Lunchbox Films

To Hell And Back

2010-11-20T09:36:00.004-05:00

I’ve been making films for over fifteen years and during this time a lot of things have happened. Some of those things stopped me from going after my goals while others just kept beating me down. Life is far too short to ever stop going after the things you want in life. For a period of time I got lost in my own depression. Those where dark days sitting in a dark room working on The Other Side of Hell not knowing if I‘d ever finish the movie. The darkness of that film and working on my problems through art exorcising the oozing sadness dripping from my broken soul.
Weeks, months, and years went by and still my ever draining soul still couldn’t find the nagging problem that kept me from finishing The Other Side Of Hell. With every rewrite and reedit I kept getting closer to the core of sickness. Those chains kept getting heaver as the years passed. Ten years passed and still working on the project that Satan himself handed me. I tried to figure out the things that brought me to this dark unforgiving hell. There seemed to be no end in site!
As year ten crept closer it seemed I gave up all my dreams in favor of living a life trapped in a room with a movie that might never get done. Something happened that changed my life forever the answer was right in front of me the whole time. I was just too blind to see the Family and Friends rooting me on to finish the movie . I couldn’t hear the advice they where giving because I was too concerned with putting my own problems in the movie.
I finished The Other Side Of Hell two weeks before the world premier. I couldn’t have done it with out my family and friends. Now it’s two years later and I don’t think I’ve ever said a proper THANK YOU to all of those who took the time to help me through one of the hardest times of my life. With out my friends and family I might have never finished the movie I was close to giving up on my life time dream of being a filmmaker.
Soon I will be working on Horror-Struck, two new unannounced projects, and after ten years in hell I’ve back out the other side alive and ready to make the dream come true.

WHAT IS HORROR - STRUCK?

2010-02-07T08:36:00.001-05:00

What is Horror - Struck? Well Horror - Struck was as horror movie review show with odd guests from vampire hunters to a guy who loved OJ Simpson. My co hosts Ryan Nazzaro and Erica brought our fans in to the world of horror every Thursday at 10.
Now fast forward 14 years later and now it’s time for Horror - Struck to make it’s return. I’m happy to say Horror - Struck is moving along very well. Let me get you caught up to date with what’s been going on. About two years ago I contacted Ryan Nazzaro my co host from the original Horror - Struck show. Now I wasn’t sure what Ryan would think about bringing back the old show. At the time I was very nervous because you just have no idea how people have changed and what’s gong on in there lives. I asked him if he wanted to bring it back? and just like that he was in and just as or more excited then I am. Ryan I started working on the show having meetings every month then before I knew it we are having meetings every week.
How has the show changed from the original. At this time the details of the show are going to be kept secret until the new show debut’s.
Corey Sawyer is a new co writer to the show and is a great addition to the team. Corey came up with a great concept for season one that maps out the season and beyond also adding something that is very special to a super kick ass villain Ryan came up with.
Other new additions to the team are James Draper he’s a producer working with me on locations and helping with the crew. James is turning out to be an all around hitter.
The new show also brings a new co host with Ryan and myself. Who in time will be revealed on this persons debut episode.
The villain who going to be played by a great actor will be named in due time. I can’t wit to see him turn in to this super evil dude.
Over all with out a good team working with you. No matter what you are making a film, TV show, or web show if you have a big ego it could just could crash and burn before you start. Making a television or film is a team effort.

ART

2009-12-23T06:49:00.002-05:00

I haven’t posted a blog in a long time. A lot has been going on with filmmaking and life.
First The Other Side Of Hell seems to have made a little impact I was hoping for more but after a month long tour of October in to November of 2008. I have to say I’m happy I didn’t make back the money I put in to the film does that really matter? No. Now don’t get me wrong I would have loved to make back the money I put in to the film but
that didn’t happen. What did happen? I made new friends and met a lot of good people. What I did get satisfaction in was watching the audience reactions to this weird and violent film I made. Some where good and some not so good that comes with making a film like The Other Side Of Hell.
Making films is a hard thing to do. You have to love it if you don’t then get the hell out of it.

