Mortis-Rigor.com - Interviews

Mortis Rigor (MR): Ok, pretty boy, let me state, for the record, I am not much of a fan of glorifying someone prettier than yours truly. Not to mention, a lucky sap that stars opposite drop-dead gorgeous, lady vampires and covergirl, pool star, Jennifer Barretta. So, when did you sell your soul to line this stuff up?

Mark Kochanowicz (MK): First, I just have to say that you’ve got a great head of hair. What kind of product do you use? I think I should start using it. Maybe I’ll get more babes!

Seriously though, I started shooting movies when I was an adolescent. Back in those days before video camcorders, it was film. I had an interest, so I asked a neighbor to borrow his 8mm camera. I don’t know what the guy was thinking, but much to my surprise, he lent it to me. I bought a 5-minute roll of 8mm film from K-Mart, shot my ideas and returned it for developing. The price was very reasonable. I learned a lot about lighting real fast. I had every light on in my mom’s house and that was barely enough to make the short film watchable. Think a couple notches below “Eraserhead” and you’ll get an idea of how dark it was.

Twenty years later, I decided to get real serious and signed up for an acting class in Philadelphia with a much respected teacher. I remember in my very first monologue class, I chose to perform a scene from David Lynch’s “Wild at Heart”. The scene was where Bobby Peru mentally rapes Lulu Fortune. The actress-student who read opposite of me had no idea what I was doing. I scared the shit out of her and made her cry. The class was dead silent. Jaws were wide open. That moment made me feel so alive and I knew then what I would be doing the rest of my life.

(MR): Wild at Heart was a very under-rated movie. Especially enjoyed the part where Willem Dafoe’s head gets splattered into the stocking he was wearing over his head… but I digress.

Mark and Jennifer Barretta

(MR): Ok, so you are starring in a pool movie. Do you play?
(MK): I’ve shot for fun in the past but I’m not any good. I understand the geometry but can’t execute. Maybe after this movie “9-Ball” with Jennifer Barretta, I’ll pick up a few pointers and come back here and kick your boney ass in a pool match!

(MR): Hmmm. Fat chance.

(MR): You have a web series called Bleeder. Tell us a bit about that.
(MK): The co-creater, Wade Ballance, and I were having trouble raising money for a feature film called “The Root People”. We spent a lot of time and money trying to get it off the ground but never could generate enough investors to start production. We shot a trailer which is online but that still didn’t close the deal. So in the meantime we came up with an idea to shoot a Web series for 10% of the cost.

We decided to go with the horror genre, and what was hot to an Internet audience. Vampires emerged at the top of the list. We wanted to make “Bleeder” unique and mysterious, not just some blood and guts film. Wade and I incorporated films and shows in the past that we found smart and entertaining and just put a horror twist on it. “Bleeder” is not in your face. There are different subplots going on and we put our own spin on the mythology of vampirism.

(MR): Interesting idea… a hemophiliac, hanging with vampires. When was your last nose bleed?
(MK): I used to have nose bleeds all the time when I was a kid. Seriously, like twice a day. It started to taper off in college.

(MR): How much of yourself is in your characters? Or do you try to submerse yourself, and forget Mark and become Alex, or whomever your playing?
(MK): Part of me is in every role. I just strip away enough layers of my normal social persona and then add the layers of the character of whom I’m playing. My performance on screen is really trying to live in the moment with these new traits and reacting to the imaginary environment and people.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw806JhvlRg

(MR): The Root People is another feature that you star in. The trailer looks quite promising. Sell me on this movie. Why should I pay to go see it, and where and when will it be available?

(MK): Thank you. The script made it to the semi-finals in the Nicholl Fellowship awards, which is run by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. Writer/director Wade Ballance has a few festival awards under his belt and I truly believe in my heart that I can carry a movie even though I’m still a “no-name” talent. It’s an edgy suspense/thriller with undertones of voodoo, racism and prescription-drug dependency. Maybe it is too edgy but at least it will be different then the normal schlock that is out there. As I stated earlier, the project is still in development but we will have a couple recognizable faces and attractive women in it to keep the investors and audience happy.

(MR): The idea of voodoo is pretty creepy. Do you believe in Voodoo, witchcraft, and ghosts, etc?
(MK): I think there is so much more than what our corporeal selves can understand at this point in our evolution. I messed with a Ouija board before and had some strange and fascinating results during a séance. I try not to think too much about it.

(MR): Other than me when I’m angry, what scares you the most?
(MK): The thing that scares me the most is the act of someone doing something morally or sexually perverse to children. I’m not sure if I am more scared for the innocent or for the monster I would become if someone did that to my kids.

(MK): It’s not a big deal or on the top of my list but I’m proud of my first day-player role on the HBO show “The Wire”. It was only one line and a bit role but I finally felt like I was truly a professional then.

