The Velvet Candy Blog

PRETTY Awards Season!

2012-01-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

PRETTY is nominated for 3 International Academy of Web Television Awards at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on January 12, 2012.

Best Comedy Web Series

Gigi: Almost American

Pretty

The Guild

The Jeff Lewis 5-Minute Comedy Hour

Video Game Reunion

Best Writing (Comedy)

Felicia Day, The Guild

Jeff Lewis, The Jeff Lewis 5-Minute Comedy Hour

Marilyn Anne Michaels and Dominic Conti, The Best Friend

Jessica Mills, Awkward Embraces

Steve Silverman, Pretty

Best Directing (Comedy)

Sean Becker, The Guild

Sean Becker, The Jeff Lewis 5-Minute Comedy Hour

Sandeep Parikh, Legend of Neil

Steve Silverman, Pretty

Frederick Snyder, SOLO: The Series

We are also nominated for 13 Indie Soap Awards, more thah any other show!!! - winners to be announced in February!

BEST WEB SERIES (COMEDY)
BANDWAGON
FUMBLING THRU THE PIECES
PRETTY
THEN WE GOT HELP!
TRAILER MADE
VAMPIRE MOB

BEST ACTRESS (COMEDY)
Emma Caulfield, BANDWAGON
Julie Ann Emery, THEN WE GOT HELP!
Fernanda Espindola, BLOOMERS
Stacy McQueen, PRETTY
Hillary B. Smith, FUMBLING THRU THE PIECES
Tracie Thoms, BANDWAGON

BEST ACTOR (COMEDY)
Christian Barber, SIX OF ONE
Brad Bell, HUSBANDS
John Colella, VAMPIRE MOB
Tom Gregory, GREGORY WAY TV
Sean Hemeon, HUSBANDS
Sam Pancake, PRETTY

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS (COMEDY)
Karri Bowman, BANDWAGON
Diane Delano, FUMBLING THRU THE PIECES
Genie Francis, PRETTY
Dee Freeman, PRETTY
Retta, VAMPIRE MOB
Laura Thomas, TRAILER MADE

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (COMEDY)
Jim Cashman, BANDWAGON
Michael Taylor Gray, PRETTY
Blake Hammond, THEN WE GOT HELP!
Jim Holdridge, BANDWAGON
Robert Maffia, FUMBLING THRU THE PIECES
Andy Long, GREGORY WAY TV

BEST WRITING (COMEDY)
Jane Espenson & Brad Bell, HUSBANDS
Tom Gregory & Marc Dauer, GREGORY WAY TV
Camilla Rantsen & Karri Bowman, BANDWAGON
Steve Silverman, PRETTY
Julie A. Smith & Donna Hurst, FUMBLING THRU THE PIECES
Jason Vitteri-Lewis, TRAILER MADE

BEST DIRECTING (COMEDY)
Karri Bowman & Ahmed Best, BANDWAGON
Henryk Cymerman & Tim Russ, BLOOMERS
Andrew Long, GREGORY WAY TV
J.D. Mata, 40 IS THE NEW 30
Steve Silverman, PRETTY
Frederick Snyder, SOLO: The Series

BEST ENSEMBLE (COMEDY)
BANDWAGON
FUMBLING THRU THE PIECES
GREGORY WAY TV
PRETTY
THEN WE GOT HELP!
TRAILER MADE

BEST GUEST APPEARANCE (COMEDY)
Bradford Anderson, THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF CUPID AND EROS
Anthony Anderson, PRETTY
Joan Van Ark, PRETTY
Sam MacMurray, THEN WE GOT HELP!
Rae Allen, VAMPIRE MOB
Marie Wilson, WORKSHOP

BEST USE OF MUSIC (ALL SHOWS)
BANDWAGON
MISS BEHAVE
OUT WITH DAD
PRETTY
RAGGED ISLE
VENICE

BEST CROSSOVER (ALL SHOWS)
Afton Boggiano, THE BAY ("Far From The Bay")/EMPIRE
Mary Beth Evans, PRETTY/THE BAY
Michael O'Leary, THE BAY ("Far From The Bay")/STEAMBOAT

THE MIKADO PROJECT- now on DVD!

2012-01-08T11:35:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to announce the release of the feature film, THE MIKADO PROJECT, on DVD, now available exclusively on AMAZON.

THE MIKADO PROJECT, which stars TAMLYN TOMITA (GLEE, Joy Luck Club, Tekken), RIZWAN MANJI (Outsourced, Better Off Ted), GERALD MCCULLOUCH (CSI, Bear City), DAVID MCINNIS (Never Forever, Typhoon), ALLEN C. LIU (FLOWER DRUM SONG Broadway Revival, Pushing Daisies), YURI TAG (America's Best Dance Crew's KABBA MODERN), ERIN QUILL (Original Broadway Cast of Avenue Q, The 2 - 2), FREDA FOH SHEN (Mulan), RAYMOND J. LEE (Broadway Cast of Anything Goes, Momma Mia) and RYUN YU (Kissing Cousin) - looks at a struggling Asian American theater company who grapple with mounting a production of Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Mikado", to get their NEA Grant and save the company.

Based on an original play by Ken Narasaki and Doris Baizley, and adapted for the screen by Chil Kong, Erin Quill and Ryun Yu - THE MIKADO PROJECT deals with the humor of working with those you love, on a project you very well may hate. Directed by Chil Kong (LOST, HBO's Too Big To Fail, Crossing Over), who based the film on his experiences as an Artistic Director of Lodestone Theater Ensemble in Los Angeles.

"THE MIKADO PROJECT offers viewers a tender, mocking backstage look at the dynamics of community theater… One of the things that fascinate me while watching THE MIKADO PROJECT was how shrewdly Sullivan's music has been adapted to be used as incidental music in many scenes. The ensemble cast has strong appeal… Devout Savoyard fans need not worry about any scared cows being slaughtered. If anything, most will relish the chance to rethink The Mikado through a radically different lens." - Huffington Post

With behind the scenes excerpts, cut scenes, and interviews from the shoot, this DVD is destined to

be a collector's item for this fan favorite feature.

Learn more at www.themikadoproject.com or click through here to order your copy today:

PRETTY Season 3 Trailer

2011-10-09T09:48:00.001-07:00

It's coming. Be prepared to get PRETTY all over again!

What's Up with Velvet Candy?

2011-06-26T12:21:00.000-07:00

As Michael Champagne might say "Well, it's been quite a year". Velvet Candy may not have been blogging about our many adventures in Tinsel Town, but we have been quite busy with PRETTY (promoting Season 2 and gearing up for Season 3) while making the festival rounds with RUBDOWN as well as high profile screenings of THE MIKADO PROJECT and wrapping up post-production on QWERTY. With no new projects on the horizon, Velvet Candy hopes to soon revisit some older projects that have been "in turnaround" for quite some time.

Meanwhile PRETTY has been continuing to get press coverage - including an article in EMMY magazine, another one in ABC SOAPS IN DEPTH and our second fun appearance on the KTLA Morning News. Web coverage has been non-stop thanks to the fine folks at We Love Soaps, Blog Talk Radio and Mingle Media TV - considering our last original episode premiered months ago - this is pretty big news. We expect the publicity wagon to get rolling again for Season 3 this fall. By the way, Season 3 is being funded entirely by the fervent PRETTY fanbase.

Meanwhile, RUBDOWN is the little short that just won't quit with screenings at Festivals like THE TORIN GLBT FILM FESTIVAL, THE BOSTON LGBT FILM FESTIVAL, NEW ZEALAND OUTTAKES and THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL SHORTFEST. There may be a few more on the horizon before this baby is through.

Hope to have more Velvet candy news soon!

PRETTY Awards and Press Update

2011-01-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

The PRETTY News just seems to be coming faster that we can report it these days. The other night while we celebrating the second season finale we got word that we WON 5 Indie Intertube Awards. Here's our winners:

Best Comedy - tied with SQUATTERS
Stacy McQueen - Best Actress
Sam Pancake - Best Actor
"Gumdrop the Unicorn" - Best Theme Song (Music by Bret Silverman, Lyrics by Steve Silverman)
Michael Taylor Gray - Best Supporting Actor

And then the next day we woke up to this:

And this:

And this...

More news coming soon!

More PRETTY Award Nominations!

2011-01-13T21:51:00.000-08:00

SEVEN INDIE SOAP AWARD NOMINATIONS!!!

