Indie Short Film, Monstrum - #Kickstarter

Hello, Today I'm very happy to host the upcoming Indie Short Film, Monstrum!(4CW Media Productions). Below the Monstrum Production Team gives an inside peek at how the unique retro futuristic look of the film originated. Also, meet some of the cast and crew behind the soon to be released cyberpunk fantasy!

 The Monstrum short film and up coming Web Drama consists of the cyberpunk and retro 1920s aesthetics to not only look fashionable, but for the characters to show pride for the teams they belong to and to go about achieving their goals. Read on to discover more about the characters and what went into their development! CYBERPUNK STYLE: This was chosen to show the sign of the times during the futuristic society of New Dallas and New Deep Ellum. This look consisted of clothes in various darker shades/colors such as black, gray, purple (sometimes white), and that are loose fitting and capable of withstanding the transient and sometimes active lifestyle of the hackers of Team Shadow. This team includes the members: the old team leader and head hacker Erica, the unofficial new team leader and skilled fighter Dominique Coutee, the android Tae, tech savvy Bombmaker, and the recovering addict Gabriel Caesar, son of Marcus Caesar. They have also been referred to as Team Blue not only because it is Dominique's hair color of choice, but because the color blue represents meanings of depth, trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, confidence, stability, faith, intelligence, and above all: freedom. These meanings are the core of what keeps Team Shadow going no matter the odds, as well as the core of Dominique's battle to rid the world of the drug that removed her sister from her life forever and made her lose faith in the one she used to love.

 Above (from left to right): Team Shadow with Erica, Bombmaker, Gabriel Caesar, and Dominique

 Above: Dominique Coutee      Coutee at the bottom

  On Set: Behind The Scenes -Team Shadow with Dominique Coutee , the android Tae, and Erica and Bombmaker behind them working at the table. RETRO 1920s (SPEAKEASY) STYLE: This was inspired by the old mobster look of the 20s, and the futuristic Somnium dens in New Deep Ellum were also stylized by the speakeasies of that time period. Although a violent time, there was a sense of romance and excitement that made the people who went to them have the desire to leave all their troubles at the door. Team Caesar are in charge of majority of these Somnium dens, even though they still report to the head honcho which is Marcus Caesar. Team Caesar's clothes are more formal attire consisting of black buttoned up long sleeved shirts, vests, black slacks, and unmarred black shoes because their attire is made for them to appear classy but still lethal. Their members include: the leader Emile Caesar who is also the nephew of Marcus Caesar, the right hand man and head guard Alexander Vex, and all of the guards who follow orders to defend the dens and the drug Somnium. This team has also been referred to as Team Red not only because the guards' uniforms and the décor of the den Emile is in charge of are all red, but because the color red represents energy, war, danger, strength, power, and determination as well as underlying emotions of passion, desire, and love. Emile's state of mind is mainly responsible for the chosen color of red being Team Caesar's theme because he is determined to prove Somnium is worth the trouble of losing the love of someone he cared for.

 Above: Emile Caesar

Above: The Guards of Team Caesar in the Somnium den accompanied by the android Tess who is sitting on the throne.

 
 Above: Emile Caesar with a few of his guards CREATION PROCESS: Costumer Victoria's SteamTrunk (Check them out! Just #click ETSY)

Both looks were not easily attained, and definitely required a lot of thought behind each decision. The production team and our costume designer, Jeanne White of Victoria's Steamtrunk , poured in days of research on both cyberpunk and retro 1920s looks to see how they would fit in the world of Monstrum. Then they both broke down each character as well as their back stories to see how they would dress for three reasons: to fit that character's personality, how they would look when the audience first sees them, and how that character would evolve. Finally, both the production team and Mrs. White were able to scour vintage stores and online catalogs to piece together each individual look, even going as far as Mrs. White hand-making some of the costumes herself.

 Above: Costume designer Jeanne White of Victoria's Steamtrunk prepping and packing up the costumes for film day.

 Above: The android Tess's 1920s inspired headband that the costume designer Mrs. White handmade. We hope this gave you all a little more insight into the world of Monstrum and its characters! We thank you for taking the time to read this, and we thank _______ for sharing this! We hope you continue to delve into the Monstrumverse and follow our characters as they take on new foes and possibly each other. Lastly, we leave you with this: Team Blue or Team Red? Which are you?

