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Interview with Maverick Japanese Filmmaker Yuki Otsuka

How long have you been a filmmaker?

I’ve been a filmmaker for 25 years.

What was your first film?
Peach is about Abe working as a money collector, trapped in the world of loan sharks. He is bound to his job despite wanting to escape and meet Aya, a withdrawn woman. Abe visits a shrine daily, collects money from delinquent borrowers, and sometimes resorts to violence. Meanwhile, Aya distributes packets of tissues at the train station. For Abe, meeting Aya and discovering the secrets to her reclusive lifestyle is his ultimate goal and his chance to find a place in society.

You did yakuza films early in your career; why did you stop?

Because I can’t find an exciting project.
If there were an exciting script, I would like to make it again.

What has been your most successful film to date?

The Edge of Sin, “A father can’t accept this. His daughter committed suicide, falling from the ledge of a school building and dying.

Who are your influences?  

Woody Allen, George Miller, and many other great filmmakers.

Do you have a running theme throughout your films?

Enjoy the mundane and life because one day you will die.

What are you the most proud of with your career?

We are working with many talented people.

Have you ever had a film project fall through?

Many times.

Is it hard to raise money in Japan?

Raising money in Japan is challenging because the economy is not doing well.

What are your favorite movies and why?

Crimes and Misdemeanors. This film shows the absurdities of life and society funnily and scarily.
There Will Be Blood. The film portrays a protagonist with strong desires and anger without any hypocrisy.

How do you choose your talent for your projects?
We choose the right person for the role by audition.

How do you handle creative differences with talent?

We will discuss and resolve the issue. Sometimes, although it is rare, we will shoot another version after hearing the other party’s opinion.

How do you work with talent to create their best performance?

I will make sure that they have absolute confidence in their talents.

Have you ever had to fire someone from your production?

Yes, but rarely.

What is your current project, and what’s the story about?

The movie is called DOWNTOWN UTOPIA and will be released this November.

Naomi Kishi (24), who has a habit of self-harm, grew up with a mother with an abnormally strong desire for control and was profoundly ill. Naomi’s relationship with her mother became unbearable, and she fled her parents’ home. She goes to a downtown area where her mother is out of sight. She is caught when she enters an old-fashioned coffee shop, eats and drinks without paying. However, the coffee shop manager does not take her to task and even offers her a place to live. She begins living in a shared house in the downtown area, and gradually regains her true self through contact with unique people she has never met before in her life.

How did you come up with the idea?

The idea came from the people I met when I moved to downtown Tokyo a few years ago.

How long did it take you to write the script?

It took me three months to write a script quickly, but I spent more than six months researching.

Did you do any experimenting with directing or editing?

It was a black-and-white film shoot; we tested shooting styles before the shoot.
We also rehearsed the actors’ performances.

Did you stick entirely to the script?

Yes.

Can you discuss how the creative process works with the cast and crew?

With the cinematographer, we discuss the shooting style from an early stage.
We try out various things with the actors after they understand their roles in the rehearsal stage.
This makes the shooting process very smooth.

When will the film be released and where?

The movie will be released in Tokyo in November.

Who would you like the most to work with and why?

Michael Convertino He is a composer of film music and composes excellent scores, and his arrangements are top-notch.
I would love to work with him if given the chance.

Do you have any other projects coming up?

Yes, there are two projects.

What tips would you give inspiring filmmakers?

Keep making movies.

Short Bio of Yuki Otsuka

He has been involved in the production of numerous international films and co-productions, including “Black Rain (1989).” His movie “Peach (1998)” received rave reviews at international film festivals in Los Angeles, Moscow, and Sochi and was invited to be screened at the Hawaii International Film Festival.

In 2009, “Girl’s Life (09),” a film about gal culture, was released. In recent years, he has worked on the human fantasy film “Soup: A Story of Reincarnation (12)” and the Japan-France co-production “FLARE (14)” for which he also served as director of photography. Action black comedy “RED COW (15)” “The Edge of Sin (15),” black comedy “JUNK (17)” International drama “LEQUIO ( 17),” “Lady in White (18)” and many other films in various genres.

