So anyway, let this serve as your final remember to tune in tonight to catch the BIGGEST night of stars paying homage to the BEST in sci-fi, fantasy, comics and horror films of 2009.  The show features the hottest stars in film and TV including Jessica Alba (surprise…surprise), Johnny Depp, Kate Bosworth, Jennifer Carpenter, Eliza Dushku, Harrison Ford, Megan Fox, Morgan Freeman, Jackie Earle Haley, Hugh Jackman, Justin Long, Sam Raimi, John C. Reilly, Christina Ricci, Eli Roth, William Shatner, Liv Tyler and many more!  Scream 2009 airs at 10 PM EST on Spike TV.  Make sure to check your local listings for channel information.

 And now… (the perpetual drum roll…can you hear it?)…some exclusive videos and photos, courtesy of Spike TV, commemorating the event you will see tonight.  The below stars need no introduction.  Enjoy and tune in tonight!

Gregg:  Tara, what do you prefer…you do stunt work, you do acting, you do media coverage, what is your preference of those?

Tara:  Well actually I marry all three by being an action actor with my own talk show.

Gregg:  How has that worked out so far? 

Tara:  So far so good!  I’m getting a lot of responses from all ends of it.  I feature some of my stunt work on my talk show.  I also do pro-style wrestling, sword fighting and I’ve been in several horror films.  In fact, Terminal Descent should be coming out this month. 

Gregg:  Will that be on Blu-ray by chance?

Tara:  I sure hope so!

Gregg:  What do you have in the works after that?

Tara:  My next film is called Legend of the Red Reaper.  It’s about a female sword fighter, a young female sword fighter who sacrifices true love to save the world. 

Gregg:  When is that due out?  Is that in pre-production right now?

Tara:  It is in pre-production.  We have shot a couple of scenes, enough to make a trailer.  You can see the trailer on my website http://www.taracardinalactress.com/. 

Gregg:  And is that where we can find information on your talk show as well?

Tara:  Not yet, we don’t have anything posted about the talk show on my website.  It’s very much in the early stages, but we have had a couple of offers for it to be picked up, so we’re going to shoot the first season and see what happens. 

Gregg:  Basically if everybody just stayed in tune with your website, we’ll find out in the future from there? 

Tara:  Website, My Space, Facebook (Tara Heroine Cardinal).  I love getting feedback from the people because I do it for the people, I do it for the fans!

Gregg:  Thank you very much!

Tara:  Thank you!

Whenever I hear the phrase ‘budget film,’ I get a little skeptical.  So when I popped a DVD copy of Delivery in my PS3, starring Matthew Nelson and the subject of the above interview, the lovely Tara Cardinal, I wasn’t quite sure how the next hour and a half would go.  I’m going to be honest, folks.  There is a lot of contribution from the supporting cast behind Nelson and Cardinal in this film, but they are not going to win any Oscars for their acting.  Nevertheless, Delivery delivers a solid story following the daily trials and tribulations of Nelson’s foreboding character. 

Nelson plays Monty Goth, a pizza delivery guy who manages to get crapped on by society at every turn and is often the brunt of everyone’s ‘fat’ jokes.  Tara Cardinal plays Bibbi Lamonte; a sympathetic young woman who sees Monty for the person he is…or for the person he at least appears to be. 

Monty lived a deeply troubled childhood.  He witnessed the death of his father shortly after his mother was unexpectedly murdered.  Such visions continue to haunt Monty to the modern day, but even therapy seems to be a pointless attempt at mental redemption.  Bibbi’s puts forth her best effort to help Monty on a more personal level.  However, will even the soft-worded empathy of Bibbi be able to save Monty from his continuing fall into darkness?  Will Monty snap and lose it?  You’ll have to see for yourselves!  Check out Tara Cardinal in action in Delivery by visiting the Amazon link below.  Autographed copies of the DVD can also be purchased from Tara’s website at http://www.taracardinalactress.com/.  

