Enter spooky season

Hi everybody – how’s your summer? Still scorching … or sizzling out? It’s been a busy, up and down summer for me, so I figured it’s time to do another blog update.

Ok, first off – San Diego Comic-Con was a blast – and the Art Show was back too! It felt good to be back in person and I even sold an original painting, yay! Thank you to my supporters for showing up – you are my life blood. What made it even sweeter is the fact that I didn’t catch the Con-Crud or the Rona!

Two resident aliens (see what I did there?)

But then, just two days after Comic-Con ended, I found out about the sudden death of Micah Minor – a talented and promising filmmaker and friend. We worked and helped on each other’s projects several times over the years; and he was part of the crew for my short films The Appointment and Things We Dig. Unfortunately, his exit was not a big surprise to most of us who knew him, but it rattled and shocked us nonetheless. This one hit hard. I am so tired (and angry) of losing friends to mental illness.

RIP Micah – you are missed and I’ll never forget you and the good times we had on set!

The next day, I had to be on the set for the over the top comedy ‘Sinderella‘, directed by my good friend David Ruiz. I got to play the wicked stepmother and I managed to immerse myself into the role and bring out the bitch in me. I mean…how can that not be fun? And I was surrounded by a talented cast – it felt great being on the set again. I can’t wait to see the premiere later this year!

Did you finish all your chores?

Just when you thought you’d never hear me talk about Things We Dig again, there’s still life left in it! I’m happy to announce that my short horror comedy is nominated for FOUR awards at the 8th Annual San Diego Film Awards! And the nominees are: Elsa Mickelsen for Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Ty Marie Frost for Best Makeup/Hair, and our youngest actor Morgan Marlow for Best Emerging Actor! Congratulations and crossing all my digits for you! You can attend the Awards Show on Friday (tomorrow starting at 6pm, sorry for the short notice) at the MOPA in Balboa Park OR watch it televised on KPBS at 10pm.


Coming up in September – not to be missed:

Secret Morgue 3.1: When Animals Attack!

If you’ve been to the previous editions (Secret Morgue: Aliens and Secret Morgue: Witches’ Night) by the Film Geeks SD, you know you’re in for a treat!

From their page: “Your ticket will get you 4 films, 1 meal (Lefty’s Pizza), introductions by scientists, art show, photo opps, popcorn (while supply lasts), Bonkers Ass Cinema author selling and signing books, and trivia prizes. Doors open at noon for check in and marathon will end at 10:00 PM.

Not only am I looking forward to watching (surprise …TBA) horror flicks, but also yummy food, catching up with friends; and I’ll have a painting or two up for sale in the Art Show! So, go get a ticket and see ya there!

Where/when: Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park! SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2022 AT 12 PM – 10 PM

In closing – I’m still going strong with my newsletter Pia Shares Her Dark Half and even picked up a new subscriber or two! Go check it out and hit that share or even subscribe button – thankee! I also spruced up my Buy me a Coffee page and started adding moar BTS stuff and free stickers for my supporters. You rock! Thanks again for all your love!

That’s it for today – it’s time for my favorite time of the year: Halloween season!!! Till spooky time – stay frosty!

xoxo,

Pia

Vamps in New Orleans

A little over a week ago, Things We Dig had its World Premiere at Screamfest L.A. – as a writer/director and actor who loves the horror genre, a dream come true and a bucket list item for me!

Due to the pandemic, it was a drive-in event with all the Covid19 measures in place. It was a pleasant night, windows open and overall great vibe. My favorite part was listening to other people laugh out loud (in the right places) while watching our horror comedy film on the big screen. I was especially happy to re-unite with the cast and crew that could make it. I’m still pinching myself that it all happened, but I got pics to prove it :)

Clockwise from center top: actors Jenn Larson and Marc Biagi, production designer Elsa Mickelsen, our DP Peter Mickelsen, producer and first AD Stephen Mickelsen, actor Deepti Kingra-Mickelsen, producer J.R. Thrasher and myself

It gets even better! Tomorrow the fun moves to Screamfest New Orleans, which is actually an in-person event. I’m especially excited that it will warm-up everybody’s blood for a “Friday 13th double feature”! Of course, the venue is also following all the safety measures that are available. This is from the Zeitgeist Theatre: “We installed 3 UV air-scrubbers in our ventilation system for your safety.  Masks are required.  We are social distancing. Our theatre and lounge is professionally cleaned and sanitized by Jani-King of New Orleans.  Check out our new Dolby sound system.

Get info, including schedule, address and tickets through the Screamfest Film Festival website here.


As it happens, we’re also having our UK premiere tomorrow! Cross your fingers for a possible award at Misty Moon International Film Festival!

As I’m writing this, the registration window for the virtual film festival has already been closed. I’ll attend live over Zoom 11am PST tomorrow and will keep you updated, if we win anything!


But WAIT! There’s more! But that’s in the next blog post. I gotta leave you with this, though: Halloween will be a super busy day for ‘Things We Dig’!

As usual, stay tuned, stay healthy!

Bloody kisses,

Pia

Look Ma, I’m on TV!

I made TV news in San Diego, thanks to KPBS Film and Art Critic Beth Accomando! We chatted about my film Things We Dig, my visual art, Halloween, and our common love for horror and being ghoul geeks!

You can read the awesome online write-up here:

San Diego Filmmakers Gets World Premiere At Screamfest LA

Or check out the aired segment itself:

:)

Full disclosure – Beth was instrumental in helping me get props for the film AND she made a quick cameo:

Beth Accomando as a creepy dead clown in ‘Things We Dig’

This is making my favorite season (Halloween season) even better, thank you Beth!

Stay healthy, stay yummy, everybody!