(MR): What would be the one thing, not yet accomplished, that you’d like to add to your resume?
(MK): I am a very passionate and motivated person. One thing would never be enough. But if I have to choose one thing, it would be to star in and direct a classic feature film that stood the test of time. The stuff of Orson Wells and now, Clint Eastwood, are good motivators for me.

(MR): Any chance of you introducing ol’ Mortis here to some of those vampire babes? I do love the ladies that like to play rough.
(MK): Well then, you would get along just fine with our DAISY, played by Sarah Croce. She plays on a women’s’ rugby team for fun!
(MR): She sounds delightful. Set it up! Maybe her and I can get into a Scrum.

(MR): I seem to be blessed… or cursed, with an immortal condition, of walking the tightrope between life and death; leaving equally in both realms. Does eternal life appeal to you? Or is one lifetime enough?
(MK): I believe in eternal life but not the traditional construct that most people embrace. There is something called an “omega point” that Pierre Teilhard de Chardin coined in his philosophical writings. Basically it is point in the future of human evolution where there is a coalescence of planetary consciousness. A “nooshpere”. It sounds pretty far out there but if you google noosphere and spend five minutes of research you’ll realize that it is happening around us. In fact, Princeton University has been studying these phenomena and collecting data since 1998 under the Gloabal Consciousness Project. To me there is no one “true” religion. It’s just something we humans have come up with to prepare us for the after-life.

(MK): Would it surprise you if I said “2001: A Space Odyssey”? I love that movie and much of Kubrick’s work, particularly “The Shining”. Some of my other favorites are, “The Conversation”, “North by Northwest”, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” and “The Empire Strikes Back”.

(MR): Man, nothing surprises me anymore. One minute I can have a three-ounce piece of flesch falli off my face, only to have it regenerate minutes later. I can dig the whole Kubrick vibe, daddy-o. The Shining was pretty great. Those damn twins gave me the willie's, though.

“9-Ball” which I play the boyfriend of the lead actress starts in September 2009.

I’d been trolling the net, looking for some far-out temptress that caught my eye, when I came upon a smokin’ little biscuit with a dark side. Well, come to papa Mortis. Her name is Amy Lee Murr, and she’s as hot as she is scary. She also creates some disturbingly beautiful art. This interview will likely be a challenge of wills, as we banter back and forth, one trying to out-darken and corrupt the other. I think this time, I may have met my match.

Amy Lee Murr (ALM): Thanks Mortis. You may say whatever you wish, but be careful I WILL bite.

(MR): So you are the owner of Insomnia Graphix? Tell us about it.
(ALM): The name came from the mere fact that I can not sleep until the picture I started has been completed. Otherwise, I dream about it until it's finished. It is a different name and one that will be remembered. It's all about making your audience experience a deeper emotion.

(MR): I gotta tell you… not much scares me, but some of the stuff that comes from your imagination, creeps me out baby! You might be the one person, more disturbed than me. What inspires your dark creations?
(ALM): Might be? Come now dear Mortis no one can be more disturbing then you, but then again I suppose I may have more Pyschotic tendencies.

I have always had dark dreams from the time I was a child. Mainly it is due to personal experiences. I began using those dark dreams as inspiration on creating such disturbed pieces. Most my work is inspired by the emotion I may be experiencing at that particular time. *Winks at Mortis* Maybe I'll visit a few of your dreams.

(MR): Unfortunately for me, you are married. Otherwise, I kinda dig the idea of a slightly older woman. You could be one of those Cougar women, like on TV.
(ALM): Slightly older? *Licks her lips* You coudn't handle a woman of my stature. Want to stroke my knife?

(ALM): I love creating work that is a challenge, Not only to myself but as well as the audience. If you step back and say "Wow" or "What the hell". I've done my job as an artist. All my work is symbolic. One must think deep in order to truly understand the picture before you. while many of my works appear dark it is only because the actual subject is in itself disturbing. My job is to show you how truly disturbing the idea of the matter is. For example; Child Abuse. We know it is disturbing but many of us turn our heads and close our eyes. If we do not see it then it does not exists, correct? Of course this is not true. Other examples would be domestic abuse, drug Abuse, etc. I am not here to Judge, but help. If my work speaks to even one person, to know they are not alone, or they need to reach out as well. Then I have done my job.

(MR): What is your Mona Lisa? The piece that you've done where you thought to yourself: Man, I nailed this one? Or, is there simply one that is your favorite?
(ALM): Insanity. After my father passed and I found out some disturbing news of my own. I created Insanity.

