Movies Diary
In 2018, we started keeping a record of all of the movies we see. It’s logged on Letterboxd, and here:
Dept of Reincarnation weirdo short premieres at Medusa Underground Film Fest starring/directed by Sophia & Lianne O’Shea
The very weirdo short, Dept. of Reincarnation, Sophia made with Lianne O’Shea earlier this year is having it’s world premiere at the inaugural Medusa Underground Film Festival! Dept. of Reincarnation is a wtf comedy short exploring the bureaucracy involved in choosing … Read More
Sophia is cinematographer on Lee DeWyze music video for “Let Go”
https://open.spotify.com/album/2Ucr4w3CHRZBMyXjLAPiIG We had a wonderful time working with brilliant singer-songwriter and American Idol winner Lee DeWyze to shoot a series of live music videos. Sophia was the shoot cinematographer. Michael was AC/b-cam op. This was the last song of … Read More
Sophia & Michael give an extensive interview about Clickbait to Nasty Neal of Without Your Head at the Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival
Sophia & Michael give an extensive interview about Clickbait to Nasty Neal of Without Your Head at the Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival. More on our visit to Buffalo: http://blog.mikeandsophia.com/2018/10/clickbait-is-an-official-selection-of-the-buffalo-dreams-fantastic-film-festival-2018-nov-2-9-2018/ They also mention us in the episode recap at … Read More
Michael’s Stock Photo Model Adventures!
I’ve ended up as the subject of a stock photo a couple of times (one major one without signing a release, but probably not worth doing anything about it). For your amusement… https://www.forbes.com/sites/nickbennett1/2018/11/01/more-than-movember-the-critical-state-of-mens-mental-health/?utm_source=FBPAGE&utm_medium=social&utm_content=1863920967&utm_campaign=sprinklrForbesMainFB#52a898671def https://www.theguardian.com/voluntary-sector-network/2015/dec/02/how-movember-is-outgrowing-moustaches?fbclid=IwAR3iyiVsYJu2gUzpwKBmtTDhFU91xXlya56crXjQ6z6crKo5mB1JZo4CpDE https://matadornetwork.com/life/11-signs-born-raised-austin-texas/?fbclid=IwAR2pS-Z4ON4TkpVPXi2AcIZBDGfv6aqP49LEYpg7BCDhibTITGhWZ2fzaaY
Sophia and Michael work on Laurel Vail’s great short film, What Metal Girls are Into
We had the great honor of having a small part in helping with Laurel Vail’s excellent film, What Metal Girls are Into! We got to appear as extras in the metal concert scenes, but perhaps more importantly, we helped coordinate … Read More
60 Seconds to Die 2 Anthology featuring “Poisoned” segment by Sophia and Michael now available on DVD (and VOD)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5141260/ 60 Seconds To Die 2 2018 1 h 13 min The cult indie horror anthology returns with a tour de force of indie horror shorts from the underground in 60 Seconds to Die part 2! Modern day grindhouse, in … Read More
Look Away review and interview with Jason Isaacs, India Eisley, and Assaf Bernstein for Without Your Head
We had the honor of conducting an interview with Jason Isaacs, India Eisley, and Assaf Bernstein in anticipation of their film, Look Away, for Without Your Head! “Eisley is absolutely stellar at portraying mirror twins Maria and Airam, who are … Read More
Blood of the Tribades is an official selection of the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival 2019 – screens January 12, 2019
Blood of the Tribades is an official selection of the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival 2019 – screens January 12, 2019! “…a love letter to offbeat lesbian vampire films that offers powerful discourse on self-identity, feminism, and the violence wrought from religious … Read More
Clickbait wins Outstanding Microbudget Feature at Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival – Sophia wins Lois Weber Award; Michael wins Dedication to Excellence in Indie Filmmaking
We couldn’t be more excited to return to Buffalo Dreams Fantastic Film Festival with Clickbait this year! We had a great time 2 years screening Blood of the Tribades there! Clickbait took home a win for Outstanding Micro-budget Feature! We … Read More
Michael directs “Operation: Fist of God” segment for Conspiracy X anthology
Conspiracy X is an anthology with documentary style footage and short horror films based on Global conspiracy theories. I made a segment for this: “Operation: Fist of God” about how Russians brainwashed and planted fundamentalist Christian leaders in the US … Read More
Clickbait opening film at Sanford International Film Festival, won Best Music!
