Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Manos Returns Premiere



My Manos Returns team and I are thrilled to finally be able to let you know we will have our world premiere screening of our film at Crypticon Seattle on May 4th at 9pm.




Manos Returns event at Crypticon Seattle

.We will also have a panel where we discuss all things Manos and will be joined by some of our cast and crew. 
Everything is coming up Manos at Crypticon Seattle 2018!

https://www.crypticonseattle.com/panels/everythings-coming-manos/

 I will be there along with my fellow Manos Returns producers Tonjia Atomic - Director, Rachel Jackson -Assitant Director and Joe Sherlock- Director of Photography



 Her dad was The Master and she was little Debbie in the 1966 Cult Classic "Manos: The Hands of Fate." Jackey Neyman Jones is now the only surviving cast or crew willing to talk about the experience of being in the Worst Movie Ever. Jackey lives in the Great Northwest as a professional artist and author of the Manos behind the scenes book "Growing Up With Manos The Hands of Fate" , released in March 2016.  Jackey has appeared as a special guest at numerous events like The El Paso Classic Film Festival 2012, Hollywood Independent Film Festival 2012, Seattle Independent Film Festival 2013, Manos: Hands of Felt 2013, Seattle's Crypticon May 2015 and has appeared in several film and theatrical projects.

Tonjia Atomic is an award-winning filmmaker, actress, musician, jeweler, and freelance writer. Her films range from the dark and disturbing to the light and comedic. She is best known for the films Plain Devil, Hobo with a Trash Can, and Walking to Linas. Her writing has been featured in several online and print magazines. She's in the bands Duet To-It, Huh-Uh, and Filthy Issue. Her music has been featured in several films including Bikini Gorilla and Scarewaves.

  Rachel Jackson is a Seattle-based puppeteer, vocalist, and writer. The mind behind the hit puppet musical "MANOS - The Hands of Felt," her work has been called "mad and masterful" by The Seattle Times. Rachel is a proud co-writer and co-producer of "Manos Returns," the sequel to b-movie classic "Manos - the Hands of Fate." When she's not lost on the road to Valley Lodge, Rachel teaches puppetry classes through her company Vox Fabuli Puppets, produces the Fussy Cloud Puppet Slam, and is unofficial Puppeteer at Large for the Seattle Nerdlesque scene. Stay tuned for her upcoming web series pilot, Jose and The Hawk! Follow all her puppet adventures at voxfabuli.com

  Joe Sherlock - Award-winning filmmaker Joe Sherlock is a veteran of over 30 feature and anthology films. Writing, directing, shooting, editing and scoring most of his own projects, Sherlock's extensive body of work includes "Drifter," "Blood Creek Woodsman," "Bloodsucking Redneck Vampires" and "Twisted Fates," which have been screened at festivals, conventions and cool theater pubs across North America. His work as director of photography for other indie directors include "Dead Ink," "The Evilmaker" and "Platoon of the Dead." An accomplished illustrator, Sherlock's graphic novel "Demonized" will be published in fall 2015. Cult movie expert Joe Bob Briggs comments, "Drive-In Academy Award nominations for Joe Sherlock, the writer/director/composer/editor, for doing things the drive-in way." Peek into Sherlock's sci-fi horror world at skullfaceastronaut.com



...and if you are wondering how our film will look, check out our teaser.




and  finally, a few words from our A.D, Rachel:

*When can we see Manos Returns?*

Our World Premiere Screening will take place at

Crypticon Seattle
Friday, May 4 at 9pm

*How do I get in?*

You must have a ticket to Crypticon Seattle 2018 to attend. Either a Weekend Pass (available now) or a Friday Day Pass (available at some time in the future). Crypticon passes can be purchased here:


*What about other screenings?*

We're working on scheduling some stuff and will let you know when we know, y'know?"

*When can I buy a DVD?*

We're not sure yet. Lots of steps between here and there.

*Is this for real?*

Yes. It is very real. We shot a sequel to MANOS - The Hands of Fate.

*What's it about?*

Here's the synopsis:

Four friends get lost on a road trip and stumble on a hidden cult, led by the sinister Master and his servant Torgo. As they try to escape, they get caught up in the power struggle between Debbie (given to Manos as a child 50 years ago), her mother Maggie, and the other souls twisted by their time serving the dark god.

*I don't like movies that are bad on purpose.*

Neither do we. That's why we didn't make one.

Thanks for asking and stay tuned!


- the Manos Returns team

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

All about Debbie

This blog post is entirely about me...which I know a few of these are, considering I am the author and it's about Manos.


Telling you this because I realize that at 58 years old, it's about time to acknowledge my accomplishments out loud.... Well, at least through the written word.