 

Two Young Siblings Launch Innovative STEM Toy Line in Retail Stores

In a heartwarming tale of ingenuity, determination, and sisterly love, two remarkable siblings, 10-year-old Ava N. Simmons (known as Ava the STEM Princess) and her sister Chynah Jeter, have set a shining example by launching a new line of educational STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) toys in retail stores across the United States and Canada. Based in Durham, North Carolina, these young entrepreneurs have captivated the hearts of both parents and children with their innovative creations. 

The Birth of Team Genius Squad  

The inception of Team Genius Squad was inspired by Ava’s journey with Dyslexia, a condition that significantly affected her reading abilities. In response, Ava, alongside the support of her parents, Tia and Terrence Simmons, and her grandmother, Mary Foy, embarked on a mission to enhance her learning experiences. Their solution? STEM experiment videos on YouTube. Little did they know that this would be the spark that would lead to the creation of Team Genius Squad.

Educational STEM Toys that Spark Imagination  

Team Genius Squad’s product line is a testament to their passion for education and the wonders of STEM. Their offerings include Experiment Coloring Books, DIY Slime kits, and Experiment Kits, enabling kids to generate electricity from alternative sources such as food, wind, and solar energy. These toys entertain and educate, creating a love for science and technology in young minds.

In-Store Success and Future Plans

The official launch of Team Genius Squad’s products occurred at the Marbles PlayStore in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, marking a significant milestone in their entrepreneurial journey. The sisters plan to conduct more in-store launches at major retailers over the next year, bringing their educational STEM toys to even more children.

Inspiring Success Stories

Ava the STEM Princess, is determined to inspire others with her learning journey. She emphasizes the importance of never letting challenges define one’s success or future. “I am so grateful to be able to design and develop educational toys that positively impact the community,” Ava states. “My goal is to share my learning journey and, through purposeful play, encourage others to reach their full potential. I am so thankful for everyone who supports Team Genius Squad!”  Ava and Chynah’s story serves as a shining example of young Black entrepreneurs breaking barriers and making a difference through their innovative ideas. Their commitment to education, creativity, and inclusivity has already left a great mark, and their journey is far from over. As they continue to inspire and educate young minds, Team Genius Squad will succeed in the world of STEM education and entrepreneurship.

More on “The Last Frontier…”

More On The Last Frontier…. (To readers: Please read my first essay to catch up to speed)

I’ve heard it said that when a younger man dates an older woman it’s only about money… That statement is a complete generalization. Few would say that if the genders were reversed. 

Sometimes that’s true and sometimes it isn’t…and sometimes dating within your age range is as well and sometimes it isn’t.

All generalizations are false, including this one. 

What isn’t false is that the only way we’re ever going to win gender equality as women is to make the rules on dating equal on both sides and it’s up to women to do that. Younger women need to stop dating older men until older men accept older women equally and don’t discard us as we age. As long as they do (and are blind to their own arrogant discrimination) it’s up to us -as we age- to either accept dates with younger men or teach older men not to discriminate against us as we age—by teaching younger women (as the first-in-line gatekeepers of equality or discrimination) to stop dating older men until the same type of dating equality for older women, as it is for older men, is the norm. 

If younger women keep the gates open, welcoming older men, while older men close the gates to older women, discrimination against older women will stay alive and well and will backfire on younger women as they age. Either the gender tables need to be turned and both genders need to accept older women dating much younger men as perfectly natural, or younger women need to stop the major part they’re playing in this horribly self-defeating situation.

Audrey Biloon

Copyright, 2023

Photo by Nickolas Nikolic on Unsplash

Blackout Dining in the Dark

A WHOLE NEW CONCEPT IN DINING  

BLACKOUT- “dining in the dark”, a fantastic and one-of-a-kind restaurant in Las Vegas. With all the high-end, ethnic, and celebrity chef places, no one else has ventured out into this market. It is a totally new concept in Las Vegas, though there are a few with the same idea around the country. BLACKOUT opened in 2017 on the west side in a small but perfect spot for 50 patrons. It is a 7-course culinary journey of your senses in complete darkness.