INDIE SOAP OF THE YEAR

8.13
ANYONE BUT ME

CELESTE BRIGHT
CELL

DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM

MISS BEHAVE
PRETTY

THE BEST FRIEND

OUSTANDING LEAD ACTOR

Anthony Anderson, ANACOSTIA

Danny Cameron, CELL

Michael Park, GOTHAM

Nick Mathews, IN BETWEEN MEN

Will Conlon, OUT WITH DAD

Trevor Nelson, MISS BEHAVE

Sam Pancake, PRETTY

Camden Toy, THE BAY

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Chante Bowser, ANACOSTIA

Nicole Pacent, ANYONE BUT ME

Valery Ortiz, DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM

Kathryn Neville Brown, EMPIRE

Kirsten Vangsness, PRETTY

Kim Zimmer, STEAMBOAT

Pat Ruton, TRAILER MADE

Nadia Bjorlin, VENICE

Hillary B. Smith, VENICE

OUTSTANDING WRITINGSusan Miller & Tina Cesa Ward, ANYONE BUT ME

Anthony Anderson, ANACOSTIA

Sonya Steele, CELESTE BRIGHT

Mark Gardner, CELL

Cheryl L. West, DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM

Greg Turner & Brian Hewson, EMPIRE

Susan Bernhardt, MISS BEHAVE

Jason Leaver, OUT WITH DAD

Steve Silverman, PRETTY

OUTSTANDING DIRECTINGTina Cesa Ward, ANYONE BUT ME
Gregori J. Martin, THE BAY
Robert Townsend, DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM

Mark Gardner, CELL

Scott Brown, ASYLUM

Jason Leaver, OUT WITH DAD

Steve Silverman, PRETTY

BEST STORYLINE

ANACOSTIA: Mia copes with the aftermath of Michael's death

ANYONE BUT ME: Sophie's sexual questioning

DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM: Bo tries to go back to work

EMPIRE: Theodora takes over Empire

MISS BEHAVE: Tori's blackout

PRETTY: Rabina's pregnancy

THE BAY: Igor's revenge

VENICE: Gina helps The Colonel after his stroke

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE

ANACOSTIA

ANYONE BUT ME

IN BETWEEN MEN

ORANGE JUICE IN BISHOP'S GARDEN

PRETTY

STEAMBOAT

THE BAY

VENICE

PRETTY News: DEEP DISH, INDIE INTERTUBE and iTunes

2011-01-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

Deep Dish has named PRETTY

Best Comedy of 2010!
Stacy McQueen - Best Actress!
Michael/Ribina/Ethan - Best Triangle
Sam Pancake - Runner-Up, Best Actor
Dee Freeman - Runner Up, Best Supporting Actress

Indie Intertube has nominated PRETTY for 9 Web Awards:

Best Comedy
Steve Silverman - Best Writing
Stacy McQueen - Best Actress
Sam Pancake - Best Actor
Steve Silverman/Nicole Opyr - Best Promo
"Gumdrop the Unicorn" - Best Theme Song
Michael Taylor Gray - Best Supporting Actor
Kirsten Vangsness - Best Supporting Actress
Audience Favorite!

All 7 versions of Bret Silverman's "Gumdrop the Unicorn" are now available for download on iTunes

PRETTY in SOAP OPERA DIGEST

2010-12-20T22:45:00.000-08:00

PRETTY Season 2 - Episode 4

2010-12-20T22:43:00.001-08:00

PRETTY Season 2 - The First 3 Episodes!

2010-11-27T22:59:00.000-08:00

SEASON 2, EPISODE ONE

SEASON 2, EPISODE TWO

SEASON 2, EPISODE THREE

Pretty Season 2 Begins!

2010-11-01T22:51:00.000-07:00

Visit prettytheseries.com watch!

Joan Van Ark joins PRETTY

2010-10-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

More news soon.

PRETTY Season Two Coming Soon

2010-10-06T21:10:00.000-07:00

PRETTY SEASON 2 TEASER 1

2010-09-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

What's Up with Velvet Candy?

2010-09-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

Hey Velvet Candy fans, here's a quick update on our slate of diverse projects.
• RUBDOWN - Dennis Hensley's sexy short continues to screen at festivals. Upcoming fests include Long Beach Q Festival (October 10), Reeling 2010: The 29th Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival, (November 4-13) and 2010 Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival (November 12-14).
• PRETTY - Season One of Steve Silverman's award-winning web hit will screen Long Beach Q Festival (October 10). Season Two is in production as I type this, with a scheduled November 1 premiere date. Look for a teaser and trailer soon.
• THE MIKADO PROJECT - Chil Kong's gleeful Gilbert & Sullivan musical-comedy continues to screen at festivals. Next up: 2010 Asian Pacific American Film Festival in Washington, DC (October 8)

Other Projects:

• QWERTY - Chil Kong's sexy office comedy is in post-production. More exciting news soon.

• SOCKET 2 - A sequel to Sean Abley's sci-fi thriller is in development as we continue to talk to possible production partners.

• WILDCAT ROAD - It may be on the back-burner, but WILDCAT ROAD is never off the map.

• STRANGE RELATIONS - After some amazing feedback from various sources, a new draft of the screenplay is in progress.

THE MIKADO PROJECT Getting Good Buzz

2010-07-26T23:07:00.000-07:00

Go here.

The RUBDOWN Trailer

2010-06-21T23:36:00.000-07:00

RUBDOWN: World Premiere Saturday June 19 @ Frameline SF

2010-06-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

Velvet Candy's latest project with writer/director Dennis Hensley (SCREENING PARTY, REUNION) is a naughty little treat called RUBDOWN - and it has it's World Premiere on Saturday June 19 at San Francisco's world-famous Frameline LGBT Film Festival. It will screen first as part of the popular FUN IN BOYS' SHORTS program at 11AM in the Castro Theater and then again on Sunday June 26 at 2PM when the program is repeated. Looking forward to being back in the greatest city in the world.

PRETTY - Behind The Sequins

2010-06-12T14:51:00.000-07:00

Velvet Candy Update

2010-05-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

Hey Velvet Candy fans, just a quick update to tell you what's happening in our world.

• Our most current co-production, QWERTY, an outrageous office comedy from director Chil Kong has just wrapped production. More news on this soon.

• RUBDOWN, a new short by Dennis Hensley premieres at Frameline34 in San Francisco on June 19. More festival dates to be announced soon.

• PRETTY continues to gain more fans and viewers online, as we and Steve Silverman prepare a second sweet and scandalous season and screen at festivals like the LA Comedy Festival where it was named a BEST IN THE FEST winner!

• Chil Kong's THE MIKADO PROJECT had a gala world premiere screening recently at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival with more festival screenings to be announced soon.

• THE DEFENDERS by Keith Hartman has had over 85,000 views on YouTube and will screen at several film festivals including Philadelphia QFest.

• Dennis Hensley's REUNION recently screened at the San Diego FilmOut and can be seen on Logo's website.

• SCREENING PARTY can now be seen in 4 segments on YouTube.

and finally...

• SOCKET continues to gain a cult following as we await the go-ahead on the long-awaited sequel.

PRETTY plays the LA Comedy Festival - May 16

2010-05-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

PRETTY screens Sunday, May 16 at the LA COMEDY FESTIVAL. For details go here.

THE MIKADO PROJECT World Premiere Announced

2010-04-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

Velvet Candy Entertainment's co-production of THE MIKADO PROJECT, a feature film directed by Chil Kong (SCREENING PARTY) will be premiering at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival on May 1st at 9pm at the Directors Guild of America. This marks the world premiere of the film and cast and crew will be in attendance, and will be followed by a Q&A session.

The film is a musical comedy (based on the stage performance written by Ken Narasaki and Doris Baizley and adapted for film by Chil Kong) of a struggling Asian American theater company that, in a desperate publicity stunt to save their company, decides to produce a modern reconstruction of Gilbert and Sullivan’s, The Mikado, to stir controversy and jolt ticket sales.

The Mikado, one of the most beloved comedy operas by legendary collaborators, Arthur Sullivan and W.S. Gilbert, first opened on stage in 1885 in London . The story was set in Japan (considered an exotic land to the British during that era) which allowed Gilbert & Sullivan to satirize British politics. However, by doing so, Asians around the world and Asian Americans today have found this opera hard to embrace—making the notion of Asian American actors performing The Mikado controversial and palatable only through a comedic reconstruction.

With new hip-hopera versions of the Gilbert & Sullivan’s original compositions and dance numbers choreographed by members of the dance troupes, Kaba Modern and Jabbawockeez, from MTV's AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW, this is not your grandma's Mikado.

The talented cast includes Raymond J. Lee (from Broadway's Mamma Mia), Allen Liu (Broadway's Flower Drum Song), Rizwan Manji (Charlie Wilson's War), David Lee McInnis (Never Forever), Gerald McCullouch (CSI, Law and Order, NCIS), Erin Quill (Screening Party, Broadway's Avenue Q), Freda Foh Shen (Primal Doubt, Red Doors), Yui Tag (America’s Best Dance Crew), Tamlyn Tomita (Tekken, The Eye) and Ryun Yu (Kissing Cousins).

For more information on THE MIKADO PROJECT and how to purchase tickets, visit www.themikadoproject.com

SOCKET Still Making News...

2010-03-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

SOCKET gets a nice mention over at AfterElton.com.

PRETTY Episode 4

2010-03-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

The fourth episode of Velvet Candy Entertainment's outrageous hit web series PRETTY is up and running at
prettytheseries.com. Check it out! And then visit DOUGSPLOITATION to read interviews with the cast!
Sam Pancake as Michael,
Stacy McQueen as Annette,
Dee Freeman as Ribina,
Terri Simmons as Parker,
Michael Taylor Gary as Royce,
More great PRETTY news is on the way!