(MR): I assume that since you do so much in the way of creepy art, that you are a horror movie fan. What are your favorite horror movies or books?
(ALM): I adore Chucky, as a child I had a crush on him, his scars are even sexy. I must say it is hard for me to find movies that give me a good Scare. "The Ring" was not scary for me until the dead girl walked out of the television. That was not suppose to happen. Though I must say I dig her hair. Another crush I had as a child would be on Tales from the Crypt, the skeleton had a truly sexy voice. Freddy Kruager was awesome on scaring the weaklings. I use to go to sleep wishing he would come and see me. He never did. *Scoots closer to Mortis and begans running her fingers across his scared face* yummy....

(MR): Your MySpace page says that you embrace your imperfections. I must assume then that my scars and distorted features must be a tremendous turn-on for you?
(ALM): Your story saddens me, but I must say you have turned out rather Ravishing. Maybe we could compare our scars over some drinks sometime.

(MR): What is your ultimate goal as an artist?
(ALM): To make you feel something..ANYTHING!!! No, my true goal is to open an Art and Photography studio. I want to give art lessons and share my secrets with other fellow artist. I feel I have something I can offer to the younger generation. I believe in them. I want to show them a different more positive manner of expressing one's self.

(MR): Who is the one artist that you respect and admire most?
(ALM): I have a few really. Frida Kahlo would be my first. Her struggles with her legs and her determination to fully live is one i relate to. I myself was born with Severe Clubbed feet. I've had many MANY surgeries on my feet as a child and adult. Then there would be my more recent news, in which i wish to remain silent about at this moment. I have continued my fight in walking and living. It is truly a battle of heart, will, and determination. Another would be Edgar Allen Poe and Vincent Van Gogh.

(MR): Thank you so much, Amy. One last question. How many times during this interview did you picture me naked? My confession: I have pictured you naked 36 times… and counting!
(ALM): I need not picture you naked with my x-ray vision. meOW *kisses Mortis on the cheek* Thank you for having me, its been fully my pleasure.

Grrr! How could I ask for more? A brazen little morsel that bites, is a fighter and really digs me. I'm still a bit afraid of her... but highly drawn to her.

Every now and then you run across a fetching young woman and are taken by her good looks. Then after looking past those physical assets, which I rarely do, you realize this person has a lot going beyond being eye-catching. I personally know what its like to be considered eye-candy without my other skills being considered in the total package. Gabrielle Faust is one such person. She’s an author, abstract artist, poet, Branding design expert and public relations manager. With such an impressive resume, she is welcome here in the presence of yours truly, Mortis Rigor.

Mortis Rigor (MR): Gabrielle is a beautiful name, for a beautiful lady. Gabrielle Rigor has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?
Gabrielle Faust (GF): Why thank you Mr. Rigor. However, I think Mortis Faust has a slightly better ring.

(MR): May I call you Mrs. Rigor? May I call you frequently?
(GF): Well now, Mortis, I think it’s a little soon for that...but let’s see how the interview goes. ;)

(MR): Ok. Author, Poet, PR… What one drives you most, if you had to choose one?
(GF): I suppose at this time in my life my artistic endeavors as an author are the main force behind my drive, though the various aspects of my life (art, poetry, music and my work in pr/design) are all extremely closely interwoven and equally important to me...

(MR): When did your writing career begin?
(GF): I’ve been writing pretty much my entire life, but I decided to chase my dreams of becoming a professional writer about four years ago.

(MR): Is there an ultimate goal when you write a novel, like to have it adapted to a movie someday?
(GF): Actually, it’s funny you should mention that! A film adaptation of ETERNAL VIGILANCE is exactly what I desire to see happen! I think combining the first and second books in the series would make for an absolutely mind-blowing big picture production. I’m also currently searching for a comic book illustrator to collaborate with on a graphic novel adaptation of the series as well.

(MR): You go on tour a lot, book signings, etc. What kind of reception do you get? Does the direct feedback motivate you?
(GF): The reception has always been overwhelmingly positive at all of the signings and cons that I have done over the past year. I have been just amazed at the science fiction and horror communities’ embrace of the series and their continued enthusiasm is the ultimate motivator. I do love hearing directly from readers and always look forward to emails about their reactions to the books.
***Mortis’ Note*** The above-mentioned cons actually refers to conventions and not at all implying that Ms. Faust is a con-artist. This fact nearly made me reconsider her worthiness of becoming the future Mrs. Rigor… actually probably would’ve had little effect.

(MR): Your new novel Eternal Vigilance has a killer cover design. Did you do the cover art?

(GF): I did the graphic design layout but the brilliant artist behind the central image is Polish photographer Wojciech Zwoliñski. He has also created another stunning image for the second novel and I have plans of hiring him again for the third book in the series as well!

(MR): You write about vampires. Wouldn’t you find a man who resides equally between the realms of living and the dead a little more interesting, especially without the disgusting habit of eating human flesh or drinking blood?

