Showing posts with label Self-Promotion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Self-Promotion. Show all posts

Wednesday, 3 November 2010

Saw It



WARNING: Major Saw 3D Spoilers follow. Don't read if you're going to see it. Either that or read and then don't bother going to see it!

So I ended up going to see Saw 3D on Monday night. The 7th (Not 14th as Jose Franco thought) and hopefully last in the Saw franchise. I can't really recommend it. There's plenty of gore and a very inventive trap at the used car yard (featuring the lead singer of Linkin Park confusingly enough) but by way of story there's pretty much nothing. I didn't find the plotting as dense as the concurrent Saw 3 and 4 but it's still needlessly confusing. For me it all went wrong when they lost Jigsaw (Yes I know he was in the sequels in flashbacks but he isn't the guiding force). Hoffman just isn't as interesting a villain. The whole 'testing' aspect of it goes out the window and it all becomes just sadistic punishment and revenge. Plus when the bad guys are so infinitely superior to the good guys you know there's basically zero chance of them escaping the traps and in that pretty much any kind of tension is lost. The final third of the film just goes completely off the rails as Hoffman goes on a stabbing spree like some kind of cheap Michael Myers (Which after Halloween H20 is difficult to do). It all finishes with a twist that would have been welcome about six films ago.

There are a few good points. The character of Officer Gibson gives us someone we can genuinely root for (I enjoyed his manic repetition) though he is dispatched with quickly and in a fairly lame fashion. There also seem to be a few decent ideas in the story that just aren't developed enough. For once the opening trap takes place in view of the general public rather than in a dingy hospital / warehouse. I thought that by following this through there could have been an interesting through line on the public perception of gore these days. After 7 Saw films have we lost our disgust at the violence and become at best desensitized slack jawed gawkers and at worst willing participants? I also think more could have been made of the (genuine) Jigsaw survivor groups. Given this is the last chapter this would have provided more of a satisfying final judgement of Jigsaw's legacy.

I eagerly anticipate the forthcoming Scream 4 and hope it will consider the legacy of these films. Maybe sending us on a path to gore combined with characters and story rather than blood for blood's sake.

New issue of Gallery is out featuring Due Date, Movies 4 Men and the Jersey Amnesty International Film Festival. Check it out.

Peace,

Steve

Monday, 18 October 2010

From The Ritz to the Glamour



Calling all Londoners! This Thursday you have a rare opportunity to experience some Steveitude in the flesh. It's on Thursday night upstairs at The Ritzy in Brixton. I have a sketch competing against two other sketches in the finals of The Ritzy Cup. It's very exciting - real comedians performing something I wrote for a group of people who've actually paid for the opportunity to be there. Actually, there more likely to be paying to see Abandoman, David Whitney and Matthew Highton but the important thing is they'll actually have paid. Anyway, if you're in London and you're free on Thursday night PLEASE go along and laugh very hard at my sketch (It's about Michael Myers - star of the Halloween franchise) and not so hard at the sketches it's going up against. All the details on the above poster. I wouldn't heckle David Whitney if I was you, he's currently facing charges for head-butting a heckler. For those not in London the sketches are being filmed and hopefully I'll have a link for you sooner rather than later.

So how was your weekend? I'm still feeling tired which normally indicates a good one. I can heartily recommend The Social Network. Brilliant stuff. Here's my usual X-Factor Monday thoughts:

- I was glad to hear a few wild proclamations this week. Simon suggesting One Direction were the best band in the world today was a good one. That's pretty good going given they've only been together for about two weeks. Hopefully this'll be the kick in the ass bands who've been working on their craft for years like The Arctic Monkeys and The Kings of Leon need to get their acts together.

- I found Cher's performance mildly less annoying than last week. I'm still a bit scared to watch her though. She looks like an angry skeleton with her limbs flailing around like that. Kind of like a Halloween decoration.

- I would pay good money for the Wagner vs Mary sex-tape. Especially if Dermot still had to do the post sex interviews. The XXX Factor? Too obvious I think.

- It was all a bit predictable this week. I think we need another twist. Maybe all the contestants could have to care for an egg for a week. They could draw a face on it and give it a name. If they lose or break the egg then maybe a different mentor could pick their song.