Honesty

2008-05-02T17:14:00.006-04:00

My view point in art and film making is always being open and honest with your self with what ever it is your making. The Other Side Of Hell is a violent, disgusting,and interesting film. Something I want to do is show trailers of other Indy films made in the state of NH and out. I'm not going to ask for anything in return from the filmmakers. Hell they can even sell there films at my screenings and I don't want a dime. Theirs always talk of a movement going on but to be honest most of the filmmakers don't really talk we do but we don't. Now is the time to do something worth while and stop thinking about ourselves.
I've asked myself over the past few months why do I make films? I was deep thought for along time on this and the answer is very simple....I love movies and I love being creative.
The Other Side Of Hell has taken ten years of my life but I've learned alot and have worked with a lot of great people! If it wasn't for them this film would have never been.
Thank you all!

PICTURES OF HORROR & DEVIL GIRL

2007-12-23T13:54:00.001-05:00

It's almost Christmas and its time and Devil Girl has some new very demented, imaginative, and super creative photo's. There's no reason to ramble on Devil Girls art speaks for it's shelf.

HOUSE OF HUGS PRODUCTIONS

2007-12-03T07:02:00.000-05:00

Julia Radochia is an actress, writer, editor, and filmmaker. I met her ten years ago as a production assistant on Old Man Dogs. When you see her play a charter you can tell she is a real natural.With any actor or actress I think its all in the eyes that bring the reality to the character the actor or actress is playing. This is what I have seen in the films Julia has acted in and is now I see that same passion in her film making. I've seen every film Julia has written and directed so far. My favorite is Just Like His Father, is really great in many ways and its her first film. I really like the camera work and editing in that film. But what stuck with me the most about Like His Father the story. After doing a drama Julia has been attacking the funny bone making a series of comedy shorts. . She just won best short award for I Just Want To Eat My Sandwich. I will be keeping you updated with information and news as Julia moves on making films.

LIKE HIS FATHER

HOUSE OF HUGS PRODUCTIONS

BILL MILLIOS TELLING IT THE WAY IT IS!!!!

2007-11-28T04:11:00.001-05:00

Check out Bill Millios's blog, Backlot Films Blog !!! He gives us a full update with whats going on with his films and getting information out about other film makers and actors . Bill SLAMS a recent CONCORD MONITOR ARTICLE about how independent film making is just starting in NH.

EMAIL, CALL, AND SEND A LETTER TO THE CONCORD MONITOR TELL THEM TO CORRECT THERE ARTICLE!!

Letters to the editor Fax: 603-224-8120 ("Attn: Letters to editor")
E-mail: http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/misc?Url=/forms/opinion/letter_to_editor.pbs

BILL MILLIOS & DANGEROUS CROSSWINDS KEEPS ROLLING ON!!!

2007-11-12T03:43:00.000-05:00

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

DANGEROUS CROSSWINDS

DEVIL GIRL & HORROR ART

2007-11-03T06:56:00.000-04:00

I met Devil Girl on myspace and checked out her pages. Her horror photography is really creative, erotic, and the angles she chooses are really good. I think she has a great eye and with the photo's she doesn't take you can tell she has all the creative control.
Seeing art like this doesn't come along every day so I think you should go check it out!
I'll keep you updated with any new info of her work.

FREAKY FARLEY

2007-10-14T08:16:00.000-04:00

"Freaky Farley" Teaser

On October 11th of at 6:30 PM I saw a horror film called Freaky Farley. It's been along time since I've seen a horror film that surprised me with its originality and creativity. The film is directed and edited by Charles Roxburgh who did a great job directing and editing. The film is produced and stars Matt Farley as Freaky Farley. Matt Farley did a very impressive job being Freaky Farley his acting I thought was dead on. Both Matt and Charles wrote the screenplay. I think the rest of the cast did a great job but the stand out for me is Sharon Scalzo who played Scarlett Carter you just have to see the movie. Now I'm only going to give any scratch on the plot I don't want to rune it for someone who hasn't seen the film. Check out their myspace page. Who knows what the future holds for Freaky Farley. When the movie comes out on DVD or if there are any more screenings I'll keep you updated!