Originally, my Los Angeles vacation consisted of a wedding, a trip to Universal Studios and a 71^st Birthday celebration and housewarming party for my mother-in-law, Edna.  When I originally learned about my eligibility to cover the red carpet ceremony at Scream 2009 I was ecstatic to find out it would be taking place on a date when I would already be in the Los Angeles area.  How’s that for fate?  Anyway, I was a little bummed to find out that it also was the same date as Edna’s planned day of festivities (If you are reading this…Happy 71st!).  I immediately informed my wife of my opportunity and having the best wife in the world, she instantly told me to go for it, knowing it was a prospect that I could not pass up that could potentially open up more doors for me.  And open doors it did!  When the doors to the Greek Theater closed post 7:15 PM PST a new chapter of my life was opened as I found myself intimately participating in the production of Scream 2009!

Little did I know how long Gregg Senko and I would actually be gone since our 2 PM departure that day.  It was a bit past 8 PM when my wife text me and my cell phone displayed the words…”Hi, my mom wants to know when you are coming home.”  However, I was so star struck that the only words I could manage to text back were “Jessica Alba is on the stage right in front of me now.”  I wish I could be suave and say that was code for “I was attending the event and was it all right for me to stay,” but it wasn’t.  It was the absolute truth.  Jessica Alba was front and center on stage delivering the opening dialogue of what would be the biggest night in sci-fi, fantasy, horror and comics…EVER!

I would have to say probably one of the biggest highlights for me, of the evening, was just turning to my right and shaking hands with the one and only Sam Raimi as I congratulated him on his achievements and work on the fan favorite Drag Me To Hell.  That’s not to say the night wasn’t full of other memorable moments.  It’s not everyday when you can sit in the studio audience and have Jessica Alba in front of you, Johnny Depp to your right and Harrison Ford to your left.  Yes, it was an evening I will never forget and that’s why my OCD like behavior kicked into full swing as I triple-checked last night to make sure my DVR was situated to capture Spike TV’s broadcast (channel 69 where I live) at 10 PM EST this coming Tuesday evening.  I think I will set my DVD recorder as a backup.  A boy can never be too careful!

Anyway, thanks to the wonderful publicist I got to work with these past couple months over at Spike TV I am happy to share the below press release with all my readers as well as the video clips she provided.  I hope you take pleasure in them as much as I enjoyed living the dream.  Thanks for reading!

JOHNNY DEPP PRESENTS “SCREAM ROCK IMMORTAL” TO

KEITH RICHARDS AT SPIKE TV’S “SCREAM 2009”

Taylor Lautner Wins Breakout Performance Award

And Debuts World Premiere Footage Of “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”

Franchise Reboot Of “Star Trek” Tops The Competition With Six Honors With Original Captain Kirk, William Shatner, On Hand

“SCREAM 2009” Premieres Tuesday, October 27 At 10 PM, ET/PT On Spike TV

Los Angeles, CA, Tuesday, October 20, 2009 – Two vampire sagas thrived at night at “SCREAM 2009,” the first and only event honoring the best in fantasy, sci-fi, comics and horror.  “Twilight” sunk its teeth into four trophies, including best Fantasy Movie, with Breakout Performance winner Taylor Lautner on hand to unveil world premiere footage from the forthcoming “Twilight Saga: New Moon.”  Not to be outdone, HBO smash hit “True Blood” garnered four awards, with series creator Alan Ball and cast members Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgård, Sam Trammell and Rutina Wesley in attendance to accept their honors.  The star-studded event was held at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and premieres on Spike TV on Tuesday, October 27 (10:00 PM – Midnight, ET/PT).

One of the night’s highlights featured an on stage legend meeting an on screen icon, as Keith Richards was presented the SCREAM Rock Immortal award by Johnny Depp at Spike TV’s “SCREAM 2009.”  The living legend, Rolling Stones guitarist and songwriter was greeted by a standing ovation before receiving his introduction to immortality from Depp, who famously patterned his Academy Award-nominated turn as Captain Jack Sparrow in “The Pirates of the Caribbean” movie trilogy after Richards.   

Also on hand was Megan Fox, star of “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” which captured five awards, including one for Fox’s female lead performance.  She accepted the award and reaffirmed her dedication to the franchise’s continued success.

Legendary creator of some of the most famous comic book franchises in history, including Spider-Man, Iron Man and the X-Men, Stan Lee left the audience with mouths agape as the 86-year-old visionary arrived on stage via a giant spider to accept the Comic-Con Icon award from Peter Parker himself, Tobey Maguire.

A franchise that is certain to live long and prosper, the JJ Abrams reboot of “Star Trek” led the way with six honors, including the night’s most prestigious, The Ultimate Scream, accepted by the original Captain Kirk, William Shatner.