We’re were excited for Clickbait to be an official selection and the opening film of the Sanford International Film Festival! SIFF has been a great supporter of our previous films and we’re thrilled to return to Maine! We got to do … Read More
Clickbait featured on In the Mouth of Dorkness podcast – interview with Sophia, Michael, Jeremy Long, and Tyler Sage
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-mouth-of-dorkness-podcast/id947664278?mt=2# https://www.podbean.com/site/EpisodeDownload/PB9A638CCZHKX We had the glorious pleasure of sitting down with “Indie Dork” immediately after the world premiere of Clickbait at GenreBlast! We got to talk about the movie, about Toot Strudels, and about how fun it was to be … Read More
Clickbait @ FANtastic Horror Film Festival, San Diego WON: Best Supporting Actress (Brandi Aguilar)
We had a really fun time attending FANtastic Horror Film Festival in San Diego! Clickbait won Best Supporting Actress (Brandi Aguilar)! We were nominated for: Best Feature, Best Actress (Amanda Colby Stewart), Best Supporting Actor (Seth Chatfield), Best Score (Night Kisses w/ Catherine … Read More
Michael appears as “beggar” in Veronika Mindal’s parody of Olya Polyakova’s song “Not like you and ex”– “not like you and beggar”
I had the pleasure of performing in Veronika Mindal‘s parody (above) of Olya Polyakova’s song (below) “Not like you and ex”– “not like you and beggar”
Sophia wins Les Femmes Du Genre wrestling belt award at GenreBlast! (and Sophia and Michael win “Nuclear Pens” for having multiple screenplays place as finalists)
Sophia was honored at GenreBlast Film Festival 2018 (where we also had Clickbait and Leopard premiere) with the wrestling belt for Les Femmes Du Genre! The Les Femmes award recognizes “an outstanding woman in genre filmmaking,” and during the awards, … Read More
Clickbait world premieres at GenreBlast, wins Best On-Screen Duo – Alamo Drafthouse – Winchester, VA – Sept 1 – 3:15 PM – Also was nominated for: Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Score, Best Cinematography
The GenreBlast Film Festival 2018 film festival was a blast and we are extremely honored to be recognized for: Best On-Screen Duo (Amanda Colby Stewart & Brandi Aguilar) And in non-Clickbait categories: Les Femmes Du Genre (Sophia Cacciola) Nuclear Pen [multiple finalist screenplays] (Michael J. … Read More
50 Most Recent | Blood of the Tribades | Clickbait | Film | Magnetic | Michael | Podcasts / Interviews | Sophia | TEN
Sophia interviewed by SYFY about creating sociopolitical horror and sci-fi
Sophia was interviewed by Carly Lane for SYFY about creating sociopolitical horror and sci-fi! Sophia Cacciola discusses showcasing women in film via sociopolitical horror and sci-fi Writer-director-cinematographer Sophia Cacciola wants to make genre film a space that focuses on women. It’s … Read More
Clickbait is an official selection at the Arizona Underground Film Festival, screening Thursday September 20th at 7:30pm at the Screening Room Tucson, AZ
We had an amazing time attending AZUFF. Clickbait won BEST HORROR FEATURE! Thursday September 20th at 7:30pm at the Screening Room 127 E. Congress http://www.azuff.com
Two films we worked on are part of the 2 Die For anthology! “Witness” and “With Whip”
We worked on 2 films on this anthology. Out now on DVD (VOD coming soon)! With Whip [Written By Lianne O’Shea, Directed By Aviv Rubinstien, Produced by: Lianne O’Shea, Aviv Rubinstien, Michael J. Epstein, Sophia Cacciola, Starring: Sophia Cacciola, Lianne … Read More
The Caul: screenplay finalist Crimson Screen, GenreBlast, Women in Horror (Winner: Honorable Mention), and Nightmares film festivals!