Did you ever think what it would be like to taste, indulge, smell, and feel your meal without actually seeing what is served? Can you tell what you are eating by guessing a new flavor on your palette, one that is familiar but you must wonder if you are right?

BLACKOUT is totally different than anything you have experienced before. The lobby is highly appealing, and they have lockers for your personal belongings. Therefore, no cheating with cell phone photos in the dining room. You are asked if you have any food allergies or preferences as you won’t know what is being served.

With a prix-fixe mystery menu dinner, that will change seasonally, it is for adults and wheelchair accessible. Each course has been beautifully designed to awaken your senses and keep you guessing. The wait staff who are wonderfully friendly are equipped with night vision goggles, and will guide and assist you to your table. They will then introduce you to your new “dark” environment. 

Owners of this place are Rachel and Avi Levi, who originally opened Design & Dine “Eat, Drink Paint”, which allowed guests to eat while doing art. They were so successful that they have moved up with BLACKOUT. “Our sense of sight is so dominated that once we no longer have it, all other senses become much more intense; the way we smell, touch and taste our food is a totally new experience,” says Rachel.

Reservations are strong, be sure to make one. BLACKOUT is a fabulous spot for wedding parties, friend nights, corporate events, and of course date nights. Even bringing mom and dad to BLACKOUT will be a remembrance.

3871 S. Valley view Blvd. Ste 8 — 5 and 7 p.m. seatings. 702-960-4000  dineblackout.com

 

 

Why Do You Need a Public Announcement System?

Most people don’t notice just how much surround music there is in commercial spaces. When you get to a mall, you’re probably listening to some hits, and even singing along to them unconsciously. It’s an embedded feature in our culture. 

The same thing is true when you enter a posh store, an upscale restaurant, or a hip café. From time to time, you will hear somebody talk through the microphone and ask for help at a front desk, a person with a specific car registration to move their car, or that the store will be closing down in 15 minutes. All of these announcements are made through a public announcement system. 

The system includes a lot of speakers and a lot of microphones. You’ve probably noticed it in a stadium during a game when the horns ring for the start and the end of a match. Schools have the same thing to signal when class is about to start and when it ends. Simple variations are used in small bars, churches, and stores. Visit this page to read more about it. 

Commercial speakers are the quiet giants of the audio industry. Over the years, they’ve seamlessly integrated into every space, and they are the product of choice for companies who are looking to increase and improve the quality of their sound and enhance their customer experience. 

What’s a public announcement system?

A PA system is a combination of mounted speakers and microphones that can distribute sound to a wide area with a high enough amplitude. It’s simple to understand, but there’s a lot hidden behind the straightforwardness. These speakers have a meticulous design which enables them to withstand the weather, which no indoor device can do. 

Conventional speakers we use at home usually have a boxy design. Those are the ones you see during indoor concerts, and they take up a lot of space on the ground. However, when it comes to PA systems, they use megaphone-like speakers that don’t get in the way and emanate a powerful sound. 

If they’re placed in a school or a mall, you rarely notice them. They are beige, white, and cream, and they blend in with the environment. Nowadays, there are a variety of factors contributing to their ever-increasing popularity. Everyone is trying to blend forms and improve the aesthetics of outdoor designs. Especially in commercial settings. 

Nowadays, commercial public announcement control systems have a pleasant appearance, and they don’t look like an eyesore. Next comes the science. Major breakthroughs and developments in technology make it feasible for small speakers to provide sound quality that is on par, or even superior to their bigger counterparts. 

Now, companies don’t have to prioritize aesthetics above sound quality when making design decisions. After covering all that, let’s jump in on the perks. The more you know about this topic, the better you will be at making a decision whether you need them or not. 

