The Demon Lady - Facebook Fan Page

Would you be facebook friends with a demon? Be seduced the darkness and show your support for my new film "The Demon Lady" by joining the official Facebook Fan Page.

Streamy Awards 2010

Don't forget to vote for Prep School Blues in the 2010 Streamy Web Series awards! Just click the badges below to nominate us for various awards...

Wish us luck!

PSB Real Teen Issues: Expanded Edition

Over a year ago, I wrote a blog post about real teen issues due to some concerns about the content on Prep School Blues. Some viewers brought up that some of these characters may not be the best role models: smoking cigarettes and marijuana, consuming alcohol, engaging in sexual behavior, etc. So just to put any younger viewers (and their parents) at ease, I should remind you all that teen soaps are just a fantasy. While certain problems may seem glamorous in fiction, lots of real life teens face discrimination, substance abuse and the consequences of sex every day.

Here's some resources for anyone facing problems like the characters in Prep School Blues, expanded to include additional information inspired by the later story lines on the show:

Jack has to deal with his homosexuality, something not always accepted in certain more repressive communities. If you are facing discrimination for being gay, you are not alone. The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network works to bring respect and tolerance to young people across America. And there are plenty of other resources such as The Gay Youth Corner and organizations like OutProud for LGBT youth.

Larsen abuses several substances on a regular basis including alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. While this may seem cool, drug use can be very dangerous, especially for young people who don't have all the facts. For more information, visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens and The Partership for Drug Free America.

Gabrielle enjoys the attentions of boys around school, but actually having sex is a serious business. One out of three girls who has unprotected sex will become pregnant, even if they only do it once. Planned Parenthood offers details on contraception and options for unwanted pregancy. All sexually active people run the risk of contracting many sexually transmitted diseases including HIV and AIDS. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention provides a wealth of information on these potentially deadly illnesses. If you think you or someone you know may be at risk for STDS, you can find a testing center near you through with the National HIV and STD Testing Resources.

Fareed's suicide attempt could have resulted in a terrible tragedy if he had succeeded. However, many teens do make this awful mistake every year. The Trevor Project offers a round-the-clock helpline for suicidal teens. You can learn more about the symptoms of depression at Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. Problems at home can make teens feel they have no where to turn. Every year thousands of children are abused by family members and so-called friends. The National Center for Victims of Crime has excellent information and resources for victims of abuse and those who want to help.

Some call Cecelia crazy, but mental illnesses are no laughing manner. Issues with mental health can be serious problems that people struggle with for years. The National Institute of Mental Health offers up to date news on research and outreach in this ever expanding field of medicine. Also, for those in the United States Mental Heath America provides a community based network dedicated to helping Americans live healthier lives, while the National Alliance on Mental Illness has easy-to-understand information about mental illnesses, mental health care, diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

Rachel is a driven and independent girl focused on her education. Dedication to academics can make a difference in anyone's future. Schools in the USA can help you find out what college is right for you, while College Board features tools to help you compete in the application process.

Anyone's teenage years can be a rough time and the best way to get through it is to be informed!

PSB End of the Year Awards

Here's to 2009, a wonderful year! So many things happened. The final season of PSB. More new films and projects. And wonderful developments in all our lives. Here's a few highlights.

Web Series Episode of the Year
Prep School Blues Episode 9: Surprise Surprise Part 2
We finally saw Jack and Larsen lock lips, Gabrielle start a functional relationship (with Fareed no less!), Rachel stand up for herself and that crazy Cecelia get the boot. Pretty worth waiting for, right?

Film of the Year
The Demon Lady
Coming soon to wherever it can, this queer-horror-gothic-romance piece was my thesis film at NYU and a total labor of love for all of us cast and crew. An adolescent boy in Victorian Englad coming to terms with both his burgeoning sexual desires and a malevolent supernatural force? If I may say so, could be the most intense film of all time. Can't wait for the release? Promos, trailers and behind the scenes footage should tide you over till then.

Man of the Year
Kevin Hooper
Producer, Director of Photography and treasured friend, Kevin has been an invaluable resource to both the PSB franchise and my life. You truly are a womanizer, K-Hoop.

