A quasi third part in my AI Villain Origin Story...a look at how cynical AI rectified the cynicism of old Hollywood and a shafted franchise.

Unifcation Short Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgOZFny7F50

Previous Generations episode 55: https://cynema-85.pinecast.co/episode/156a9a21a54e4a9a/ep-55-kirk-picard-cynema-

Find out more at https://cynema-85.pinecast.co

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

I follow up on my turning to The Dark Side.

Find out more at https://cynema-85.pinecast.co

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

The normalization of sexualization gave us Britney Spears. A look at the collective guilt everyone bears in a world that now sees the destruction of a human life as public entertainment and the person as a commodity.

Links: Download Anna Watkins Fisher's brilliant analysis on Spears and Weaponized Entertainment: http://www.annawatkinsfisher.com/uploads/2/1/6/7/21677368/4077_001.pdf

Cynema EP 47: The Assassination of Tara Reid https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-47-the-assassination-of-tara-reid/id1472545207?i=1000473404274

Cynema Episode 34: Easy Access https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-34-easy-access/id1472545207?i=1000465094353

South Park Episode: Britney's New Look https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kje45uH92ZI

The much-maligned film was never meant to be part of the "Halloween" franchise. Cynema looks at the cynical marketing of this film that doomed it before it ever got a release. Blog: http://horrorfuel.com/2015/08/18/halloween-iii-second-look/

A look at the world George Lucas created and his own hand in its decline, but is it Cynema? Superfans, Disney, Last Jedi, The Prequels...there's a lot of blame to go around. Cynema Blog: http://horrorfuel.com/2015/11/23/lucas-might-be-how-own-worst-enemy/

What happens when a friend and fellow flimmaker options a bad script and asks your opinion? Also how do I connect this script to "The Shining?" Listen and find out. Cynema Blog: http://horrorfuel.com/2019/04/09/all-work-and-no-play-makes-the-shining-a-dull-film/

I interview Dread Central horror film reviewer and film-lover, Michelle Swope. Michelle gives insight on the genre, where it's heading, "comments" vs. reviews and gets an impromptu therapy session involving Amanda Wyss and a Nightmare on Elm Street!

Has CGI and green screening changed the way we view and process our entertainment? The term "dated" gets thrown around a lot but when stripped of context, films are seen from a very distorted view. Read the blog: http://horrorfuel.com/2016/12/24/suspension-disbelief-film-dysmorphia/

What happens when remakes have nothing to say and are made outside of the historical context of their originals? Cynema. We look at 1985's "Fright Night" and its 2011 remake for case in point. Read the blog at: http://horrorfuel.com/2015/08/19/cynema-fright-night-or-why-remake-when-you-can-just-retitle/

"What Do You Got?" That's the question to throw back at those who ask that of you. Financiers, executives even distributors...your time is valuable and people will waste it. If you're out there shaking the money tree for financing, this episode is for you. Avoid the "Witches Brooms" and know the difference between "love" and a good fucking.

Notes go here

Indie filmmaker Hilton Ruiz talks "Zombie With A Shotgun" and gives fantastic advice and inspiration to anyone out there dogging this filmmaking dream and fighting the cynicism that comes with it.

Find Hilton at: www.zombiewithashotgun.com @HiltonARuiz @ZombieWAShotgun

The media continues its push to fuse journalism with entertainment and we are all the collateral damage of this campaign. A look at how the recent Gabby Petito incident underscores a major cynical trend toward dangerous and uninformed ends that further divides us as a society.

Links: Sylvia Browne Professional Psychic Bullshit Artist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKyzBe0CA2Q

EP 36: It's All About Me Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-36-its-all-about-me/id1472545207?i=1000466410149

EP 27: The Pronouns of Fandom https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-27-the-pronouns-of-fandom/id1472545207?i=1000460345178

Are remakes and sequels inherently cynical and why do so many seem to take them personally when announced? More importantly, we look at "The Repackaging" which just might be a new form of Cynema. See my blog on "Ghostbusters 2016" and why this isn't so much of a film as it is a cynical piece of product. http://horrorfuel.com/2017/04/03/ghostbusters-answer-call/

The time/era a film is made is integral to its success or failure. This episode looks at the uniqueness of the Reagan 80s and the success of the "Friday the 13th" series and slashers as a whole.