 

 #Click BECOME A SPONSOR

Somnium is the Virtual Reality Escape which acts causes addiction and death in the upcoming Cyber Fantasy Monstrum. But the word can be tricky. Actor Angel Ray (who plays Gabriel Caesar in the film) helps us out with the correct pronunciation and he gives his thoughts on Monstrum! #Click to view! Monstrum On Face Book

DVD Review : Humans, Season 1

HUMANS, Season 1 (Blu-ray/DVD Debut) – “Innovative…well written and well played.” (The New York Times) - Uncut UK Edition of AMC’s hit series. In the near future, humanoid servants called synthetics—or synths—have been created to help busy families simplify their lives. But will these perfect servants stay compliant forever? When Joe Hawkins (Tom Goodman-Hill, The Imitation Game) buys synth Anita (Gemma Chan, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit), he hopes it will relieve the pressure on his lawyer wife, Laura (Katherine Parkinson, The IT Crowd). Although Anita is a hit with Joe’s young children, Laura feels uneasy about sharing her home with a synth. Meanwhile, retired synth engineer George (Oscar® winner William Hurt, A History of Violence) refuses to dispose of his beloved but malfunctioning synth, Odi (Will Tudor, Game of Thrones). And mysterious Leo (Colin Morgan, Merlin) hides secrets that could transform the future of synth technology. Thought-provoking and thrilling, this “ultimate A.I. thought experiment” (The Atlantic) explores the intersection of man and machine with emotional depth and pulse-pounding tension (DVD 3-disc, Blu-ray 2-disc, 11 episodes, $39.99 each).


My Thoughts 

I love a good futuristic show, and this is a great one! In the show, humanoid robots called Snyths are created to work as servants for humans.   At first, it seems like a great way to make everyone's life easier, but before long, some of the robots begin to resent their masters.  In the series, we follow several families as they try to adjust to life with their Synths. Some are more comfortable than others, but they all get more than they bargained for.  This first season includes eight fantastic episodes: 

1- Joe Hawkins gets a Snyth named Anita, much to his wife's displeasure. An older man named George gets a unit named Odi that is already malfunctioning. Leo and his synth Max are partners in crime and on the run.

2- Niska is supposed to be a android prostitute, but she refuses to perform. George gets a new snyth named Vera. Laura and Leo both have some secrets revealed.

3 -  Anita saves Joe’s son's life. George isn't getting along with the new synth. Cops Pete and Karen investigate a murder that may be synth related.

4 - Lots of conflict developments and a surprising secret about Karen is revealed.

5- Niska and George meet and he may finally have the synth that's right for him. Anita's software reveals a shocking truth to her family.

6- A dangerous mod-synth is on the loose. Pete learns the truth about Karen.

7- Niska is found. We learn the synth inventor might have had ulterior motives. 

8-  A group called We Are People oppose synths on streets. Some people will die and a great cliffhanger ending.

This was a great show with lots of fabulous sci-fi elements and an awesome story-line. I  can't wait to see what happens in Season 2. 

Fantastic 4 #Giveaway #Fantastic4 #FantasticInsiders

 The FANTASTIC FOUR make a triumphant return with MARVEL’s next generation of heroes — four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate universe, their physical forms altered in shocking ways. Their lives changed forever, Reed Richards (“MR. FANTASTIC”), Sue Storm (“INVISIBLE WOMAN”), Johnny Storm (“THE HUMAN TORCH”) and Ben Grimm (“THE THING”) must harness their incredible new powers and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy, the infamous DR. DOOM.

FREE ACTIVITY SHEETS

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a copy of the Fantastic 4 To enter just fill out the giveaway tools  form below. Open to the US only. Giveaway will end  11/25/15. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Fox Home Entertainment for offering this fantastic prize.

Entry-Form

Night Shade Book Blast

"I have special coping mechanisms for the times I need to open the front door. They’re even often successful..." Zoe Lydon knows there's often nothing logical or rational about fear. It doesn't change the fact that she's too terrified to step outside her own house, however. What Zoe doesn't realise is that she's also a dreamweaver - able to access other people's subconscious minds. When she finds herself in the Dreamlands and up against its sinister Mayor, she'll need to use all of her wits - and overcome all of her fears - if she's ever going to come out alive. This is a new contemporary series by Helen Harper, the author of Bloodfire.