(GF): Well, I do have a certain fetish for fangs and pale skin...But I do like to keep an open mind. ;)

(GF): Develop a thick skin. That is the number one piece of advice I always give aspiring writers. Publishing is one of the most brutal and merciless industries you can chose to go into. This is not a bad thing, but you have to realize that your work will be critiqued and critiqued often. It’s impossible for everyone to like everything you write. If you believe in what you write stick to it and the right people will gravitate towards your work. Also, keep your eyes open and ALWAYS read your contracts. Unfortunately there are a lot of unsavory characters in the publishing industry, much like the movie industry, just looking to take advantage of eager writers desiring publication. Always read the fine print before signing anything.

(MR): How did your partnership with Immanion Press occur? Who approached whom?
(GF): It’s actually a very cool story. About three years ago, when I was first finishing the manuscript for the first ETERNAL VIGILANCE book, before I had even started looking for a publisher, I realized I was in need of serious professional advice. So, late one night, I decided to email five of the authors whose work has inspired me for many years. I never in a million years thought that anyone would actually email me back, but I always say that it never hurts to ask. One of the emails was to the famous fantasy author Storm Constantine. I was absolutely amazed when she emailed me back a very long reply offering advice. At the end of the email she asked me to send her the first chapter of the novel to review. It was at this time that I learned that she had her own independent press called Immanion Press, which also publishes authors such as Michael Moorcock and Ian Watson. After reviewing the chapter she told me that she was interested in publishing the book...the rest, as they say, is history.

(MR): What is on the horizon for Gabrielle? What’s your next project?
(GF): Well, I just finished the manuscript for the second installment of the EV series and turned it over to Immanion Press. If all goes well (knocks on wood) that book should be out in early 2009. Also in the works is a new collection of poetry entitled CROSSROADS which Seraphemera Books has agreed to publish. This book will also be out in early 2009. I recently finished a series of illustrations, as well as the cover art, for Michael Marano’s new collection of short stories, STORIES FROM THE PLAGUE YEARS, which is being published by Cemetery Dance. These are the main projects currently in the pipeline. 2009 is going to be an incredible year!

(MR): What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?
(GF): As a writer, that would have to be ETERNAL VIGILANCE. EV is a series that is incredibly close to my heart and soul, one that I have worked on for a long time and have fought to bring to the public. I stand behind it 100% and am truly proud to know that people are reading it and enjoying the tale.

(MR): One last question? What is your phone number? Can’t blame a guy for trying, can you?
(GF): You scoundrel! I tend not to answer my phone but you can email me anytime. ;)

Heidi Martinuzzi has actress, writer and webmistress amongst her impressive list of accomplishments on her resume. She can now add to her resume that she is the first ever inductee (other than Mortis himself) inducted into the Mortis Rigor HALL OF SLAIN. She has accomplished a lot in a short period of time and is willing to get sliced and diced for our entertainment. Read her interview and visit her Hall of Slain page to see why she was chosen.

Heidi Martinuzzi (HM): Well, the bacon is shakin, first of all. And I don't believe in shaking the sugar. It agitates the sugare and makes bad things happen.

(HM): Since 2004. I was gonna lie and say longer, but that would be a lie. So that's only 4 years! How is that??? almost 5, I guess.

(HM): Well, it was easier than you might think. They left the window slightly open, just enough to slide that shiv I made in prison right under the latch, and Viola! The window slid right open. I wore tennis shoes but had filed down the rubber pattern so I wouldn't leave footprints but could still walk silently. I wore gloves, of course. When I got to the master bedroom I debated killing the couple, just to see the pain on their faces. I decided against it, as it was the Shatterswaithe Diamond I had REALLy come for and had to keep my focus on that. Now that the diamond is in my possession, I plan to take the train to Istanbul and write insulting letters to the London Times challenging Scotland Yard to dare to find me.

(HM): I have been in a film where I was never threatened! But once I get threatened in a film, I always end up dying. I have never been a 'Final girl" of any kind. I'm not nice enough!

(MR): When the Mortis Rigor movie gets made, maybe I’ll make you the “Final Girl”, but I would do it because you are a bad girl. That’s what I like about you.

(MR): I can tell you're digging me. Don't think I didn't notice that extra button you took down on your top. So what ya say, wanna come back to my nest?

(HM): Sure. I like nests. I like how you have all that shiny aluminum you've hoarded and decorated the nest with. Is that a worm? That is so cute! Do you have any beer?

(HM): Several chicks and myself decided to start the site together. Well, the two of them ended up giving up because it was too much work and they weren't dedicated enough, so I continued the site alone. I've been doing it ever since! That was in spring of 2004. The idea behind it was to start a site where women could feel comfortable talking about horror. There wasn't anything like that on the internet at the time. Even the "big" sites that were around were VERY male-oriented. They writers were male, the posters were male, and the films they talked about were, made by men.

