. Danny might be described as a bespectacled science nerd. So it’s Friday night, the audience was really rowdy and restless. My “street sense” knew it was just a matter of time before the fights broke out. We had an Argentine fellow in the troupe, “Katshurro,” nicest fellow. Drunks in the audience picked up on his accent and shouted terrible Spanish insults about his mother. Katshurro stopped mid-performance, his eyes bugging out of head, and he dove right into the audience swinging away. All hell broke loose. Everyone was fighting, sets crashing down. Danny’s glasses got knocked off. Well, and not for the first time, I managed to get Danny out of trouble with both his glasses and violin intact.

Q. Tell us about the cast you assembled – which includes Verne Troyer in his final screen performance. What was he like? Who does he play in the film?

I really had my dream cast. Along with my son Bodhi we had lovely kung-fu kicking Rebecca Forsythe, versatile Angeline-Rose Troy who not only played Rebecca’s sexy Swedish sister, but donned prosthetics to play poor Eddy’s junkie/whore “Mom from Hell.”

Professor von Scheisenberg was played impeccable veteran French Stewart (Third Rock From the Sun). Another great vet was George Wendt (Cheers) as Father Mahoney. Six foot six comic Steve Agee (Sarah Silverman Show, Guardians of the Galaxy) played both a tough cross-dressing bar owner and a stuttering dufis in a chicken suit. Nic Novicki (Boardwalk Empire) played his nasty little-person boss. I was really blessed with a great ensemble to work with.

And, of course, Verne Troyer, our megalomaniac Clown Emperor. What a wonderful talent to work with! He was funny on set, insisted on doing things in spite of physical limitations and he gave us hilarious comic improvisations. Little body. Big spirit. I will certainly miss him.

Q. The music is by Danny and you also have great animation… please give us some details what it’s like to create worlds through music and manufactured imagery.

Danny, along with my band mate--award winning animation composer Ego Plum (Guerrero)—really gave it to us. Seventy-five minutes of music in a ninety-minute film. ♪ ♫ La, tee-da and a boom boom boom! ♪ ♫  Music is essential to everything I do—especially setting the tone of my films. I even play music before I start writing.

As soon as Danny saw our surrealistic Bosch dream sequence and goofy clown rocket ships he agreed to do the score…after he stopped laughing. I play percussion in a quirky Latin band, Mambo Demonico, led by Hollywood’s top tv animation composer, Ego Plum. He and Danny work with the same people, including Oingo Boingo lead guitarist Steve Bartek, who subsequently has done every one of Danny’s film arrangements. Steve and the original Oingo Boingo members all played on our sound track. I must brag that we do have great fucking music!

You know, Danny was a bespectacled science nerd growing up, basically stayed out of trouble. That was my department. Oddly, he wasn’t really into music. No bands, no concerts, no big music collection. Life is funny how things turned out. I showed him a rough cut of Geeks, he laughed his ass off and offered to do it. Yes, I’m very lucky to have “Mozart” as my little brother!

Q. Who is Aliens, Clowns & Geeks for? Do you think movies like this are more likely to find a mainstream audience?

Forbidden Zone may be a “cult” movie but it still plays all over the world--after forty years. Just this past month FZ played festivals in France and South Korea. Geeks is certainly not for everyone—no one falls in love then dies of cancer. But it will find an audience I am sure. Anyone who had fun with Killer Klowns From Outer Space, liked Rocky Horror, even What We Do in the Shadows in terms of a quirky, wicked sense of humor. I also think it will play well in mental asylums…it certainly shall send people there in any case.

Geeks doesn’t fit into the scheme of “modern films.” Actually, the shooting style and underlying three-act story structure harkens back to classic comedies (says the son of a former English teacher turned novelist). The trappings though, are insane and off-the-wall. You might say it’s just my own, goony creation. Love it or hate it, the humor is balls-out outrageous, definitely not for everyone--no one dies of cancer. Geeks is simply meant to be fun for essentially the genre audience.