PRETTY Episode 3

2010-02-21T13:01:00.000-08:00

The third episode of PRETTY (from Velvet Candy Entertainment) is up & running. Visit PRETTY to watch and become a fan on Facebook!

RUBDOWN: Now In Production

2010-02-15T10:33:00.000-08:00

PRETTY on the KTLA MORNING NEWS

2010-02-12T10:49:00.001-08:00

PRETTY stars Sam Pancake, Stacy McQueen and Terri Simmons (along with series creator Steve Silverman) apppeared on the KTLA MORNING NEWS this morning and yours truly was there to dress the set and make sure that someone mentioned "prettytheseries.com"

Reporter Allie Mac Kay was an absolute joy to meet and to spend the early-morning hours with.

To view the three hilarious segments visit Allie's KTLA Page.

PRETTY Episode 2

2010-02-11T07:44:00.000-08:00

The second episode of PRETTY (from Velvet Candy Entertainment) is up & running. Visit PRETTY to watch and become a fan on Facebook!

PRETTY Episode 1

2010-02-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

The new web series PRETTY (from Velvet Candy Entertainment) premieres today. If you like TV shows like TODDLERS & TIARAS or LITTLE MISS PERFECT, you'll love this new take on the world of child beauty pageants! Visit PRETTY to watch and become a fan on Facebook!

SCREENING PARTY Part 4

2010-01-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

Here's the final part of SCREENING PARTY.

SCREENING PARTY Part 3

2010-01-28T20:50:00.000-08:00

Here's the part 3 of SCREENING PARTY. For previous parts, see Tuesday and Wednesday's posts.

SCREENING PARTY Part 2

2010-01-27T00:01:00.000-08:00

See yesterday's post for part 1.

SCREENING PARTY Part 1

2010-01-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

Presenting the internet debut of SCREENING PARTY. Here is part one (of four) of the comedy pilot based on the novel Screening Party by Dennis Hensley, produced through Velvet Candy Entertainment. The story goes like this: Six diverse friends get together to watch, skewer and celebrate the classic romantic comedy PRETTY WOMAN and discover that movies themes--sex, love, money, shopping--reverberate in their lives in unexpected, funny and occasionally touching ways. The pilot stars Ossie Beck, Nora Burns, Dennis Hensley, Felix Pire, Erin Quill and Tony Tripoli. Tune in for part two tomorrow.

SOCKET in SCARLET

2010-01-18T08:51:00.001-08:00

There's an awesome in-depth 6-page article on the making of SOCKET in the new issue of Scarlet magazine. This special "horror that dare not speak it's name" issue also looks at the lesbian classic VAMPYROS LESBOS and has an interview with popular genre film actor Joe Zaso. You can find Scarlet wherever fine film magazines are sold.

PRETTY: Cast & Crew

2010-01-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

Premiering February 1 at prettytheseries.com

CAST (in order of appearance)

Sam Pancake as "Michael Champagne"

Stacy McQueen as "Annette Champagne"

Dee Freeman as "Ribina Champagne"

Troy Conrad as "Ethan Champagne"

Terri Simmons as "Parker Kensington-Parker"

Michael Taylor Gray as "Royce Adams"

PRODUCTION & CREW

Steve Silverman - Writer/Director/Executive Producer

John Carrozza - Executive Producer

Thordis Howard - Executive Producer/Wardrobe/Script Supervisor

Doug Prinzivalli - Executive Producer/Production Designer/Art Director

Jim Cannella - Producer

MJ Gardner - First A.D.

Gretchen Warthen - Director of Photography

Rich Mikan - Editor

Alex Steen - Sound

Austen Hoogen - Lighting

Bret Silverman - Original Music

Penny Peyrot - Hair

Ricky Flores - Makeup

Katie McGlynn - Wardrobe

Blayne & Sharon Northington - Wardrobe

Augustus Ceccucci - Production Assistant

Michael Coulombe - Assistant Script Supervisor

Anthony DeCapite - Production Assistant

Kieran Kenney - Production Assistant

Laura Kessler - Set Dresser

Nicole Opyr - Set Dresser

Tim Sheridan - Production Assistant

David Spell - Behind the Scenes

Clair and Jim Tsui - Still Photographers

Veronica Zoleta - Behind-The-Scenes Photographer

PRETTY The Trailer

2010-01-06T19:13:00.000-08:00

PRETTY Posters

2009-12-04T21:26:00.000-08:00

Here's some exclusive teaser posters from PRETTY, a new web series from Velvet Candy.
PRETTY premieres in January on a computer screen near you!

Sam Pancake as Michael Champagne.

Dee Freeman as Ribina Champagne.

Troy Conrad as Ethan Champagne.

Terri Simmons is Parker Kensington-Parker.

Michael Taylor Gray is Royce Adams.

The adorable Annette Champagne!

Coming in January 2010

2009-11-15T21:46:00.000-08:00

Coming Soon: PRETTY

2009-11-07T22:29:00.001-08:00

Velvet Candy in Big Bear

2009-10-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

Read all about our wild weekend at The Big Bear Horror Film Festival at Sean Abley's Gay of the Dead blog on Fangoria.com

SOCKET: The Original Screenplay

2009-10-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

You can buy it here.

hello, you're pretty

2009-10-09T00:57:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge. If you are interested in being "pretty" email us at info@velvetcandyentertainment.com

REUNION in Fresno, Sept. 19

2009-09-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

That's right, Fresno, Baby!

STRANGE RELATIONS

2009-08-19T09:13:00.001-07:00

In development...More news to come soon.

The Short Films of Bobby Poirier

2009-07-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

Velvet Candy Entertainment has recently entered a creative partnership with the very talented Bobby Poirier, who is cowriting the feature STRANGE RELATIONS with Doug Prinzivalli. Here is a sampling of Bobby's earlier work:

RECRUITING (2005)

TRADITIONAL FAMILY VAMPIRES (2000)
Traditional Family Vampires

Atom.com: Funny Videos | Extreme Humor | Funny Animations

JAMES LIPTON IS DEAD (2007)

WILDCAT ROAD

2009-07-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

Still in development: WILDCAT ROAD–a jet black comedy paying homage to the wild 1960's era exploitation films. WILDCAT ROAD is the story of three studmuffin go-go boys (Mack, Jett and Kevenn) who hit the hot desert road after accidentally killing their crooked boss. Along with Tammy, the spitfire female hostage they pick up along the way, they find deadly situations, thrilling encounters, balls-out action, steamy sex and possibly some hidden treasure ... as they uncover the lurid mystery of the old ranch on Wildcat Road. Velvet Candy Entertainment and Dark Blue Films bring you the genre-busting roadtrip of a lifetime.

SWITCHCRAFT: A Sex Comedy Written and Directed by Sean Abley

2009-07-09T03:53:00.000-07:00

In Development:

"These guys are going to be playing for the other team..."

PROLOGUE: Late 1600s. Henry, an English colonist, casts a spell over Caleb, causing his compatriot to lust only for him. Discovered by the town magistrate, the two men are condemned and the cabin they share burned to the ground.

TODAY: A bachelor party, spending the weekend at a house deep in the Massachusetts wilderness, unwittingly releases the erotic energy, along with the ghosts of Caleb and Henry. One by one the men succumb to their newly developed sexual urges for each other.

SWITCHCRAFT is a gay sex comedy, filled with hot men, steamy sex scenes, and tons of laughs.

SOCKET 2: BRAIN CELL

2009-07-08T08:59:00.000-07:00

Now in development: Picking up months after the events in SOCKET, SOCKET 2: BRAIN CELL begins with Murphy waking from his coma to find Dr. Andersen is not only in on his secret life, she's taken the fetish to extreme new levels. She and the handsome Dr. Phillips (a new character revealed to be the instigator of the first movie's events, and Murphy's ex-boyfriend as well) have discovered a way to "plug" into the human brain. Using this technology the doctors enter the still comatose Bill's consciousness with terrifying results.

SOCKET 2: BRAIN CELL surpasses the original with highly charged sex scenes, scares, and twisted humor, redefining the term "mindfuck". From the same team at Dark Blue Films and Velvet Candy Entertainment who brought you the original.

Announcing K-TOWN P.I.

2009-06-23T18:40:00.000-07:00

Among the half-dozen or so projects that Velvet Candy has in the pipeline, K-TOWN P.I. is one of the most unique and buzzworthy.

A film noir homage set in L.A.'s Koreatown with an (almost) all Asian cast and a sharp, funny script by the talented Erin Quill. K-TOWN P.I. will be directed by Chil Kong (SCREENING PARTY, THE MIKADO PROJECT), produced by John Carrozza (SOCKET, SCREENING PARTY, REUNION, THE MIKADO PROJECT, THE DEFENDERS) with a projected Autumn 2009 start date. Keep your eyes tuned to this blog for exciting news about this and other Velvet Candy productions.

