Lost Highway recently caught up with Josh Schafer, owner and editor of Lunchmeat VHS Magazine, a great independent publication that celebrates the obscure and esoteric stuff in horror / exploitation / fantasy from the VHS era. Josh was gracious enough to give us the low down on his magazine and discuss his love of b-movies.

LH:Tell us a bit about yourself. I can’t imagine you just write this magazine all day long when there’s so much cheap child labor to do it for you? What keeps you busy on a daily basis? Who are your partners in crime?

JS: Well, lem’me see hurrr… as you would probably guess I watch a lot of movies, read fantastic fiction quite frequently, work on my own writing aside from LM… just escape the best ways I know how. I currently work at Drexel University in Phila. PA, so there’s the day job for ya, haha. I work on LM a lot, though. There isn’t a day that goes by when I’m not doing something to make it progress. It’s an intense and passionate hobby. It’s really just myself and my buddy John [DeSantis] and an army of really talented, wonderful writers that are so kind as to lend their minds and time to a cause they believe in. Ted [Gilbert] was a big part of LM when it started up, but he’s since went on to have a baby and pursue his career as a teacher. He’s still involved with the ‘zine, but on a more peripheral level. He’s still a really good friend, too, and I see him when I can.

Other than that, I just keep it chill and have a good time as much as humanly possible. I hang out with my friends and family a lot; they’re the most important thing in my life. I enjoy going on adventures, camping, reminiscing over times gone by while drinkin’ some brews… BBQ’ing, stomping around in the woods, going to flea markets, Salvation Armys, Goodwills, collecting the stuff I find at these places. Believe it or not, I love playing sandlot football, softball, kickball etc. I release soundtracks and scores on vinyl every once in a while with my good buddy Ben Harris….

LH: Let’s go back to a simpler time when people ate more red meat and smoked heavily, what got you into cult cinema/b-movies and VHS?

JS: Man, I’ve been into watching flicks ever since I could see straight, haha. I always say that, but it’s true. I mean, ever since I was little, I was into movies, cartoons, everything. It wasn’t always horror then just like it’s not now. I mean, some of my favorite flicks aren’t horror flicks, that’s for sure. THE SANDLOT, WILLY WONKA, THE NINJA TURTLE MOVIES… not horror flicks, but without a doubt cultivated my love for the art form that is film.  But I know when my fascination with horror flicks really started: my Mom would take me to the local Mom and Pop Video Shop (R.I.P Video Vision) every Friday for years and years and years – I’d say the entire length of my childhood. That’s really what spawned my obsession with weird, fringe cinema. Just being enamored in that store, staring at all that lurid and insane box staring back at ME. Haha. It was amazing for me, man. I’ve always had a very (over)active imagination, and watching these flicks just made me happy, sent me to another world. I’m still the same way now. I still haven’t stopped watching.

LH: What made you decide to put together a magazine?

JS: I wanted to make something real. I’ve always been a collector and very fond of physical media: books, records, VHS tapes etc. And since the internet is how most people get their information nowadays, I think it’s really important to keep physical media around. It’s tangible; it’s not just some coding the blinks on some screen. And I mean, ultimately, it was always about the tapes – that’s the real reason why I started LM: I wanted to talk about these radical movies that you could only get on tape, you know? I never thought it would get such a great reaction. I mean, Ted and I just wanted put something out. Do a DIY, punk rock kinda thing, ya know? I’m absolutely thrilled with how it’s come along. I can’t stress that enough. It’s an awesome feeling to be able to connect with so many people that care about VHS and weird cinema in general.

LH: What was the first horror movie you remember seeing that scarred you for life and made you the twisted human being we’ve all come to identify with?

JS: RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD scared the crap out of me. I can recall some of my friends just knowing that I was scared when it came to zombies and they’d be like, “Zombies, Josh!! OOOoooooOOoo.. they’re gonna eat your face!” And I was terrified, haha. It might sound weird coming from a guy that watches so much horror stuff and reads so much spooky, otherworldly lit, but that’s what I enjoy about this stuff –  it actually works on me, you know? Haha. I mean, not the same as when I was a kid, but still, it’s got its moments when it sends chills up your spine, which is something I love…. Hmmmm… other flicks that freaked me out: LEPRECHAUN (this thing is SCARY when you’re a kid), STEPHEN KING’S: IT, PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS, JACOB’S LADDER… just a few that stole sleep from me.

