Hindsight is always 20/20. It's also a kick in the pants. A look at how I ignored great advice and opportunity to pursue the easier, cynical path that led me astray of the early, crucial years of career. Lee knew and I ignored his words.

Links for this episode:

Dread Central Horror Series: https://www.dreadcentral.com/editorials/368171/swimming-upstream-filmmaker-harrisons-smith-horror-journey-part-1/

Mad Monster Party, My 1st "feature film": https://vimeo.com/316962105

The recent nostalgia rush for places like Blockbuster video ignore the undercurrents and context of the time. Should Blockbuster be mourned? Before you say "yes," listen to this account that draws the comparison of the early years of film to the early days of fast food. A quasi second part to EP 24 "Consuming Cynema." There were no "good 'ole days." It's a lie we tell ourselves.

We are being dumbed down and "Godzilla vs. Kong" shows audiences are perfectly fine with in their appeal for more of this.

Important links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOA6G5PhnRM&t=3s

https://mashable.com/2015/12/23/force-awakens-is-no-remake/

"Excuse me, but isn't that why we watch monster movies? Just to see big monsters fight?"

Godzilla Clip referenced:

99% SPOILER FREE!

Two links that support my thoughts:

Was the beloved mob series an overrated, cynical, yet well done mob family drama or was it something more? I support my main hypotheses that The Soprano's just might be the greatest TV series of all time, but also the most existential.

An examination of Tobe Hooper's "Lifeforce" and how it pertains to the unstable concept of matching low budget filmmakers with large studio budgets. The results are less disasters than they are mediocre. Also a look at the Hooper vs. Spielberg "Poltergeist" debate.

Bloody Disgusting Link: https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3447116/tobe-hooper-pretended-direct-poltergeist-steven-spielberg/

Is there a cynical side to extended universes that really means nothing more than a fancier term for "franchise?" A look at the indifference met with the announcement of a new Star Trek film and why this applies to other major franchises.

Low budget doesn't mean it has to suck. How we made The Special by following John Carpenter's advice and ensuring you respect your cast, crew and audience to deliver the best product you can no matter what size the budget.

Online and print horror magazines are not just entertainment. They have been and continue to be valuable resources, educational tools and primers that need the support to stay alive and continuing to educate burgeoning filmmakers. My career is indebted to them past and present.

MY DREAD CENTRAL SERIES: https://www.dreadcentral.com/editorials/368171/swimming-upstream-filmmaker-harrisons-smith-horror-journey-part-1/

Squirmles commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVSrLG2wf6U