REUNION in San Francisco

2009-06-16T13:51:00.000-07:00

From The San Francisco Bay Times

The Frameline International Film Festival unspools June 18 - 28 in Bay Area theaters. Here’s an advance guide to the hot tickets.

Fun in Boys Shorts Saturday June 20, 11:00 am, Castro and Sunday June 28, 2:15 pm, Castro

This collection of short films includes a few highlights. Dennis Hensley’s witty and charming Reunion may be the best of the bunch. A twenty year-old itch is scratched when a gay guy reunites with a straight high school hunk he was crushed on and someone acts on his desires. It’s arch and enjoyable.

The Defenders

2009-05-16T15:53:00.001-07:00

PORNOGRAPHY: You Know You Want to Watch.

2009-05-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Here's the amazing trailer for a film called PORNOGRAPHY from our friends at Triple Fire.

Doug from Velvet Candy worked on this film as Production Designer and Property Master. PORNOGRAPHY will be hitting the festival circuit in the summer of '09.

World Premiere: Newfest, the New York LGBT Film Festival, June 8.
Frameline, the San Francisco LGBT Film Festival, June 21.

You Know You Want to Watch.

REUNION all over the place!

2009-04-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Good news for people who haven't seen REUNION, the sweet and funny short film made last year by Dennis Hensley with Velvet Candy Entertainment. (Or fans who might want to see it again and again!)

REUNION will have it's basic cable debut on Logo on April 24 as part of The Click List series of short films.

Also, REUNION will screen during Toronto's Inside Out Film Festival May (The fest runs May 14-24).

Then REUNION will be part of the Queer Shorts program at the American Cinematheque's Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, USA co-presented w/ Outfest on Wednesday, May 27th!

And REUNION has also been selected to screen at Frameline33, the San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival June 18-28.

More details soon!

SCREENING PARTY Goes To London!

2009-03-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right, SCREENING PARTY will be screening in our favorite city in the world as part of the 23rd London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival as part of the Comic Relief shorts program on March 29 and April 7. If you live in the UK or will be there for the festival - check it out!

Coming Soon: THE DEFENDERS

2009-01-27T10:20:00.000-08:00

SOCKET World Television Premiere TONIGHT at Midnight on LOGO

2009-01-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Velvet Candy/SOCKET article on KCET.org

2009-01-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

Go here for a profile of Doug and John and SOCKET. And support public television!

SOCKET Premieres on Logo Thursday January 8

2008-12-16T16:59:00.000-08:00

Starting the New Year off with a jolt -SOCKET will have it's television premiere on the Logo network on Thursday January 8 at Midnight. For more info visit the Logo website.

Load...Discharge! SOCKET in France!

2008-12-06T19:16:00.001-08:00

Unveiling our provocative new French tagline...and exciting new logo!SOCKET can now be ordered in France through Optimale. The dvd releases on Jan. 21.

REUNION and SCREENING PARTY in Chicago - Nov. 15

2008-11-13T00:13:00.000-08:00

Both Velvet Candy Entertainment co-productions– the shorts REUNION and SCREENING PARTY will be screening in Chicago as part of the 27th Reeling Film Festival. The two shorts will be part of the "Funnyboner" program - screening Saturday, November 15th at 12noon at Piperís Alley.Go here for more info.

SOCKET's European Festival Debut in Brussels

2008-11-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

We just got word that SOCKET will be screened as part of The Brussels Lesbian and Gay Film Festival in January 2009 in conjunction with its French release on dvd through top French distributor, Optimale. Check back here soon for the debut of of hot new French package design and other exciting news about SOCKET, as we continue to line-up distribution around the world.

SOCKET and WILDCAT ROAD tee shirts

2008-10-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Now available at the Dougsploitation Store on Cafe Press.

SOCKET in Germany!!!

2008-09-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

SOCKET will be released on September 25th in Germany by a distributor called Pro-Fun Media. Here's a peek at the awesome dvd design. Look for news about our French release soon!

"Sexy Shorts" SCREENING PARTY and REUNION in Austin, Tx.

2008-08-31T10:45:00.000-07:00

Now that I've gotten your attention! Both Velvet Candy Entertainment co-productions– the shorts SCREENING PARTY and REUNION will be screening in Austin, Texas as part of the Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival. The two shorts program will be part "Sexy Shorts" screening Friday, September 5th at 3:00 PM at the Alamo Ritz 1. For tickets and more information visit the AGILIFF website.

what's DOUGSPLOITATION?

2008-08-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

DOUGSPLOITATION is the blog formerly known as MOVIES THAT MAKE YOU SAY 'HUH?' Now Doug looks at TV, movies, comics, live theater and anything else that is great or not so great about pop culture. Check it out and tell your friends about it!

Get dougsploited!

SOCKET in the UK

2008-08-08T15:33:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that SOCKET is now on sale in the United Kingdom? Well, it is!

go here to buy it!
News about Germany and France coming soon!

SOCKET and SCREENING PARTY in San Francisco

2008-06-15T14:33:00.000-07:00

Wednesday June 17th - SOCKET

Dead Channels presented a screening of SOCKET at the Thrillpeddlers Hypnodrome in San Francisco
Actor Matthew Montgomery and Producer Doug Prinzivalli hosted a post-screening Q&A.

Visit Thrillpeddlers website.
Also visit the Deadchannels website.

******

Saturday June 21st - SCREENING PARTY

SCREENING PARTY had a SOLD OUT screening @ Frameline, the San Francisco GLBT Film Festival - as part of FUN IN BOYS' SHORTS -writer Dennis Hensley and producers John Carrozza and Doug Prinzivalli attended. There will be 2nd screening.

Sunday, June 29, 2:00 PM @ The Castro Theatre (429 Castro Street)

For tickets and information visit Frameline.

PAPER Magazine lists SOCKET as one of the 10 FILMS TO STOP YOU FROM FALLING IN LOVE THIS SUMMER

2008-06-13T19:50:00.001-07:00

We are absolutely thrilled and honored to be included on CINEMANIAC Dennis Dermody's list (reprinted in it's entirety below) in the June-July Issue of PAPER Magazine.

I know, the weather is getting warmer. People are shedding their winter garb and starting to look more buff and attractive. As you stroll the streets, your mind is wandering toward thoughts of love. Well, for God's sake, don't do it. Don't pick up that phone to make that dinner date. Don't introduce yourself to that good-looking stranger at that party. Don't get up the nerve to ask for your co-worker's phone number. Not this year -- especially not this year. In Chinese, this year is the year of the rat, and that should be a tip-off. In the U.S., it's the year of fatal attraction, misery, STDs, and hefty courtroom fees. So when you're at the rental store, don't go pick up An Affair To Remember and Titanic with that dreamy far-off look in your eyes. Remember, Deborah Kerr ends up a hopeless cripple in one and Leonardo DiCaprio drowns in the other. Rent the following 10 movies instead to steel yourself from making that fatal love connection.

Fatal Attraction (Paramount)
Michael Douglas plays a married man who has a one-night-stand with Glenn Close that causes untold misery. The scorned Close stalks him and his family -- even boils their bunny -- and they have to drown the bitch just to get any peace.
Moral: If you think with your dick, it will cost you dearly... Eliot Spitzer.

Primo Amore (Strand)
This bizarre Italian film, the flipside of Feed, is about a lover who whisks his girl to a remote country house and starves her, weighing her daily, until she resembles a strand of spaghetti.
Moral: Jenny Craig is one thing, but a boyfriend who frowns when you eat a potato chip deserves to be fed into a wood chipper.

Crash (New Line)
A couple (James Spader and Deborah Kara Unger) who get off on car crashes hang out with a posse of like-minded people who get boners at the sound of screeching tires and busted glass.
Moral: In love you're just road kill.

Feed (TLA Video)
Women are kept locked up in an abandoned house by a deranged killer who fattens them up (with a funnel) until they get so morbidly obese that they die.
Moral: Fall in love and your boyfriend might turn out to be Jack Sprat.

Irreversible (Lionsgate)
In Gaspar Noe's nightmarish film, told chronologically backwards, a couple go for a lovely evening out, after which the woman gets raped and the boyfriend ends up bashing the wrong guy's head in at a gay bar called the Rectum.
Moral: Every night out with your future date will turn out exactly like this, if not worse.

Kissed (MGM)
A strange girl (Molly Parker) who works at a funeral parlor likes her dates pretty damn stiff and cold, if you get my drift. Her poor boyfriend tries icing his body and keeping very, very still, but it just isn't enough and eventually he has to hang himself in order to be her special date.
Moral: All relationships end with you on a mortuary slab.

Socket (TLA Video)
In this wonderfully deranged, gay sci-fi horror film, a doctor named Bill is struck by lightning and joins a secret society of electricity fiends who meet to hold hands and attach themselves to a live wire for that extra jolt. He and a handsome intern become lovers, but when Bill becomes bored with having to stick a fork in an electrical outlet for a quick thrill, he decides to surgically implant plugs and actual sockets into his and his lover's wrists for easier access. Socket to me!
Moral: Even gay relationships turn out badly, and up your Con Edison bill.