LH: There’re a lot of horror magazines floating around out there. How would you describe Lunchmeat Magazine to oh, let’s say to a starving guy lost in the woods and is starving for a good meal?

JS: Well, after I take this poor guy out for a super-awesome plate of nachos and a das boot of beer, I’d describe LM as an independent zine with one thing in mind: to cover the obscure and esoteric stuff in horror / exploitation / fantasy, the VHS format in particular, and all the other radical stuff that “other” horror magazines won’t cover, or didn’t cover before, anyway. It’s a place where VCRs are your main machine. Weird character actors wear the crown and the stuff that’s buried in your weird but interesting neighbor’s basement is brought back to life. And referring to my comment before about “or didn’t cover before, anyway”, I feel like a lot of horror mags are starting to pay more attention to VHS now, which is fantastic. RM did a VHS SPECIAL ISSUE and HorrorHound does a feature on old releasing companies. I think it’s so important, man. VHS is the format that ushered all of these horror flicks into your home. And by that same token, they preserve so many of these great independent gems that’ll never see another format… and that’s why you should have a VCR, haha.

LH: The cover artwork to your magazine is amazing that I’ve actually had to close my eyes for fear of being stricken with awesome blindness. How do you go about finding artists for that?

JS: We’ve had two artists craft our covers. Jonathan Canady did issues 1 and 2, and Tanner Toft has created 3 through 5. Tanner’s gonna be our guy until he’s no longer able. Jon’s been my good friend for a while; we used to work together at Relapse Records, which is a metal label based out of PA. Jon also paints, does experimental music and writes. He’s one of the most multi-talented and humble dudes I have the pleasure of knowing. Tanner’s been my boy since we we’re in high school. We used to ride to school together in the morning and stuff, hang out all the time. He had a skate shop in NJ for a while, and that was a blast. We’d just hang out in there, drink chocolate milk, eat food and watch VHS tapes and kids would rove around looking at skate stuff. Great times. He’s always been an amazingly chill, talented guy. A great friend, too. He’s a party animal, hahaha.

LH: What’s your opinion on the rise of Netflix and the decline of videostores? And do you hate Blockbuster as much as we do?

JS: I think Netflix is a great tool for people. I won’t denounce it, but I will say I am resistant to new stuff. It’s just my nature. I can’t say it makes perfect sense, haha. I use Netflix. I use my friend’s accounts to watch instant download stuff. Netflix has a TON of stuff on Instant Download that’s currently VHS only. You gotta dig that. Of course, I miss the old days of Mom and Pop video shops. That’s where it all began, man. There are still those kinds of shops here and there… but not everywhere. LM knows a bunch of them, and we’ve highlighted them in the zine. We’ll continue to do that throughout the life of the zine. We wanna put those people out there for fighting the good fight.

Yeah, Blockbuster sucks. I applied there once when I was 17 and they didn’t hire me. What dumbasses.

LH: What tape did you watch until it broke? Did you get a 2nd copy?

JS: Hmmm, a few, I guess, haha. My copy of TCM has been run through so many times it just looks like smeared ink on black construction paper with choppy sound, haha. I must have watched that copy about 500 times, no lie. Yeah, I’m a re-watcher. I broke a copy of THE ROBOT VS. THE AZTEC MUMMY, but that was probably just because it was a Video Treasures version, and while that company did cool stuff, it wasn’t the best quality. Oh, and I have like 5 copies of TCM on VHS to answer if I got a replacement copy. Nerd. Hmmmm… can’t think of any other tapes breaking, but I have watched some flicks so much that the print just deteriorates (like TCM). Other examples of that would be PSYCHOMANIA and OCTAMAN. OCTAMAN is the most intense ‘cause I only found that flick about 5 years ago, haha. It does have something to do with the original quality of the tape, but yeah, it says something about the flick… it rules.