  Mystery Science Theater fans and by association, Manos: The Hands of Fate fans are My People.  We "get" each other.  I have no idea how this perfect juxtapication happened in my life but am forever appreciative of  the many intersting and talented people I've met on this incredible Manos journey. 

It is a constanty evolving thing that started by connecting with a few fans through chat rooms online in the 1990's.  It was fun and I put myself out there to straighten out some of the Manos mythology floating around.  Facebook then became the thing and more connections happened.  I responded to everything, and for the most part, I still do.  Through that, there came offers for projects like participating in the Manos stage production in Portland a few years back.  I attended screenings of the restored version of Manos.  I decided to start a blog to record my memories and report on current happenings in the Manos world.  I was contacted by Playboy magazine for a feature story https://www.playboy.com/articles/the-battle-over-the-worst-movie-ever and Cracked.com http://www.cracked.com/personal-experiences-2150-5-things-i-learned-as-child-star-worst-movie-ever.html for another story.  Based on the reaction from readers of this blog, I decided to write a book and found my co author Laura Mazzuca Toops through Facebook.  As soon as that was published, I found myself co-writing a script for a sequel film "Manos Returns" with Rachel Jackson and Tonjia Atomic and then a kickstarter to fund the filming.  Joe Sherlock came on board with us as a co producer and Director of Photography with Rachel as Assitant Director and Tonjia directing.  I acted in two of Joe Sherlock's films https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBIODszjxJ0  and recently a PSA short film for the Soska Sisters Women in Horror Blood Drive with Tonjia and Mi Chelle Nessk directing. The short is titled "Just a Prick"  http://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3480991/soska-sisters-assemble-massive-blood-drive-anthology-women-horror-month/  In between, I was a location coordinator for an upcoming Bigfoot film titled Primal Rage and also played a part, bringing my home and family into it.  That film has a national one night screening on Feb 27th and there is a Manos easter egg in the film because the Director of Photography, Jay Lee is a great guy and wanted to do it for me.  Let me know when you see the Manos reference when you see the film.  http://www.ihorror.com/movie-review-primal-rage/

Now I'm working on a screenplay for a film about the making of Manos.  It's looking like it will be pretty funny.  As you can just imagine, the story has a great deal of ridiculousness in it.  If you don't know how it all went down, read my book.  You can order it on Amazon here...https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Manos-Hands-Child/dp/1593939221   or you can order an autographed copy directly from me here (includes shipping within the US) ...https://www.paypal.me/JackeyNeymanJones/22

I just started a new podcast titled Jackey Hand of Horror which you can hear my first episode here... https://soundcloud.com/handofhorropodcast/jackeys-hand-of-horror-episode-1-puppets-with-guest-mike-senna   Please follow me on facebook as well  https://www.facebook.com/handofhorror/

This is a big year with lots coming up and some traveling to a few Cons.  More on that later.  Gotta go.  Busy busy day and loving it.

If you've got a worthy project or want to connect or just want to see what I'm up to, find me on social media.

https://www.facebook.com/JackeyNeymanJones

https://www.facebook.com/Debbiesmanos/

https://www.facebook.com/handofhorror/

https://www.facebook.com/Jackeys-Art-338570813299450/

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Making the Best of the Worst

I've looked at and studied on other people who are still alive and out in the world who are known for playing a part in a film that either Mystery Science Theater or Rifftrax had given the business to.  A few of them embrace the unique sort of fame and others prefer to leave the past in the past and be left alone.  I am one of  those who embrace this role in pop culture and have been heard to say, "If you can't make the best of it, make the best of the worst".  A really crazy thing is that I've been in two riffed films.  Manos: The Hand of Fate made famous through MST, and The Curse of Bigfoot, a lesser title with Rifftrax.  They had no relation to one another at all, and for me were about ten years apart in different parts of the country.  One in Texas and the other in California, but my dad was a factor in both. 
Although Manos has taken me places, I have yet to be invited to conventions or screening of Curse of Bigfoot and thats just fine.  The truth of that one is, I've never watched it all the way through because it really is just so awful.  I'm just an extra in one scene anyway, but still, weird.  Another odd thing is that now because of my association with Manos, I am appearing in another bigfoot film.  This time, it's a really good film and I have more screen time, as Vera, a woman hosting a tipi ceremony at her home.  It will have a one night premiere through Fathom Events.  Very worth checking out.  Find Primal Rage: The Legend of OhMa at a theater near you for Tuesday night  February 27th   https://www.amctheatres.com/movies/primal-rage-bigfoot-reborn-55908  Check out the trailer here  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gDpTCpJ5Mk

The opportunities that have come from being part of Manos and the people I've met are an astoundingly surreal experience.  An experience which I am just now settling into, as many of the projects which have come my way are coming to fruition all at once. 

