GMWS- Halloween (1978)

The Colleges : Halloween activities ratio in Winston Salem is a little disappointing. Especially for thrill seekers such as myself. But in the spirit of Halloween, I'm breaking my rules this week. Not only am I using photos I didn't take but I'm leaving Winston Salem and sharing places to visit all the way to Charlotte. Because haunted houses + roller coasters = awesome sauce. Let's start with

Spooky Woods

1615 Kersey Valley Rd. Archdale, NC

September 13-November 2, 2013

Sun-Thurs- 8p-10p, Fri&Sat- 8p-12a

Admission: General Fri&Sat- $25

Sun-Thurs- $20

Parking $5

Tickets include The Dreaded Inn, Terror Trams, Fright Lights, Deadly Harvest, Cathedral of the Dead

Located in High Point, only 30 minutes away from UNCSA, this attraction offers plenty of "walk throughs" to appease the appetites of the the most advanced of thrill seekers. Are you the type who values good reviews? Spooky Woods was nominated in the top 10 haunted attractions in America.

Woods of Terror

5601 N. church St., Greensboro, NC, 27455

September 27-November 2, 2013

Fri&Sat- 6p-11:30p

Sun-Thurs 6p-9:30p

General Admission

Sun-Thurs- $15

Fridays, Saturdays and Halloween $25

$4 discount for just emailing here.

A couple of months ago I ran the 5k Zombie Mud Run hosted by Woods of Terror. It was my first 5k and it was a blast! Registration for the run included a 2013 pass to WOT and they plan to host a run again the Spring so keep an eye out.

WOT is the perfect treat if you're looking for a holiday themed activity. Once you pay the admission you're given a playing card and you wait for your group to be called to start the "walk through." While you wait there are food vendors and small shops selling horror themed goodies. Once your group is called, you line up and start the tour. Then it's about a 45 minute tour of some of the most terrifying things!

Around mid-October I get in this "I only want to watch scary movies" thing. I revisit some of my favorite horror films dating all the way back to 1988 with Killer Klowns from Outer Space. WOT has a clown "fun house" that scared the bajeezus out of me!

Scarowinds

14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28273

October 4th-27th, 2013

Fri-Sun- 7p-12a

Sundays- $31.99

Saturdays-$40

Fridays- $36.99

I can't count how many times I've been to Carowinds, that's because I've lived in NC for a while and the Intimidator is my all time favorite roller coaster. I don't mind paying the $40 admission just to ride it once. Call me an adrenaline junkie. It may be why horror films are my fav.

But riding the Intimidator in October surrounded by monsters and ghoul is another story. There is a layer of fog and mist that covers all of the park for the duration of your time there. It conveniently hides the employees who pop out and scare you. All in incredible make up! The entire time I wanted to stop and ask, "who did your make-up, can I get there card?"

A Photo of the sun setting from my favorite roller coaster, the Intimidator

Don't get me wrong, there are, Halloween events in Winston-Salem. There are Masquerades on Trade, pumpkin carving in Old Salem and Fall craft fairs at the Dixie Classic Fairgrounds. Which I attended this year, but in comparison to the trails and theme parks It just didn't fit in this post. 

Happy Halloween everyone! Awesome costume idea:

GMWS- Coffee shops

Rome, Italy 2004: My unstable romance with espresso begins. Before this trip I drank coffee like a puerto rican, "cafe con leche" little bit of coffee, lots of cream lots of sugar. In Rome, it was just cappuccino. I never turned back and had an addiction to point where I would get terrible headaches without a minimum of 3 shots of espresso every day. 

I had to cut back. 

Coffee shops are a staple for a social life, in my humble opinion. If it's before 6pm, a bar is just not the right setting for gatherings. A coffee shop that also serves beer is another story.

Camino

I wish I could remember my first time at Camino bakery. I feel like I've just always been going even though I've only lived here for 2 1/2 years. It's where I study best, it's where I have the best friend dates and where I write the best. 

I've never had anything I didn't love. Especially now since they make their own peanut butter syrup to flavor coffees. If I could afford to eat here every day, it would. But unfortunately being such an artisan bakery, they tend to be a little pricey. In the truest sense, you get what you pay for. Very original pastries and very fresh coffee. I've never been seat-less or had to wait more than 15 minutes for anything. Unless you come during 1/2 price cheesecake Tuesdays. Then you better plan to wait. 