Q. What’s your proudest moment associated with making the film?

Proudest moment? Maybe finally paying the actors. People say I’ve embraced the indie spirit. I don’t know how much I “embrace” it, so much as am fucked by it, having to work on such a modest budget. Although I’ve been a “hired gun” and directed scripts written by others, Geeks is really the first time since my 1980 Forbidden Zone that I’ve really done purely my own vision. Per John Waters, well, I’d hope he’d have something strong to drink and/or smoke and then laugh his ass off watching it! That’s what it was like creating the film: Drinking scotch and smoking cigars in my rooftop writing garret, laughing my ass off! The green aliens have a totally high-tech ship, except for the automotive steering wheel and four-on-the-floor to shift gears. For the clowns we went for an absurdly updated version of Flash Gordon. And when our tiny clown emperor takes possession of an earth body, he has little dummy of the earthling sitting in his lap, their heads connected by electrical wires. Absurd and ridiculous, and that’s my middle name.

Want to see a double feature of The Forbidden Zone and Aliens, Clowns & Geeks? You can! They will play at The Regency in L.A. as part of The Valley Film Festival on 1/30/21. Get tickets here.

Look for our review of Aliens, Clowns & Geeks here soon!

[penisparkerman]

Ok ok here me out, a Steve x reader where they both have feelings for each other and one night at the compound the reader teaches Steve how to dance and it’s all loosely based on the scene in Dirty Dancing where they are dancing to ‘Hey Baby’?

ask and you shall receive :^)

IM A SAP OKAY

the compound was empty for once, not a hero or god or even android in sight.

steve relished in the rare peace and was happy to find that the television was all his for the night. usually he’d be fighting bucky or clint over the remote, only for it to be taken out of their hands by a smug natasha. not tonight, though. tonight was steve’s night.

so there he was, captain america, national icon and america’s sweetheart, sprawled lazily across the couch while clicking mindlessly through television shows, hair a blonde mess and clothes all ruffled and mussed up. he groaned in displeasure when he came across yet another chick flick, all romantic cliches and a sickenly sweet plot that made him disgusted… and slightly envious if he were being honest.

steve could only watch, slightly intrigued as the innocent baby was being taught how to swivel her hips by the roguish johnny, snorting at the awkwardness of it all. he tensed when he heard the faint sound of footsteps coming his way and made to sit up, but a set of small hands pushed him down gently by the shoulders. “hey stevie,” your soothing voice in his ear had him melting in his place, body slumping back into the cushions. “whatcha watchin’ there?”

his eyes brightened upon seeing your face and your plump lips pulled into a smile as you gazed fondly down on him. “romance movie,” he said, cheeks growing embarrassingly warm the longer you stared at him. “i was just-” he was cut off by your excited squeal and suddenly, you’re plopping down on the couch and leaning back against his outstretched legs. a wide grin adorned your face and his heart stuttered at the sight.

“dirty dancing! i love this movie!”, you exclaimed, smacking gently at his knee when you caught sight of him raising his eyebrows. “oh shush steve! it’s not what you think!”

steve’s lips parted to respond, but all thoughts of teasing you were thrown out the window when he caught sight of what you were wearing. you were swaddled in an oversized hoodie, looking ridiculously cute and tiny with your sweater paws. then he saw your bare legs and wow, would you look at that. your hoodie barely brushed the top of your smooth thighs and he sighed in relief (and slight disappointment, but let’s not get into that) when he saw your shorts peeking out from beneath your hoodie.

christ, if only you knew how much he longed for you. for your touch, your affection, your presence; he just wanted all of you.

he was shaken out of his stupor when he heard a loud “aww!” and he quickly shook his head to rid himself of the lovesick haze he was under, feeling ashamed for ogling you so blatantly. he turned his head to focus on the television instead, watching as baby and johnny dance goofily on a log. steve felt his lips twitch in amusement when he heard you squeal again, your hand slapping at his knee repeatedly. “oh my god steve, look at them! they’re so cute!”, you babbled, hands waving around animatedly as you continued to talk about how cute of a couple they were.