It's not so much like that anymore, but that's because of sites like Pretty/Scary....

(HM): It's called "The Book that took forever to write" Just kidding. It's called "Pretty/Scary: Female Horror Film directors." It's a chronicle of all the female horror directors that have been overlooked in film and horror books, plus a ton of recent ones that haven't gotten the press they deserve. The films start in 1896 and go till NOW. It's been a huge undertaking, and some of the directors featured are Mary Lambert, Katt Shea, Doris Wishman, Stephanie Rothman, Maya Deren, Ida Lupino, rachel Talalay, Janet Greek, Deryn Warren, Holly Dale, Jane Campion, Antonia Bird, Mary Harron, Wendy Toye... The list is about 250 people long, so won't bore you here.

(MR): You are obviously a strong, enterprising woman. Who are some of your heroes in the horror industry?

(HM): I love Roger Corman for his "f*** all attitude" and Katt Shea for directing his sleazy films. I really admire Tiffany Shepis because she can sleep with any man she wants, and some I want, and I love Lloyd Kaufman for making complete pieces of sh** and not caring. I also admire Brain Damage Films for releasing the pieces of sh** that Troma won't take. That takes balls.

(HM): My crowning moment is when I got drunk at the Saw DVD release party in Los Angeles a few years back and went up to Cary Elwes and said, "say, 'As You Wish!' over and over again until his wife came and dragged him away from me.

(HM): When I got drunk at the Saw DVD release party in Los Angeles a few years back and went up to Cary Elwes and said, "say, 'As You Wish!'" over and over again until his wife came and dragged him away from me.

(MR): There has been somewhat of a backlash to the "horror-porn" trend. What are you thoughts on this trend and do you think it's a passing fad?

(HM): I think that porn is gay (as in lame) so anything they can do to make it more interesting is a-okay in my book. Frankly, anything that is fictional shouldn't even be on the radar. Who cares? it's fake. people should be up in arms about the REAL horrors going on in our government and military and economy and leave the poor creative artistic f***s who think of names like XXXorcist alone. They're not hurting anyone.

I think all sub genres of porn are passing trends that come and go. You know how sick men are. And lets' face it, porn is made for men, not women. Porn will get sicker and sicker until the rest of us just start vomiting. We haven't seen anything yet.

(MR): I guess I was referring more to flicks like Hostel and others in the mainstream that are being referred to as horror-porn. That’s Ok, I’m not sure I knew what I was asking anyway. As for porn, did you want to watch one? I think I have Lord of the Thighs here somewhere.

(HM): Hostel and Captivity, Asian flicks like Audition, and movies considered 'Torture Porn' are just extremely gory horror films that feature prolonged torture before death, or elaborately designed deaths. If people don't like it, they shouldn't watch. There are plenty of other types of horror, and many more types of other genres of film. I don't think there's anything wrong with it. These films might suck, but there is nothing intrinsically "wrong" with their creation or existence in a moral sense.

Frankly, if it doesn't involve an orgasm or penetration, or a combination thereof of the viewer, I don't think "porn" is an appropriate term to include in the genre's title. Calling Hostel "torture Porn" is the equivalent of saying someone is a "work-aholic". It's not remotely related to the term "alcoholic", just as torture porn is only "porn" in the sense that someone is watching something and enjoying it.

I mean, couldn't we also call all televised sporting events "Sports-Porn"? It's just stupid.

As far as Hostel and Captivity go: These movies are lame and I don't really enjoy them. Hostel was pretty fun, but it was no Texas Chainsaw Massacre.

(MR): By the photo gallery on your site www.thehorrorpost.com , you seem to have met many heavy hitters in the horror biz. Is their any one person who you credit for helping your career through their advice or guidance?

(HM): I'd have to say Brad Miska at Bloody-Disgusting for hooking me up with a lot of the people I initially met. Being affiliated with a website makes it easier to get into events and to meet the people you really want to meet. Aside from that, everyone else usually tries to hold everyone else back, especially journalists. F*** everyone. And I thank none of them.

(HM): Yeah, she said, "Did you ask that freakshow to stop spamming my myspace?" Nah, just kidding dude, you've been spamming someone else's myspace. Sheri doesn't even know you exist.

(MR): Actually, I think I was spamming your MySpace page. Sorry about that. Who knew that is a violation of the TOS. Anyway, Sheri’s restraining order runs out soon so I may be able to get that lock of her hair after all.

(MR): Is there any one actor/actress or director that you dream of someday working with? Keep in mind, yours truly is available for leading man roles.

(HM): I would LOVE to work with Michael Pare. I think he's the sexiest man alive. I would love to be in a movie where he bitch slaps me - maybe he could be my pimp? Any excuse, really, to do that scene with him.