If any Londoners do decide to go please let me know how it all goes down. My brother will be there so say 'hi' to him. He looks like me but more Chinese.

Peace,

Steve

Sunday, 10 October 2010

March of the Robots



Here it is. The fruit of our labours. Please watch, enjoy and share. Any comments appreciated and please join the group here!

Peace,

Steve

Thursday, 7 October 2010

Coming Attractions: March of the Robots




The time is finally here. The big reveal - what the fuck is happening this Sunday at 6pm? Well I'll tell you. 

Robots, Zombies, Hiphoperation and Josh Franco in his finest acting role to date! This is what's happening. 


March of the Robots
March of the Robots: Tensions run high as three scientists hide in a bunker awaiting death from a robot menace one of them created. However, one of them may have a way to save them and the human race. All it will take is a sacrifice.
So basically the project was born at the beginning of the summer when I was looking for ways to actually make one of my scripts. I spoke to Matt and we decided to make a short film together. I wrote the script, we got our super talented cast together (Basically I tricked Josh into it), we shot the film in my garage and at Petit Port and then Matt did all the hard work editing it together. And on Sunday you're going to be able to view the fruits of our labour on You Tube. 
We learnt many a lesson from this project (I go over them in detail in this month's issue of Gallery). I think the main one is that for your first project you probably shouldn't make a high concept Hollywood blockbuster on a budget of about £50. Still, I stand by my claim that it makes a shit load more sense than Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. 

'So what can I do?'

I'm glad you asked. Matt and I have set-up a Facebook group for our Production company (oh yes) - 


Click on the link to head there and join the party. This won't just give you first details on everything Robots but it'll also give you the inside skinny on all future productions (of which there will be many). It'll also be the first place to get the link on Sunday night literally three or four minutes before I post it on this here blog. 

So what are you waiting for? Join the Facebook group and begin the countdown. The world is ending in three days. What are you going to do about it? 

Peace,

Steve

Wednesday, 25 August 2010

Scott Pilgrim vs The World






It's here. Scott Pilgrim takes on the UK today. Why should you go see it? I spent many words in this month's Gallery telling you why. Here's the intro:





'How many times have you been sitting through some kind of generic rom-com and thought to yourself ‘this could definitely do with some more kick ass action’? If you’re like me then the answer is probably every time. Instead of Hugh Grant getting delightfully befuddled how about Hugh Grant whipping out a delightful samurai sword (No Weddings and Lots of Funerals?). Instead of Kate Hudson trying to annoy Matthew McConaughey into dumping her how about she just kicks him in the face (How to Hurt a Guy in 10 Days?). Instead of whatever happens in 27 Dresses there are just lots of explosions? Allow me to introduce Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The rom-com for the Nintendo generation.'

The film has had hugely positive reviews but relatively poor Box Office in the States. Let's prove we're not like them, the same audience who didn't tune in to Arrested Development. The same audience who continue to fail to watch 30 Rock. Let's show some national pride and get to the local movieplex!

Peace,

Steve

Wednesday, 18 August 2010

Igneous Cat Toilet

If there's one thing that is sure to bring joy to the heart it's the image of a cat drinking from the toilet. Nic didn't believe me when I told her he did this but we can see here who was proven correct (NOTE: The answer is me.)

Is a cat drinking out the toilet the type of thing you're likely to see in the first issue of 'IGNEOUS Magazine' launching this October? I'm not sure. You best join the group HERE so you can be the first to know the definitive answer.

In case you're confused by this collection of sentences I will be contributing to the first issue of the magazine put together by the luscious Mr. Elliott White and the alliterative Professor. James Jackson. Have no fear Gallery fans I'm still there too, this is just some extra fun stuff.

Peace,

Steve

Tuesday, 5 May 2009

Arrrrrgh My Face!


The new issue of Gallery is out including Wolverine gutting a movie pirate as illustrated by the talented and less attractive than his older brother Chris Lawrence. Pick it up at any local outlet or read it here.

As you might expect I talk lengthily about Wolvie. I have now seen the film and whilst I found myself enjoying it I did feel that it fell into many of the traps I outlined in my article. Notably too many characters for a supposed solo film meaning not enough screen time for any of them... In particular Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool. Still, apparent there is an after credit ending suggesting the Merc with a Mouth might be spun out into his own flick. I'll be first in line.

