Where and Why Did the Paranoia Horror Film Festival Disappear??
The first Paranoia Horror and Sci-Fi Convention & Film Festival was held in 2009. A second fest was held the next year. And then they disappeared. Why? How?
This was the official website for the Paranoia Horror and Sci-Fi Convention & Film Festival.
Content is from the site's 2009 -2010 archived pages as well as from other outside sources.
2009 Paranoia Horror and Sci-Fi Convention & Film Festival
2009 March 13-15
MISSION & OBJECTIVE
We are looking for the next best thing in Horror.
“Paranoia” will soon be recognized as the world's largest Horror Convention & Film Festival held aboard the World Famous Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. As a recognizable force in the genre of Horror, Paranoia’s goal is to find the next great thing in horror each and every year. We will be accepting submissions for full-length features, shorts films, screenplays, and trailers.
Film Festival Updates: The Paranoia Horror Film Festival
Friday, December 19, 2008 / Dead Harvey - A resource for independent horror filmmakers and fans
I have been aboard the RMS Queen Mary. It's true. I've also seen the Spruce Goose, which is housed next to it at Long Beach. They're tourist attractions now. However, before the Queen Mary was retired in 1967, it was used as a cruise ship, then to transport troops during World War II and then back to being a cruise ship. And now, like I said, there's kids running around it, line ups, cotton candy, things like that... What most of those fat little kids don't know is that ghosts have been reported on board, but only after it docked in California. You see, in 1966, an 18 year old fireman was crushed by a watertight door in the engine room and his ghost is said to haunt the ship. In fact, because of all that, the Queen Mary operates daily paranormal themed tours, some of which have theatrics and effects. There's a haunted maze and they do some other stuff on Halloween. If you remember, the X-Files also did an episode on the ship, although it wasn't about The Queen Mary, it was about the Bermuda Triangle and the ship stood in for a WWII-era vessel. So, why am I bringing this all up? Well, because The Queen Mary will be hosting the first annual Paranoia Horror and Sci-Fi Convention and Film Festival this March 13th - 15th.
The Paranoia Horror and Sci-Fi Convention and Film Festival or "Paranoia", as they'd like to be coined, is vying to be the world's largest Horror Convention & Film Festival and they'd like to find the next great thing in horror each and every year. So, they're doing a judged festival and will be accepting submissions for feature-length films, short films, videos, trailers and screenplays. You have until February 14th to get your submission in and you can find more information on submitting by going to their site and clicking on the submissions page. By the way, the site is a little tough to navigate... that is, until you figure out that all the candles are the different tabs. You might figure that out right away, but it took me a few minutes. They'll be giving out awards for Best short film, best director, best actor, best actress, best scream, scariest scene, best sfx, best screenplay, best trailer and an audience award.
On top of the films, they will also present midnight showings of classic horror movies in the boiler room, along with a themed "Dinner of the Dead". I'm also assuming that there's some sort of convention aspect, but I can't guarantee that, as there's a candle to go to sponsorship opportunities, but it hasn't been updated, so there's no mention of tables or anything like that. Having said that, the world "convention" IS in the title, so there's gotta be something going on.
As for details, just to reiterate, it's the Paranoia Horror Film Festival and it's from March 13th - 15th. Their website is Paranoiafest.com and it's held aboard The Queen Mary in Long Beach, California.
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AN UPDATE: The 2009 Paranoia Film Festival was truly delicious. The Beacon winning was a bit of a surprise. I thought the film was going to be a real horror movie, but it's more of a ghost story. Recently I bought the DVD on Amazon to give to my girlfriend who I swear looks just like Teri Polo when she had her hair longer and feathered about her face at the Meet the Fockers premiere in 2004 and sort of the same look in The Haunting. Not everyone gave it a great review, but I thought the story was quite alright and kind of captivating and interesting. There was a constant and good flow to the story, so you never felt bored or found the movie to be uninteresting. Throughout the course of the movie, you are taken for some thrill rides and exposed to some really nice twists to the story as well. The sets, scenery, and make-ups were nice and worked well for the movie. However, the ending, well, that was a bit too much. Sort of made me laugh actually, because it was so cliché, so typical Hollywood. On the other hand, my famous lawyer friend Benjamin Pred totally loved this film. Ben, former Queens Assistant District Attorney, is a huge horror fan and likes them scary, so he thought The Beacon was a bit mild. But he loved the ghost idea. I am using the DVD as a ploy to distract my girlfriend to see if she notices the new best cz ring I just bought, which was inspired by a dazzling display at the Paranoia Film Festival. I found this great online site that offers hundreds of ring designs, and I ended up with a round, silver matte ring that looked like a piece of celebrity jewelry. Well, tonight's the night. I hope it turns out as successful as the Paranoia Film Festival!