Excellent design and easy to integrate

There’s a reason why hospitals use white lights, and restaurants use yellow lights. It’s all about the atmosphere, and what the end user needs to see. Businesses are more focused on providing customers with memorable experiences. These occurrences are significantly influenced by the vibe of the location. 

PA systems are unobtrusive and contemporary. This makes it simple for them to blend into the surroundings. You can conceal them in plain view, under ornamental décor, or construct them to resemble pieces of art to fool potential thieves. Your customers will experience the sound quality, but they won’t be able to locate the source of the sound, which gives the place a more polished appearance. 

Great sound dispersion

Because of the name, public announcement systems get treated like they just exist for alarms, and broadcasting information. But that’s not the case at all. Their appearance and name give the impression they’re designed for something else. However, if used correctly, the speakers can use angles and their high placement to uniformly distribute sounds. 

This ensures everyone hears the same quality, regardless of where they’re located within the setting. You could be seated or standing in a ball game, or go to the bathroom, and you’ll still hear the sirens beeping. It’s all in the feature that lets them disperse the sound in an even manner. Visit this link for more info: https://geoffthegreygeek.com/understanding-speaker-sensitivity/. 

Flexible to install

Every business has different needs, and no two companies are alike. But they all need an ambience. When someone walks through the door, you want them to feel familiarity, because that increases the chances they’ll buy from you. Imagine going to a clothing store and there’s dead silence while the cashier is looking at you picking through the rafts.

You’d feel anxious, and you’d likely get away quickly. But when you add ambient music, and an aroma in the room, the aesthetic changes, and so do the feelings. Aside from how they visually affect a space, PA systems can be altered to stay in any position to better meet the sonic requirements of an area. 

Incredible area usability

In business, you might have heard the saying that time is money. Well, there’s one more part to the equation. Space is money too. Every square foot is important, and this is especially true in beautiful, high-demand neighborhoods where the rent is high. Click here to read more. 

For example, if you’re opening a restaurant in New York City, you just know that the rent will make a dent in your pocket. Using a traditional speaker installation with enormous boxy footprints will occupy a significant portion of the space. Instead of that, you can add a smaller PA system, and include another table so you can make more money. 

PA speakers get mounted on walls, so you can make more use of the space on the ground. This is a massive bonus in spaces that are not very large, since saving even a few inches may have a significant impact on how the area appears, or how it’s used. 

To sum up

Speakers will continue to be used in years to come. It’s not just a passing fad, so you should pay attention to what you install. It doesn’t matter if you’re starting a business from scratch or revamping an old one, a PA system is something you absolutely need.

Our Best Law Firm SEO Companies Reviewed

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial for success in the legal industry, and remember that potential clients are now turning to search engines like Google when they need assistance. This is why you should appear on the first page of the internet when someone is looking for you.

However, how could you stand out from the competition and attract more clients online? That’s where SEO comes into play. By leveraging the power of white hat techniques, you can optimize your website and make it more user-friendly. However, implementing the best campaign requires expertise and time that most busy law firms simply don’t have.

A compilation of the top SEO companies specifically tailored for law firms are discussed below, and they are reviewed based on their effectiveness and expertise.

Top SEO Companies for Law Firms

1. Chicago SEO Scholar

Get a beautiful website, grow your traffic, and include specific keywords in your company when you partner with the experts. Sites like www.chicagoseoscholar.com/law-firm-seo are going to help you find an expert who is well-versed in increasing leads and getting genuine interest in what your firm has to offer. Streamline the acquisition process with their help, and this is now possible with:

Chicago SEO Scholar

55 E Monroe St Suite 3800 Chicago, IL 60603

(312) 529-8226

https://www.chicagoseoscholar.com/law-firm-seo

Premier companies are going to help you achieve exceptional results. With the company’s passion for helping lawyers get more clients while practicing their chosen niche, you can count on them to solidify your presence on Google and get steady growth over time. Their representatives have a personal attitude and professionalism that are going to help you get more caseloads.