Oh and did I mention podcast still available below.

Peace

Steve

Sunday, 26 April 2009

The Blogcast of Steveitude 1 - Meet The Empty Seven


Greetings Blogateers.

Today is an exciting day for you all. Today marks the launch of the very first Steveitude podcast. Blog + Podcast = Blogcast. Yes, ladies and gentlemen prepare for The Blogcast of Steveitude.

Episode one features everything you love about the blog minus all that boring reading you usually have to do. Our special musical guests are The Empty Seven. They play us Sunshine, Silhouettes (Blogcast Exclusive) and cover La Roux's 'In For The Kill'. I also talk to them about their influences, songwriting process and answer the question that has been on everyone's lips - 'what is Shane?'. Kerry also talked extensively about her need to pee but we decided to cut that out. In addition there is a reading from Lawrence Stevens' new novel, poetry from Sam T and all the latest news in Steveitude. So what are you waiting for?

Download it now!

Once you're in the link just click on Download file and you're away. It is in MP3 format and is about 50mb. It'll take probably between 10 and 15 minutes to download.
This is very exciting for everyone here at The Fortress as this is a completely new venture for us all so PLEASE tell us what you think of it. We realise that the file is probably too big and on a couple of the skits the sound quality could be better but this is a learning process for us. The download situation isn't great either but that has to do with the size of the thing. These are all things we know for next time. Oh yes, there will be a next time.

The podcast is written, directed and co-produced by me (Steve!). The Empty Seven are made up of Stewie Brown, Shane Buxton, Kerry Fisher, Rhodri 'Hot Rod' Hart and Dan Turner please check them out here. The concept for Breaky Spready Go is from the twisted mind of Oly Le Feuvre. Harass him at your will. Additional voices from Kerry Fisher, Rhodri Hart and Dan Turner. Biggest thanks have to go to Dan again for co-producing and editing. Thanks Dan!

So that's it. Have a listen, tell me what you think via Facebook, e-mail, text or ideally the comments section here. I'm going to go sleep now.

Peace

Steve

Friday, 24 April 2009

Coming Attractions


What happens when the unstoppable force (The Empty Seven) meets the immovable object (This here blog). You may be excited to know that you are soon to find out. What am I talking about? Keep your eye on the blog and all will soon be revealed (Either do that or just follow Dan or my status updates on Facebook).

Peace

Steve

Tuesday, 7 April 2009

The Nature Of It


New issue of Gallery is out. Check it out here. I think I've finally found a format I like. One main film review, some shorter ones and then two smaller pieces maybe vaguely related to the theme of the month. Let me know what you think. Maybe leave a comment, send a fax or even page me. What do you want? More juicy gossip? Sexy pictures? Less writing and more pictures? Your wish is my command (But not really because i've already written May's article).

In other news Nicki is in the kitchen baking. I don't know what she's baking but it is very exciting!

Finally, my blog has its first official follower. Ian Pay I love you. Don't ever change.

Peace

Steve

Thursday, 5 March 2009

You're trapped in here with me


I am really very excited about going to see Watchmen tomorrow. If you want to know why you should be excited check out my article in this month's issue of Gallery. For free in all good places or available online here. Pages 55 and 56. I'm also delighted that I managed to get the phrase 'munching the proverbial rug' into the article. If you fancy exploring the rest of the issue there's plenty of stuff about getting married in Jersey. Do I hear wedding bells? I hope so, otherwise that ringing sound is a bit confusing.

The pic is from the episode of The Simpsons Alan Moore guest starred in. Though Alan might not be into it I would totally read / watch Watchmen Babies.

'My name is Ozymandias, king of kings: Look on my works, ye Mighty, and despair!'

Peace

Steve

Monday, 2 February 2009

Yeah, Well You're Two Penises Short of a Shania Twain Reimagining!


Hey kids! There's a new issue of Gallery out in stores and available on the internet for the low, low price of completely free. This month I confront my issues with Brad Pitt, go on and on about how Penelope Cruz and Scarlett Johannson make out in Woody Allen's new flick and make the stunning (yet entirely true) revelation that Jason Biggs invented the institution of marriage. Go! Go! Go!