Read the Cynema blog here: http://horrorfuel.com/2016/01/11/friday-the-13th-gets-lucky/

EP 7: CRITICAL THINKING I used my own film, my first feature, "The Fields" as an example of when reviewers come at a filmmaker and just plain get shit wrong. It's not about liking or disliking, it's about knowing your stuff. Read my blog piece here to read the actual review in question: http://horrorfuel.com/2017/03/26/critical-thinking-with-film-and-reviews/

EPISODE 6: The Tucky Williams Interview Filmmaker and actress, Tucky Williams of "Girl/Girl Scene" gives one hell of an interview that chronicles her fight with Amazon and vitriolic comments that got her film removed from the media giant. You have to hear it to believe it. This interview underscores Cynema. Read my Cynema blog: http://horrorfuel.com/author/harrison/

When Filmmakers Strike Back Do filmmakers have the right to respond directly to misinformed "reviews" or ignorant comments, and just what constitutes a "review" these days?

Read the blog here: http://horrorfuel.com/2015/08/12/when-filmmakers-strike-back/

Read the "Slack Jaw Punks" review of "Camp Dread here: https://slackjawpunks.com/movie-review-camp-dread/

A Twitter thread discussion on James Wan's recent horror offering, Malignant inspired this episode. I watched as a tribal, "you must be on one side of the discussion, and it's our side," conversation play out on the social media platform. A look as to why critical thinking and not blind fandom is imperative in demanding better of not just our entertainment but our lives and society as well.

Please reference my previous episodes: EP 81: Designer Horror EP 2: Jaws the Worst EP: 26: Halloween: Then, When and Now? EP27: The Pronouns of Fandom EP 7: Critical Thinking

Cynema is about demanding better. This episode looks at the recent Netflix deal with a Tik Tok "star" and the resources wasted on Adam Sandler's "Hubie Halloween" and Tom Green's "Freddie Got Fingered." Did they really waste incredible amounts of money to just prove a point?

A follow up to EP 104 announcing a horror book project I am writing. Here is how you can be part of it by sharing your memories of films I have selected. I am not looking for reviews, but rather the memories of seeing these films: where, when, who was with you & the impact on you. My list will be on my Twitter timeline.

Email your name and title of film in subject line to: Cynema85@gmail.com

A look as to why horror is personal and how YOU can be part of a new horror project I have starting up.

Also a nice shout out to Bruce Markusen's "Hosted Horror On Television" book. Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Hosted-Horror-Television-Creature-Features/dp/1476684618/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1RU2U16BTFHEM&dchild=1&keywords=hosted+horror+on+television&qid=1629475716&sprefix=hosted+horror%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-1

Blumhouse has announced three new "Exorcist" sequels. Not remakes, reboots or reimagining--sequels and Twitter got all lit up about it. I was asked my opinion but my reply was not a simple, one size fits all answer. As horror buffs, have a listen, let's hear what you think. Is it all a cynical cash grab? Let's find out.

Building off EP 101, a look at the absolute Cynema of Independence Day 2. Next to Jaws the Revenge, a film that embodies Hollywood cynical filmmaking.

Link to article: https://www.npr.org/2021/07/08/1014095135/barry-diller-headed-2-hollywood-studios-he-now-says-the-movie-business-is-dead

Is Hollywood and Movie Making really over? What does that mean and most of all who called the time of death? A look at how major studio execs who looked after themselves, kept it business as usual and did little to nothing to embrace the burgeoning streaming technology that would change everything.

My upcoming monster movie, releasing this fall has a unique teen cast and I took this milestone episode to mark their first official interview. Peter Cote, Selina Flanscha, Oliver Givens, Riley Sullivan, Emma Lim and Asher Ruppert share their thoughts and views on coming from obscurity to a major feature film overnight and toward the end their views on films they deem to be "Cynema" and...reveal their dark secret. And more!

Recorded over Skype. Please forgive audio fluctuations.

Backlash to a recent AI video I put up for fun got me thinking harder about AI tech and where this is all going...and it's not good. Or is it?

Find out more at https://cynema-85.pinecast.co

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

My upcoming monster movie drops some exclusive audio clips as I discuss fighting the odds in getting this movie made against a global pandemic and the cynical belief the indie film industry "is over." Stay tuned for EP 100!

Ed Wood was not the worst filmmaker nor was Plan 9 the worst film ever. Fight me. How Cynema comes to his defense.