Pitch site: http://launchover.com/films/thecaul/ – IMDb The Caul has been selected as a screenplay finalist at: Women in Horror Film Festival (Winner: Honorable Mention), Nightmares Film Festival, and GenreBlast Film Festival! Genre: 1970s-style folk horror Logline: The balance of light and darkness is disrupted as a … Read More
Listen to the Clickbait cast w/Sophia and Michael live interview on WithoutYourHead – with Bob Elmore of Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2
Listen at: http://www.withoutyourhead.com/viewnews.php?autoid=110241 Download at: http://www.withoutyourhead.com/uploaded/mediafiles/WYH_180803.mp3 https://www.facebook.com/events/222524611924749/ http://www.withoutyourhead.com/viewnews.php?autoid=110218 Sophia and Michael will join Neal Jones of Without Your Head around 9 PM EST to intro the movie before passing the torch for discussion to Clickbait leads Amanda Colby Stewart, Brandi … Read More
International anthology A Taste of Phobia featuring Sophia and Michael’s “Somniphobia” out on DVD and VOD via Artsploitation
“Somniphobia” Produced, written, and directed: Sophia Cacciola and Michael J. Epstein Director of Photography: Bryan McKay Production Assistants: Lianne O’Shea and Tyler Sage Music, sound, and editing: Michael J. Epstein Starring: Michael J. Epstein as Elijah Lianne O’Shea as … Read More
Women of Rock Oral History Project interview with Jean Millington
Jean Millington of Fanny! Interviewed by Tanya Pearson. Cinematography by Sophia Cacciola. Sound Recording / Editing by Michael J. Epstein
Women of Rock Oral History Project interview with Terri Nunn
Terri Nunn of Berlin! Interviewed by Tanya Pearson. Cinematography by Sophia Cacciola. Sound Recording / Editing by Michael J. Epstein
Sophia and Michael interviewed on The Eternal Village Prisoner Podcast
Episode four of, The Eternal Village-cast, is now available. In this episode we share a multi-themed conversation with the creative dynamos, Sophia Cacciola & Michael J. Epstein of Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling – Join the Facebook group … Read More
Women of Rock Oral History Project interview with Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee INTERVIEWED BY TANYA PEARSON. FILMED BY SOPHIA CACCIOLA. EDITED BY MICHAEL J. EPSTEIN
Michael works on Rob Potylo’s Quiet Desperation Season 6
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Rob Potylo, Michael Gill, and Brian Strawn to bring Quiet Desperation season 6 to life! Check it out! I was also in front of the camera in previous seasons (links below). Quiet D … Read More
Variety premieres Lee DeWyze music video for “Paranoia” (Sophia is cinematographer)
https://open.spotify.com/album/2Ucr4w3CHRZBMyXjLAPiIG We had a wonderful time working with brilliant singer-songwriter and American Idol winner Lee DeWyze to shoot a series of live music videos. Sophia was the shoot cinematographer. Michael was AC/b-cam op. Directed by: JOHN KVIKLYS Produced by: ANDREW … Read More
50 Most Recent | Blood of the Tribades | Darling Pet Munkee | Film | Michael | Music | Others' Films | Sophia
Wretched Productions’ doc, More Blood (directed by Heidi Moore), features Darling Pet Munkee and Blood of the Tribades
Wretched Productions’ More Blood, a documentary that takes a look at why horror audiences like to watch death and gore in movies is out now! The doc features Darling Pet Munkee‘s “X-Ray Specs” in the credits and a clip from Blood of … Read More
Women of Rock Oral History Project interview with Exene Cervenka
Exene Cervenka of X! Interviewed by Tanya Pearson. Filmed by Sophia Cacciola and Michael J. Epstein. Edited by Michael J. Epstein
Michael appears as background poetry listener on Legion Season 2, Episode 4: ‘Chapter 12: The Broken Places’
Legion Based on the Marvel Comics, Legion follows the story of “David Haller,” a man who believed himself to be schizophrenic only to discover that he might be the most powerful mutant in the world. Legion Season 2, Episode 4: … Read More
Women of Rock Oral History Project interview with Carla Bozulich
Carla Bozulich of The Geraldine Fibbers, Ethyl Meatplow, and many others… Interviewed by Tanya Pearson. Filmed by Sophia Cacciola and Michael J. Epstein. Edited by Michael J. Epstein
Crowdfunding Basics In 30 Minutes is a finalist in the Foreword INDIES competition
Crowdfunding Basics In 30 Minutes has been named a finalist in the Foreword INDIES competition, in the Careers category, chosen from over 2000 entries. The competition is run by Foreword Reviews, a major publisher of reviews of independent books.INDIES finalists are moved on to final … Read More
Sophia is cinematographer on series of videos for brilliant singer-songwriter and American Idol winner Lee DeWyze
https://open.spotify.com/album/2Ucr4w3CHRZBMyXjLAPiIG We had a wonderful time working with brilliant singer-songwriter and American Idol winner Lee DeWyze to shoot a series of live music videos. Sophia was the shoot cinematographer. Michael was AC/b-cam op. Directed by: JOHN KVIKLYS Produced by: ANDREW … Read More
Women of Rock Oral History Project interview with Ginger Bianco
GINGER BIANCO INTERVIEW BY Tanya Pearson. FILMED BY JEN DESSINGER EDITED BY Michael J. Epstein
The book, Indie Science Fiction Cinema Today: Conversations with 21st Century Filmmakers, features an interview with Sophia about Magnetic (and an image from Magnetic on the cover)
Indie Science Fiction Cinema Today: Conversations with 21st Century Filmmakers Kindle Edition by Kathleen Fernandez-Vander Kaay, Chris Vander Kaay Sophia has an extensive interview in this book published by McFarland about indie sci-fi cinema (and we got the cover image!). It is broken … Read More
Women of Rock Oral History Project interview with Kate Schellenbach
Kate Schellenbach of Luscious Jackson and (early) Beastie Boys. Interviewed by Tanya Pearson. Filmed by Sophia Cacciola and Michael J. Epstein. Edited by Michael J. Epstein
Sophia interviewed for GenreBlast’s artist spotlight!