The cast of the “Big Bang Theory” introduced a tribute to one of the decade’s most influential science fiction series, “Battlestar Galactica.”  A moving cast reunion for a farewell tribute took place, featuring Edward James Olmos, Tricia Helfer, Grace Park, James Callis, Kate Vernon, Katee Sackhoff, Michael Trucco, Tahmoh Penikett and executive producer David Eick.  Olmos led the crowd in a rousing rendition of “So Say We All” after thanking the passionate “Battlestar Galactica” fanbase for its support over the years.

Spike TV also debuted world premiere and exclusive never-before-seen footage from highly anticipated theatrical releases, including the upcoming Martin Scorsese directed “Shutter Island,” which stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Tim Burton’s “Alice In Wonderland” starring Johnny Depp, and the upcoming “Star Trek” sequel.  Also presented was an extensive preview of the forthcoming ABC series, “V.”

The fourth annual “SCREAM” event featured appearances by the industry’s biggest stars including Jessica Alba, Kate Bosworth, Jennifer Carpenter, Eliza Dushku, Harrison Ford, Megan Fox, Morgan Freeman, Jackie Earle Haley, Hugh Jackman, Justin Long, Sam Raimi, John C. Reilly, Christina Ricci, Eli Roth, Liv Tyler and Elijah Wood, among many others.

“For one night only, The Greek Theatre became ‘The Geek Theatre’ as thousands of ravenous fans came together to celebrate their heroes and the films, TV shows and comics they love,” said “SCREAM 2009” co-executive producer Michael Levitt.

For a complete list of winners and to view exclusive red carpet and backstage coverage of this year’s “SCREAM,” visit scream.spike.com.

The official sponsors of Spike TV’s “SCREAM 2009” are Taco Bell, Subaru, Geico and FreeCreditReport.com.
 
Casey Patterson, Michael Levitt and Cindy Levitt served as executive producers for “SCREAM 2009.”  Greg Sills was supervising producer, Gary Tellalian and Austin Reading were producers and Hamish Hamilton directed. 

WSB:  When you’re doing composition, how is the work delivered to you?  Are you given several episodes to work on?

Nathan:  One at a time.  I’m given one at time.  Usually it’s a live cut, it’s all been edited and then I sit down and take a week to three weeks and just go through the show.  Alan (Ball) and I sit down and figure out where the music’s gonna be, what we want it to say and then I write it. 

WSB:  Do you find it difficult trying to bridge a gap going from something really dark at times to a lighter mood or something romantic-oriented?

Nathan:  You know, it’s all in the writing, the actual screen writing.  If it plays naturally the way it’s directed and the acting is good, it makes my job so much easier.  On a show like True Blood where all that’s first rate, it’s really very easy.

WSB:  Do composers get writer’s block?

Nathan:  Occasionally!  Yeah, again, if the show’s good it doesn’t happen that much, but yes, I have had writer’s block before. 

Stan Lee mentioned that fifty years ago, you’d be embarrassed to say you worked in the comic book industry, but today, you embrace it.  One reason for this is the attention-grabbing talents of writer Geoff Johns.  Arguably the biggest thing to hit the shelves of comic book stores in a long time is the Blackest Night series from DC.  Drenching the DC Universe in pure evil complemented by the stench of death is the tale of a heart-devouring conflict delivered to our fingertips from the mind of Geoff Johns.  Winner of the Best Comic Book Writer award, the man behind Green Lantern, Flash Rebirth and Blackest Night provided Why So Blu with a quick bit of info that’s keeping comic book fans waiting with baited breath.

WSB:  You’ve got to be satisfied with the success of the Blackest Night series so far.

Geoff:  Very!

WSB:  Without saying too much, can you mention anything that we can expect in the series?

Geoff:  Um, Blackest Night Batman or Black Lantern Batman.

Black Lantern Batman?  Stay tuned, folks!

One of the most heralded graphic novels of our time is DC’s Watchmen.  Earlier this year, we saw the literary masterpiece make its way to cinemas around the world, delighting fans everywhere.  Two of the gents responsible for the effects of what audiences witnessed were on hand to answer questions.

WSB:  Working on Watchmen, what did you find was the bigger challenge for special effects; the alternating ink blot of Rorschach’s mask or Doc Manhattan?