You also get to see some very exotic flowers that decorate the space. The walls are a chalkboard to tell you the weekly specials which are really great when you are on a budget!

Monday 

$1 off NC beers

Tuesday

1/2 price cheesecake

$1 off Bell's beer and wine glasses

Wednesday

$1 off craft cans 

Free wine tasting 6-8pm

Thursday

$1PBR, $1.50 Tecate

$4 glasses of Spanish Bubbly

Sunday

2 for 1 bread

$5 mimosas

Peanut Butter Mocha & a Cinnamon Roll

Krankies

When I first moved to Winston Salem I was desperately in search of a hang out spot separate from school. I brought a few friends to a day long study session in Krankies and felt right at home. Unlimited internet and caffeine is all you can ask for when you are studying for finals.

Krankies offers more than just good coffee. Great coffee! Such great coffee that it is packaged up and sent to local coffee shops, restaurants and markets. Try to go somewhere local that serves coffee and not see the name, "Krankies".
Below, David Franklin, is roasting batches of beans for packaging. To the right are fresh green coffee beans.

The smell of sour roasted coffee beans wafted down the hall to the exhibit room. The very first exhibit I experienced here I have never forgotten. Evan Hawkins, Horse in Motion in 2011. The room was filled with framed photos of the Horse in Motion with a photo of the person with the tattoo next to it. When I entered the room and figured everything out I was speechless! All I can think about was "Why didn't I think of that!?" And as anyone who has read Save the Cat knows, that's a sign of a great idea. 

Krankies offers a great selection of craft beers as well as your normal caffeinated beverages. They offer pastries as well. They do not have the same selection as Camino in that sense, but the space is much larger for bigger meetings and even live music or stand up. 

My treat: Session Black Lager from Oregon, chocolate chip cookie and pumpkin bread.

One thing I absolutely love about going to our local coffee shops is that you will always see someone you know. And in my case, I chose to go to Krankies on a day that Summer Shelton just so happened to stop by. Summer is a UNCSA alumni who is now steady working in the industry based out of New York. She most recently produced Goodbye To All That, directed by Angus McGlaughlin (who I bumped into at the Farmer's market in an earlier post). That was my first non school related film internship. Summer is from Mount Airy, NC and finds herself visiting Winston Salem quite often.

Summer Shelton

Washington Perk

One of the new editions to our local coffee shop club is the new "Downtown Perk" on 4th street. A local grocery store and sand which shop, conveniently located in the heart of downtown for the residents.  Open as late as 10pm some nights, I have found it useful when I don't want a full fledged meal in the middle of a location scout downtown.

Washington Perk on Acadia st. is more of my hangout because it is about 2 blocks away from my apartment and just as close to UNCSA. WP is more of a deli and market than a coffee shop, matter of fact their options for caffeinated drinks is a little on the limited side. But if you have someone in your group that is looking for more of a meal than pastries this is your spot.  

I intended on taking a picture of my hot cocoa and chocolate chip cookie, but I got ahead of myself and dove in. The only option for sweets this day was cookies and muffins. I wasn't hungry enough for a sand which but if I am I will definitely swing by here just before I visit Swains (later post).

PS. This is my 100th post! And I think it's fitting that it's about coffee because it's something I love and also something that made some of my posts possible. 

GMWS- Spotlight- The Gallery Hop

DADA Gallery Hop
If you find yourself free on the first Friday of any month in the fall, you might want to check out The Downtown Art District. Come rain or shine, you can attend the DADA First Friday Gallery Hop from 7:00-10:00PM located along 6th street, Trade street (from 5th-7th) and Liberty st. (from 5th-6th).

On Friday October 4th, 2013 I was having a beer at Single Brothers. I thought I lucked out when I found a parking on Trade st. walking distance from the bar.
6:30 I leave the bar to start enjoying the Gallery Hop when I find a crowd of cops around my car (the only car on Trade st.) I explained that I thought I lucked out with the only spot that didn't have a sign. The cop pointed to the lack of opportunities to post any such sign.
They proceeded to escort me by foot off of Trade st.
I went home for a costume change and to let some time pass so they can forget my face.  When I returned, the sun had set and the street was popping! I decided to go alone so that I could focus on the heart of the event. I don't usually venture out alone so it took some getting use to.