In other news I went to see 'Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist' last night - awesome! A love story told across one New York night filled with music and magic and plenty of funny shit. Michael Cera again puts in a stand out performance matching his usual geeky charm with a bit of a rock star edge. The rest of the cast are great too, especially Norah (I dare you not to fall in love at the same time as Nick does) and Nick's ex Tris who whilst a complete bitch still manages to show why Nick would be so hopefully in love with her in the first place. There's also a great indie soundtrack filled to the brim with what the kids are dancing to. It made me want to spend a night wandering around New York. Check it out.

It may be sacrilege but I maybe enjoyed it more than Slumdog Millionaire. Don't get me wrong, I loved Slumdog and it is probably the greater cinematic achievement. It's just that N&N seems like a film that was made for me... not specifically... but it's a film that connected with me on a deeper level that normal. Where I am in my life right now this film meant more to me than Slumdog. That being said I won't begrudge Slumdog any of the Oscars that seem to be coming its way.

Peace

Steve

Thursday, 25 December 2008

R.Kelly's A Christmas Carol




I promised prose and here is prose.

R.Kelly's A Christmas Carol
By Steve Lawrence

As was their Christmas Eve tradition R.Kelly and Usher sat in R's Aviary sipping at expensive cognac and admiring the colourful plumage of the various exotic birds circling their heads.
'Yo Ush.'
'What up Kells?'
'I bought you this present. Think you'll really like this present.'
Kells handed his friend a gift which he quickly unwrapped. A smile danced its way onto his face.
'Wow Kells, a bottle of 'Scent of Usher'. '
'Playa I saw it and I thought of you.'
'Well I guess you would... Here, Christmas spirit back at you.'
Kells' gift was in a large box. He opened it and looked quizzically at the object sitting in front of him.
'What as it?'
'It's a life-like latex vagina. With all the trouble you've been getting into this year with the ladies I thought a meat hole you could pound without any fear of reprisal might be just the ticket.'
'Thanks playa. Mind if I take it for a test run?'
The bell rang before R could insert himself into the plastic love tunnel in what might turn out to be quite an awkward situation. Instead he went to answer the door.

Standing on the doorstep of R's Million dollar mansion was a group of carol singers wrapped up in their warmest clothes and holding candles burning in the night.
'Greetings crackers.'
'Good evening Mr. Kelly. Might we sing a song for you?' Enquired one cheeky cockney scamp.
'Why of course young oppressor.'
The choir prepared themselves, Kells stood waiting expectantly. There was nothing.
'I thought you said you were going to sing?'
'Well we want to Mr Kelly but it's just that we don't have any songs.' Said Grant, a bespectacled man who worked in a Zoo.
'There are plenty of songs.' Said his boyfriend Phil.
'But they're all terrible.' Added Melvin the Magician who stood at the back of the crowd playing with his magic wand.
'Would you write us a song Mr Kelly sir?' Asked the cheeky cockney scamp.
'You can't ask Mr Kelly that. He's probably busy celebrating Christmas with his extended Hip Hop family.' Snapped Phil.
'Hold on white-bread. Maybe I can do something for you. But you're going to have to help me.'

So R invited his new friends into his home recording studio and they got to work on a song. Usher brought the A-Town funk and Kelly brought his songwriting genius, in a matter of hours they had put together a song to put all other carols to shame. The ghost of John Lennon who of course lived with R after he had won him at auction said 'That was much better than any of the shit I ever wrote.' But R still felt there was something missing,
'I think there's something missing Ush.'
'For real dawg?'
'This is clearly the best Christmas song ever but I think it's missing the R factor.'
'You're right, we want this to stand up against even the best chapters of Trapped In The Closet. But what can we do?'
R pulled out his two-way and dialed a couple of numbers. Soon the doorbell rang again. It was Akon and Lil Jon and Lil Wayne all ready to help R with his Christmas dream.
'Yo playa this shit is fucking grinding like a stripper at happy hour.' Said Lil Jon whilst taking a sip of egg nog from his jewel encrusted goblet.
'Affirmative.' Beeped Lil Wayne in his robotic voice.
'I don't know how you could hope to improve it R old chap.' Said Akon who was actually very posh.
'What about crunk?' Enquired Lil Jon.
'What do you mean?' Asked R.
'CRRRRUUUUUUNNNNNNKKKKKK!'
'Well do you have any of that with you?'
'Sorry my nizzle but I used it all up crunking with some biyatches last night in Vegas.'
'What about you Lil Wayne?'
'Negative.'
'Akon?'
'Sorry old bean but I too am fresh out.'
It looked like it was back to the drawing board for R when suddenly the door-bell rang for a third time. Kells was shocked to find Chris De Burgh standing on his doorstep.
'Good evening young man.' Said the legendarily smooth singer songwriter. 'My car has broken down outside. Do you have a phone I could use?'
'Your Chris De Burgh!' Said R excitedly who was a huge fan of Lady In Red and had used it many times to help him seduce girls who were definitely over the age of consent or at least told him that.
'This might sound strange Mr De Burgh but do you happen to have any crunk with you?'
'Well as you ask I actually have a great deal of crunk in my trunk. You'll have to help me sort the junk in my trunk to get to the crunk but I'm sure I do have crunk in my trunk.'
R smiled a smile as wide as a really big booty.