you stopped your enthusiastic rambling when you heard the deep rumble of steve’s laughter and you looked at him in awe as he threw his head back to laugh some more.

he was gorgeous.

his eyes were a perfect spring sky, squinted in mirth and gleaming beautifully with glee, his smile warmer than the gentle sun. you were enthralled by this man, this beautiful man with a heart of gold and with looks that can rival a god’s.

after a silent debate with yourself, you took the remote and turned the television off, his laughter dying down only to be replaced with confusion. “________?” you turned to face him, putting on a brave face as to not give away your anxiety.

“dance with me?” you grinned and held an expecting hand out to him. you watched with slight trepidation as his face fell, a frown on those pretty lips.

“i’m sorry, i-i can’t.”

you quickly pushed the disappointment that began to creep around your heart, not one to back down without a fight. “c’mon cap, don’t you wanna dance with me?”

god does he want to, especially when you were looking at him like that. with your pleading eyes and kissable lips pursing into the cutest pout he’s ever seen. it drove him crazy.

“oh doll…” steve sighed, carding a hand through his hair and rubbing the back of his neck in a nervous fashion. “i do want to dance with you. trust me, i do. i just- i’ve never really…”, he trailed off, averting his gaze from you.

“danced before?” your lips curled into a frown, wanting those baby blue eyes on you.

“i was frozen before i ever could.”

his bitterness did not go unnoticed by you and you reached out to take his hand in yours, twining your fingers through his. “steve.” his pale cheeks flooded with red, he lightly squeezed your hand and peered up at you through his lashes. “it’s okay, steve. i can teach you.” your smile was reassuring, eyes gentle and kind.

god damnit, he was whipped.

at his reluctant nod, you cheered and hurriedly stood up, pulling at his hand. “friday, could you play ‘hey baby’ by bruce channel?”, you called. your breath hitched as steve rose to his full height, hands still intertwined and body so close to yours. you didn’t even notice the music was playing until steve pointed it out, his eyebrows raised in delight.

“this song is pretty catchy ________.” you hummed in agreement and stepped even closer to him, forehead to chin, chest to chest. you heard his sharp inhale, wondered if he was just as affected as you were.

“put your hand on my hip.”, you instructed. he obeyed, of course, but not without dying a million times inside at the mere thought of touching you and holding you this close. his hand met the soft material of your hoodie, teeth digging into the soft expanse of his bottom lip. “pull me closer.” your honeyed voice whispered in his ear, quiet and rich, a shuddering breath leaving his mouth.

he tugged you by the hip, crushing your bodies together. he’s overwhelmed by your scent, a sweet vanilla penetrating his senses, leaving him pleasantly dizzy. “what next?”, he whispered himself, voice like gravel and laced with want.

“you let the music move you.”

your body fit him perfectly and together as one, you swayed slowly to the music. he could feel your soft breath on his neck, your warmth in his arms, your hand in his.

’She’s so pretty, Lord, she’s fine I’m gonna make her mine, all mine Hey, hey baby I want to know if you’ll be my girl’

steve chuckled at the irony and stepped back to twirl you around then back into his embrace, your giggles a melody of their own. “i want to know,” he began to sing, looking down at the beaming you. “if you’ll be my girl.”

if only you knew he meant it.

“hey, hey baby.”, you sang as well, letting go of his hand and securely wrapping your arms around his neck.

