Join Me at the Winter BUT in Breda

 

Hi everyone!

On January 4, I’ll be heading to Breda, the Netherlands, for a book signing at Winter BUT! The place to be is Poppodium Phoenix from 12:00 pm to 07:00 pm. 

The festival celebrates all things underground and alternative and always has something interesting happening, so make sure to check out their full program if you’re planning to visit.

It’s going to be a laid-back and friendly vibe, so don’t hesitate to stop by and say hello. And if you’ve got one of my books already, feel free to bring it along for a signature!

Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and meeting new ones!

A Night of Feline Terror on 35mm

This Friday, the Cinematek in Brussels has a treat for fans of feline terror. Two cat-forward classics, The Shadow of the Cat (1961) and Sleepwalkers (1992), will grace the big screen in their original 35mm format. I’ll be there in person to introduce both films, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and stories from my latest book, Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies.

Intrigued? You can pre-order the Kindle edition now at 50% off, with the full release (including paperback) coming on February 7. 

But first, let’s dig into why these two films deserve a spot in your weekend plans.

The Shadow of the Cat: An “Old Dark House” with a Feline Twist

A Hammer film in disguise, The Shadow of the Cat is a quintessential example of the “Old Dark House” sub-genre. Set in a sprawling English manor, it unravels a mystery involving nine ill-fated visitors—and a cat named Tabitha who exacts her unique brand of justice.

This 1961 gem owes much to Edgar Allan Poe’s The Black Cat, borrowing the motif of a feline symbolizing justice and vengeance. Directed by John Gilling (known for Hammer classics like The Reptile and Plague of the Zombies), the film also boasts a rare horror score by renowned composer Mikis Theodorakis, better known for Zorba the Greek and Serpico.

Tabitha the cat steals the show, but fans of vintage horror will also appreciate performances from Hammer queen Barbara Shelley (Dracula, Village of the Damned) and André Morrell (The Hound of the Baskervilles).

Sleepwalkers: Cult Classic Fun with Morphing CGI

From the mind of Stephen King comes Sleepwalkers (1992), a tale of shape-shifting creatures and the hero cat who stands in their way. Unlike most King adaptations, this one was based on an original screenplay, marking the first collaboration between King and director Mick Garris. The duo would go on to work together on The Stand and The Shining miniseries.

Sleepwalkers is unapologetically fun, blending horror, camp, and early ‘90s CGI morphing effects—a technique pioneered just a year earlier in Terminator 2 and Michael Jackson’s Black or White. 

The true hero? Clovis, the brave cat who takes on the titular Sleepwalkers to protect Tanya, played by Mädchen Amick. The cat, portrayed mostly by an exceptionally talented feline named Sparks, became an icon in horror circles.

Giveaway!

To celebrate the release of Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies, I’m also hosting a $25 Amazon Gift Card giveaway! The giveaway is open worldwide and runs until January 25. Participating is simple—fill out the Rafflecopter below to enter.  Good luck!

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Cover Reveal

Hello everyone,

I’m excited to officially share the cover of my new book, Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies, and to let you know that the Kindle version is now available for pre-order at 50% off! 🛒🐱

Both paperback and Kindle will be available on February 7, 2025! 

This book has been a long time in the making, and I’m thrilled to reveal this comprehensive guide that celebrates the role of cats in some of the most iconic—and underrated—movies across horror, sci-fi, and fantasy.

About the Book

Meow! is more than just a guide—it’s a treasure trove of feline film history and insights, spanning over 250 movies from 29 countries. From hidden gems to cult classics, it’s a must-have for anyone who loves cats, movies, or better yet, both!

Contributions from 29 writers make this book a true collaborative effort. Their essays bring diverse perspectives and unique insights into the world of feline cinema, exploring themes of mythology, symbolism, and cats as cinematic icons.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll find inside:

🐾 Extensive Cat Movie List: An ultimate guide to cat-centric horror, sci-fi, and fantasy films, including short films and TV episodes.