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ORGANIZERS
James LaVitola (OTHER); Lisa Palley; Matthew Gavin; Shane Russeck
GENERAL RULES
SCREENPLAYS
• SCREENPLAY SUBMISSIONS MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 75 PAGES.
TRAILERS
• RUN TIME 10 SEC-3 MIN
SHORT FILM
• Run time of between 1 and 59 minutes
FEATURE FILM
Run time of 60 minutes or longer
DOCUMENTARY
• Run time of 60 minutes or longer
MUSIC VIDEO
• Run time of between 1 and 59 minutes
Submissions Rules:
Paranoia Horror and Sci-Fi Convention & Film Festival accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of entries during shipment to or from Paranoia Horror and Sci-Fi Convention & Film Festival.
1. Films must be RECEIVED BY December 31, 2008 (not postmarked by) to be in considered for the "Regular Deadline" submission period and entry fee.
2. Entrants must submit one (1) DVD (Region 0 or 1) viewing copy for consideration.
3. Entry forms and payment will not be processed without an accompanying Preview Copy in one of the accepted formats.
4. All entries must be in English or contain English subtitles.
5. Please attach WAB Tracking ID with submission.
6. Exceptions to the festival regulations must be authorized by one of the Festival Directors.
SHIPPING
The cost of shipping an entry to the festival must be paid by the entrant. Collect or C.O.D. shipment will not be accepted. All international entries must be sent "free domicile" to the Festival office with all transportation charges, duties, and taxes prepaid by the shipper. Any brokerage fees charged to Paranoia Horror and Sci-Fi Convention & Film Festival will be billed back to the shipper. Be sure to include all the proper customs documentation required by the shipping company.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Paranoia Horror and Sci-Fi Convention & Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes.
The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.
The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Paranoia Horror and Sci-Fi Convention & Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.
Interview with Shane Russeck, Festival Director of The Paranoia Horror Film Fest
Friday January 2, 2009 / Posted by Dead Harvey
A few weeks ago, we talked about a new film festival that's hitting Southern California, called the Paranoia Horror Film Festival. However, to sum it up, not only are they vying to be one of the largest Horror Conventions & Film Festivals right out of the gate, they're doing it on board the haunted RMS Queen Mary that's docked at Long Beach, right next to Howard Hughes' "Spruce Goose". Anyhow, building on that post, we've since had the chance to talk with the festival director and founder, Shane Russeck, to find out more about the festival...
Please tell us a bit about yourself… how’d you get into the whole indie horror scene?
I've always been a huge fan of Horror films. When I was a young kid, my Mother accidentally put "Halloween" on for me and my brother - I've been hooked ever since.
Tell us a bit about Paranoia, when and why did it get started?
I was at a horror convention, promoting a feature that I had acted in and noticed how many films were looking for distribution. I started thinking about how to get these films seen in a more effective venue and literally, Paranoia just came to me.
Talk a bit about the process in getting a film festival up and off the ground. What kind of hurdles did you have and what were some of the lessons learned?
Honestly, we haven't experienced many hurdles in launching Paranoia. We've been lucky in that the response has been overwhelming. It may be exclusive to the Horror genre, but we've found that Producers, Writers, Directors, Agents, Sales reps and Distributors have all been incredibly supportive of Paranoia and integral in getting it off the ground.
From the perspective of a film, why should indie horror filmmakers try to get their films into festivals?
Indie Horror Filmmakers need to get their films seen by industry professionals. Film Festivals like Paranoia are ideal for getting the films seen by the 'right' people.
From the perspective of the filmmaker, what can I expect to get out of attending and/or having my film screen at the festival?
As a filmmaker screening your film at Paranoia, you can expect first and foremost, a fun time at what people are calling the world's largest Horror Event. An exciting, exclusive red carpet premiere for your film and an opportunity to have your film viewed by the industry's best.
As a horror fan, what can expect to get out of attending the festival?
As a fan of Horror, you can expect to see what the next "big thing" in Horror is going to be. Plus, only Paranoia offers midnight screenings of classic Horror films in the Queen Mary's haunted boiler room.
When you’re accepting films, what are you looking for?
I keep an open mind about all of the films that I screen for Paranoia, but I have to say, I can really tell when a filmmaker is truly passionate about their project.
Does budget come into play when you’re considering films?
Budget absolutely does not come into play when I'm considering a film for Paranoia. Creativity, however is a must.
As a filmmaker, what can I do to make my film more festival friendly? Should I even be thinking of that?
I believe every filmmaker should follow their passion and make the film that they really want to make. Period.
At what point in the filmmaking process should I be thinking about the festivals?
Never.
What advice can you give to an up and coming filmmaker in the indie horror genre?
