That Interview Show: Episode 25

Cinemaniacs’ latest committee member, Julian Meyers, has a YouTube channel where he heroes physical media and interviews people doing filmy things. He’s been running through the Cinemaniacs’ cadre—including John Harrison, Caitlyn Koller, Natali Papak and Lee Gambin— now it’s my turn!

Over a couple of hours, Julian and I sit in the couch in my living room—a location you may recognise from Blu-ray extras on Umbrella releases Long Weekend, Razorback and Dark Age—and bang on about contributing to physical media releases, the local ‘critics’ scene and whatever else took our fancy.

This is not the longest interview I’ve recorded. That honour goes to Bill Ackerman on his Supporting Characters podcast. But it was very relaxed and a lot of fun.

Thanks for the opportunity, Julian ❤️

July 8, 2025 0

HOUSEBOAT HORROR booklet essay

It’s not often that the words ‘beautiful’ and ‘gorgeous’ are associated with the Australian ‘classic’ HOUSEBOAT HORROR but, by golly by gosh, this blu-ray release of the film by Umbrella Entertainment is a work of art in itself.

I was asked to contribute a biography on the film’s co-creator, Ollie Martin, to the booklet, and I can confidently say this is a one-of-a-kind piece, presenting information about Ollie that is not widely available in this digital age. I’d like to thank Gavin Wood, Ray Boseley, Clayton Jacobson and Ollie’s family, Elle and Boyd, for feeding me with the information that has brought this story to life. I really hope that Ollie is smiling down on us from the heavens.

Take note that this is a limited edition release of HOUSEBOAT HORROR, so get your skates on, if you want to bag a copy. It may already be gone. For my international friends, I urge you to jump on this opportunity to snag yourself a little bit of Australian film memorabilia that’s sure to leave you slack-jawed.

PS. It’s worth the purchase for the ‘Banned in Queensland’ pin alone.

July 17, 2023 0

Get your copy of BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN

She’s alive and she’s stunning! A new book about a legendary film, edited by me and written by others. And she could be yours, if you head to PS Publishing and order a copy. Also available from all the usual outlets.

July 2, 2023 0

TAKE BACK THE NIGHT visual essay

This one took awhile to wing its way to Australia, but I’m pleased to have now seen the final edit of my first visual essay about monsters – and breathe a sigh of relief (it came up quite well).

Anyone who has read my Top 8 horror films of 2022 will note that TAKE BACK THE NIGHT made the grade, so it’s extra thrilling to have contributed to this release from Arrow Films, produced by the always astounding Alexandra Heller-Nicholas.

Should you see it too? Yes, you should.

January 8, 2023 0

VIDEODROME critics’ roundtable

Be still my beating heart. This film. VIDEODROME. Cinema doesn’t get much better. And this beautiful 4K Ultra HD Special Release from Arrow Films even smells fantastic.

I’m proud to have contributed a retrospective roundtable discussion for the booklet with Cerise Howard, Dr Josh Nelson and Dr Alexandra Heller-Nicholas. But this is only a small portion of this special release, which is bursting with vivid viscerality.

Long live the new flesh!

November 13, 2022 0

I’m an Oz Femme Fatale!

According to David Black, I’m an Oz Femme Fatale! Makes me want to wear glittery red shoes, click my heels and say “There’s no place like home”. But I think I’m more the Wicked Witch of the West(wood) than Dorothy

You decide by reading the interview…

February 14, 2022 0

Melbourne, New Hampshire: Jamie Blanks and other urban legends

Some interviews are more satisfying than others, and I’m pleased to categorise this interview with filmmaker Jamie Blanks as one of them.

When you read the article, you might get a sense of why I say that. I hope you do, anyway. You’ll also hear my impassioned plea to the Australian industry to wake up and smell the roses. We have a legacy that needs to be acknowledged and protected.

Thanks a bunch to Via Vision for releasing the Urban Legend Trilogy and for offering me this opportunity, Diabolique Magazine for agreeing to run the interview on their beautiful horror platform, and Jamie Blanks for being such an ace human being.

October 11, 2017 0

Don’t Fear the Creeper: An Interview with Gina Philips

In preparation for a longer form piece in the new Cinemaniacs Presents journal, I had the pleasure of talking to fellow horror movie fan, Gina Philips, who played the role of Trish in the original Jeepers Creepers (fans will be very pleased to know she is coming back for the third instalment in the franchise).

Gina was such a generous interviewee I decided to throw some words the way of Diabolique, and the fruits of my labour can now be read in the following article…

May 19, 2017 0

RAW: Horror in the Eyes of Women

One of the gratifying outcomes of the RAW advanced screening and discussion panel with Barbara Creed, Philippa Hawker, Clem Bastow and Cerise Howard on 19th April has been the opportunity to write a wrap-up of the event for the incomparable Kat Ellinger and Diabolique online.

For those who were not able to attend, this is the closest you’ll get to hearing the panellists’ words, including sage observations from the likes of Cerise Howard:

“What is most monstrous in this film is heteronormativity… This whole hazing business… it’s rape culture writ large and is truly monstrous.”

May 10, 2017 0

Cinemaniacs’ presentation of Christine

Cinemaniacs presents John Carpenter’s masterpiece Christine, based on the novel by Stephen King, on Saturday 8th July 2016 at Backlot Studios in Melbourne.

Stars Keith Gordon and Alexandra Paul will be doing a special exclusive video interview for the screening (with questions from writer/film historian Lee Gambin). Writer/commentator Clem Bastow will be introducing the film. And…

There will be a Cinemaniacs-first panel discussing the works of John Carpenter hosted by Cinemaniacs board member Anthony Biancofiore, and featuring writers/film historians Dean Brandum, me (Emma Westwood) and comic book artist and writer Tristan Jones.

This event is selling out…

April 21, 2017 1