(HM): Yes! But Michael Pare's crowing achievment is clearly "The Philadelphia Experiment", in which he plays a sexy sailor who goes forward in time to... 1983! It's awesome.

(MR): You've got a short film out titled Wretched. Tell us about that and your other current projects.

(HM): Wretched is a fairly decent short film I wrote and produced and co-directed about a girl who is bulimic. She vomits and sick s*** happens to her. It's also cerebral and intelligent and I had some kick-a** people working in it, like DP Jessica Gallant and FX guy Greg Nicotero from KNB. My own contributions to it were slim considering I have never been to film school. I did write the thing, but I called in a ton of favors, esp. from Joe Bob Briggs, to get the film made. The actors, the cinematography, and all that is rockin'. It was an eye-opening learning experience for me and taught me a lot about how to not trust your editors.

I have two more short films I'm making: a werewolf short in an all-female anthology and a suicide film. They're depressing and short, much like my romantic relationships. They're not gonna blow anyone away, but I hope they get into some cool film festivals and get reviewed.

(MR): Have you considered an all-female werewolf pillow fight? That would be some good cinema.

(HM): Yes, I have considered, and summarily rejected, this idea several times throughout my life.

(MR): You're a sharp broad. I find a lady with brains pretty sexy. You're also a true pioneer for other broads in horror. For that, I'd like to inform you that you are the first inductee in the Mortis Rigor "Hall of Slain"™. You will forever be known as the inaugural inductee. What do you say to that, pussycat?

(HM): I say, "Rock On, Mortis Rigor" and also I am thankful to be called sharp.

***DISCLAIMER*** The following is a political viewpoint from Heidi Martinuzzi. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mortis, Mortis-Rigor.com or CutThroat Creations, LLC. In fact, Mortis’ only political stance is a strong dislike for “The Man’s” ability to bring him down.

(HM): Listen, if you are a US Citizen of voting age and you don't vote or vote for republicans in any election, f*** you. Also, if you are a rich man ages 40-55 who wants a slightly younger woman to give tons of money to, I can be reached at heidimartinuzzi.com or on myspace at www.myspace.com/superheidi.

I'd also like to take this moment to say, What the f*** is wrong with you a**holes who bring babies to theme parks? I understand bringing your 5 year old or anyone who can actually get on a ride, but your f***ing 3 month old has no clue where it is, who you are, or what the f*** is going on. So please, get a sitter, or just don't come because some of us paying, responsible adults who don't spit out 10 kids with 8 different dads choose to not spend all our time around screaming pooping brats. The rule should be "If it can't walk on its own, it can't come in the park at all". Also, people bring their babies to Vegas. Why? I like to drink and smoke in peace without having to stumble out of the way of your f***ing baby carriage. Is it okay if I cuss in this interview?

(MR): It is totally ok to cuss but we reserve the right to substitute foul language with terms like fiddlesticks and shazbot.

***MORTIS’ COMMENTARY*** I believe Ms. Martinuzzi would greatly benefit from finding something she could be passionate about and then learn to speak her mind about it. She must learn that suppressing her feelings can lead to bigger problems down the road. Take it from Dr. Mortis. She has accomplished a lot in a very short period of time and is just a generally cool chick and a good sport.

We came across Boris Undorf from an invitation received by Brad Royce to submit any relevant scripts to Boris' Hotel Guignol project. We then found his short "Olivia" which won the first round of the Master of the Macabre contest on Projectbreakout.com. He is an interesting fella and wasn't afraid to go toe to toe with Mortis. Here's what Boris had to say.