LH: What are some of your favorite b-movies/cult films you discovered on VHS?

JS: Well, OCTAMAN, I WAS A TEENAGE ZOMBIE, MICROWAVE MASSACRE, EYES OF FIRE, PAPERHOUSE (I saw this flick on pay-cable years ago and re-found it after buying the tape), MOTHER’S DAY (one of my all-time favs), C.H.U.D., MOUNTAINTOP MOTEL MASSACRE, MOTEL HELL, BLOOD SALVAGE, CITY OF THE WALKING DEAD…. I found so many movies for the first time on VHS. That was just how I found new movies when I was younger. That, or on cable channels like HBO or Cinemax. HellloOOoooOO. RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD and GARBAGE PAIL KIDS!

LH: With the re-emergence of vinyl are you seeing a similar interest in VHS tapes starting to occur and will it lead to more hippies?

JS: Oh, yeah. I mean, there are some SERIOUS collectors out there, dude. People that will drop half a paycheck on a tape. More power to ‘em. If you got ‘em, smoke ‘em, you know? I know I don’t have the cash to drop 100 bucks on a tape. That’s just not how I roll. I think it’s rad that people want this stuff so bad, but the best thing to do is dig. Go to yard sales, thrift shops, estate sales. That’s the Promised Land for this kind of stuff. But if you’re a richy rich type (again don’t mean that in a derogatory sense), you can find nearly anything on the internet, save a few elusive gems.

More Hippies? Dude, I have no idea. Hopefully, if that does happen, they’ll be deformed, toxic hippies infected by the overdose of gnarly chemicals seeping from the faulty magnetic tape inside the video. But I better be careful what I wish for. I mean, if VHS creates “video hippies”, I think I might already be one of them. LOL

LH: Are there any interviews you did or people you’ve encountered in the b-movie industry that really stood out to you? Was their tequila and hot tubbing involved in any of them. If not feel free to make stuff up.

JS: I have met so many wonderful and weird people by publishing Lunchmeat. And I’d like to say first and foremost how awesome I think that is. It’s fantastic for me. Carl Crew was a stand-out interview. He’s a very odd person. And I mean that in the most sincerely nice way possible. He’s definitely a unique personality. Very nice guy. I’ve been in touch with people that others might not consider famous, but do a lot for the VHS and horror subculture. Like Jon Canady, my buddy that I mentioned before. He’s done so much for underground music etc. and I’m just thrilled to call him a friend. Of course, I met him through working at Relapse, but it’s all connected. If it wasn’t for Jon, LM wouldn’t be around. He helped design and submit the first issue to the printer. But actually through LM, I’ve met and worked with Rob Hauschild, Heather Drain, Joe Moe, Lynn Lowry, Keith Crocker…. Tremendous people that are doing what they want and the collective subculture should feel fortunate that they are. Seems bold, but it’s true, man.

LH: Do you have some favorite directors or actors/actresses you really admire from the time of VHS cinema.

JS: Oh, man. So many people I admire… it’s hard to pick from the VHS era, though, so you’ll have to forgive me? haha. John Saxon, Don Dohler, Roger Corman, Hitchcock, William Castle, Susan Tyrell, John Waters, Bert I. Gordon, Rod Serling, Vincent Price, Ingrid Pitt…. The List is enormous, man. Not by name, but I really admire anyone and everyone that endeavored to make a low-budget film. I can appreciate that mentality. Some of ‘em were just trying to make a buck, but you can’t always think you’re making art, right? That’s just too serious, haha.

LH: What is your opinion on the state of modern horror in today’s cinema and direct to DVD/ video on demand?

JS: It’s got its high points. I liked INSIDE and HUMAN CENTIPEDE. Those were great flicks. But for the most part, it’s pretty dismal and hackneyed. I mean, I know there’s A LOT of stuff out there I haven’t seen, but most of what I have seen is just recycled garbage. It’s cool for some people, I’m sure. Those flicks have to be there to get younger kids into horror, you know? It’s rare that a 15 year-old kid will gravitate directly to old-school stuff. I certainly can’t condemn the new stuff. But I don’t have to like it. Besides, you know I’m in a time warp, hahaha.