Buy on Amazon UK | Amazon US

 

Meet the author:

After teaching English literature in the UK, Japan and Malaysia, Helen Harper left behind the world of education following the worldwide success of her Blood Destiny series of books. She is a professional member of the Alliance of Independent Authors and writes full time although she still fits in creative writing workshops with schools along with volunteering to teach reading to a group of young Myanmar refugees. That's not to mention the procession of stray cats which seem to find their way to her door! Find Helen Harper on Goodreads and check out more about Helen on her website.

#CyberMonday #BookSale from Pagan Writers Press

Pagan Writers Press is having a huge sale for Cyber Monday! Almost all the books in the catalog have been discounted.  There are titles available in almost every genre!  Here are just a few of them!

Contemporary Romance

The Cliff by Christie AC Gucker -  Reduced to $2.99

Clutter by Jamie White - Reduced to $.99

Falling Star by Laura DeLuca - Reduced to $3.99

Historical

HerStory - Edited by Tara Chevrestt -Reduced to $3.99

To The Other Side by Julianne Chadwick  - Reduced to $1.99

Paranormal Romance

 

For the Love of the Gods - Reduced to $2.99

The Purple Heart  by Christie AC Gucker - Reduced to $2.99

Rage of Augustus by Andrew P West - Reduced to $.99

Science Fiction

 

Guardian Series by Andrew P. Weston-  Reduced to $2.99 each

Non-Fiction

Writing Wild by T.J. Burns - Reduced to $2.99

Not My Mother by Ashley Rae - Reduce to $2.99

Young Adult Fantasy

Four Sisters by Regine Allison Claire - Reduced to $.99

Stains on the Soul by Jamie White - Reduce to $.99

Morrigan by Laura DeLuca -  Reduced to $.99

Young Adult/New Adult Romantic Thriller

Dark Musicals Trilogy by Laura DeLuca - Prices reduced on the entire series

Book Spotlight & #Giveaway - The Assassin by Imogene Nix

Genre: Science Fiction/Futuristic Romance
Kumi Ito has her mission, as does Carmichael Snow, but are their objectives compatible?
Kumi Ito is a woman with a problem. Since assuming the role of head of the Commerce Department, she’s found discrepancies…the kind that could cause anarchy if the truth got out.
When Carmichael Snow, the commander of the Emancipation, comes across intelligence that someone has placed a hit on Kumi, he has to save her. His plan? Hide her and find the assassin.
As they dodge the killer, a passion ignites between them that runs from simmering all the way to steamy. But will the actions of one snatch away their happiness before they can accept what is growing between them?
Content Warning: This book features a buff, hot guy and a kick-butt heroine. Naturally, hot scenes will follow.

The small craft Carmichael and Tomi traveled in approached an imposing tower, slowing and dropping to the plascrete surface with a slight bump before rolling to a stop in an empty bay. The doors opened and both men climbed out. The glass slider whooshed open and they moved at a pace somewhere between a stride and jog. The silence was welcome. After years onboard the Emancipation, Carmichael was used to the general hubbub of people. This was still and hushed. The peace before the storm.
A man approached, and Carmichael guessed he was maybe fifty. He’s carefully preserved, he thought, noting the impeccable gray suit and discreet adornments. He wasn’t tall, but his black hair sprinkled with silver was as immaculate as his clothing. In his uniform, Carmichael felt crumpled before the picture of sartorial elegance. No doubt this was the kind of man Kumi appreciated. He pulled himself up short. He wasn’t there to further his relationship prospects. He had a job to do.
“Madam Kumi is expecting you, Senator. Your friend, however…” The man frowned slightly as he indicated with his perfectly manicured hands toward the seating area.
“He is with me.”
The man nodded, but his eyes narrowed. “She has requested privacy for your meeting.”
Tomi moved through the doorway and Carmichael shadowed him. “Thank you, Dobry.”
Carmichael filed the name away. Never know what will be the piece of information that will solve the puzzle.
Once inside, the door closed with an audible snick. Behind a large wooden desk overflowing with files was Kumi. As elegant as ever in a silver-gray suit. Kumi wasn’t a tall or large woman, but with her golden toned skin and tip-tilted brown eyes she drew the eye. Her short, dark hair was worn in a bob that framed her pixie-shaped face.
She looked soft. Womanly. He also knew she had a spine of pure steel. He’d already seen it in action the night he’d
squired her at the commitment ceremony.
She smiled as she rose. “Well, Tomi. Whatever this is, it had better be good.”
Carmichael noted her bare feet with a grin.
Kumi obviously noticed him and his quick glance. She came to a standstill, frowning before stepping in his direction, then stopped in front of him. Her gaze dipped to her feet and she blushed the most charming pink tinge along her high cheekbones. “Oh, dear. Do forgive me, Captain.” She wiggled the toes which peeked out from under her long, flowing pants.
“There is nothing to forgive, Madam Kumi.” He watched her fluid movements and admired her curves. She was sleek and lithe, and his body tightened at the thought of what lay under the light silk jacket.
With a jerky nod, Kumi made for her seat and slowly lowered herself. In a classic move, she folded her hands across the desk, her features now a serene veil of watchfulness. “So then, brother, what’s so important that I had to see you immediately and not tonight?”
“It would seem you and your work have been noted by someone with a modicum of power among the Indy rebels. Captain Snow’s men intercepted a communication. Kumi, you’re making enemies.”