Basic Instinct 2 (Sony)
In this hilarious flop of a follow-up to the notorious Paul Verhoeven film about a female serial killer, a London psychiatrist (David Morrissey) falls in love with the infamous, possible man-killer Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone), and before you can sing "London Bridge Is Falling Down," guess what happens?
Moral: You fall for an older woman who looks like Sharon Stone, and she stabs you with scissors. Or, you fall in love and end up in a crappy sequel.

Pretty Woman (Touchstone)
In this much beloved fairytale movie, Richard Gere stars as a wealthy businessman who picks up a hooker (Julia Roberts) and eventually falls for her.
Moral: She's a prostitute, for God's sake. You don't think after one night in bed with her he's going to be brooding about all the horrible old men she's blown? Give me a break.

War of the Roses (20th Century Fox)
Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas play a couple at war against each other for the upper hand in an acrimonious divorce.
Moral: Marry this summer and you'll end up crushed under a chandelier, or my name isn't Alicia Gottlaid.

This story was published on June 11, 2008.
©2008 PAPER PUBLISHING COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Watch REUNION on CINEMAX-ON-DEMAND thru July 18 or see it at OUTFEST!

2008-06-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

REUNION, the short film written and directed by Dennis Hensley (SCREENING PARTY) and co-produced by Velvet Candy Entertainment and Wait...What? Productions is airing on Cinemax-On-Demand channel now thru July 18.

To learn more about the movie, see pics and watch a making-of video visit REUNION

The 11-Minute comedy short stars an amazing talented cast: Kenny Kelleher as Kenny, Marcus Deanda as BJ, Lowen Burg as Ty, Tracy Miller as Danna, Nadya Ginsburg as Maureen, Danielle Vernengo as Trenna, Kirstin Eggers as Traci, John Michael Beck as Dallas and Tracey Rapino as Dottie!

REUNION will also be making it's West Coast premiere at OUTFEST in Los Angeles on July 12 at 1:30 PM at the Directors Guild (7920 Sunset Blvd.) It's part of the program entitled 'The Way I See Things / HBO Shorts.' A reception follows the screening from 3:00 to 4:30 PM in the foyer of the DGA.

Tickets for OUTFEST members are on-sale now. Tickets for non-members go on sale Monday, June 16. They're $12 for non-members, cheaper for members. You can purchase your Outfest tickets by calling 213-480-7065 or online at OUTFEST.

SOCKET: Matthew Montgomery wins Best Actor Award!

2008-05-29T18:24:00.000-07:00

FilmOut San Diego has announced the winners of their annual Film Festival Awards - and SOCKET's Matthew Montgomery is among the winners for his role of Craig Murphy in SOCKET, as well as his lead role in Guest House Films' BACK SOON. We are so proud of Matthew and honored to have worked with him...and we look forward to working with him again on future projects.

Here's a rundown of all the awards. Congrats to all the winners!

2008 FilmOut AWARDS:
· Actor in a Feature Film - Matthew Montgomery – BACK SOON & SOCKET
· US Narrative Feature - READY? OK!
· Screenwriting - Casper Andreas & Jesse Archer - A FOUR LETTER WORD
· Actress in a Feature Film - Carrie Preston – READY? OK!
- Actor in Supporting Role – Christian Camargo – PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY
- Actress in Supporting Role - Virginia Bryan – A FOUR LETTER WORD
· International Feature - BOYSTOWN
· Documentary Feature - BETTY DODSON: HER LIFE OF SEX & ART
· Narrative Short Film – THE FRANK ANDERSON
· Documentary Short Film - COMING OUT TRANS
· Cinematography – Brian Jackson - PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY
· Direction - Duncan Roy – PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY

WILDCAT ROAD...the physique magazine?

2008-05-26T23:36:00.000-07:00

SOCKET - Nominated for Gaylaxicon Spectrum Award

2008-05-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

Yes- SOCKET has been Nominated for a 2008 Gaylaxicon Spectrum Award In the eclectic category of "2008 Best Other Work"...

Other Nominees in our category include: the comic books "52" (DC Comics); "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (Dark Horse) and "Y: The Last Man" (Vertigo/DC Comics); The TV shows: "Battlestar Galactica" (Universal/Sci-Fi Channel) and "Torchwood" (BBC) and the feature film "Stardust" (Paramount Pictures). I told you it was eclectic!

It is an honor to be in the company of such amazing competition! The awards will be given out at the annual Gaylaxicon gathering. This year's will be held October 10 - 13, 2008 in Washington, DC.

WILDCAT ROAD...the comic book?

2008-05-13T00:28:00.001-07:00

WILDCAT ROAD...Live on Stage...The Reviews

2008-05-09T17:54:00.000-07:00

So, we had our staged reading of WILDCAT ROAD the other night and it went overwhelming well. The audience was totally into it and they just ate it up. We've received dozens of emails over the past few days fromm audience members telling us how much they enjoyed it.

Here's a small sampling:

"Wanted to express to you again how great I thought the reading was, never have I been that entertained by a screenplay reading - I always go to them to support my friends, but usually it is just for that reason, never is the kind of effort you and Sean made in presentation evident in any of the others I went to - Funny script, really good actors & presentation" - M.S.

"Kudos again for last night. Everyone loved the reading and I thought you all did an awesome job putting it all together. I can't wait to see the real thing go before the cameras." - D.H.

"Congrats on your successful reading last night. I really enjoyed myself." - C.P.

"...a great concept and the script is excellent." - S.L.

"Gents, Last night's reading was really terrific. I found it funny when I read it, but hearing it out loud just
makes all the difference, doesn't it? It was HILARIOUS." - T.S.

"...my boyfriend laughed at the script - he NEVER laughs at readings!!!" - Ms. S.L.

WILDCAT ROAD...The Pulp Novel?

2008-05-03T23:42:00.000-07:00

WILDCAT ROAD...Live on Stage...One Night Only

2008-05-03T22:26:00.001-07:00

MEET OUR AMAZING CAST

MISS COCO PERU (Dot) aka Clinton Leupp wrote, produced, directed, and starred in her first show, MISS COCO PERU IN MY GODDAMN CABARET in 1991, which ran for two years in New York at Rose's Turn. Many other shows followed, earning Coco theater awards in New York and Los Angeles. An avid traveler, Miss Coco has also performed her one-person shows in San Francisco, London, Lisbon, aboard a yacht in The Mediterranean, and in Evansville, Indiana. On screen, Miss Coco is best known for her roles in Jim Fall's TRICK (1999 Sundance Film Festival) and Richard Day's GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS (2003 Sundance Film Festival). Coco has appeared on TV in ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, WILL & GRACE, Showtime's RUDE AWAKENING, Bravo’s BOY MEETS BOY and WELCOME TO THE PARKER. In June 2005 she taped her very own half-hour television comedy special for LOGO. In October 2007 Coco presented her show sold-out show, UGLY COCO at the Renberg Theatre in LA and Joe's Pub in NYC. Most recently Coco has been appearing in follow-up GIRLS WILL BE GIRLS short films, recreating her role from that now cult film. visit www.girlswillbegirlsonline.com

PETE SCHERER (Mack) spent his first three years out of theatre school selling organic vegetables and baking bread. Since returning full time to acting in 2007, Pete has played supporting roles in independent feature films, including LUCKY and THE ART OF BEING STRAIGHT, which was recently accepted into the Frameline film festival, and a leading role in the upcoming indie feature PORNOGRAPHY: A THRILLER. When not acting on stage or screen, Pete scrapes together a living as a voice-over actor from the home studio in his Hollywood apartment.

DYLAN VOX (Jett) - Born in Atlanta, GA., Dylan began as an Olympic level ice skater and decided, after attending law school, to move to Los Angeles to continue performing in a different medium. Dylan has appeared on the big screen in such films SEVEN DEADLY SINS, THIS LIFE, PORNOGRAPHY: A THRILLER, and is currently in production for the comedy HOMEWRECKER. Dylan has also been featured on the TV shows LAX, FIGHT FOR FAME and can be seen on Spike TV’sMURDER. He is also a regular cast member on here! TV’s soap opera DANTE’S COVE, where his character inspired his own spin off called THE LAIR, which is also airs on here! tv. Dylan plans on being a star…a BIG one.

KEVIN STEA (Kevenn) is one of the most recognized dancers in the industry. He was the associate choreographer, dance captain and dancer on Madonna’s now-legendary Blonde Ambition World Tour, appearing in the film MADONNA: TRUTH OR DARE and the video for “Vogue” as well as Madonna’s unforgettable Edwardian appearance on the MTV Music Video Awards. As a dancer, he has also worked with Gloria Estefan, Prince, Ricky Martin, Celine Dion, Smashmouth, Matchbox 20, Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson. Kevin has performed in movies including SHOWGIRLS, SISTER ACT 2, NEWSIES, THE BIRDCAGE AUSTIN POWERS: GOLDMEMBER, CHARLIE’S ANGELS and RENT. Upcoming movies include BOLDEN, and MOVE. Recently, Kevin appeared on the hit ABC series DIRTY SEXY MONEY and can be seen on dvd in NAKED BOYS SINGING : THE MOVIE.