2. Rankings.io

Leading agencies are going to help you operate in the mid-market sector where you can establish your firm as an authority in the specialty that you’ve chosen. Get access to dedicated specialists who are going to provide you with social media marketing or advertising services. Pricing can vary, so make sure that you inquire first before signing any agreement.

3. SearchBloom

Dynamic types that provide top-notch services in a highly competitive digital world are now available online. Partner with the best on pay-per-click and get more returns on your ad spend. These are the ones that take immense pleasure in serving their customers, and they have great feedback as well.

4. Stellar SEO

Launching a dedicated product, you can expect this specific agency to help you with link building and make sure that you’re choosing a scalable strategy. Their methodologies were gained by extensive research, and they are going to take your online presence to the next level. They have outreach campaigns where you can connect to someone pleasant to work with.

Factors for Consideration

Although lots of companies are offering their services specifically for lawyers, you still need to work with someone who has a track record of giving successful results to attorneys and their partners in the industry.

They are knowledgeable about the different nuances and terms used in law, and they can craft compelling posts with the right keywords that are customized for your website. They are also transparent about their methods and can provide you with regular updates on the results of specific ads that you’re running.

As the algorithm naturally evolves, you need an SEO firm that can adapt to these, and they should always utilize the white hat methods so you will not lose your ranking overnight. Read more info about SEO on this site here. Assess the level of communication and customer support provided by the company, since you want a partner who will listen to your goals, answer your questions promptly, and keep you informed throughout the process.

Implementation of an Effective Strategy

Look and identify the right phrases and keywords that clients are generally using especially when it comes to the legal world. The best professionals are going to incorporate them into your landing page, content, and blogs, so you’ll have a good chance of getting seen.

Optimize your website structure and design, and the pages should be user-friendly, with easy navigation and fast loading times. Pay attention to the mobile aspect as well since more people are accessing websites on their smartphones. If you find yourself unsure of what to do, you can always rely on the right people to do these jobs for you.

Film informative videos and engaging articles that address common legal questions or offer valuable insights into various practice areas, because this will not only attract visitors but also establish your firm as a trusted authority in the field. As mentioned, all of these are possible with the right firm, so this is something that you need to determine if they can do or not.

Local SEO is now getting popular as a firm should serve their specific geographical areas. Claim your Google My Business listing and ensure accuracy across all online directories so the information is all the same. Share updates about recent cases or changes in legislation to showcase expertise while building brand awareness among followers, especially on social media to achieve more success.

Find the Right SEO Firms for Lawyers

Considerations when it comes to the right SEO firms should include their experience and expertise in the field. Choose the ones that have proven track records when it comes to the improvement of your rankings and visibility.

Understanding the unique challenges that you have is also part of their job, and you need to employ people who are always making an effort to employ the best techniques. They are careful with your site reputation, and they will do their best to get the changes done on what’s currently working on various platforms.

While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, remember that quality often comes at a price, so get in touch with an SEO firm that offers competitive pricing while still delivering high-quality services.

Don’t forget about reviews and testimonials from past clients because they can give you valuable insights into what it’s like working with a particular SEO firm.

Las Vegas Holistic and Cultural Art, Music, and Food Festival

For Immediate Release 9/21/2023 Contact Paula Sadler 702-810-9831 Commercial Center Business Association paula@commercialcenterusa.com

Commercial Center Community Fundraiser & Open House Free to The Public

Las Vegas Holistic & Cultural Art, Music, & Food Festival

Historic Neighborhood Family of Businesses Celebrating 60th Anniversary to preserve and uplift Las Vegas’s Most Historic Neighborhood

The Historic Commercial Center District located at 953 E Sahara, over the past years has maintained the Historic Preservation and cleanup project spearheaded by Paula Sadler, President of Commercial Center Business Association & Historic Society and owner of A Harmony Nail Spa. Plans are underway to add new art to the area On October 21, 2023, in their ArtWalk project freeparkandartlasvegas.com curated by Paula Sadler, with the goal of healing the neighborhood through art and becoming the largest off-the-strip free public Artwalk and art sculpture garden in Clark County Las Vegas.