Buy Link:     Beachwalk Press

Imogene is a mother of two, compulsive reader, and bookstore owner. She lives in regional Queensland, Australia with her husband, two daughters, dog, cats, guinea pigs, and chooks. She has a particular fondness for vampires, star ship captains, and things that go bump in the night (especially vampire types).Imogene has tried many varied roles in her working life including kindergarten assistant, teacher, principal, and kindergarten and child care director, but rates owning a bookstore and writing her own novels as the absolute highlight.In her mother and wife alter ego, she has travelled widely and lived in some very unique places including Far Western Queensland, Cape York, and even Tasmania. She loves to travel and rates China and Hong Kong among her favorite destinations.She blames Star Trek Voyager, Firefly, and the works of

Alexander Kent for her interest in naval activities and later space fleet interest.

Author Links:  Site    Facebook    Blog    Twitter

Imogene is giving away an eCopy of her books to TWO lucky winners.

For a chance to win Please fill out the rafflecopter Below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Hard Luck Hank: Basketful of Crap by Steven Campbell

Hard Luck Hank

Basketful of Crap

by Steven Campbell

Hank was a dying breed on the space station Belvaille. The criminal gangs that had once made their homes there were forced out by the corporations that had taken over since the facility became an Independent Protectorate.

Instead of the gentlemanly gang wars that had once dominated the scene, and made Hank's services prized as a negotiator, the city was now plagued by the clash of corporate armies using heavy weapons. Even tanks roamed the streets regularly.

Most everyone from the olden days had either fled the station or was killed due to the organizational changes. Changes that Hank personally brought about when he had negotiated Belvaille's status with the Navy.

As Hank contemplates whether he can survive in this increasingly hostile environment, he realizes that things aren't as bad as they seem--they are quite a bit worse. The constant power plays among corporations might have further reach than just the alleys of a backwater space station at the edge of the galaxy.

NOTE: Sequel to Hard Luck Hank - Screw the Galaxy.

Hard Luck Hank: Basketful of Crap can be found on Amazon (Kindle Edition).

Check out http://www.belvaille.com/ for HARD LUCK HANK T-shirts, a 5 minute movie of Hard Luck Hank - Screw the Galaxy, and the making of the movie!

Our Thoughts
Hard Luck Hank: Basketful of Crap - Set 7 years after the events in Screw the Galaxy, much has changed on Belvaille. The days of mob bosses and gang wars are coming to an end because a new, much more sinister force is taking over: The Corporations.

With Belvaille no longer subject to Colmarian law, what better a place for big businesses to setup and move goods which are otherwise illegal?

The virtually indestructible Hank finds himself being pulled into multiple intrigues throughout the novel. Everything from waging war on a Corporation to settling a labor dispute.

Written as a sequel to Screw the Galaxy, Basketful of Crap is written to stand on its own. Some references are made to Screw the Galaxy, but the characters and multiple storylines (plans within plans within plans, to steal from Frank Herbert) in Basketful of Crap are fleshed out well enough that reading Screw the Galaxy is not a prerequisite (although recommended, because it’s a good story as well).

If anything, the characters have more depth in Basketful of Crap than Screw the Galaxy. Much is learned about Garm’s past, and as the story unfolds, one cannot help but develop a sense of empathy for Hank once the true cost of his mutation is revealed.

In the right hands and with the right cast, Basketful of Crap would make a fantastic movie. It’s very easy to picture Kate Beckinsale playing the role of Garm and Dwayne Johnson (a.k.a. The Rock) as Hank.

Fast-paced and perversely humourous Hard Luck Hank: Basketful of Crap will keep you turning pages and is a story that can be enjoyed time and time again.