Woman of the Year
Amanda Barron
This beautiful British bombshell played the character of Ursula in The Demon Lady. And she was utterly fabulous, with the aid of many many cups of tea. Way to rock those period costumes, Amanda. Love you.

Newcomer of the Year
Zephyr Benson
From his sexy, brooding role as Erik in The Demon Lady to his heartbreaking performance as a suicidal teen in Loser, this seventeen-year-old actor has made his own mark on the Benson dynasty, stepping out of the shadows to start what looks to be a promising career as actor, director and artist.

Wedding of the Year
Gina Cagas-Brandmeyer and Alan Zurliene
Gina, the wonderful guest star and assistant producer for PSB Season 3, tied the knot to her second husband in a romantic seaside ceremony last July. Congrats, Gina and Alan! Hope this one works out for you guys.

Musical Artist of the Year
Shapes
From their many public concerts, shows and cool new EP, SHAPES has really grown as a band and musical group. Although Andrew Fanelli may have left PSB to focus on his music, we applaud all his hard work "making it safe to dance to punk".

Couple of the Year
Habeeb Khan and Kate Moran
Best wishes to PSB's Habeeb Khan. Not only did he make the move from St. Louis to the Big Apple to further pursue his acting career, we all know he's been spotted with Stella Adler Studios trained stunning actress/model Kate Moran. We at PSB always appreciate a good love story and this should be one for the ages. Way to go you two crazy kids!

Most Inspiring Story of the Year
"Heaven" by V.C. Andrews
The first entry into Chris Conner's Official Book Club. Watch out, Oprah! Pictured above with PSB's Art Director Alex McBean, "Heaven" is the amazing story of one girl's struggle through a harsh life, from starving hillbilly child to respected teacher, always searching for the one thing she can never have...Daddy's love. Look for my official review coming soon. It's official, dammit! The book is available through this link at amazon.com.

Can't wait to see what surprises 2010 may bring! Love you all, CHRIS.

The Demon Lady - Stills

As we get closer to a final cut of The Demon Lady (and festival season!) check out these sexy stills from the film itself. Cross your fingers, hold your heart, and we may be coming to some form of theater near-ish to you!

The Demon Lady (Sara Smaltz) materializes.

Erik (Zephyr Benson) observes Ursula (Amanda Barron) with Madeleine (Sara Smaltz)

The gardener (Tyrus Holden Cukavac) outside his cottage.

Ursula in the mist.

Madeleine and Erik.

For more information, contact thedemonlady@gmail.com

Zephyr Benson - "Loser"

Speaking of Zephyr Benson, don't forget the film that Zephyr acted in right after mine: "Loser" by my dear friend, colleague and former classmate Nicholas Feitel. Here's some info and the awesome trailer on vimeo.

Synopsis.

Donnie is a loser. A punching-bag at school, hiding in the bathroom at his own Bar Mitzvah, every day is like running the gauntlet for Donnie. Live with him for 12 minutes and see for yourself.

Written and Directed by Nicholas D. Feitel. Shot by Chadd Harbold of "Last Pictures". Produced by David Sherman Broad and Matthew Chao. Edited by Robert Malone.

Starring Zephyr Benson and Jay O. Sanders

LOSER Trailer from Nicholas Feitel on Vimeo.

Find out more about Loser at the official website.

Zephyr Benson's Bromance

Shout out to Zephyr Benson, star of my new film, "The Demon Lady" and an aspiring director in his own right. Check out this film by Zephyr made at the 2009 NYU Tisch School of the Arts Summer Film Workshop.

"Bromance" is about two boys whose relationship is tested by a mutual desire. Directed, Written, Shot, and Edited by Zephyr Benson. Starring Woody Lewis and D.L. Berk. Watch the complete film below:



Also there's more of Zephyr's directorial work at youtube.com/zephyrbenson.

Outtakes from The Demon Lady

As we are gearing up to festival season, watch these amazing outtakes from my new film "The Demon Lady". Keep checking back for more information on the upcoming premiere and festival schedule.

Starring Zephyr Benson and Amanda Barron.

Video features music by SHAPES. Find them at the Shapes Band MySpace.