DEAD MINDS & UFO VS JOE SMITH

2007-08-22T06:30:00.000-04:00

First I'd like to thank Bill Millios for helping me get two short films I made on youtube. Dead Minds is the first short film I made. The short was shot in two days with a HI 8 camera and has an excellent sound track by Marc Vadeboncoeur. Jeremy Cooper plays a insane clerk who's in love with a decapitated head. The UFO VS Joe Smith was shot in a day and edited in a very quick fashion. Jeremy Cooper plays Joe Smith who has a UFO problem. Again I want to thank Bill Millios for taking the time to get the two short films online. It goes with out saying when filmmakers help each other and are friends we gain more ground.

PSA'S NOW ONLINE

2007-07-25T08:04:00.000-04:00

First I'd like to thank Bill Millios for giving me a chance to light, sound, and color correct these PSA'S its not every day you get chances like this. All four where written by students who did a great job. Those same students also acted in them. Bill did a masterful job producing,camera,and editing them. Its not that easy to edit the PSA'S down to a solid thirty seconds. That entertain and inform. Check out the PSA'S at this link to Backlot Films youtube page. http://youtube.com/user/backlotfilms

TRAILERS FROM HELL

2007-07-05T09:41:00.000-04:00

First I'd like to say a big thank you to Bill Millios for encoding and posting the trailers. Thank you. These trailers are ten years of hard work and I hope you like them.

HELL IS ALMOST OVER

2007-07-02T07:58:00.000-04:00

I'm coming close to getting a true final cut done for "THE OTHER SIDE OF HELL". Ten years and hundred of hours editing a film that's been a real challenge to finish. I'm not sure how people are going to like it. After watching the movie a million times I've come to the conclusion that Hell is a damn mean film. It's vicious, evil at times, and drags you in to the deepest darkest corners of a serial killers mind, life, and death.
I'm going to be honest there have been times I wanted to quit the film all together and do something different . What has kept me going? The people involved in the making of the film.

I want The Other Side Of Hell to be a good film. I hope the images, sounds, and story will sink in to people brains and as they sleep in comfy beds those images will create nightmares making those people jump up screaming.

Whats next after Hell is done? I've been writing short horror stories I would like to get published in magazines. If that doesn't pan out I'll take all the short stories put them together in to a book and see what happens. I'm going to finish a short film "Neck Of The Woods" made by Mike Hall co writer and director, Bill Millios Director of Photography, and myself co writer and co director. Neck Of The Woods is a crazy film about three lost souls and there last day on earth. As far as my next feature goes its festering in my brain waiting to be written and made in to a living breathing monster.

PSA, THREE QUESTIONS, AND BOTTLED WORDS

2007-06-25T07:51:00.001-04:00

First I'd like to thank Bill Millios for giving me a chance to work with him on three PSA videos about kids staying in school. Bill crafted three short pieces that where written and acted by students who came up with some cool concepts and put in some great performances. It's a cool thing when a person has confidence in your abilities. What did I do? Lighting, sound, and color correction. The shoot took place in one day; it was a crazy fun day getting all the shots needed for the 30 second spots. Each spot nails what's needed to be said, getting the point across in a creative way. Thank you Bill.
Three Questions, is a short black & white silent film by Bill Millios. The film deals with questions of fate, life, death, and split personalities. This is the film where Bill goes to the dark side with very strange and bizarre results. Check it out!
Bottled Words, is also a black & white short silent film by Bill Millios. This film deals with crooks who knock over a nursing home, hide the money, and everything falls apart. Its a funny film where you don't know where its going with very memorable characters.

Check out the links below.

Three Questions One Week : http://backlotfilm.blogspot.com/2007/06/three-questions-one-week-now-online.html

Bottled Words:
http://backlotfilm.blogspot.com/2007/06/bottled-words-now-online.html

PSA: http://backlotfilm.blogspot.com/2007/06/nhde-psas-now-online.html

Teacher (:30)

Mirrors (:30)

Pedro's Rap (:30)

Keys (:30)