LH: Are you or have you ever been a member of the communist party?

JS: No, but I cook hot dogs in the microwave sometime. Does that offend anyone? No?.. Well, it should! haha

LH: What can we look forward to in some upcoming issues?

JS: Obscure flicks that only exist on VHS. Coverage of some of the best film esoterica you’ve never heard of. Interviews with people you never knew existed, but probably have worked on films you love. Radical cover scans with jaunty copy underneath, haha. Just lots of fun, fun stuff that I think people will really dig. And this is open to anyone and everyone – get a hold of us! Tell us about your favorite flick(s) and tell us your VHS memories, or how you’ve never forgotten them. Hang out with us!

LH: What is your favorite grocery meat product? We’re partial to Oscar Mayer Lunchables and those tiny circles of ham. How do they find pigs that small?

JS: Dude, I have no idea where they find those little piggies. They is delicious, though. I’m gonna go with Chicken Nuggets / Tenders / Fun Shapes. Man, I could just eat those all day. And have you ever had chicken nugget nachos? For real? Dude…….

We want to thank Josh for spending some time with us on the highway and are looking forward to more upcoming issues of Lunchmeat magazine in our mailbox. There’ll be more exciting news from them here on our site soon. To learn about subscribing to their publication, please visit www.lunchmeatvhs.com. Be sure to tell them Lost Highway sent ya.

A big thank you goes to A. Doktor who conducted a great interview below with the very beautiful and talented actress, Denise Williamson. And another big thank you to Denise for doing this interview.

I first met Denise Williamson at Comicpalooza 2010 in Houston, TX. They were screening the film Spirit Camp, and she and the director/writer/producer/editor Kerry Beyer where at the show. Denise was clad in her cheerleader outfit from the movie. I was struck by her beauty, but was more so by the fact that it was freezing in the auditorium, and this poor woman was in next to nothing.

Denise is new to the game, but has hit the ground running. In 2009 she was in Spirit Camp. In 2010 she will be in Killer Schoolgirls from Outer Space, Boggy Creek, Renfield the Undead, Cherry Bomb and more (most have yet to be released).

When I learned she lived in Houston, I had to get an interview.

LH: Who is your favorite Scream Queen? Why?

DW: I don’t really have a favorite scream queen. Halloween is one of the first scary movies I remember seeing. Jamie Lee Curtis is where it all started for me.

LH: How long have you been a fan of horror/b-movies?

DW: When I was younger I was to afraid to watch them. It was about junior high when I started watching them with friends.

LH: What are your favorite movies in this genre?

DW: The Lost Boys is my all time favorite. I also like ones that are based on actual events or could actually happen.

LH: If you could star in a remake/reboot what would it be? What character?

DW: I don’t care to be in a remake. I’m an original Remakes are never good anyway

LH: Have you had any special training and/or SUH-weet ninja skills to fight off all the perilous peril a heroine faces?

DW: Ha, ha. No, but I am a trained dancer and will hitch kick your face.

LH: How hard can you punch?

DW: I don’t know. Put your head in front of my fist and let’s find out.

LH: How long have you been in “the biz?”

DW: I got into making films a few years ago. Spirit Camp was my first film.

LH: Where did you get your start (acting)?

DW: In film, it was Spirit Camp. I walked in to get head shots for a theatre audition and Keyer Beyer (director of Spirit Camp) had some small roles he was still looking to cast and asked me if I wanted to audition.

LH: You didn’t get much screen time as a cheerleader in Spirit Camp. Do you get more time as the virginal teen girlfriend in Killer Schoolgirls from Outer Space?

DW: Yes in Killer School Girls I’m the female lead so I have much more screen time

LH: Did you get fraternize much with Ron Jeremy while working on Killer Schoolgirls? Was there any hootchi choochi lick ‘em yum yums going on with cast members and Mr. Jeremy?

DW: Sorry to disappoint you but Ron Jeremy was never on set with us. All his scenes were shot separately.