My advice to any filmmaker is to stay original and never stray from your vision. Whatever you do, make it your own.
Tell us about the future of indie horror, where do you see it going?
The great part of it is that I have no idea, and I can't wait to find out.
What’s next for you and Paranoia?
We have a lot of exciting opportunities coming our way, but for now, we are focusing on throwing a great event.
Where can people find out more about Paranoia and how can they go about entering their film?
All the information on Paranoia can be found at Paranoiafest.com
NOTE: When making reservations be sure to mention that you are with “ParanoiaFest 2009” and any type of applicable discounts will be applied!!"
TIME SLOTS UPDATED!!
Friday, March 13, 2009 |
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5pm-6pm | SHORT BLOCK | ||
"Abraham's Boys" |
16 min | ||
"Madison" | 20 min | ||
"Kinksdale" | 22 min | ||
6pm-7pm | OPENING COCKTAIL RECEPTION | ||
7:30pm-9:30pm | FEATURE FILM | ||
Opening Short | "Into the Woods" | ||
Feature Film | "Fingerprints" | 96 min | |
9pm-2am | THE PARANOIA GET TOGETHER | ||
10pm-12am | RED CARPET | ||
Opening Short | "Silent Night Bloody Night" | 7 min | |
Feature Film | "Midnight Movie" | 80 min | |
12am-2am | MIDNIGHT MOVIE | ||
"T.B.D." |
Saturday, March 14, 2009 |
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10am-11am | CREEPTOONS | ||
"X-Mess Detritus" | 2 min | ||
"Murder in 3 Axe" | 7 min | ||
"Abbott and Costello Meet the Monsters" | 4 min | ||
"The Book Dealers" | 8 min | ||
"A Break in the Monotony" | 4 min | ||
"Frankenstein vs. The Wolfman in 3D" | 20 min | ||
11am-12pm | SHORT BLOCK (Sci-Fi / Fantasy) | ||
"Eel Girl" | 5 min | ||
"Forecast" | 15 min | ||
"Outsource" | 12 min | ||
"3371" | 10 min | ||
"Lucifer" | 8 min | ||
12pm-2pm | DOCUMENTARY | ||
Opening Short | |||
Feature Doc | "Horror Business" | 82 min | |
2pm-4pm | SHORT BLOCK | ||
"This is a Story About Ted and Alice" | 16 min | ||
"Criticized" | 18 min | ||
"Here Lies Revelations" | 23 min | ||
"Schattenkind" | 13 min | ||
"Death on the Way" | 10 min | ||
"Stink Meat" | 5 min | ||
"Cheerbleeders" | 11 min | ||
"Reflections" | 16 min | ||
4pm-6pm | FEATURE FILM | ||
Opening Short | "Cam 2 Cam" | 26 min | |
Feature Film | "VLOG" | 70 min | |
6pm-8pm | RED CARPET | ||
Opening Short | "Anyone There?" | 10 min | |
Feature Film | "iMurders" | 97 min | |
8pm-10pm | RED CARPET | ||
Opening Short | "Corrections" | 10 min | |
Feature Film | "The Beacon" | 98 min | |
9pm-2am | THE PARANOIA GET TOGETHER
Come mix and mingle with other Paranoia enthusiasts and join us in the World Famous Observation Bar for cocktails and dancing (featuring DJ's and live music) |
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10pm-12am | RED CARPET | ||
Opening Short | "The Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" | 11 min | |
Feature Film | "Soul's Midnight" | 87 min | |
12am-2am | MIDNIGHT MOVIE | ||
"T.B.D." |
Sunday, March 15, 2009 |
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11am-1pm | FEATURE FILM | ||
Opening Short | "Opening Night of the Living Dead" | 3 min | |
Opening Short | "Attack at Zombie High" | 13 min | |
Feature Film | "Zombie Wars" | ||
1pm-3pm | SHORT BLOCK (By Women of Horror) | ||
Opening Short | "Death in Charge" | 15 min | |
Featured Shorts | "Viscera" (a collection of shorts) | 90 min | |
3pm-4pm | SHORT BLOCK | ||
"Paranormalcy" | 20 min | ||
"Dead Bones" | 18 min | ||
"Excision" | 19 min | ||
4pm-6pm | FEATURE FILM | ||
Opening Short | "Little Snaps of Horror" | 2 min | |
Feature Film | "Necrosis" | 79 min | |
6pm-8pm | RED CARPET | ||
Opening Short | "Eulogy" | 7 min | |
Trailer | "Trasharella" | 2 min | |
Feature Film | "Dark Reel" | 108 min | |
8:30pm-10:30pm | AWARD CEREMONY | ||
Join us as we present the winners for all the category's of our film festival
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10:30pm- | AFTER PARTY | ||
2009 PARANOIA FEST OFFICIAL AWARD WINNERS
BEST FEATURE FILM:
“The Beacon” Directed by Michael Stokes
8pm-10pm "The Beacon"
98 min
Synopses
While trying to get their lives back on track after the disappearance and presumed drowning of their four year old son, Bryn and Paul Shaw move to the charming old Beacon Apartments. Friendly neighbors and a kick start to Paul's teaching career help smooth the transition. The only sore spot for Bryn is her argument with the building's resident diva, Vanessa Carver, a beautiful, once-successful actress who still behaves as if she were a sought-after star.