GETTING BEAT DOWN AND GETTING BACK UP

2007-05-26T13:21:00.000-04:00

Feeling the blows of failure is quiet a difficult thing to handle. What do I mean? 10 years on one film is just too long. There are days I feel beaten by life and just feel like giving in and handing in the bloody towel I just used to wipe my beaten, bloody, and bruised face clean. What happens if I give up? Nothing really happens at all. Dreams become old dust covered crumbling books in a shelf in the back of my mind. Life moves on, who cares. For those of you who have quit I feel little sympathy for you. Why don't I quit? I just don't want to wake up when I'm fifty and say "what could have been?...what could I've done if I just kept moving forward." There's that little monster that lives inside of me. This fouled mouth smelly creature somewhere deep in my guts tells me to "KEEP GOING! DON'T STOP! " In all of our lives we meet people who say you can't do it...your not good enough. I've heard things just like that. It makes the monster grow inside. Getting, bigger, and bigger. I hear the deep raspy voice say "DON'T STOP! DON'T LET THE DREAM DIE! "
What led me to this rant. I just had to get it out of me. We all have dreams don't give in! Don't give up! Don't let the dream die!
10 years of ideas for new films sit on the dusty self in my brain. Soon I'm going to be getting to work again on something new. Once The Other Side Of Hell is done. Its time to move forward.

Changes and Digital Filmmaking Work Shop

2007-05-22T06:49:00.000-04:00

Its been some time since I've written a blog. Well, a lot has happened. First I want to say the Digital Film Making Work Shops are great for the people wanting to become filmmakers. Bill Millios and Marc Vadeboncoeur give students hands on experience instead of sitting in a class talking about theory. If you want to go to film school it's okay I guess if you like over paying and getting teachers who either failed as filmmakers or believe that Hollywood is the only way to do it. In this day and age there is no need put twenty or thirty thousand into four years of film school. Learning from real independents who understand and know the realities of film making will push you farther ahead. You'll also save money to buy a camera or get your first film started.
Ten years of my life are tied up in The Other Side Of Hell. There's a lot of blood, sweat, and headaches in this film. I'm coming close to having it finished. Once the color correction is done and the final cut is locked then I'll be jumping on to the sound mix and sound track. I've seen the Other Side Of Hell a million times and I know if the sound design is weak the film will fall flat. When I put the trailers on the web then you'll get an idea of what I'm going for as far as the sound mix and music I want.
Also I'd like to thank all the hard working crew members and actors who put in a lot of time in to this crazy film. Without their help I wouldn't have this film near done. I feel I'm lucky that the people who have worked on the film understand what I'm trying to go for. There is no "I" in making a film. It is a group effort. With out a great crew the film wouldn't be made.
I think all of us get discouraged at one time or another. I've lost momentum with The Other Side OF Hell for sometime. What keeps me going is the love of film making. The best part is when there are no EGOS involved!

DIGITAL FILMMAKING WORK SHOP

2007-03-21T08:22:00.000-04:00

Is film school worth the time and the money? No, Why go there for two years and come out in debt with a few student short films. Why take two years when you can learn all you need in two days? The myth of film school is just that a myth. It’s true-- people come out of film school and do make feature films or work on a few productions.
The reality is, you don’t need film school at all. Bill Millios and Marc Vadeboncoeur are doing their 2nd Digital Filmmaking Work Shop. On March 31st and April 1st . Below information is from the Backlot films blog.
Check out the website http://www.digitalfilmmakingworkshops.com/

