American filmmaker Ted V. Mikels holds a unique position as one of the most unconventional directors of exploitation cinema. Famous for his eccentric home life (he once lived with a harem in a castle with secret passageways) and promotional gimmicks (he was known for having nurses and ambulances on hand to assist "scared-to-death" moviegoers), Mikels is now considered a pioneering master of low-budget movie making.
Examples of Mikels' influence can be seen everywhere: from music (punk band The Misfits wrote a tribute song called "The Astro-Zombies"), to Mikels' film The Doll Squad being the template for the television series Charlie's Angels, to inspiring the look of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill.
Advertisement
On April 26, 2010, veteran Hollywood filmmaker Ted V. Mikels will unleash his latest gang of demented mutants on a new generation of grindhouse movie fans in Las Vegas, Nevada. "Where better to have a world premiere for Astro Zombies M3: Cloned than in one of the most glamorous locations in the world?" asked Mikels. "The mutant clones are going totally first class this time! Plus, admission will be free to the public." The iconic horror movie-maker is best known for his 1971 film, The Corpse-Grinders. He also filmed the first zombie movie ever shot in color: the original Astro Zombies in 1969, starring John Carradine and Wendell Corey. Mikels is also well-known for creating unusual promotional activity surrounding the release of his films, and this event will prove to be no exception. TVM Global Entertainment has announced that the premiere is being billed as the Ted V. Mikels' Grindhouse Reunion.
Mikels will treat his grindhouse fans to two pre-release director's cuts, offering them a double feature on premiere night. The world premiere of Astro Zombies M3: Cloned will open the show, followed by Mikels' 2009 film Demon Haunt.
"Not only will most of the cast and crew from AZM 3 be there in person, but we are expecting guest appearances at the theater from many of my actors and production people from both yesteryear and this year," said Mikels. Fans can expect to catch a glimpse of AZM 3 stars Fletcher Sharp and Donna Hamblin, along with such veterans of Ted Mikels films as Francine York from Doll Squad, Tura Satana, from the original Astro Zombies, and Shanti, from Corpse Grinders 2 and Demon Haunt. "Plus the very talented artist who scores my music, as well as the fellow who built the original corpse-grinding machine, and many others," said Mikels. "It will truly be a Ted V. Mikels Grindhouse Reunion!"
The TVM Studios world premiere event is scheduled for 7 PM on Monday, April 26 at the 14 screen Brenden Theatre inside the Palms Casino & Resort. The theatre is located at 4321 West Flamingo Blvd, Las Vegas, NV.
Since Ted Mikels is treating his fans to free admission, cast and crew are encouraged to arrive early, as there may be standing room only. To learn more about the Brenden Theatres, where the audience is the star, visit http://www.brendentheatres.com. For further information about the Ted V. Mikels' Grindhouse Reunion, contact [email protected].