With Chris De Burgh's help R finished the song. A good thing too, it was 11.30pm and only half an hour till Christmas Day.
'Thank you for writing this Hip Hop / RnB mash up for us to sing on our carols Mr Kelly, but it isn't fair that only the people of this fine street get to hear it.' Said the cockney child fighting back the effects of chimney sweep's lung.
R agreed with the child. It was the best Christmas song ever and he felt that in this time of financial turmoil the whole world needed to hear it.
'I have an idea.' Chirped up Akon. 'Earlier this year I was doing community service working in a factory for a man who might be able to help you with distribution.'

R and his friends sat in the parlor waiting for Akon's friend to arrive. Lil Jon regaled them with tales of the skanky prostitutes he had slept with the night before when... BELLS!
'SANTA!!' Screamed Lil Jon who was excited like a little girl.
It was five to twelve, not a moment too soon. Everyone rushed to their feet ready to greet the bearded one himself, everyone except R. He slipped out the room and headed to his bedroom.

'Yo Kells.'
'What up Ush?'
'You should come and see Santa's here, you won't believe it Santa's here.'
'I'm not coming.'
'But why Kells? This is your song.'
Kells looked down at the ground.
'I can't... I think I'm on the naughty list.'
'No... No, you can't be. Playa, you're my hero. You're that star up in the sky, you're that mountain peak up high. You're the world's greatest.'
'Not anymore. Do you know that this year I gave less money to charity than last year? Look at Angelina Jolie, she's a real role model. I didn't adopt a single kid.'
'Don't talk like this Kells, she's a ho.'
'No Ush. You should go duet with her, I bet she has a husky and soulful singing voice.'
'Come on Kells. You've had a tough year and lawyers are expensive.'
Kells just looked away. Just then there was a knock at the door, it was Santa.
'Hello User, Hello R.'
'Yo Claus.'
'This is for you.'
Santa handed R a gift.
'So I've been a good boy?'
'Not necessarily. What you have to remember R is that you're a celebrity. You're better than a regular person. It doesn't matter if you're bad or good all we expect is that your behaviour is outlandish.'
'Wow thanks Santa. You've taught me the true meaning of Christmas.'
'Open it now, I think you'll like it.'
R unwrapped the gift to find another latex vagina.
'Did you keep the receipt?'
The three laughed heartily for a full minute.
'I'm sorry I can't stay for longer but I have to deliver your song to the world!'
'Thanks Santa!'

So Santa delivered the song to the world and it was universally agreed that it was the best Christmas song ever. Jesus even took the time to thank R and his friends personally in his annual Christmas message. Even more excitingly the song featured in the background of the 'Two Pints of Lager & A Packet of Crisps vs Gavin & Stacey Live Christmas Special'.

Back at Kells' house R and all his friends sat around playing games and exchanging gifts. As the day progressed they all got a little drunk and started taking turns on the latex vaginas. Everyone was happy that R now had two of them because it meant they didn't have to wait very long for their turn. Everyone except the ghost of John Lennon that is because he was a ghost and therefore couldn't have sex with the latex vagina.