FX guys:  Well, we actually did the practical effects, the makeup effects.  I’m happy to say we had nothing to do with the blue penis.  That was not us!  We did all of the aging makeups in the film because it spans two generations and we did all of the character makeups of the film.  We created twenty-six characters ranging from Kennedy to Krushchev to all of the big figures of the day, of the era.  We also did all of the gore effects.  Everything from the prisoner getting his arms cut off to the pedophile character that Rorschach beats with a meat cleaver. 

Unfortunately, time did not allow for more questions as officials rounded up the remaining celebrities and directed them inside the venue, cutting this interview a bit short.  A grand red carpet event had concluded, but the evening’s festivities were just getting underway inside.  Tune in to Spike TV on October 27^th to see the 2009 Scream Awards in their entirety! 

I find my fingers almost unable to type when I think of the all-star ensemble of celebrities I was in attendance with this past Saturday evening at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles.  Just to name a few there was the always lovely Jessica Alba, Johnny Depp, Quentin Tarantino, Megan Fox, Rhona Mitra, Woody Harrelson, Kate Bosworth, Christina Ricci, Eliza Dushku, Liv Tyler, JJ Abrahams, William Shatner, Morgan Freeman, George A. Romero, Stan Lee, Harrison Ford, Elijah Wood, Tobey Maguire, Karl Urban, Sam Raimi and the cast of Drag Me To Hell, the cast of True Blood, Battlestar Galactica, Vampire Diaries, The Big Bang Theory and many more.  I feel truly blessed and honored to have been a part of one of the biggest nights of the year commemorating all things sci-fi, fantasy, horror and comic books featuring the hottest films, TV shows, comics, actors, creators, and icons who have all influenced and shaped the aforementioned genres.  In other words, it was this boy’s life long dream.

Saturday night also marked my debut as a photographer.  Our website’s resident photographer, Scott T. Morrison, was unable to come out and play with us so Gregg Senko and myself worked the red carpet securing interviews and photo ops as they became available.  Gregg cranked out the interview recordings as I let my trigger finger go crazy snapping every celebrity who would eventually walk by us.  The majority of the A-list stars slipped through the amphitheatre’s secret entrances, as to not create mass hysteria among the media junkets, so we covered exactly what we had to work with from the moment the first stars showed up until the theater’s doors were closed post 7 PM PST.  I took the liberty of selecting the best shots of the stars we mingled with on the red carpet as well as some of the fans adorning the all-star gala celebration. 

We have decided to divide our exclusive coverage of the Scream 2009 awards into three parts.  The first part, which you are reading now, features photos of the stars from the red carpet processional entrance into the amphitheater as well as a few select fan shots.  Our second posting will be a compilation of interviews conducted, compiled and transcribed by our chief editor, Gregg Senko.  Last but not least, we will provide some inside coverage, video clips and our thoughts on the actual awards ceremony itself.  Make sure to mark the following date down on your calendars and don’t forget it!  The awards show airs on Spike TV this coming Tuesday night, October 27^th at 10 PM EST.  For more information head on over to Spike TV’s website and remember to tune in next Tuesday night for the greatest celebration of film and media that Hollywood has ever bestowed upon us!  

I hope you enjoy the below pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them.  Click on the thumbnail images below to enlarge for maximum viewing pleasure.  They will all open up in new windows for your convenience.  All indvidual images below are available for sale.  Please use our Contact form to inquire about any particular prints you may desire.  Thanks!

STARS ILLUMINATE THE GREEK THEATRE FOR SPIKE TV’S “SCREAM 2009”

PREMIERING ON OCTOBER 27 AT 10 PM ET/PT

Never-Before-Seen Content From “Star Trek” To Be Featured

“SCREAM 2009” To Reveal An Exclusive Preview From The Upcoming Martin Scorsese Thriller “Shutter Island,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio

Taylor Lautner To Unveil World Premiere Footage From “The Twilight Saga: New Moon”

Quentin Tarantino To Honor Horror Legend George Romero

Appearances By Tobey Maguire, Megan Fox, Hugh Jackman, Liv Tyler, Jennifer Carpenter, Eliza Dushku, Jackie Earle Haley,  

 David Paymer,  Sam Raimi, John C. Reilly, Eli Roth, “The Big Bang Theory” Cast, Elijah Wood,  

 “Vampire Diaries” Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley And Many More