Collider Abrams Article: https://collider.com/jj-abrams-star-wars-sequel-trilogy-plan-comments/

A hero's journey from Jaws 2, through Halloween, Friday the 13th and the Jaws franchises to how it all ties with "Star Wars" and the recent admission by Abrams that Disney didn't really have a plan for the sequels.

The final installment of my limited series examining whether the horror genre needs Oscar and Academy validation.

A further look into the question of horror needing validation through The Academy and its awards. Get beyond Freddy, Jason and Michael and know your horror history. My views on certain early day films and performers that deserved the golden statue.

The first part of a limited series looking at the latest call for Oscar recognition to the horror genre. Is it warranted? This episode looks at The Oscars and industry itself and it isn't the best picture...

Hindsight is always 20/20. It's also a kick in the pants. A look at how I ignored great advice and opportunity to pursue the easier, cynical path that led me astray of the early, crucial years of career. Lee knew and I ignored his words.

Links for this episode:

Dread Central Horror Series: https://www.dreadcentral.com/editorials/368171/swimming-upstream-filmmaker-harrisons-smith-horror-journey-part-1/

Mad Monster Party, My 1st "feature film": https://vimeo.com/316962105

The recent nostalgia rush for places like Blockbuster video ignore the undercurrents and context of the time. Should Blockbuster be mourned? Before you say "yes," listen to this account that draws the comparison of the early years of film to the early days of fast food. A quasi second part to EP 24 "Consuming Cynema." There were no "good 'ole days." It's a lie we tell ourselves.

We are being dumbed down and "Godzilla vs. Kong" shows audiences are perfectly fine with in their appeal for more of this.

Important links: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/godzilla-vs-kong-raises-nonsense-201556319.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOA6G5PhnRM&t=3s

https://mashable.com/2015/12/23/force-awakens-is-no-remake/

"Excuse me, but isn't that why we watch monster movies? Just to see big monsters fight?" No. This episode argues the need for solid human stories in these kind of films and the disturbing continuance of "lowest common denominator" filmmaking and the dumbing down of our entertainment.

Godzilla Clip referenced: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQTar_kGjZY

There's a difference between nostalgia, fan service and just plain laziness. Beetlejuice 2 walks that line.

Find out more at https://cynema-85.pinecast.co

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

99% SPOILER FREE! Is there something else going on at the studio level? A pattern seems to be developing in creating studio cuts but knowing there is a better cut still left behind for later release. In the wake of "The Snyder Cut" something is indeed going on...circumstantially. I use "Godzilla vs. Kong" as an example.

Two links that support my thoughts: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/03/godzilla-vs-kong/618472/ https://www.vox.com/22356444/godzilla-kong-review

Was the beloved mob series an overrated, cynical, yet well done mob family drama or was it something more? I support my main hypotheses that The Soprano's just might be the greatest TV series of all time, but also the most existential.

An examination of Tobe Hooper's "Lifeforce" and how it pertains to the unstable concept of matching low budget filmmakers with large studio budgets. The results are less disasters than they are mediocre. Also a look at the Hooper vs. Spielberg "Poltergeist" debate.

Bloody Disgusting Link: https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3447116/tobe-hooper-pretended-direct-poltergeist-steven-spielberg/

Is there a cynical side to extended universes that really means nothing more than a fancier term for "franchise?" A look at the indifference met with the announcement of a new Star Trek film and why this applies to other major franchises.

Low budget doesn't mean it has to suck. How we made The Special by following John Carpenter's advice and ensuring you respect your cast, crew and audience to deliver the best product you can no matter what size the budget.

Online and print horror magazines are not just entertainment. They have been and continue to be valuable resources, educational tools and primers that need the support to stay alive and continuing to educate burgeoning filmmakers. My career is indebted to them past and present.

MY DREAD CENTRAL SERIES: https://www.dreadcentral.com/editorials/368171/swimming-upstream-filmmaker-harrisons-smith-horror-journey-part-1/

Squirmles commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVSrLG2wf6U

Martin Scorsese triggered the Marvel-Superhero movie fanboys with another appeal to understand film, art and film history that defines a difference between art, film and "content." A look at Hollywood's real, cynical desire to find its "fountain of youth," "holy grail" and hitting the perfect algorithm for box office success.

Scorsese article: https://www.indiewire.com/2021/02/martin-scorsese-streaming-lack-of-curation-1234617241/