THE END

Peace

Steve

Sunday, 7 December 2008

Nixon Gets Loose


It's an update which means I must have something to shill!! Yes another issue of Gallery is out and this month I'm rambling about Christmas movies, serial killers and making outlandish claims about Kevin Bacon's role in Frost/Nixon. I also take it hard to Batman & Robin with the kind of angry rant only a comic book fan could write. For those not lucky enough to live in Jersey it is available online at www.gallerymagazine.co.uk and is on page 62 I think.

Thanks to all who have read the issues so far and told me how much you enjoyed them. Your compliments feed my massive ego and keep me cranking out the words. Gallery has a month off in January but returns in February with Dodgeball action and extra mega sized Team Cobra action!?!

Finally, what is it with people voting for fat faced children? Einogh from X-Factor you don't murder Busted (not literally) in front of millions of people and escape my scorn! Worse than him though is 21 year old Jersey deputy elect Jeremy Macon who ran under the pretenses of being a voice for Jersey's youth and then once elected allowed his Mother to answer his e-mails and debate policy. She then revealed that their family had decided that he should run instead of her because he was a better speaker. That doesn't make things OK, people did not vote for the Macon family (YOU ARE NOT THE KENNEDYS!) It's like Obama after election allowing a bitter old Republican to represent him. In conclusion, Jeremy Macon you are a massive tool and a ridiculous fraud. I want my vote back (even though you didn't win that one)

Peace

Steve

Monday, 10 November 2008

Hey there Donkey



The November issue of Gallery is out and you can bet the quality of my writing has gone right up because it's the first I've been paid for! There's a man holding a dog, Kevin Smith loving and Max Payne. Go pick up a copy now. If for some reason you don't live in Jersey you can read it here.

Speaking of Mark Wahlberg (We sort of were) it seems he has been talking to animals.

Say hi to your mother for me.

Peace

Steve

Wednesday, 8 October 2008

A Time & A Place



It's Here....

Earlier on this Summer I entered the Branchage Jersey Film Festival competition pitching a film about the sensational Steve-O Town. I made the semi-final stage which involved sending in photos and videos to do with the pitch. Despite the involvement of Paul 'Fat Suit' Hinz and Jose 'Five Take' Franco I was one of six winners. (Some of those clips can be watched here)

With the help of the fine people at Shoot Media (In particular Winstan and X) and acting from local talent Nicki Wray and Laura Brown as Video Hoes #1 and 2, Jess Cabot as Director's Assistant, Laura Catterson as backing dancer, Oly Le Feuvre and Jose 'Five Take' Franco as the farmers and of course the spirit of Steve Catterson, 'A Place In The Country' was put together as part of the film festival.

Now you can watch the film that renowned film critic Jamie Le Marquand called 'good'.

Sit back, enjoy and spread the word.

Peace

Steve

Saturday, 4 October 2008

Gallery Viewing


Hello Steve-ites. It has been a while since my last update and since then I have made a short film, been on local TV, got a job and had another article published. More on those other things at a later date, well, apart from my job. The only thing more boring than actually doing my job is probably reading about it (That is unless Excel spreadsheets get you hard, which in my case they certainly do). I just thought I'd drop in for a healthy does of shameless self promotion.

Gallery is free for you to read all around Jersey. This month I talk about why I'm kind of excited about the new Bond movie and lift the lid on why I haven't even seen No Reservations but feel O.K about completely dissing it. Plus... R.Kelly!?! (Courtesy of Tom 'T-Bag' Haywood's Photoshop Studios) There are two funky covers to collect (although the article is the same inside both) one with a guy on it for all the ladies and gay dudes and one with a chick who appears to be wearing a swan. Enjoy!

Peace

Steve

Thursday, 4 September 2008

Touchable


Steveitude has hit the streets. That's right kids my mindsplosions have escaped the internet and landed themselves in the latest issue of Gallery Magazine (pictured above). There is a September Movie preview and a list of three flying films I think you'll totally enjoy (And one you probably wont). It even has the obligatory Eddie Murphy reference. So go out there and grab yourself a copy.... IT'S FREE! If you're not in Jersey or you fear leaving your house because you think a cabal of highly intelligent zoo animals is trying to kill you then don't despair. The magazine is currently in the process of uploading all articles to their website.

Peace

Steve