“i want to know if you’ll be my girl.” his free hand slid down your slide to rest on your other hip, noticing the hitch of your breath, the shyness of your smile. the song came to a smooth end, the music fading.

he knew what he had to do.

the playfulness was gone and replaced with an intensity you’ve never seen in steve. the music was gone now, your quiet breaths the only sound. still, he said, “i want to know if you’ll be my girl.”

your blinding smile was enough of an answer for him.

his mouth pressed down on yours tenderly, his lips softer and less chapped than you expected, but addicting. your arms pulled him closer, closer, closer until there’s no more space left to give.

he’s dreamt of this moment, this kiss, always his imagination. but now he knew; how you tasted, the feel of your lips on his, the heat of your body. “i love you,” he muttered, kissing you again and again. “i love you…”

“i love you too.”, you breathed, running your fingers through his golden locks, twirling it around your fingers. “i love you steve.”

you danced the night away, swaying to a silent rhythm, making up for lost time.

steve couldn’t have asked for a better date.

[magnificentmolly-blog1]

some wanted connections for my daughter under the cut!

Neighbors (OPEN): Others residents of Shady Oaks that Molly might have known growing up. She’s spent her whole life living in the neighborhood with her family, playing outside with her brother over the years, so she would know some of her neighbors really well.

Childhood Friends (Michael, OPEN for more): These are people that Molly has known her entire life, friends that have been there for her since she was a little girl running around with her dolls. Whether they’re still close or have lost touch over the years, these people have been with her for as long as she can remember.

Gym Buddies (OPEN): Molly has been an athlete for the majority of her life and she gets really intense about soccer. These are people that she works out with around Carthay, whether she’s conditioning for an upcoming season or just exercising to stay fit throughout the year.

Music Lovers (Miguel, OPEN for more): Molly lives and breathes for good music. She will give anyone who is willing to listen music recommendations, and she loves finding friends that she can share her latest finds with. These are people that either enjoy her recommendations or share her enthusiasm for music.

One and the Same (OPEN): People that are interested in the same things as Molly, and as a result, they have become fast friends. Whether it’s gossiping about things going on around town or swapping make-up and fashion advice, they share Molly’s interests and have become close during the time that they’ve known each other.

Competitors/Rivals (OPEN): It’s no surprise that with her love of sports, Molly loves a good competition and will make any excuse to turn anything into a contest. She has hard opinions on even the most mundane topics and it takes a lot for her to actually back down from an argument. These are people that she enjoys having friendly debates and competitions with just for fun, or people that she feels she is in constant competition with. It can be as good-natured or hostile as we want to make it!

Annoyance (OPEN): With someone as opinionated and outspoken as Molly, she is bound to butt heads with people around town. This is someone that she has tried her hardest to like, but just can’t seem to get along with them. They are always there when she doesn’t want them to be. They can be clueless about her distaste for them or be fully aware of it.

Unlikely Friend (OPEN): Someone that seems unlike Molly in every way, but the two have developed a close bond despite their differences. She didn’t expect to like them as much as she does, but they’ve quickly become one of her closest friends. 

Mentor (Barbie, OPEN for more): An older resident of Carthay that Molly admires and respects. She always finds herself going to them for advice and values what they have to say, and in return they look after her.

Bad Influence (OPEN): Molly has never really had a reason to rebel at home, but her naturally curious nature has made her lowkey fascinated with the idea of rebellion. These are people that might encourage her to make less than ideal decisions.

First Crush/Currently Crushing (OPEN): Molly doesn’t have a lot of romantic experience-- aside what she sees on TV and reads in magazines-- so she’s never been in an actual relationship or kissed anyone before. This would just be someone that she had a crush on in elementary or middle school or someone that she’s crushing on now. (This would probably be a boy, since Molly’s only ever been attracted to boys before)

Friend-Zoned (OPEN): A friend of Molly’s that has a crush on her and she doesn’t want to ruin their friendship. Or someone that Molly has a crush on that doesn’t see her that way. Either way, they’re just friends, but there are some one-sided feelings in the mix.

As always, I’m definitely down to plot things that aren’t listed too! I just want to get some interesting connections going with my girl, so if you want to plot with her, just shoot me a message and let me know!