SARA MARAFFINO (Tammy) concentrates on being the bestshe can be at her craft and setting herself apart from therest with her honest, uninhibited approach to dissecting and becoming the character. Sara’s rich emotional life and reckless abandonment lends itself beautifully to the often “damaged” and layered characters she has come to play in gritty dramas, soap operas and black comedies in recent years. Having studied in NYC with some of the most respected and stringent teachers, she prides herself on her professionalism and her tunnel vision on making the project the best it can be through honest and pure experiences. Sara’s recent films include DARK REGRET and CAGED.

NICK SALAMONE (Morton) has appeared in scores of plays in LA, Off and Off Off Broadway and around the English-speaking world. He has been nominated for Britain’s Stage Award as Best Actor at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival as well as the LA Weekly Award and three times for the BSW Garland Award. Nick is also an award-winning playwright whose works have been produced around the U.S. and the U.K. Nick’s work currently can be seen on stage in his play HILLARY AGONISTE, which opens May 9 and runs through June 1 at the STUDIO/STAGE Theater in Hollywood. His most recent film performance is in the soon to be released indie mystery PORNOGRAPHY: A THRILLER and the recently released indie feature NINE LIVES also starring Dennis Christopher and Debra Wilson.

ALEXANDRA BILLINGS (Mavis) has appeared in dozens of comedies, dramas and musicals on stages across the nation as well as her one woman autobiographical piece BEFORE IDISAPPEAR. In fall of 2003 Alexandra made TV history by being the first transgendered female to play a transgendered female character on television in the ABCTV-movie ROMY AND MICHELLE: A NEW BEGINNING, followed by a role on the series KAREN SISCO. In 2004 she filmed an episode of GREY’S ANATOMY which won a GLAAD Award for Outstanding Episode. She’s also appeared on E.R. In 2007 she completed her first film, SOCKET, directed by her old Chicago pal Sean Abley.

JONATHON WALSMAN (Tug) was born in the small town of Batesville , IN., best known for being the casket making capital of the world. After studying drama and theater, he moved to the Miami area, joining various theatre groups and got the opportunity to do some great plays including HURLYBURLY and some Shakespeare. Jonathon was also able to break into film while in Florida. In 2006 he took the plunge and moved to LA, where he has been studying method acting and appearing in several films including HIGHER SOCIETY. When he’s not working, Jonathon enjoys music, books, and the great outdoors.

TIM HEARL (Sam) Coming to LA by way of the windy city Chicago, Tim Hearl mad his motion picture acting debut in SOCKET. With most of his experience in entertainment coming from the realm of Musical Theater and Stage he welcomes the opportunity to continue to stretch his acting muscle on film. Tim has performed all over the world in various stage shows and productions including extensive work with The Walt Disney Company and various national tours . Currently Tim can be "seen" wearing a Dinosaur Head in commercials for Microsoft Office.

SARAH LILLY (Alice) grew up in Kansas (Dorothy and Toto lived down the road), graduated from Northwestern (BSC), UCLA (MFA) and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. She has performed in over 100 plays from musicals to Shakespeare to experimental. She is very proud to have originated the L.A. premieres roles of "Agnes" in Tony Kushner's BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY,"Mrs. Potentate" in Larry Kramer's JUST SAY NO and "Kitty" in Charles Busch's THE LADY IN QUESTION. Recent big screen stuff includes GEORGIA RULE, FAILURE TO LAUNCH as well as small screen MEDIUM. You can always catch Sarah in the cult faves AMAZON WOMEN ON THE MOON, EATING OUT 2: SLOPPY SECONDS and THE MANGLER REBORN!

DAVID PEVSNER (Cole) TV: DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, LAS VEGAS and CRIMINAL MINDS Film: MYOPIA, ADAM AND STEVE and PORNOGRAPHY: A THRILLER. Theater: CHICAGO, CORPUS CHRISTI, TO BITTER AND BACK (self-written one man musical (LA Weekly Solo Performance Nom), Original LA, NY casts of WHEN PIGS FLY, original NY cast of PARTY. As writer, songs in NAKED BOYS SINGING, ADAM AND STEVE and everything from PRIMETIME LIVE to Playboy TV. Coming soon: THE FANCY BOYS FOLLIES —A VAUDELESQUE and his feature MUSICAL COMEDY WHORE.

JUDI EVANS (Various Chicks) was born in California, and spent her childhood traveling with her the circus family as the “baby clown.” In 1983, Judi made her TV debut on the NY-based CBS soap GUIDING LIGHT as the troubled Beth Raines, winning her the Daytime Emmy for Supporting Actress. In 1986 she moved to LA and joined NBC's DAYS OF OUR LIVES, where she created the popular Adrienne Kiriakis. From 1991-1999, back in NY,she played fan-favorite Paulina Cory Carlino on ANOTHER WORLD and was honored with a Soap Opera Digest Award for Best Supporting Actress. After the cancellation of AW, Evans moved back to LA and starred as Patsy Ramsey in the TV-movie "Getting Away with Murder:The JonBenet Ramsey Mystery" on FOX. In 2003, DAYS OF OUR LIVES lured her back to daytime, allowing her to create the role of white-trash momma Bonnie Lockhart. In 2007, she switched gears and returned to playing Adrienne. As we go to press - Judy was just nominated for a 2008 Daytime Emmy for BOTH of her roles on DAYS OF OUR LIVES!

ALISHA SEATON (Various Other Chicks) originally from Santa Barbara, has been acting since she was seven years old. She received a BA in Theatre from USC. She also received a diploma in Theatre from the University of Kent in Canterbury, England. Her most recent work includes a 3-D interactive film on the life of Nellie Bly for a new museum in Washington D.C. and a PSA for the National Endowment of Financial Education. Alisha’s supporting role in SOCKET is a favorite of fan boys and girls everywhere. She is currently employed as an actor for the LAPD Detective Training Unit. For more information: www.alishaseaton.com

Judi Evans nominated for an Emmy!

2008-05-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

Our friend Judi Evans, winner of a Daytime Emmy in 1984 for GUIDING LIGHT, was just nominated again for both her roles of Bonnie Lockhart and Adrienne Johnson on DAYS OF OUR LIVES! Judi can also be seen briefly in Velvet Candy's SCREENING PARTY, as well as live on stage as part of our WILDCAT ROAD reading event on May 5th. Congrats, Judi!

WILDCAT ROAD...A Staged Reading

2008-04-20T15:12:00.001-07:00

Announcing a staged reading of WILDCAT ROAD, the new screenplay by Sean Abley, story by Doug Prinzivalli & John Carrozza.
May 5th 8PM in Los Angeles. This Special Event is By invitation Only. If you are interested in attending, email us at info@velvetcandyentertainment.com

Fresh off the success of the dvd release of SOCKET, comes WILDCAT ROAD–a black comedy paying homage to 1960's era exploitation films. Three go-go boys hit the road after accidentally killing their boss. Along with the female hostage they pick up along the way, they find danger, action, sex and possibly treasure as they uncover the mystery of the old ranch on Wildcat Road.

WILDCAT ROAD is tenitively scheduled for an autumn 2008 shoot, pending financing.

starring
Coco Peru ("Girls Will Be Girls," "Trick")
Dylan Vox ("The Lair", "Dante's Cove")
Kevin Stea ("Naked Boys Singing", "Showgirls")
Pete Scherer ("Pornography: A Thriller")
Sara Marafino ("Dark Regret", "Caged")
Alexandra Billings ("Socket","Grey's Anatomy")
Sarah Lilly ("Eating Out 2", "Medium")
Nick Salamone ("Pornography: A Thriller", "Nine Lives")
David Pevsner ("Desperate Housewives", "Adam & Steve")
Jonathon Walsman ("Higher Society")
Tim Hearl ("Socket")
Alisha Seaton ("Socket", "A Darker Reality")
and
Judi Evans ("Days of Our Lives")

REUNION to premiere in Miami on May 2

2008-04-20T10:29:00.000-07:00

REUNION, a short film co-produced by Velvet Candy, Wait! What? Productions and Dennis Hensley for HBO's Shout GLBT Short Film Series (Dennis' script was one of three chosen by HBO) will have it's world premiere on May 2 at the Miami Film Festival and also play at Outfest in LA and Provincetown. HBO is tentatively scheduled to air the film on one of its outlets in June.

The film, directed by Dennis (his debut as a director!) is about a TV design show host who returns to his small Arizona town, boyfriend in tow, to attend his 20-year high school reunion--and then some crazy and surprising stuff goes down. It was loosely inspired by Dennis' own reunion.

We shot the film over two days, March 26th and 27th, at Casita Del Campo restaurant in Silver Lake and also at the kitchy Pink Motel in Sun Valley. It was a great opportunity for Velvet Candy to work with cinematographer Joseph White (SHELTER), who did a superb job making LA locations look like Arizona. More to come soon.