GenreBlast is one of our favorite film festivals and they have been profiling some of the artists whose films have played the fest (Blood of the Tribades played there during the inaugural year). Sophia got pretty honest with them about … Read More
Clickbait (2018) poster is here!
The new Clickbait poster, created by Sophia Cacciola, is here!
Women of Rock Oral History Project interview with Mish Barber-Way
In this oral history, Mish Barber-Way discusses her upbringing in Vancouver, her relationship with her parents, siblings and friends, her experiences as a high school and college student and her involvement in the local music scene. She details the formation … Read More
Women of Rock Oral History Project interview with Alice Bag
In this oral history, Alice Bag discusses her upbringing in East L.A., her relationship with her parents and how those early experiences dictated her personality and musical output. She details the burgeoning punk scene in Los Angeles in the 1970s, … Read More
Women of Rock Oral History Project interview with Eva Gardner
Eva Gardner’s resume includes The Mars Volta, Gwen Stefani, Veruca Salt, Tegan and Sara, Cher, and currently, Pink. INTERVIEWED BY TANYA PEARSON. FILMED BY SOPHIA CACCIOLA AND MICHAEL J. EPSTEIN. EDITED BY MICHAEL J. EPSTEIN
Michael does audio post production work on the short film, ‘Friendsgiving’ (2018)
I had the pleasure of doing some audio post-production work on the short, Friendsgiving – directed by Samantha Kolesnik, written by Samantha Kolesnik and Sean Richard Budde. The cast includes Nathan Ludwig, Kaylor Otwell, Eddie Gutierrez, Sami Griffith, Kelsey Andrae, Frank Pontillo, and Alastair Wharton. The … Read More
Women of Rock Oral History Project interview with Shirley Manson
Shirley Manson is a Scottish musician, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. She is the lead vocalist of the band Garbage. INTERVIEWED BY TANYA PEARSON. FILMED BY SOPHIA CACCIOLA AND MICHAEL J. EPSTEIN. EDITED BY MICHAEL J. EPSTEIN Special thanks to Greg Velasquez and Four Seasons Hotel … Read More
Michael does sound work on Sydney Steinberg’s short film, “Period Stain” !!!
PERIOD STAIN That brief crisis when you period on your boyfriend’s bed. Period Stain – watch more funny videos Directed by Chris Sturgeon and shot by Kaitlyn Tanimoto!
Women of Rock Oral History Project interview with Viola Smith
VIOLA SMITH (née Schmitz; born November 29, 1912) is an American drummer best known for her work in orchestras, swing bands, and popular music from the 1920s until 1975. She was one of the first professional female drummers. INTERVIEWED BY TANYA PEARSON FILMED BY SOPHIA CACCIOLA … Read More
Women of Rock Oral History Project interview with Jula Bell
Jula Bell of Bulimia Banquet! Interviewed by Tanya Pearson. Cinematography by Sophia Cacciola. Sound Recording / Editing by Michael J. Epstein
Women of Rock Oral History Project interview with Ginger Coyote
Ginger Coyote, founder of PUNK GLOBE MAGAZINE and rock band WHITE TRASH DEBUTANTES Interviewed by Tanya Pearson. Filmed by Sophia Cacciola and Michael J. Epstein. Edited by Michael J. Epstein And a special thanks to Ginger for this feature on the Women of Rock Oral History Project … Read More
Sophia and Michael’s 2017 in Review
2017 was our first full year living in Los Angeles! Certainly a weird year in the world and that weirdness certainly seeped into our lives, but that did not stop us from having a productive year! One of the most … Read More