LH: In Renfield the Undead you’re a hooker who trades up to Dracula’s wife. How was it to be one of the blood sucking undead?

DW: Who doesn’t want to play a vampire… That’s part of the fun of being an actress. You get to pretend to be something your not.

LH: What’s the film Cherry Bomb about?

DW: Lol! Cherry Bomb is a film about a stripper who gets revenge on the douche bags that attacked her.

LH: I noticed there are a couple actors who have worked with you on multiple movies (Julin, Cory Hart). Are you friends? Do you help one another get jobs?

DW: Julin is one of my best friends. We always hangout and get into trouble. I see Corey every once in awhile. We all go to auditions together and definitely recommend each other. I for sure recommend getting Julin and I on a set together. You wont be disappointed.

LH: What’s been the most fun working on these films?

DW: The friends I’ve made. Some of my closest friends are people I’ve meet on set. Some of the best moments happen behind the camera.

LH: What horror movie monster (zombie, vampire, werewolf, ghost, Paris Hilton) do you identify with? Why?

DW: A vampire. I don’t want to be a hairy, smelly wolf, eat people’s brains or walk around saying boo all the damn time.

LH: If you were a piñata, what would come out if you were whacked with a stick?

DW: Um candy. Hello! Because I’m so so sweet.

The remaining questions were conducted to test her situational survivability.

LH: Some disfigured/rotting person is shambling towards you, moaning incoherently, you…?

DW: Give them a makeover?

LH: There’s a bad storm out, the electricity in your cabin goes out and there’s a strange noise coming from the cellar. You…?

DW: Cellar… Honey, I live in TX. We don’t have cellars.

LH: You and your girlfriends are having a sleepover. You’re all lying around in your bras and g-strings. You…

DW: Oh well, I guess there is nothing left to do but make out!

She passed the most important one, hopefully insuring a long career in the motion pictures.

To find out more about Denise, you can visit:

www.imdb.me/denisewilliamson

http://www.myspace.com/dwill2010

http://www.facebook.com/ActressDenise

If you haven’t already, check out Denise’s Highway Hotties page.

We would like to thank Shannon Lark for doing this interview. Shannon can currently be seen in the movie, “Walking Distance” starring along side Reggie Bannister (Reggie from the Phantasm series) and Adrienne King (Friday the 13th).

LH: What director would you like to work with and why?

SL: Alejandro Jodorowsky. His work is phenomenal, surreal, and beautiful. If I could be lost forever in a Jodorowsky movie, it would be a lovely nightmare.

LH: In your opinion, what was Tim Burton’s last great film?

SL: I love all of Tim Burton’s work. Everything from “Edward Scissorhands” to “Alice.” In my perspective, he’s simply an artist who is learning and expressing himself through film. It’s been wonderful to see him grow and project himself through his characters.

LH: What is one B-movie or horror movie that was absolutely horrible to watch, but it had a great soundtrack?

SL: I’ve never seen a classic B-movie I didn’t like. However, the modern term for the “B” movie genre has seemed to create badly shot video, and has lost the glamor that the classic B-movies created. The worst modern B-movie I have ever seen was “The BTK Killer.” It was so bad I had to shut it off. I felt bad because I can hang with the worst, but the soundtrack was never going to save this film.

LH: Can you tell us more about the Viscera Film Festival that you created?

SL: Viscera is a Festival for women horror filmmakers. We screen, distribute, and promote short horror films made by women all over the world. Sponsors assist in the promotion process and critique the films, along with screening them in various geographical areas. The Festival is about getting exposure for the filmmakers, and assisting those filmmakers in growing in their craft. This year we had our first premiere in Los Angeles and showcased over 28 films with an award ceremony and special guests. Along with turning Viscera into a non profit organization, we are busy with launching our new submission phase, preparing a new website and the 2011 Festival.

LH: What is your favorite classic black and white horror or Sci-fi movie?

SL: I would have to say the Twilight Zone really does it for me. I grew up watching the show and would run and hide in the closet when the climax came.