I passed shops, studios and galleries that had extended their hours for the event. It was great to see these galleries that at normal business hours I can't seem to make.

I will suggest that you go with people so you can discuss the things you see.

Below is a montage of some of the fun things to see and experience at the Hop.

Your last chance is NOVEMBER 1ST, 2013!

GMWS- Parks & Trails

New York City High Line

What I miss most about New York, aside from the skyline, are the endless opportunities to just walk. It's hard to text and walk. It's hard, for me, to walk through busy streets and talk. Walking around the city was one of my favorite memories because I separated myself from technology for just a moment to enjoy what was around me.

Winston Salem may not have the buzzing metropolis known as the Big Apple, but it definitely provides many opportunities to just walk. Why not take advantage and leave your phone at home and go for a walk on one of the many trails Winston Salem has to offer.

Washington Park
1490 Broad Street.

For a while I got into the great habit of running a couple of miles around my neighborhood, Washington Park. My route changed daily because I get bored easily. One fortunate morning I cross over Broad street and continue to run, accompanied by my close friend Ke$ha, until I come to the entrance of Washington Park. The park. I can't say that I've ever heard of this park let alone seen it in my 3 years at Winston Salem. I felt like I discovered Narnia. I stepped into this abandoned park around 8am on a Saturday morning without a soul in sight. First impressions are important to me, and I immediately knew I would be back soon. It was beautiful and full of hills, which is great for your calves. 

With picnic tables and a park, you can take kids, which only spells one thing, PARTY. But make sure that you keep it in the sunlight, I get a feeling that this place could get a little sketchy after hours. 

Bolton Park

1590 Bolton st. 

On my way to AC Moore one day I got a call to come back to school for a meeting. I got off of Silas Creek Pkwy trying to find a convenient way back I got a little lost and found myself at Bolton Park. What a pleasant surprise. Summer was just ending and the sun was bursting at the seams. I paused my busy day to just soak in Bolton Park.

The Parcourse fitness center is my favorite feature. It's a free outdoor gym with a trainer. The diagrams teach you how to use each piece of equipment and explain how it benefits your body. 

This park comes equipped with labels on each tree describing what kind they are. (Ahem, Austin, you might want to take a look) A pool with great reviews! And a wonderful picnic area as you can see below. (party)

Salem Lake

1001 Salem Lake Rd. 

Isn't this gorgeous!?

When I was a freshman I was cast in a Music Video Project for some 4th years. It was a Snow White Dogma style Video. We shot the forest scenes in the woods of Salem Lake. I knew while I was there that I would definitely come back and walk the trail. It took me 2 years. But since then, I've ridden my bike around the whole 7 mile trail (6.88mi=51:46) and canoed across the 365 acre lake, 1 acre for every day of the year! 

This trail is serene and wraps around the entire lake which means you never back track. I love that because you never repeat the sights. Every mile is labeled in case you only want to run 1 mile in and 1 mile out. 

Strollway along Main Street.

If you've ever driven down Main street then you've inadvertently been on the Strollway. It technically starts just at the roundabout on Main street and ends around 4th street. The trail on Main street gets more and more beautiful as you drive toward downtown.  

When I lived off campus I would go out of my way to drive to the I-40 ramp downtown just so I could drive by the Strollway, especially in the Fall and Spring. 

Helpless (2013)

The resources The North Carolina School of the Arts School of Film making provides are just amazing. Where I use to carry around a Sony Cyber Shot digital camera ($80) with a 1G SD card, I was now shooting a 7 minute movie on a Cannon 5D Mark III ($3,500).

Year 1 in my producing class, Bob Gosse, assigns us to pitch a story. The day is February 1st, 2012.
I had images in my head, but no story.

I started writing. "A girl and a guy in a library." "Two kids in a library." Library. Library. Library.

I gave up and went to class. The pitches are going well so I decide to go.

[enter pitch here]

I can't remember what I said but the hands started raising and the questions started.

We go on break and Evan Scott Russell approaches me with something along the lines of "I loved your idea, I totally connected. I want to be a part of it."

That night I post on Facebook:

We start to find the crew, first on the list is our Cinematographer, Chris Ellison. I worked with Chris before and I truly admire and respect him. We really lucked out when he agreed to shoot our movie because he provided a vision that really did the story justice.