SCREENING PARTY in New York & San Francisco!

2008-04-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

Our short SCREENING PARTY, co-produced with Wait! What? Productions and Dennis Hensley has been accepted in NewFest 2008, the New York GLBT Film Festival that's held in Manhattan from June 5 to the 15th. Date and time to be announced soon.

Also, we've just been accepted into Frameline, the San Francisco GLBT Film Festival - there will be 2 screenings, both at the Castro Theater – one on 6/21 at 11:00am and the other on 6/29 at 2:00pm.

We hope to see old friends at both these events!

Matthew Montgomery in BACK SOON on DVD

2008-04-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

BACK SOON, the supernatural gay romantic drama from our friends at Guest House Films and writer/director Rob Williams (LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP), is coming to DVD on May 27 - and it's available now for pre-order at most major online DVD retailers. The film won the Alternative Spirit Award (Grand Prize) for Best GLBT Film at the 2007 Rhode Island International Film Festival. BACK SOON, stars Windham Beacham (LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP) and Matthew Montgomery (SOCKET; GONE, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN).

More info at TLAVideo.com

Velvet Candy on Instictmagazine.com

2008-04-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

The Velvet Candy Entertainment guys are featured in a profile on Instictmagazine.com

One More SOCKET Party Picture

2008-04-06T21:25:00.001-07:00

SOCKET star Derek Long with

producers Doug Prinzivalli and John Carrozza

Photo by Ivan Corona

More SOCKET Party Pix

2008-04-06T21:00:00.001-07:00

SOCKET associate producer Krista Pelen.

Actor Danny Casillas (CHICO'S ANGELS) and

SOCKET Producer Doug Prinzivalli.

Actor Danny Schmitz (THE BAD SEED) and

SOCKET Producer Doug Prinzivalli.

Make-up artist Gage Hubbard and

comedian Bobaloo (FULL RELEASE)!

Director Michael Simon (GAY ZOMBIE)

and SOCKET Producer John Carrozza.

Actors Ossie Beck (MUNICH, SCREENING PARTY) and

Bridgette Wright (SOCKET, SCREENING PARTY).

SOCKET Producer Doug Prinzivalli with

Jimmy Waters, Mr. Gay L.A. 2007.

Party Promoter Jovy Janolo and SOCKET

producers Doug Prinzivalli and John Carrozza

Superstar deejay Shannon Zeta-Jonez

SOCKET "girlfriends" Allie Rivenbark and Rasool Jahan

SOCKET: DVD Release Party was a blast!

2008-04-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

April 1, 2008 - TLA Releasing threw a party to celebrate the release of the film SOCKET on dvd.

Pictured above (L to R) : Director Sean Abley and his partner/producer Matt Mishkoff.

Hosted by promoter Jovy Janolo and producers John Carrozza, Doug Prinzivalli, Matt Mishkoff, and writer/director Sean Abley, the event was held at MJ's in Silver Lake.

Pictured above (L to R) : editor Dave Kittredge, actors Tim Hearl, Matthew Montgomery, Bridgette Wright, associate producer Krista Pelen, actor Bobaloo, makeup artist Gage Hubbard, actress Alisha Seaton, actor Jay Costelo, composer Jennifer Kes Remington and makeup assist Ben Gunther. In rear, promoter Jovy Janolo, producers John Carrozza and Doug Prinzivalli and writer/director Sean Abley.

The crowd of well over 200 guests included SOCKET cast members Derek Long, Matthew Montgomery, Rasool Jahan, Allie Rivenbark, Bridgette Wright, Alisha Seaton, Bobaloo Koenig, Mari Marks, Jay Costelo, and Tim Hearl. Cinematographer Ivan Corona, associate producer Krista Pelen, composer Jennifer Kes Remmington, makeup artists Gage Hubbard and Ben Gunther, and set decorators Noah Naylor and Staci Mallet rounded out the crew.

SOCKET star Matthew Montgomery

SOCKET star Allie Rivenbark and producer John Carrozza.

SOCKET writer/director Sean Abley, composer Jennifer Kes Remington, actors Bridgette Wright and Bobaloo Koenig!

Also on hand were SOCKET editor Dave Kittredge (writer/director of the forthcoming PORNOGRAPHY: A THRILLER), and his PORNOGRAPHY cast members Pete Scherer, Dylan Vox (also of THE LAIR), Jon Gale, Steve Callahan, David Pevsner, Larry Weissman and Mike Justice.

Left to Right: Pete Scherer, Kevin Stea (NAKED BOYS SINGING) and Dylan Vox.

Actor/dancer/singer Kevin Stea (of NAKED BOYS SINGING), Stefan Pommepuy (DARKNESS AWAITS), Steve Gill (BEVERLY KILLS), Stephen Twardokus and Gaetano Jones of 3-DAY WEEKEND and, Gabriel Romero (DANTE'S COVE) were there as well. Actress Lisa Wyatt (DONNIE DARKO, SOUTHLAND TALES) and SCREENING PARTY cast members Dennis Hensley, Ossie Beck (of Steven Spielberg's MUNICH), Erin Quill and Nora Burns also made an appearance.

SCREENING PARTY cast members Ossie Beck, Erin Quill, Dennis Hensley and Nora Burns with producers Doug Prinzivalli and John Carrozza.

SOCKET writer/director with FINAL DESTINATION writer Jeffrey Reddick

Filmmakers Jeffrey Reddick (writer of FINAL DESTINATION, DAY OF THE DEAD), Michael Simon (GAY ZOMBIE), Michael J. Saul, (TRUE LOVE), Rob Williams and Rodney Johnson (LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP, BACK SOON, 3-DAY WEEKEND), Matthew Mishory and Ed Singletary (the upcoming PORTLAND) mixed and mingled with Mr. Gay LA 2007, Jimmy Waters as dj Shannon Zeta-Jonez spun a fabulous mix.

Special thanks to Lewis Tice at TLA, Damian Pelliccione @ MJs, dj Shannon Zeta-Jonez, Matt Skallerud @ PinkBananaWorld.com, Fabrice Tasendo @ Gaywired.com, Danny Schmitz and of course the fabulous Jovy Janolo!!!

SOCKET actress Alisha Seaton and promoter Jovy Janolo.

THE LAIR's Dylan Vox startles producer Doug Prinzivalli.

SOCKET: We're Number Two!

2008-04-02T00:24:00.001-07:00

Right behind THE L WORD...

SOCKET: Between BUFFY and ANGEL

2008-03-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

How cool is this? After only FOUR days, SOCKET is ranking #34 on Amazon.com's HORROR Top 100, sandwiched right between BUFFY and ANGEL...

SOCKET in stores NOW

2008-03-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

SOCKET has finally arrived on dvd - and is now available in retail stores and through the TLA Video site
and at Amazon.com

It's also available through just about every online shopping site that sells DVDs.
So buy one or maybe TWO today. :)

FANGORIA gives SOCKET a glowing review!

2008-03-25T16:34:00.000-07:00

The April 2008 issue is on newsstands now!

SOCKET gets SIRIUS

2008-03-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

The SOCKET guys visited Sirius Satellite Radio on Tuesday, March 25. It was a naughty and funny time on THE FRANK DECARO SHOW with guests Derek Long, Matthew Montgomery and Writer/Director Sean Abley. Co-producer Doug Prinzivalli was in the studio as well.

The show airs daily 11AM-2PM on the East Coast and 8AM-11AM on the West Coast. You can stream 109 on your Sirius Satellite receiver.

Papermag's Cinemaniac loves SOCKET!!!

2008-03-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite writers, Paper Magazine columnist and film buff Dennis Dermody has given "word up" to SOCKET in his review posted at Papermag.com, you can check it out here.

YOU Can Win a SOCKET DVD from FANGORIA.COM!!!

2008-03-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

Our favorite horror film website, Fangoria.com is giving away 10 SOCKET dvds!!!

To enter, just go here and type in your name and contact information (be sure to complete all fields). The deadline for entries is April 2, 2008.

Good luck!

INSTINCT gives SOCKET a "gleefully naughty" 3 star review!

2008-03-07T10:16:00.000-08:00

The gleefully naughty INSTINCT magazine has reviewed SOCKET in the March 2008 issue (featuring their first look at fresh fashion for spring!) Beige is back! Who knew? Check it out - on newsstands now!

See SOCKET in SAN DIEGO!

2008-03-07T09:21:00.000-08:00

SOCKET will be screening on Monday April 14 at 7:20PM as part of FilmOut San Diego's "Thriller/Camp Night". Many cast and crew members will be on hand to celebrate.

Also screening as part of the fest: Darren Stein's COLOR ME OLSEN and Michael Simon's GAY ZOMBIE (both Saturday April 12 • 2:15 pm as part of BOY'S SHORTS); Rob Williams' BACK SOON starring Matthew Montgomery (Sunday, April 13th • 4:15 pm), Jaymes Thompson's THE GAY BED & BREAKFAST OF TERROR featuring lots of SOCKET folks including Derek Long (Monday, April 14th • 9:30 pm) and other great features and shorts.