LH: What are your thoughts about how both independent and major movie studios today are mainly using CGI to replace traditional, practical visual effects like latex and corn syrup with red food dye?

SL: If you’re talking FX, I’m a traditional kind of girl, sort of. When it’s used as an atmospheric setting and an entire world is being created from CGI (such as in “Pan’s Labyrinth”), I think it works great. But for horrific monsters and blood, practical FX should definitely be used. A huge budget is the only way CGI will look good, and using it will create a more fantasy-like experience, as opposed to a horrific one. Particularly in B-movies, I despise green screens/cgi unless it’s meant to look terrible and give a throwback to camp. Because it does.
However, the exception to the rule is “King Kong” by Peter Jackson. Kong looked wonderful in CGI, but he was supposed to be seen as a sweet ape, not a menacing or terrifying character. Also, they had a ridiculous amount of money to make him look good.

LH: You’ve been very successful as a writer, dancer, director, and actress, so what is the one thing you want to accomplish, but haven’t been able to do yet?

SL: I would like to direct and produce several feature films, with varying types of budgets.

LH: How was it seeing Adrienne King of “Friday the 13th, Part 2″ fame back onscreen in the movie “Walking Distance”?

SL: It was exhilarating. Everyone on set could tell that she was very excited to be back in action. She is an absolutely wonderful person. It blows me away every time I think about it!

LH: Do you see yourself always being involved at some level in the horror genre?

SL: Most definitely. One of my personal heroes is Frances Bay, and she is in her 90’s and still working. That’s how I will be.

LH: Would you ever consider crossing over into mainstream movies, being that you are a huge supporter of the indie film scene?

SL: Yes, I would. But I definitely wouldn’t stay there and walk away from independents. It’s been a hard road for me because I do not do nudity, so working exclusively in independent horror has brought some challenges that I’ve had to overcome. Roles have been continuously out of my reach for many years because of not wanting to disrobe. I have nothing against actresses who do nudity, but there should be a choice. To me, movies are movies. A filmmaker doesn’t need 40 million dollars to make a good movie, or alot of characters, or even FX. It’s the acting and pacing that’s important. These are the movies I seek, high budget or not.

LH: A lot of production companies and websites out there don’t have names that really grab your attention, so how did you come up with the memorable name “The Chainsaw Mafia”?

SL: I was talking to a friend about starting up a website to help filmmakers and potential filmmakers in getting together and creating. I was a bit disappointed at the lack of community online for the horror genre at the time, so the name just made perfect sense. I launched TCM a year later, in 2004. Since then the site has definitely taken off and promoted a lot of artists, which has been unbelievable, and a lot of work. Recently, I passed the CEO position over to the editor, Jamie Jenkins, so I can focus on my acting and directing.

LH: If you could be in a horror movie from the 80’s, which one would it be?

Hellraiser. The atmosphere is very, very well done. OR The Shining: I could see me losing myself in that hotel. Everything about the music, the characters, and the pacing is wonderful.

LH: In your opinion, what is the one horror movie that perfectly blends its social message(s) with the story, characters, and visual elements?

SL: I would have to say “American Psycho,” which is a perfect representation of the striving aspect of American society that is ruthless, hallucinatory, obsessive, and needs therapeutic attention. However, on the outside, Bateman is cool, calm, and collected to all of his important colleagues. His behavior towards women and to men (who, in his mind, have more than him) shows a sick, internal struggle within our society: the strive for perfection can be a killer.

If you haven’t already, check out Shannon’s Highway Hotties page.

A very big thank you to Brooke Lewis who took time out of her insanely busy schedule to do an interview with us. Also, we’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Brooke for being awarded Best Scream Queen of 2009 by the B-movie Golden Cob 2010 Awards. Hope you enjoy her interview below.

LH: What is your best horror movie experience/memory?

BL: Creating MS. VAMPY and VAMP IT OUT from deep within my heart and soul; Working opposite “CANDYMAN” (Tony Todd) in iMURDERS and last, but not least, winning the B MOVIE GOLDEN COB AWARDS 2010 for BEST SCREAM of 2009 for SLIME CITY MASSACRE!!!