🐾 Best Cat Moments: Uncover iconic cat jumpscares and memorable scenes that have thrilled and terrified audiences alike.

🐾 Behind-the-Scenes Trivia: Learn fascinating stories about the making of these films and how our feline friends found their way into some of the most unforgettable roles in cinema.

🐾 Expert Reviews & Recommendations: Get tips for your next movie night and discover films you may have never heard of before.

Whether you’re a horror buff who loves a good fright, a sci-fi fan curious about cats as cosmic travelers, or a fantasy enthusiast fascinated by mythical felines, Meow! has something for everyone.

Pre-Order Now!

Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies is available for Kindle pre-order starting today. Reserve your copy now at 50% off and be among the first to dive into this ultimate guide to feline film magic.

Follow me on Instagram, X, or Facebook (or subscribe to my newsletter) for more updates, including exclusive excerpts, contributor highlights, and behind-the-scenes peeks at how this book came together.

Thank you for your support—and for sharing my love of cats and cinema. I can’t wait for you to hold this book in your hands and explore the world of feline film magic with me!

P.S. Have you ever been startled by a cat scare in a movie or charmed by a magical feline on screen? Share your favorite cat movie moments in the comments—I’d love to hear them!

$25 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Enter this $25 Amazon Gift Card toe celebrate the pre-order release of Meow! For a chance to win, fill out the Rafflecopter below. The giveaway is open worldwide and ends January 25, 2025. Good luck!

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Chad Ferrin's The Deep Ones and The Old Ones

Hey everyone! This Friday at the BUT Film Festival in Breda, I'll be introducing The Deep Ones (2020) and The Old Ones (2024) by Chad Ferrin. Both films dive deep into the world of H.P. Lovecraft—perfect for those who love a good cosmic scare!

THE DEEP ONES (2020) is Ferrin’s take on Lovecraft’s The Shadow over Innsmouth. The film plunges viewers into a world where an idyllic seaside community hides a terrifying secret tied to ancient, aquatic beings known as the Deep Ones. With its eerie atmosphere and unsettling storyline, it’s a modern tribute to Lovecraft’s influence on horror.

THE OLD ONES (2024) continues in the same vein, drawing even more deeply from Lovecraft’s mythos. This film explores the cosmic horror of ancient, godlike entities that exist beyond human comprehension.

If you're into Lovecraftian horror—those tales of ancient gods, cosmic dread, and the insignificance of humanity in the vastness of the universe— come check them out this Friday at the festival!

Fabio Frizzi masterclass

This Friday, I'll be hosting a masterclass with movie composer Fabio Frizzi.

His face may not ring a bell, but his musical talent will probably sound familiar to you since Frizzi has had a profound impact on the fantastic film industry. Driven by his passion for genre films, he has collaborated with some of the most (in)famous Italian directors of the golden era, including Lucio Fulci, with whom he has created several iconic scores. Among his most notable soundtracks feature THE BEYOND, CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD, ZOMBI 2, and MANHATTAN BABY.

In this masterclass, Frizzi will delve deeper into his soundtracks, his relationship with the Italian horror and giallo maestros, and, if you behave, he might even throw in an anecdote or two about a certain Quentin Tarantino, a great fan of gialli in general and of Fulci in particular. He borrowed one of Frizzi’s tunes, stemming from the SEVEN NOTES IN BLACK score, to include in KILL BILL: VOL 1.

