Here we are, just a few days before Christmas and I want to take this moment to wish all of you a very magical season! Whether it’s Christmas, Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah or however you celebrate this joyous time of year, remember that life is full of wondrous things and that each waking moment is an absolute blessing!
Whether the temperatures are cold and snowy with scarves and sweaters or they’re warm and sunny with flip-flops and shorts, enjoy and know that the spirit of this beautiful holiday season is full of love and light.
Each and every single one of you are a true blessing to me and I am ever so grateful for you all!
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As Christmas vastly approaches, many of us celebrate with family traditions and regaled storytelling. However, some tales aren’t so lavish and magical. In fact, some are the makings of horrible nightmares. The story of Krampus is certainly one not to be ignored.
Krampus, a humanoid creature bearing a pair of wicked looking horns atop his head, resembling that of a sinister being set out to wreak punishment on all misbehaving youngsters during the Christmas holiday season. Unlike his jolly counterpart, good ol’ Saint Nick, Krampus doesn’t have a fantastical list of names that “he’s checking it twice and gonna find out who’s naughty or nice”. Nope, according to tradition that began centuries ago in Germany, Krampus begins appearing throughout the towns on the eve of December 6th known as Krampusnacht. His mission? To seek out the ungrateful children, snatch them up and take them back to his lair where he commits unspeakable acts of torture. This Christmas Devil is quite nefarious and isn’t exactly my cup of hot cocoa when it comes to memories of a warm holiday season, but still rather interesting. Interesting enough that a feature film has been released throughout the cinematic world titled, Krampus.
Folklore claims that this evil beast is the son of Hel. In Norse Mythology, Hel is a female who rules over the realm also known as Hel where many dead are said to go. According to Norse Mythology, Hel is the daughter of the shape shifter referred to as Loki and the phrase “Go to Hel” simply means to die. Not exactly an idyllic family tree compiled of warm holiday sentiment.
So, my question is this….. Since Krampus is a dark being of irrefutable fear that weeds out the bad children from the good, is he in cahoots with our beloved Santa Claus in order to help restore the light in humanity? Hmmm…. Question to ponder….
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Today I’m welcoming adventurer and private investigator, Jax Menez Atwell from the History Channel’s Missing In Alaska. Thank you, Jax for stopping by!
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Always a difficult question for me. What we are as a person isn’t what we do or titled as. The scars, trials, lessons learned, passions, memories, etc. are what make any of us. What I am and always have been is an inquisitive and adventurous person. That led me into law enforcement at an early age and led me out of it about 9 years ago into private investigations. I love not having the red tape of government to conduct the investigations that I want. To live and love an occupation that you are passionate about and that makes you happy is truly a blessing.
You have years of experience working in law enforcement. What’s the transition been like in becoming an important member of the History Channel’s television series, Missing in Alaska?
Being part of “Missing in Alaska” as an investigator is just the next investigation. All investigations are basically the same the details are just different, but the approach always has to be the same. Now as a man, the opportunity to be part of such an amazing opportunity has been life altering! Alaska is truly one of the most beautiful and misunderstood parts of the world. The show has allowed me the opportunity to see and do things in Alaska that would take a lifetime to compile.
Can you share with everyone what Missing in Alaska is all about? And when does it air on t.v.?
History’s “Missing in Alaska” is a series of investigations into why people go missing. The twist on the show is a look into Alaskan native folkore, paranormal, and cryptid or unknown creatures. Alaska has a plethora of ways you can go missing but the show’s objective is to look into some other possible ways people may disappear.
The show has been on both History and H2 (History 2). There are 13 episodes which have all been played but they tend to do marathons and run a series of episodes all on one day. Additionally, the show can be streamed on things like hulu, roku, apple, etc.
Would you say that the cases you currently investigate are anything like what you’ve dealt with in the past?
They are different in the fact that the objective of the show and mainly my fellow investigator, crypto-zoologist Ken Gerhard, is to prove the existence of something previously just held in lore and legend. With those factors involved it’s very important as the pragmatic part of the team to keep us on task, keep the evidence pointing in the right direction, and not jumping at the emotion or elation that comes with discovering the unknown or previously undocumented goals of the investigation.
Are you a true believer of the unknown or do you view things skeptically?
I am extremely skeptical. I’m surprised I have been accepted in the crypto world with such open arms. I want to see the evidence. I want to put the pieces together and prove or disprove. Do I believe some of the investigations are a possibility? Sure! There is always the chance that what we are investigating has a plausible explanation. Plausible isn’t enough for me to say that something really exists though. It is fun and exciting though investigating these things!
What has been the most “eye-opening” case for you thus far on Missing in Alaska?