Next comes our Editor, Isaac Banks. And then so on and so forth. By the end of the hiring we had an incredibly tight and small crew.

We had a hard time finding a library. Our own school library refused us and the few we looked at wouldn't agree to some aspects of the script. Bob Gosse swoops in and connects us with a contact for a local library and within 2 meetings we lock the library. Our scheduled shooting dates are March 31st and April 1st. April 1st just so happened to be Easter and the Library Manager had plans to visit her family so we had one of our first obstacles of moving our entire schedule a day earlier. March 30-31st. That may seem easy, but we had to accommodate everyone's schedule, including the caterer and the hours of operation of the library.

The casting process was a little unconventional. I already knew who I wanted to cast as Leah, and Evan knew who he wanted to cast as Chayse. They each read (separately) and are offered the roles. We begin to rehearse while Dylan Arnold and Mary Mattison Vallery begin their journey.

DAY ONE-We arrive at the library around noon on Friday the 30th. The Camera crew set up the set while the production crew sets up crafty and makeup and wardrobe. Everyone is equal parts excited and giddy. Our first day goes by without a hitch. We reunite later at Chris' (DP) to watch dailies.

Director/Story By/Art Director: Christene Hurley

Produced/Written By/Special Effects Make Up: Evan Scott Russell (middle)

1st AD- Taylor Zabloski, Co-Producer/Boom Op-Austin Elliott and Director of Photography- Chris Ellison

DAY TWO- We meet at our only other location which is the high school hallway. I luckily locked our very own high school hallway months earlier so we did not have to travel far this morning. The freight elevator also proved convenient when pushing the dolly/crane job through.

Michelle Shiraziefard- Gaffer (left)

We left our special effect shot for the last day of shooting, we took our time to prepare and I think it really paid off. I can't say much more without spoiling the story so I just hope that everyone gets a chance to see this film if you haven't.

Kyle Frank-Key Grip

Chris and Kazmo Kida-1st AC

Dylan Arnold and Mary Mattison Vallery

That's a WRAP! The best part was when I got to announce to my dear crew that we had submitted our film into the Courte Metrage Short Film Corner at the Cannes International Film Festival!! I applied for an internship at the festival and was accepted and offered the opportunity to submit a film. I had so much faith that I submitted a film we hadn't even shot yet!

Top: Austin Elliott, Dalton Price, Dylan Arnold, Michelle, Drew, Kazmo, Isaac, Taylor
Bottom: Evan, Mary, Kyle, Christene, Chris

We were a little pressed for time to submit the film to France so Isaac got cracking quick! After 6 days he had a first cut. We were all so very happy with the way it turned out. This is the birth of "Helpless."

Isaac Banks- Editor

April 24th, 2013 "Helpless" is officially screened with all of the other 2nd year films of the year. The films were incredible, the 2nd year students were riveted. I was excited and ecstatic and also sad that this was all over. Little did I know, my journey with "Helpless" had just begun. 

May 7th, 2013 I drive to Fayetteville to get interviewed for the Fayetteville Observer. Roger Mullen who had covered shows I performed in at The Cape Fear Regional Theatre was now interviewing me about "Helpless"! 

May 15th, 2013 "Helpless" premieres at the Court Metrage at the Cannes International Film Festival

May 24th, 2013 "Helpless" screens for the American Pavilion at the Cannes International Film Festival

August 30th, 2013 Evan is interviewed by the Times-Georgian on his 21st birthday about "Helpless". 

September 20th, 2013 "Helpless" screens at Big Bear Lake International Film Festival in California and is awarded the Jury Award for best Student Film! 

November 8th, 2013 "Helpless" will screen at the Asheville Cinema Festival in North Carolina.

November 15th, 2013 "Helpless" will screen at the Cucalorus Film Festival in Wilmington North Carolina.

This has been one of the most exciting rides of my life and I can't wait to see how it all turns out. I'm happy to report that Evan and I have just started pre-production on our second production together along with Kazmo Kida, the 1st AC for "Helpless" who will be our Cinematographer. Austin Elliott, the co-producer and Boom Operator for "Helpless" will also join us on our next adventure:
"Roses for Margaret"


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Related articles:

http://fayobserver.com/articles/2013/05/14/1253196

http://www.times-georgian.com/article_bfd840e8-1751-11e3-8c76-0019bb30f31a.html