Mortis Rigor (MR): You’ve got the perfect name for a horror director, have you always been a fan of horror or does your name compel you to it?
Boris Undorf (BU): I'VE BEEN A FAN OF HORROR EVER SINCE CHILDHOOD. I GREW UP IN THE FORMER SOVIET UNION AND EVERY SUMMER, A TRAVELING THEME PARK WOULD COME TO VISIT FROM CHZEKOSLOVAKIA (NOW CHZEK REPUBLIC). ONE OF THE ATTRACTIONS WAS 'THE ROOM OF FEAR' - A VERY SIMPLE RIDE WHERE ONE WOULD SIT IN AN AUTOMATED CART THAT WOULD DRIVE AROUND A PITCH-DARK ROOM AND EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE BE SHOCKED BY A SUDDEN LIGHT TURNING ON, ILLUMINATING A MONSTER, A SKELETON OR A SCARY IMAGE OF SOME SORT, ACCOMPANIED BY A LOUD SOUND. THAT RIDE SCARED THE SHIT OUT OF ME AND WAS MY FAVORITE RIDE IN THE PARK. I WOULD GO ON IT SEVERAL TIMES IN A ROW AND EVEN THOUGH I HAD TO KEEP MY EYES SHUT MOST OF THE TIME, I KEPT WANTING TO GO BACK. THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME I BECAME AWARE OF FEAR AS ENTERTAINMENT. BUT AS FAR AS HORROR FILMS GO, THE FIRST ONE I EVER SAW AND THE ONE THAT SET ME ON MY CURRENT PATH, WAS "THE NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET". SINCE AMERICAN FILMS WERE PROHIBITED IN THE USSR AND 99% OF THE POPULATION WERE NOT AWARE OF WHAT A VCR WAS, MANY UNDERGROUND SPEAK-EASY TYPE BASEMENT SCREENING ROOMS POPPED UP ALL OVER. I USED TO GO TO ONE THAT WAS ESSENTIALLY A CELLAR WITH A 27" TV. THE AUDIENCE WERE MAINLY COMPRISED OF SKETCHY TYPES IN COATS, CRACKLING SUNFLOWER SEEDS THROUGHOUT THE FILMS IN WHICH EVERY CHARACTER WAS DUBBED BY THE SAME, NASALLY CONGESTED TRANSLATOR. IN 1988, WORD OF THIS MOVIE GOT AROUND ABOUT A KILLER WITH A BURNT-OFF FACE AND KNIVES FOR FINGERS. WELL NATURALLY I HAD TO SEE THAT, EVEN THOUGH MY PARENTS PROMISED TO GROUND ME FOR LIFE IF I DID. SO I TOLD THEM I'D BE GOING TO SEE SOMETHING ABOUT A ROBOT POLICEMAN, WHICH WAS FINE WITH THEM AND INSTEAD WENT ON A DATE WITH FREDDY KRUGER. I WAS HOOKED.

(MR): You are a finalist in the “Master of the Macabre” short film contest, what would it mean to win?
(BU): WINNING IS NOT SO IMPORTANT TO ME IN THIS CASE. THE REAL KICK IS TO HAVE AN AUDIENCE FOR MY FILMS AND BEING ABLE TO SEE THEIR RESPONSE IN VOTES & COMMENTS. THERE WAS ALSO THE RUSH OF COMING UP WITH SOMETHING FOR THE CONTEST QUICKLY, AS I ONLY HEARD ABOUT IT IN IT'S LAST FEW WEEKS. IF THE PRIZE WAS SAY, CASH, THEN WINNING WOULD TAKE ON A LOT MORE IMPORTANCE SINCE I'M 4 WEEKS AWAY FROM BEING A FATHER AND I COULD USE IT. THE GRAND PRIZE IS A TRIP TO FLORIDA, WHICH I HAVE VERY LITTLE USE FOR CONSIDERING MY LIFE IS ABOUT TO FLIP UPSIDE DOWN.

(MR): Your first-round entry was a creepy little tale called “Olivia”. I read that it was dreamed up in a week, how did that come about?
(BU): IT CAME ABOUT VERY ORGANICALLY ACTUALLY. I KNEW I HAD TO MAKE SOMETHING QUICK. I DECIDED TO USE MY APARTMENT SINCE IT WAS READILY AVAILABLE. THE IDEA CAME FROM THE PECULIAR LATCHED PEEP-HOLE I HAVE ON MY DOOR COMBINED WITH SOME LONG-STANDING PERSONAL FEARS... AND OLIVIA WAS BORN. INCIDENTALLY, OLIVIA WILL BE BORN AGAIN WHEN MY DAUGHTER POPS OUT IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

(MR): You won the first-round by an impressive margin, does that give you more pressure to out-do “Olivia”?
(BU): TO BE PERFECTLY HONEST, THERE IS SOME PRESSURE TO ONE-UP YOURSELF. I THINK I FEEL THAT EVERY TIME I MAKE A MOVIE. I THINK THIS IS HEALTHY TO BE IN COMPETITION WITH YOURSELF AND TO PUSH YOURSELF TO GET BETTER AND BETTER AT WHAT YOU DO. AS FOR THE CONTEST, I KNEW RIGHT OFF THAT I WANTED TO DO SOMETHING VERY DIFFERENT FROM "OLIVIA", SOMETHING WITH MORE QUIRK AND HUMOR. THIS IS HOW I ARRIVED AT "THE ARRANGEMENT" WHICH IS MY FINALS ROUND ENTRY, CURRENTLY IN COMPETITION.

(MR): You also have a feature film called Sonata, what’s it about?
(BU): SONATA IS A PSYCHOLOGICAL HORROR FILM ABOUT A YOUNG WOMAN WHO IS RAISED IN ISOLATION FROM THE WORLD BY HER DOMINEERING AND POSSIBLY PSYCHOTIC MOTHER, AN AUTHOR OF CHILDREN'S STORIES. THE FILM IS AVAILABLE ON DVD IN EUROPE AND WILL BE COMING TO THE U.S. VERY SHORTLY.