LH: How do you feel about the “horror” remakes that are being made today?

BL: I am soooo over it! 9 times out of 10, the remake can’t touch the original! But, that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t act in one…ya hear that, Rob Zombie???

LH: In your opinion, what elements make for a great horror film?

BL: A smart script; a story that sends chills down your spine; strong roles for women!

LH: Have your friends/family been supportive of your career as an actress and model?

BL: Beyond belief…I don’t know how they put up with me! My family and friends have supported me through all the “ups and downs” in this crazy business and I am forever grateful!

LH: When you’re not producing movies, acting or doing photo shoots, what hobbies do you like to do in your spare time?

BL: I’m sorry…spare time? What the hell is that??? I’m not even kidding, but on that rare occasion when I take a break, I watch horror films; TWILIGHT; TRUE BLOOD; AMERICAN IDOL; Do charity work; Listen to 80s music; Wine tasting; Astrology; Anything romantic; I love kissing…

LH: What is your favorite movie soundtrack?

BL: FAME; GOODFELLAS; RENT

LH: In a blind taste test, could you tell the difference between a Geno’s and a Pat’s Philly cheese steak?

BL: Absofreakinlutely! When you grow up in Philly or Jersey, it becomes a skill. After going to clubs or parties, we always ended up at Geno’s or Pat’s Steaks after hours…that’s how I got my big booty

LH: As an actress/artist which medium do you prefer: theatre, TV, or movies?

BL: I’ve done it all and I prefer TV…we shoot, it airs a month later and the paycheck and residuals are sweeeet!

LH: What does the future hold for Philly Chick Pictures?

BL: Philly Chick Pictures has a bloody bright future! I am proud to announce that we are in the development stage of creating a feature film for Ms. Vampy. I am blessed to have a co-production deal with Illusion Industries, in which I will star and produce, Todd Tucker will direct, Jim Pacitti will star and produce and Tamar Halpern, Todd, Jim and I have written based on my original story. The feature is a Halloween Family Comedy titled VAMP IT OUT and will be in the vain of THE NANNY meets ELVIRA meets HOUSE BUNNY. I am following my heart and soul with this piece and my goal is to inspire teenage girls and women to embrace their inner beauty, follow their dreams and when faced with fear, dig deep inside, find their inner vamp and VAMP IT OUT!!!

LH: Do you have any desire to return to the stage/theatre?

BL: Not at this time. I started in theatre and toured and did Off-Broadway shows for years in New York and after performing in TONY N’ TINA’S WEDDING Off-Broadway for almost 3 years, 7 shows a week, I burned out a bit. I choose projects that feel right to my soul and, at this time, it doesn’t feel right. When it does again, one day, and my soul is screaming for the stage, I will be there with a big smile!

LH: How did you become involved with the sequel to “Slime City”, “Slime City Massacre?”

BL: SLIME CITY MASSACRE is a gem of a lil indie horror/scifi/action flick! Greg Lamberson, the writer/director/producer, put his life into this project! He contacted me directly, after Wil Keiper recommended me, as both an actress and producer. Everyone pulled together to create something wonderful and artistic with a very low budget. For all the original SLIME CITY fans, Greg really stepped it up with the sequel! I play Nicole, a prostitute in the 1959 flashback scenes. I really enjoyed preparing for this character and I hope horror fans enjoy my work in this one. This was a project I chose solely based on the script, my role and Greg’s passion to make the film and it turned out to be quite a gift. I am forever grateful to Greg and the cast and crew of SLIME CITY MASSACRE, as I won the B MOVIE GOLDEN COB AWARD!

LH: Tell us one thing that your fans don’t know about you.

BL: I am rarely alone, but I am often lonely…

LH: What do you think was the best B-movie/horror film from 2009?

Released in 2009: iMURDERS; Filmed in 2009: SLIME CITY MASSACRE…DUH!

Thank you to LOST HIGHWAY and your readers…here’s to a horrific year! Love & Horror, XO Brooke Lewis

If you haven’t already, check out Brooke’s Highway Hotties page.