JOIN THEM FOR THEIR 60th DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION THAT WILL INCLUDE A HOLISTIC HEALING FESTIVAL & OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 21, 2023 AT 11 a.m. WHERE THEY WILL HOLD A NATIVE AMERICAN HOLISTIC HEALING CEREMONY IN HONOR OF THE SOUTHERN PAIUTES, AND INSTALL NEW SIDEWALK MURALS, AND HAVE A CHALK ART COMPETITION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, FOLLOWED BY A COMMUNITY FESTIVAL 1-7 p.m. WITH MUSIC, FOOD, ART, AND ENTERTAINMENT—THAT WILL FEATURE A 60-YEAR MUSIC MONTAGE AND HISTORIC EXPOSE AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE AREA.

THE HISTORIC COMMERCIAL CENTER, LAS VEGAS NEVADA—OCTOBER 21, 2023—A HARMONY NAIL SPA IN COMMERCIAL CENTER, LAS VEGAS, WILL HOST THE START OF THE HOLISTIC FESTIVAL AT 11 a.m. FOLLOWED BY THE SHOPPING CENTER OPEN HOUSE AND ART WALK, LIVE MUSIC, EXOTIC FOODS, BUSINESS SHOWCASE FROM 1-7 p.m.

Opportunities for Sponsorship are still available. The Event will feature Free Booths, Community outreach by local non-profits, artist’s booths, live Plein air art exhibition, new historic guided tour “Mob, Murder & Mystery”, horse and wagon rides, children’s booths, trunk or treat, and live music from local musicians.

This Historic Center was opened in 1963 and has housed hundreds of Las Vegas’s finest small business owners for over 60 years. Providing a safe haven for many women- and minorities-owned businesses and a place to cultivate Music, The Arts, Entertainment, and Entrepreneurship. A Sanctuary for the small mom and pop family businesses to thrive, create, and flourish. Currently over 150 businesses on 40 acres.

Paula Sadler and the Business and Property owners within are dedicated to preserving this historic area by creating community through the expansion of The Arts, Music, Food, and Entertainment. Several New Business and Restaurants recently opened or in the process of opening, PK’s Oyster Bar, Arty’s Steakhouse, The Composers Room. The entire neighborhood will be showcased at the open house, thank you to our friends in the media for getting the word out.

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Take 20 with Tom Paris, Dan Glazer, and Standup Comedian Sonya White

Tom Paris teams up with Dan Glazer in the latest episode of Take 20 with Tom, interviewing Standup Comedian Sonya White following her set at Savannah Comedy Revue in Savannah, Georgia.

Comedian Sonya White is based in Chicago, IL. Originally from Virginia, she has combined southern charm with big city street smarts!

You may recognize her from CBS, NBC, CMT, Oxygen, Comcast, MTV, HBO, E1, MTV, FOX, Family Channel, Cartoon Network, and Comedy Central’s Arts Festival!

Sonya’s comedy is peppered with spot-on impersonations and sound effects. Her stand-up comedy show and her one woman show ‘Airing Dirty Laundry’ are based on real life experiences, interactions with friends and family, and hilarious reflections of the world at large.

THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN – World Premiere

Directed by: Warren Skeels

Starring: Madison Wolfe, Brec Bassinger, Skai Jackson, Ali Larter, and Sean Astin

WORLD PREMIERE

’23 Newport Beach Film Festival

Saturday, October 14

In a quaint, family town in 1974 Florida, an ominous white van stalks a young girl, while her parents’ skepticism leads to a terrifying Halloween nightmare.