I got to be a judge for the 15 second Horror Film Challange this year and it was absolutely an incredible experience. A film in 15 seconds?  What!?  Just loved viewing them over and over and pairing it down to my favorites.  Again...an entire film in 15 seconds? Check it out and if you are a filmmaker or aspiring to be one, this is worth thinking about.  Enter next year.  http://15secondhorror.ca/

Gonna say Debbie Comic Book and leave that right there just like that for a bit.  Soon, very soon.

...and I believe that by this time next week, we'll have more news on our sequel film Manos Returns and where it will be premiering. 

If you are close by these places, please come visit with me at https://www.cinemawasteland.com/cinemashow/guests.html in Cleveland Ohio and   https://www.meadowlarkcomiccon.com/guests in Medford Oregon.  I will be announcing other appearances soon.

My brand new podcast first episode Debbies Hand of Horror is available for listening https://soundcloud.com/handofhorropodcast/jackeys-hand-of-horror-episode-1-puppets-with-guest-mike-senna  . 
Enjoy and follow me on facebook https://www.facebook.com/handofhorror/   

See you next Torgo Tuesday. 

Tuesday, February 6, 2018

New Beginnings


Last year was rough.  The Master died, and although losing a parent means alot of different things for different people, if you've lost a parent or two, you may have some shit to deal with in one way or another.

 I dealt with my fathers sudden death in November 2016 as best as I could figure out how, but the way it chose to deal with me was another thing entirely and the depth and complexity of it all left me trudging along in a dark cloud for far too long for my comfort.  I still engaged and participated in almost everything I was invited to do and that was probably what did the most good.  A lot has happened.  A lot of healing. A lot of growth and still an optimistic ways to go.  I'm coming out of it and it feels good.

My dad, Tom Neyman set me on this path whether that was his intention or not.  He was an artist and so am I.  He was an empath and so am I.  He was a visionary and so am I.  We both could see so much while being limited by our own insecurities.  We both have been compelled to always reach out to new ideas while fearing the fall.  My path is a legacy he can own.

Through all the years since Manos: The Hands of Fate popped into Pop Culture consciousness I've engaged with fans, attended screenings and events and cons and had a blast.  It's not made a living but it is a great life and it's solely the fans who have made it possible for me to find so much love and joy in my time on the planet.

Many of the projects I've been working on... some of them for years, are all seemingly coming to fruition this year.  It's not just about opportunity, but timing too...and what one does with the little jewels that come along.  Because of this Manos journey and the friends I've made along the way, several new and very exciting projects are in the making.

It is now time for me to share a few of the opportunities I have the honor to be part of.

My new podcast, Jackey's Hand of Horror, will cover a variety of topics from Puppets to Zombie Animals and Spiders.  Please listen to the Revival League podcast and my interview with Grant Baciocco of the new Mystery Science Theater and stick around for my first episode of Jackey's Hand of Horror right after.
Jackey's Hand of Horror Podcast  February 8th
https://soundcloud.com/mst3krevivalleaguepodcast/episode-one-hundred-grant-baciocco-world-premiere-of-jackeys-hand-of-horror 


Women in Horror Month with the Soska Sisters and Blood Drive PSA.
 Tonjia Atomic and Mi Chelle Nesk teamed up to create a short, titled "Just A Prick" and I play a crazy lady character in it.  Watch the Soska Sisters You Tube page where they are releasing one independent film maker PSA per day for 30 days.  This will be one of them...and Please Give Blood!!
 http://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3480991/soska-sisters-assemble-massive-blood-drive-anthology-women-horror-month/


Primal Rage: The Legend of Oh Mah  February 27th
I am honored to have been a consultant and location coordinator for a couple of scenes in this film.  I have the part of Vera, the hostess of a healing ceremony and my whole family were extras in the tipi scene.  This is a very different kind of Bigfoot story.  This film is scheduled for a one night premiere through Fathom Events on February 27th.  Check out the Fathom Events site for a theater near you.
https://www.fathomevents.com/events/primal-rage

I am looking forward to being a guest at Cinema Wasteland this year. If you live in or are visiting the Cleveland area in April, please come see me.
Cinema Wasteland  Cleveland, Ohio April 6,7 and 8
https://www.cinemawasteland.com/cinemashow/guests.html


I will be in Southern Oregon for Meadowlark Comic Con as a guest in May.  Stop by and visit with me.
Medowlark Comic Con   Medford, Oregon  May 12
https://www.meadowlarkcomiccon.com/guests

There are several other projects in the works that I just can't wait  to share including Manos Returns.  So close....
Stay tuned.