(MR): Assuming you haven’t reached your pinnacle, would directing the Mortis Rigor story be it for you?
(BU): IF THERE'S A GOOD STORY, I'M GAME. AND MY HOPE IS I WON'T REACH MY PINNACLE UNTIL I DIE AND AM ACTUALLY ABLE TO SCARE PEOPLE BY HAUNTING THEM, WITHOUT HAVING TO SPEND OODLES OF MONEY ON MAKING FILMS.

(MR): Would you kill for me to get that opportunity? Ok, relax. I just like to see what level of interest you have. What’s the one project, past or future, you would give the most to do?
(BU): THE SHINING.

(MR): Do you consider Sonata to be your biggest success so far? If not, what is?
(BU): SONATA IS PROBABLY MY BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT IN TERMS OF SCALE IN RELATION TO RESOURCES AND TIME. IT IS ALSO THE MOST WIDELY SEEN OF ANY OF MY WORK, SO IN THAT REGARD, YES IT IS MY BIGGEST SUCCESS IF VIEWED FROM AN OUTSIDE STANDPOINT. MY BIGGEST SUCCESS HAS BEEN TO KEEP PASSIONATELY WANTING TO DO WHAT I DO IN THE FACE OF CONSTANT ADVERSITY FROM EVERY DIRECTION.

(MR): You also have the Hotel Guignol project coming up. Tell us about that.
(BU): HOTEL GUIGNOL TAKES IT'S INSPIRATION FROM THE 'GRAND GUIGNOL', THE FRENCH THEATER OF HORROR IN THE LATE 1800'S TO MID 1900'S. THIS PARTICULAR PROJECT WHICH IS IN DEVELOPMENT, IS GOING TO BE A CONTINUING ONLINE COMPILATION OF SHORT HORROR FILMS THAT ARE MEANT TO DISTURB AND OFFEND. I AM HOPING TO INVITE MANY OTHER FILMMAKERS TO CONTRIBUTE.

(MR): I’ve got an upcoming vacation, could you get me a good rate at the Guignol?
(BU): IT'S THE BEST RATE YOU CAN GET ANYWHERE. YOU CAN RELAX FOR A LONG, LONG WHILE. THERE'S NO CHECKOUT TIME. EVER.

(MR): What’s your favorite horror flick?
(BU): MY FAVORITE FILM IS ROMAN POLANSKI'S "THE TENANT" (1976), ALTHOUGH ONE MIGHT ARGUE IF THAT'S REALLY A HORROR FILM. I'D SAY MY FAVORITE HORROR-HORROR FILM IS "THE SHINING".

(MR): Who currently makes the best horror films?
(BU): MICHAEL MOORE.

(MR): How relieved are you that this is over and that you are likely to get out alive?
(BU): I COULD KEEP GOING, SPEAK FOR YOURSELF.

Boris’ Links of interest:

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO VOTE FOR MY CURRENT ENTRY IN THE MASTER OF THE MACABRE CONTEST "THE ARRANGEMENT":

http://www. projectbreakout. com/shortfilm2/mediapage/526

KEEP IN MIND YOU CAN VOTE 16 TIMES DAILY UNTIL THE CONTEST ENDS THIS SUNDAY, 10/5 AT MIDNIGHT!

TO SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE PAGE AND WATCH SOME OTHER STUFF, PLEASE VISIT:
http://www. youtube. com/borisundorf

Through various associations and alliances, we have recently made the acquaintance of Mark Kochanowicz, actor, model, filmmaker, producer & generally swell guy. Come to think of it… this guy has way too much going for him. He reeks of talent and success; making us want to re-think interviewing him. But we push on, with a bucket-sized chip on our shoulder, as we ask Mark about his accomplishments and brightly disgusting future.

Mark’s current focus lies on the upcoming feature film “9-Ball”, where he will play the male lead. The parent company of Mortis-Rigor.com has a billiard apparel division, CutThroat CueSports, which is a supporter of the film project. But fear not horror minions, Mark does have a dark side, and we will delve into some of his more chilling projects.

Mortis Rigor (MR): Ok, pretty boy, let me state, for the record, I am not much of a fan of glorifying someone prettier than yours truly. Not to mention, a lucky sap that stars opposite drop-dead gorgeous, lady vampires and covergirl, pool star, Jennifer Barretta. So, when did you sell your soul to line this stuff up?

Mark Kochanowicz (MK): First, I just have to say that you’ve got a great head of hair. What kind of product do you use? I think I should start using it. Maybe I’ll get more babes!
(MR): I use Prell and Dippity Do. It does keep me hair looking soft and natural.

Mark and Jennifer Barretta