https://join.legionm.com/white-van/

Genre: Thriller, Suspense
RT: 110 min | Not Yet Rated
Language: English | U.S.
Inspired by a true story, “The Man in the White Van” delves into the eerie underbelly of a seemingly idyllic 1974 Florida town, and follows the harrowing experience of young Annie Williams, a spirited girl whose carefree existence is turned upside down as she becomes stalked by an ominous man in a white van.
The tranquility of Annie’s world, from her love of horseback riding to her leisurely strolls home from school in the nearby woods, begins to crumble as the menacing white van inches closer and closer. As her parents’ skepticism increasingly grows, Annie finds herself psychologically isolated, and on Halloween night her worst fears materialize into a full-blown nightmare as she gets abducted.
The feature debut of director Warren Skeels, “The Man in the White Van” is a gripping exploration of terror, paranoia, and the fragility of security in a place where darkness lurks beneath the surface. Based on actual events of the serial killer Billy Mansfield Jr., the film captures a bone-chilling story of a young girl’s unimaginable horrors, and every parent’s worst nightmare.
THE MAN IN THE WHITE VAN, a Garrison Film and Legion M production, is directed and produced by Warren Skeels. Written by Sharon Y. Cobb and Warren Skeels. Executive Produced by Gary Kompothecras, Michael Nole, Paul Scanlan, Jeff Annison, David Baxter, Sean Astin, and Ali Larter. Produced by Terri Lubaroff and Anne Marie Gillen. Edited by Billy Gaggins. Cinematography by Gareth Paul Cox. Composed by Scott Borland.

NEWPORT BEACH FILM FESTIVAL SCREENINGS

WORLD PREMIERE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 @ 7:30pm

Starlight Triangle Theater 3

1870 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

SECOND SCREENING

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 @ 7:00pm

Big Newport Theater 6

300 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660

To purchase tickets, click here

“In Search of Dracula” by Raymond T. McNally & Radu Florescu

About twenty years ago I tried to write a vampire novel but eventually, for several reasons, abandoned the project. Even so, I have never regarded that effort as a waste of time. For one thing, I think (or hope) it helped me to be a better writer. Plus, the effort included “research”: i.e., reading books and watching movies pertinent to the subject. The reading portion of this investigation was my favorite part, and the book that stands out is In Search of Dracula.

The updated and revised edition that I used was published in 1994. The coauthors explore a wide variety of topics which surround the ominous figure of Dracula. It turns out that he was not a mere product of legend, fiction, and film. He was based on a real life monster named Vlad Tepes or Vlad the Impaler, a prince from Walachia who ruled during the 1400s.  The nickname “Impaler” derived from his preferred method of torturing and murdering his victims, many of whom were Turkish invaders who had the misfortune of meeting Vlad on the battlefield. However, when war did not provide a pretext for his sadistic tendencies, he gathered victims from among his own people. If there is even a fraction of truth in the accounts of Vlad’s cruelties, it’s easy to understand how the dark legends arose and evolved long after his death. For example, here’s an account from an ancient Russian manuscript:

“If a married woman committed adultery Dracula ordered that her shameful parts be cut and she be skinned alive…”

The description continues and gets much worse.

Other historical figures are considered in the course of this book, including the Hungarian aristocrat Elizabeth Bathory, aka the Blood Countess, who was no slouch when it came to sadism and murder. A number of corpses, drained of blood and discarded in fields by Bathory’s servants, were believed to be victims of vampires by local villagers. Moreover, the Blood Countess may have been a relative of Vlad/Dracula.

From these and similar real-life sources have sprung the legends about vampires; and these, in turn, gave rise to novels like Bram Stoker’s Dracula and movies like Nosferatu.

McNally’s and Florescu’s book is a treasure trove of information. It includes maps, chronologies, a genealogy, and even a travel guide for people who want to explore the Romanian haunts of Dracula. What I found especially helpful was the bibliography and filmography.

Of course, this subject matter is not for everyone, and it’s undeniable that vampire literature and cinema is littered with morbidity and exploitation. But I’ve always admired Bram Stoker’s novel, and many of the lesser known works of vampire fiction are also worth looking at. Plus, I have been a fan of Hammer horror films since I was a child (the first one I saw, Kiss of the Vampire, has held up well over the years). So for readers who are interested in the historical roots of these creative products, In Search of Dracula should be of great value. 

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