I do apologize for the lack of connection from my channel as of recent weeks (although I have always adored the sound of TV static). I have been enjoying a sojourn in my home of the red velvet void and have only recently emerged back into this world. Pay no mind to the fresh notches carved into my pistol, as they are entirely unrelated.
You may be concerned that I have gone into hiding due to some grave embarrassment or threat to my livelihood. While I regret to disappoint, my absence can instead be explained by the overexertion that total excellence can often cause. I would like to share with you some of the achievements (some fresh and some quite stale) that have brought me steps closer to the realization of my wicked plan (wouldn't you like to know?).
The Shockwave V1
I finished an initial cut of my documentary for the school year, it runs about 45 minutes and features my initial sixteen interviewees. If anyone would like to watch this version I can send it out. It is a standalone film, but it is nowhere near complete (and it would be a huge spoiler, anyways)! I have many more interviews, segments and events planned for the final cut. I also wrote a 40 page paper discussing my research to accompany my project. You can read it here if you are interested, or if you need some new material to lull you to sleep.
The Awards
In April, I won a few awards at my school's departmental awards (Klein College MSP awards). The one that I was most proud of by far was winning first place in the category of "Best Graduate Creative Project" for the Shockwave Documentary. To be awarded first place among a group who all did such incredible work was a huge honor, and I am so grateful to have my project recognized.
Ahh yess... my irresistible form projected for all to see... none stood a chance of survival
The Presentation
A few days later, I presented my research and a short teaser for the project at the 2025 Media Studies and Productions Master's Showcase. You can view the presentation below!
The Graduation
In early May, I graduated from Temple University with my Master of Arts in Media Studies and Productions (with a minor in dream magic). I'm happy to gloat that I managed to achieve a 4.0 GPA, as a result of much hard work and very little bribery. See the photo below as proof of my degree, or at least proof that I robbed a Temple student for their cap and gown.
The Actual In-between
As for the last few months, I've occupied myself with frivolous activities such as attempting to get a full-time job in the current market, working in events at the zoo (as staff, not a captive attraction), volunteering at the cemetery and at horror film festivals, and otherwise giving away my time to anyone who will take it.
Unfortunately I have lost access to the editing software and camera gear that I had through my school (I know what you're thinking, but I've already tried all of the textbook hexes). I am currently working to gain consistent access to these things again. Needless to say, this has disrupted my progress as I can't access my project files currently. I will admit that it has been difficult to stay motivated amidst this roadblock, but I am committed to getting back on track very soon.
A Ghoul's First Conference
After a few months of slow progress, I finally have a fresh update to share on the research side of my horror hosting work. My paper, “Ghosts of Televisions Past: Horror Hosting and Nostalgia in the Internet Age” is one of twelve selected to be presented in-person at Cine-Excess Film Festival and Conference in Birmingham, UK.
My research on horror hosts began as a necessary task that would allow my documentary to have a firm theoretical framework and historical background, but quickly evolved into one that I am passionately pursuing. As I began my project, it became clear that there is no existing media studies scholarship on the topic of horror hosting, despite its prominent role in American television history. Not only do I believe that filling the gap in media studies research would be beneficial to the discipline overall, I also feel that horror hosting deserves recognition for its unique traits and host-audience relationships, for its role in in re-popularizing the horror genre, and for its impact on television history as a whole. After speaking to so many horror hosts, fans and archivists, I can't stand the thought that they could continue existing in scholarly obscurity when there are so many rich cultural practices, relationships and texts to study!
I'm thrilled that in my first academic conference, I get to talk about horror hosting and its evolution over time. I am hopeful that this is the first of many opportunities for me to obtain this tradition some small pockets of recognition. Next stop, library of congress! I'll provide some more updates about the conference as it gets closer (what on earth will I wear??).
I believe that these are all of the updates I have to share for now (at least at this clearance level).
Trust that I am back with a vengeance, and won't be showing mercy any time soon.
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