Bryn begins seeing a mysterious little boy skulking around the building. She suspects he might be the child from the apartment down the hall and is shocked to discover that the boy actually died in a fall down the Beacon's elevator shaft while trying to escape his abusive father.
Bryn channels the grief of her own loss into discovering the details of the boy's death and his reason for haunting the Beacon. She hopes that freeing the boy will allow him to carry a message to her son. As her quest begins to consume her, she fails to notice how her marriage is beginning to fray. The beautiful Vanessa has set her sights on Paul.
Enlisting the help of an eccentric young professor who believes in the paranormal, Bryn comes up with a plan to save the boy's spirit -- only to discover there is another malevolent entity stalking the halls of the Beacon: one that doesn't want the boy set free.
Starring:
Teri Polo
David Rees Snell
Elaine Hendrix
BEST SHORT:
“Criticized” Directed by Richard Gale
BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS:
“Lucifer”
BEST ACTOR:
Armand Assante – “Soul’s Midnight”
Armand Assante (The Mambo Kings, Judge Dredd) stars in this present-day vampire horror story based on a historic cult that delves into ancient rituals revolving around the legend of St. George. The Eve of St. George is upon them, and they must find the perfect sacrifice, a child with an untainted ancestry to St. George, to resurrect their ancient leader.
IMDb review:
In 1975, a pregnant woman escapes alone from a dangerous sect that worships St. George in Guthrie, Texas, protected by her husband that shoots against the masked members. Thirty years later, her son Charles Milford (Robert Floyd) receives his will and a letter calling him for the funeral of his father, and he travels with his pregnant wife Alicia (Elizabeth Bennett) back to Guthrie. They lodge in a fancy hotel owned by Simon (Armand Assante) and they are introduced to his mistress Iris (Lucila Solá) in the Eve of St Geoge Festival. Sooner they discover that Charles is a descendant of St. George and the blood of his unborn baby is necessary to resurrect the leader of a vampire community.
"Soul's Midnight" is a reasonable low-budget vampire movie. The promising story has a stylish set decoration in the interior of the hotel and a very sexy unknown actress, the Argentinian Lucila Solá. Unfortunately the "hero" is a silly character and probably due to the restraint of budget, there are many situations not well resolved and the city looks like a ghost town without dwellers. My vote is a 5/10.
If you love Vampire lore and are a fan of Gothic horror, then you might want to check out Soul's Midnight. I did not know much about this movie before I watched it, and I wasn't expecting much, but I found the movie to be fun and entertaining.
Starring Armand Assante as the leader of the vampires Simon, Soul's separates itself from other low budget vampire flicks by weaving in the mythology of St. George and the Dragon in a fun new way.
I'm not sure what the budget for this movie was, but I sense that if it was a little more then they might have really been able to hit home the gore and effects.
If you're up late one night and you're in the mood for a fun low budget vampire flick then Soul's Midnight is a good choice. My vote is a 5/10.
BEST ACTRESS:
Teri Polo – “The Beacon”
BEST TRAILER:
“Blood Bunny” - Directed by Molly Madfis
BEST SCREENPLAY:
“Devil’s Playground” Written by Ryan Gilmore
BEST MUSIC VIDEO:
“The Beauty” Directed by Luca Vecchi
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Sybil Danning
Ken Foree
Shannon Lark
Brooke Lewis
Rena Riffel
Tiffany Shepis
Tony Todd
2nd Annual Paranoia Horror and Sci-Fi Convention & Film Festival
May 16, 2010 to May 17, 2010
Submissions Rules:
Paranoia Horror and Sci-Fi Convention & Film Festival accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of entries during shipment to or from Paranoia Horror and Sci-Fi Convention & Film Festival.
1. Films must be RECEIVED BY January 12, 2010 (not postmarked by) to be in considered for the "WAB Extended Deadline" submission period and entry fee.
2. Entrants must submit one (1) DVD (Region 0 or 1) viewing copy for consideration.
3. Entry forms and payment will not be processed without an accompanying Preview Copy in one of the accepted formats.
4. All entries must be in English or contain English subtitles.
5. Please attach WAB Tracking ID with submission.
6. Exceptions to the festival regulations must be authorized by one of the Festival Directors.