Thursday, March 01, 2007

New DFW Press Release
March 1, 2007 / FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEGuest lecturers announced for Digital Filmmaking WorkshopTwo-day seminar on “Producing, Marketing and Screening Your Independent Film” returns to the MCAM Studios in Manchester, NH on March 31-April 1, 2007.RAYMOND, N.H. – The Digital Filmmaking Workshop has announced the guest lecturers for their upcoming two-day seminar on “Producing, Marketing and Screening Your Independent Film” which will take place during the weekend of March 31-April 1 2007 (9:00 am – 5:00 pm) in the studios of Manchester Community Access Media, 540 Commercial St., Manchester, N.H.The guest lecturers include:
Matthew Newton (Film Specialist for the New Hampshire Film and Television Office)
Jeff Rapsis (Associate Publisher for HippoPress, the weekly arts and entertainment newspaper of Manchester, Nashua and Concord)
Paul Durham (past Senior Counsel at Playboy TV International and current Entertainment Lawyer for Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green)
Julia Radochia (Actress in Bleached, Everybody Does It, and Old Man Dogs and also Writer-Director of award-winning short films such as Eddie's Winning Date and Jimmy's House of Hugs)
From the crew of Dangerous Crosswinds, Old Man Dogs and the upcoming Death & Glory the Digital Filmmaking Workshops have been created by Bill Millios of Back Lot Films & Marc Vadeboncoeur of Goodheart Media Services with a philosophy towards instructing students how they can achieve their goals with a ‘no-nonsense do-it-yourself’ approach.“We’re very proud to announce the lineup of guest speakers for this year’s workshop,” said Millios. “They are an exceptionally experienced and diverse group of media and film professionals who add yet another dimension to this already ambitious workshop”.
Attendees will receive valuable insight into the creative, technical, and marketing strategies essential for filmmaking. Small class size, practical demonstrations, and a wide range of topics will give students the opportunity to expand their knowledge and put it to immediate use. Testimonials from past workshops have been posted on the http://www.digitalfilmmakingworkshops.com/ website.In 2005 Dangerous Crosswinds screened in close to twenty locations in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont, including the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, N.H., Lebanon Opera House in Lebanon, N.H. and the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge, Mass. Commentators praised the film as an outstanding example of independent film made outside traditional cinema circles. DVDTalk.com awarded the film a four-star rating, New Hampshire Magazine called Dangerous Crosswinds “provocative – a film which explores the light and dark sides of human nature,” John Clayton of the New Hampshire Union Leader wrote that “this is honest and brave filmmaking,” while Mike Sullivan in the Portsmouth Herald described Dangerous Crosswinds as being “independent filmmaking in its purest form.”Registration for the two-day seminar is $347. Seats for this popular workshop fill up fast, so be sure to register early. Registrations received by March 14, 2007 will get 15% off the standard workshop fee. In addition, attendees will receive complimentary copies of the Digital Filmmaking Workshops Handbook, a DVD of Dangerous Crosswinds and the Discmakers Ultimate Guide to Releasing Your Film on DVD. Space is limited, so register early. For more information please call Marc Vadeboncoeur at Goodheart Media Services at 603-206-4364 or visit http://www.digitalfilmmakingworkshops.com/.
posted by backlotfilms at 7:49 AM
Saturday, February 24, 2007

Four quick things...
Marc Vadeboncoeur has informed me that the video for Sevendust's new single Driven will make its world premiere broadcast this coming Saturday, March 3 on MTV's Headbanger's Ball. As I first wrote about, Marc and Morgan Murphy produced this spot which I was one of the camera operators for. I'm looking forward to seeing the final edit. We also shot an 11-song mini-concert featuring all the songs found on their new CD, Alpha, which comes out on March 6, 2007.
Speaking of Marc, in the next few days we'll be announcing our list of guest speakers for our upcoming Digital Filmmaking Workshop. Also, early registration discount has been extended until March 7, 2007.
Last night I saw and absolutely loved the DVD of Clint Eastwood's The Flags of our Fathers. Clint's certainly on a roll...
Next week I'll officially be moving from New Boston, New Hampshire to Fremont, New Hampshire. I'll post updated contact info here as soon as I have it.

FEAR, ACTION, AND FILMMAKING

2007-01-19T12:35:00.000-05:00

In the last few posts I've gone in to starting a movement. Talk means nothing! I'll just be honest I'm tired of movies about movies being made. It's time to take real chances. As I have just written these words The Other Side Of Hell is still not finished. I can talk, write, hell even sing my thoughts but if there is no action behind it what does it mean? I'll tell you what it means nothing.
Fears we all have them when doing any kind of art. The one fear on all of our minds will people like the films, writting, pictures, and music that the artist makes. Fear is something that can hold you back from doing anything truly new and daring.

NEVER GIVE UP

2006-12-27T06:19:00.000-05:00

The closer I get to finishing The Other Side Of Hell I think about the road blocks I've hit along the way. Everything from weather problems, camera's breaking, and actors quitting and rejoining and never losing the drive to finish the film.
At times I wanted to quit and move on to do something new. If did give up and leave the film unfinished then I'd never know how this film would be.
No matter what any one says good or bad The Other Side Of Hell is the start of something.
Never give up on your dreams, never give up.