Check it all out here.

SOCKET in FANGORIA Print Edition

2008-02-24T22:43:00.000-08:00

Run to a newsstand near you to pick up FANGORIA # 271 - featuring a full-page article on SOCKET!

Zorro vs. The Christmas Train

2007-12-22T23:16:00.000-08:00

Our dog Zorro (seen in SOCKET along with our other adopted rescue Buck) is OBSESSED with the train under our Christmas tree, so much so that he gets upset when the train derails. Enjoy this short sample of Zorro's obsession.

Friends of Velvet Candy : Mary Edwards

2007-12-13T14:31:00.001-08:00

On a recent trip to New York City, we were happily reunited (and it felt so good) with our old friend MARY EDWARDS. The fabulous Ms. Edwards is a composer, arranger, songwriter and performer whose performances have been described as "...sensual, sonic architecture..." (Corinne Drewery of Swing Out Sister!!!) and "...songs evocative of 1960s cinematic soundtracks combined with the gorgeous intimacy of the 1970s singer-songwriter era..." (Time Out Magazine).

Mary's debut cd, A SMILE IN THE MIND (available for sale on her website) is a gorgeous example of what music SHOULD sound like. As others may have implied, if Carole King and Burt Bacharach ever had a love child, then Mary Edwards just might have been the result! Check her out here: Mary Edwards Sound/Architecture

The SCREENING PARTY Trailer

2007-11-14T12:26:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately had to be removed from YouTube due to music clearance issues.
I hope everyone who got to see it did enjoy it.

SOCKET wins 2nd Place Juried Prize in Indianapolis!!!

2007-11-13T20:48:00.000-08:00

The Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival honors two films with the AT&T Pioneers: Best of Festival Awards. The field was narrowed down to five contenders by the film selection committee and then those five were presented to a panel of judges for a final decision. The winning films were a announced at the Premiere Party Event!

Congratulations to Director Sean Abley for winning the AT&T Pioneers second place with SOCKET!!!

Chicago Sun-Times covers SOCKET

2007-11-13T00:48:00.000-08:00

Lesbian, gay fest will plug in to 'Socket'

November 4, 2007
BY MISHA DAVENPORT

It's hard to say what is more shocking about "Socket" -- the film's sci-fi/horror plot or that it's even being featured in Reeling 2007: The 26th annual Chicago Lesbian and Gay International Film Festival.

It's not that there isn't a Chicago connection with the film. Sean Abley, who wrote, directed and has a small part, is one of the founding members of the Factory Theater.

"He's definitely exploring new territory," says Brenda Webb, founder of Reeling, which begins Thursday at Landmark Century and runs through Nov. 18 at assorted theaters. "I know it won't necessarily be everyone's cup of tea."

"What can I say? I'm a big horror movie fan and an even bigger fan of [director] David Cronenberg," Abley says sheepishly with a laugh.

Cronenberg is best known for the 1986 remake of "The Fly" as well as "Crash," "eXistenZ" and "Scanners." He is credited with popularizing the film genre known as "body horror."

Abley's 2007 feature pays homage to Cronenberg in plot, tone and visual imagery. The film's plot centers on Bill Matthews (Derek Long), a gay surgeon who falls in with a group of people who all survived being struck by lightning and now purposely juice themselves with electric current.

"Horror for me isn't something that's coming at me, but rather what's inside me," Abley says. "There is something creepy about people doing something horrible to their bodies on purpose."

While some will see the lead character's descent into addiction as a metaphor for crystal methamphetamine usage at gay circuit parties, Abley says that wasn't the case. "On some level, it is a story about addiction. They try it, they like it, they continue to use it," he says. "But this was really about how Cronenberg incorporates science with the biological. That was more a jumping off point for me than circuit parties."

Abley first began to develop the idea for what would eventually become his film while still living in Chicago about 10 years ago.

"I kept seeing sockets coming out of human flesh and people plugging themselves in," he says.

When his career stalled in Hollywood, Abley dug up the outline for "Shocker" and wrote the screenplay.

"I took it to my agent, and he didn't want to send it out," he says. "He was worried I would be branded a gay writer. This coming from a gay agent."

There was a subtle, institutionalized homophobia in the industry, he says. "I was writing for a lot of children's TV and animation. While there is no lack of gay writers in television or film in Hollywood, there was a lack of gay shows or films."

Abley received a lot of offers for the script, but all of them were contingent on him making the characters straight.

"This was before 'Brokeback Mountain' broke everything open, and I don't really know why I was so stubborn," he says.

The film sat in a desk drawer for another few years before Abley finally took it back out and decided to produce and direct it himself. "I kept thinking about everything we were able to accomplish at the Factory Theater and figured if we could write and produce plays there, I should be able to make films."

Abley shot the film in nine days with a $100,000 budget. It has played other spots on the gay film festival circuit, where it has polarized audiences.

"The film is the sort of film you either love or hate," he says. "It's been criticized because the characters' sexuality isn't a plot point and because the two main characters aren't always likable. That makes it different than 90 percent of the gay films out there, and I don't mind that."

The Velvet Candy Blog

PRETTY Awards Season!

THE MIKADO PROJECT- now on DVD!

PRETTY Season 3 Trailer

What's Up with Velvet Candy?

PRETTY Awards and Press Update

More PRETTY Award Nominations!

PRETTY News: DEEP DISH, INDIE INTERTUBE and iTunes

Deep Dish has named PRETTY

Best Comedy of 2010! Stacy McQueen - Best Actress! Michael/Ribina/Ethan - Best TriangleSam Pancake - Runner-Up, Best Actor Dee Freeman - Runner Up, Best Supporting Actress

PRETTY in SOAP OPERA DIGEST

PRETTY Season 2 - Episode 4

PRETTY Season 2 - The First 3 Episodes!

Pretty Season 2 Begins!

Joan Van Ark joins PRETTY

PRETTY Season Two Coming Soon

PRETTY SEASON 2 TEASER 1

What's Up with Velvet Candy?

THE MIKADO PROJECT Getting Good Buzz

The RUBDOWN Trailer

RUBDOWN: World Premiere Saturday June 19 @ Frameline SF

PRETTY - Behind The Sequins

Velvet Candy Update

PRETTY plays the LA Comedy Festival - May 16

THE MIKADO PROJECT World Premiere Announced

SOCKET Still Making News...

PRETTY Episode 4

PRETTY Episode 3

RUBDOWN: Now In Production

PRETTY on the KTLA MORNING NEWS

PRETTY Episode 2

PRETTY Episode 1

SCREENING PARTY Part 4

SCREENING PARTY Part 3

SCREENING PARTY Part 2

SCREENING PARTY Part 1

SOCKET in SCARLET

PRETTY: Cast & Crew

PRETTY The Trailer

PRETTY Posters

Coming in January 2010

Coming Soon: PRETTY

Velvet Candy in Big Bear

SOCKET: The Original Screenplay

hello, you're pretty

REUNION in Fresno, Sept. 19

STRANGE RELATIONS

The Short Films of Bobby Poirier

WILDCAT ROAD

SWITCHCRAFT: A Sex Comedy Written and Directed by Sean Abley

SOCKET 2: BRAIN CELL

Announcing K-TOWN P.I.

REUNION in San Francisco

The Defenders

PORNOGRAPHY: You Know You Want to Watch.

REUNION all over the place!

SCREENING PARTY Goes To London!

Coming Soon: THE DEFENDERS

SOCKET World Television Premiere TONIGHT at Midnight on LOGO

Velvet Candy/SOCKET article on KCET.org

SOCKET Premieres on Logo Thursday January 8

Load...Discharge! SOCKET in France!

REUNION and SCREENING PARTY in Chicago - Nov. 15

SOCKET's European Festival Debut in Brussels

SOCKET and WILDCAT ROAD tee shirts

SOCKET in Germany!!!

"Sexy Shorts" SCREENING PARTY and REUNION in Austin, Tx.

what's DOUGSPLOITATION?

SOCKET in the UK

SOCKET and SCREENING PARTY in San Francisco

PAPER Magazine lists SOCKET as one of the 10 FILMS TO STOP YOU FROM FALLING IN LOVE THIS SUMMER

Watch REUNION on CINEMAX-ON-DEMAND thru July 18 or see it at OUTFEST!

SOCKET: Matthew Montgomery wins Best Actor Award!

WILDCAT ROAD...the physique magazine?

SOCKET - Nominated for Gaylaxicon Spectrum Award

WILDCAT ROAD...the comic book?

WILDCAT ROAD...Live on Stage...The Reviews

WILDCAT ROAD...The Pulp Novel?

WILDCAT ROAD...Live on Stage...One Night Only

Judi Evans nominated for an Emmy!

Best Comedy of 2010!
Stacy McQueen - Best Actress!
Michael/Ribina/Ethan - Best Triangle
Sam Pancake - Runner-Up, Best Actor
Dee Freeman - Runner Up, Best Supporting Actress