April 12, 2024 – 05:30 pm

BIFFF Q&A stage – Palais 12, Heysel

WEEKEND OF HELL

📚 I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be at the Weekend of Hell horror convention in Oberhausen, Germany, on September 2nd and 3rd. 🎉 Join me at the Wicked Vision booth for a book signing of my horror film guides and supernatural thrillers. 📖✍️

Get ready to be in the presence of horror greatness, as I'll be joined by a star-studded lineup including legends like Sean S. Cunningham, Alyssa Sutherland, Gilles Vranckx, Catriona Maccoll, Christina Lindberg, Lar Park Lincoln, Betsy Baker, and many more! 🌟🎬

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend of horror, camaraderie, and spine-chilling fun. See you at the Weekend of Hell in Oberhausen on September 2nd and 3rd! 💀🔪 

#WeekendOfHell #HorrorCon #AuthorSigning 

Sharksploitation: A New Documentary About Horror Movies with Sharks

 

📢 Exciting News! 📽️

I'm thrilled to share that I've had the amazing opportunity to participate in the feature-length documentary Sharksploitation. Exploring the fascinating realm of horror films featuring our favorite apex predators, this eagerly anticipated documentary is a deep dive into the chilling and captivating world of shark-infested cinema. 🦈✨

Because I'm the author and editor of the book When Animals Attack: The 70 Best Horror Movies with Killer Animals, director Stephen Scarlata asked me to be one of the "shark movie specialists" who could offer unique insights and perspectives on these films. Other interviewees include Roger Corman, Joe Dante, and Johannes Roberts. 

Mark your calendars for July 21, as that's the day when Sharksploitation will make its much-anticipated debut on Shudder. 🗓️🌊

In the meantime, why not dive into the captivating world of killer sharks and other menacing animals through my book When Animals Attack: The 70 Best Horror Movies with Killer Animals.

COMIC CON BRUSSELS 2023

 

What will you be doing this weekend? If you happen to be in Belgium, why not come to Comic Con Brussels on May 20 and May 21, where I'll be signing copies of my books? 

I'll be in the good company of such stars as Jamie Campbell Bower (Stranger Things, Twilight, Harry Potter), Paddy Considine (House of the Dragon, Peaky Blinders), Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian, Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Boys), Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street), Rose McGowan (Scream, Charmed, Jawbreaker), Tom Wlaschiha (Stranger Things, Game of Thrones), and many more.

BIFFF 2023

 

BIFFF (Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival) is doing an entire section on horrible children this year (not necessarily evil ones). Since I published a book on the subject, Evil Seeds: The Ultimate Movie Guide to Villainous Children, I will be moderating several Q&A's with the filmmakers of some of these movies, including The Wrath of Becky by Suzanne Coote and Matt Angel, The Coffee Table by Caye Casas and Evil Eye by Isaac Ezban.

This year, I will also be part of the "Jury de la Critique" at BIFFF. The ten movies I will be judging are Stéphane by Timothée Hochet and Lucas Pastor (France), Saturn Bowling by Patricia Mazuy (France/Belgium), The Coffee Table by Caye Casas (Spain), UFO Sweden by Victor Danell (Sweden), Sisu by Halmari Helander (Finland), Ferocious Wolf by Gustavo Hernández (Spain/Uruguay/Argentina), The Elderly by Raúl Cerezo and Fernando González Gómez (Spain), Aliens Abducted my Parents and Now I Feel Kinda Left Out by Jake Van Wagoner (USA), Infinity Pool by Brandon Cronenberg (Canada/Hungary/France), and Soft & Quiet by Beth De Arújo (USA).

The Q&A's can be watched via live streaming on the BIFFF YouTube channel.

BIFFF starts today and will run until April 23.

My latest book, Evil Seeds: The Ultimate Movie Guide to Villainous Children, is now available from Amazon and other retailers. 

A WEEKEND WITH BRIGITTE LAHAIE

 

Next weekend, the Offscreen Film Festival is hosting a small Brigitte Lahaie retrospective of which I'll be introducing the movies Fascination by Jean Rollin (France, 1979), Je suis à prendre by Francis Leroi (France, 1978). Faceless by Jess Franco (France/Spain, 1988), and The Night of the Hunted by Jean Rollin (France, 1980). Brigitte Lahaie herself will be present at the festival, and she'll join me during the introductions of the first three movies.