AN HONEST MAN IS ALWAYS IN TROUBLE!

2006-12-01T05:58:00.000-05:00

"An honest man is always in trouble" , is a quote from one of my favorite films ,Henry Fool, by Hal Hartley http://www.possiblefilms.com/. I suggest that you check out Henry Fool at this link http://www.sonypictures.com/classics/henryfool/ .
Bill Millios put a lot on the line with being honest about what is going on in this so called NH film community. First check out these blogs from Bill about what is going on in plain sight http://backlotfilm.blogspot.com/2006/11/more-ramblings-snob-film-festival-etc.html http://backlotfilm.blogspot.com/2006_10_01_backlotfilm_archive.html .
I know there are filmmakers out there who agree with Bill, and I'm one of them. The other filmmakers who agree with Bill but keep their mouths shut in fear of losing contacts or losing the support of the weak corrupt like minded people. Those gutless filmmakers want it both ways-- they want to make it so badly that they are willing to do anything. They lost their courage and creative spirit along the way!
Is filmmaking hard? Of course. Do you make money at it right away? No! To be honest, you may never make a dime. If you are one of those filmmakers who is in it because you think you will make a million dollars then quit! Go become a plumber!
Silence happens only in death. Why hold back what you think about the NH film esabllishment, seedy film festivals and unethical dealings! If you speak up about those ills then there might be change. It takes intestinal fortitude to say what you think and to tell the truth. If telling the truth means burning bridges, then we as a collective who really want change should burn every crooked bridge we come across.
Those filmmakers who want real change should start a revolution!

SICK

2006-11-28T07:28:00.000-05:00

As I'm finishing up the final edits to the Other Side Of Hell I can't help but to think to myself what has happened to the world of filmmaking? This is a question I keep asking myself as of late. First I'd like to you to check this link....Bill gives some great insight in to what's going on. In this link Bill deals with the issues of lack of originality of films and filmmakers who take the easy way out doing parodies http://backlotfilm.blogspot.com/2006/11/originality_20.html.
I'm going to be honest I'm sick and tired of crappy films, politics, and just really lazy filmmaking. Some people may say how can I even talk about these things when I've been working on a film for the past ten years?

CINEMA OF TEARS

2006-11-15T13:06:00.000-05:00

I haven't seen a movie in a theatre in months. I'd have to say almost all the films coming out now are Hollywood trash. Its sad when the only thing that matters is the dollar and there are no chances being taken by the studios.
Even indy filmmakers are trying to be Hollywood and in my opinion that's not the way to go. What ever happened to the creativity in filmmaking?????? I have to hope there are filmmakers out there trying to do something different. Those filmmakers know who they are. When the zombies open there eyes then there will be a change!

Almost done hell

2006-11-10T06:18:00.000-05:00

It has almost been ten years since I started making The Other Side Of Hell and I'm happy to say I'm almost finished. It has been a long hard road. I've been lucky to have friends and people who have worked on the film and understand why it has taken so long.
I just bought a 250 external hard drive to finish up the film. Once I have my final cut where I want it then its off to do sound work and music.
I want to announce that I'm going to be doing a 10 retro documentary on the making of Old Man Dogs to be added to the 10 anniversary. Dogs is a Backlot Films production; Directed by Bill Millios. I can't wait to sink my teeth in to this production. A little note on Old Man Dogs: Dogs is the first feature film I worked on. I learned a lot about filmmaking and how to do things the right way. Every Backlot Films production I have worked on are the best planned out. Go to http://backlotfilm.com/to learn more about upcoming films and also check out http://deathandglorythemovie.com/ Bill Millios's upcoming film.
I want to end this blog in saying no matter what your dreams are never give up......No matter how difficult things get no matter how much bad luck you have. If you give up you will never know what might have been.
Coming on future blogs pictures and more news on The Other Side Of Hell.

The Other Side of Hell

2006-04-25T11:50:00.000-04:00

I recently just completed the trailer and will soon be posting more details about the completion and release of the film.