Well it definitely wasn’t the most exciting and the science behind it was hard to keep your mind in the game, but the investigation into HAARP (High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program). This investigation looked into the possibility of the government and other governments tinkering with things like weather and mind control. This has been going on for decades by the world’s super power nations and is very scary to think about what they might have and probably are continuing to do.
What’s your favorite part about being an investigator and why?
Being an investigator is who I am. Investigating for me its more of a way of life. I love what I do and I can’t imagine doing anything else! Finding the truth to anything is so extremely rewarding. The journey to the truth is such an amazing process that I revel in! Additionally, being an investigator means that your daily routine is constantly different which keeps life fresh.
What’s next for Jax Menez Atwell?
I’m back working on my case work. I get case work based on word of mouth and the reputation I’ve built. I’m a jack of all trades and pretty much handle anything that comes my way. I’m primarily based out of Arizona but I travel all the south and northwest states for case work. The what’s next part is the exciting part! That is what is in God’s hands! I’m looking at opening another office in the Boise, Idaho area soon so that should be exciting!
Any positive words of advice you’d like to share?
Life is what you make it. I love adventure. I love seeing and doing with my own senses. Being an adventurer doesn’t take a big budget or tons of resources. I guarantee there are mysteries and adventure close to where anyone lives. Being an adventurer is just opening your eyes and getting curious!!!
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Today I’m welcoming back producer, writer and film director, Michael G. Kehoe. Thank you, Michael for stopping by!
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Well, I’m a filmmaker, born in Brooklyn, New York. Went to a catholic school and at an early age film was something i became very interested in. My family moved to Ithaca, New York when I was thirteen years of age. While in high school, although I was active in sports, I signed up for the drama department and began playing leads in the school plays. This is where it all started. And if I tell you any more then there would be no reason for me to write a biography of my journey!
Your chilling short film Hush has received 32 awards! A major congratulations is in order! Please share with everyone Hush’s success….
HUSH has received an incredible amount of attention. I for one never realized that this film would do as well as it has done. I felt that we had something special, but the fever from it has been infectious. I never thought that I would be writing let alone directing “horror films”, and mind you, I am not drawn to blood and guts at all. I’ve always been interested in the “what’s behind the door” types of films. The edgy feeling you get when you walk through your house when the lights have gone out and you hear a noise that should not be in the other room, because no one sleeps in there! This is what gets me going.
Hush has been seen throughout many film festivals. Were these events only nationally or were they internationally as well?
HUSH has been all over the world! Korea, Spain, England, South America, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Japan, and all over the United States. We’ve done very well abroad as well as the states.
In your previous interview, you shared with us some of the exciting feedback Hush had been receiving. Since your 32 awards accomplishment, what else have people been saying about your frightfully fascinating film?
The audience has been great and very supportive of HUSH. I have found that the horror fans are extremely loyal and have such a passion for certain types of horror. The horror genre is like Ben and Jerry’s 31 flavors of ice cream. There are Vampires, Zombies, Ghosts, Killers, Monsters, Possessions, Evil Spirits, and the list goes on and on. I tend to lean toward the hauntings, be it ghosts or what you think is a ghost. I enjoy taking the audience on a ride and making them think they are traveling in one direction, then divert them in such a shocking way that they are now on a completely different direction! Listening to the audience shriek and scream from the shock of the moment, not a bloody disgusting moment but a moment when they have no clue that something was going to happen. Catching them off guard is the key.
And here is an exciting treat for those who weren’t able to attend the festivals…. Hush has now been released on YouTube! Michael, care to share the link so that no one will miss out?
Yes, everyone can see it on YouTube and write a review as well. Please pass it on to family and friends. We’re hoping for this link to go viral that will help with the next step!
Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/nfKoFNGU_7E
It’s certainly no secret that Hush was created from the script of the feature film that will go into production under another title. Yet, it’s understandable why details can’t be released about this upcoming project. Where can people read about future updates?
Much of the information I will be releasing will start out from my Twitter site and will also be posted on my FaceBook page and Instagram. There are some BIG announcements coming about the feature film and we will be including some of the fans to actually be on set as guests. So, people can follow me on Twitter @MikeyKehoe
What’s next for Hush and what’s next for Michael G. Kehoe?
We begin principal photography in early 2016, which is just around the corner. My Director of Photography, John T Connor and I have been working on the story boards and John has the film in his head already. We work quite well together and move quickly due to our Siamese Twin connection! My editor, Michael Trent is on board as well. Michael is very talented and knows the story inside and out. When Michael sits down to edit he and I are on the same page so I don’t have to be over his shoulder. What you will see will be Michael’s cut. I am very fortunate to have both John Connor and Michael Trent on my team. For me the next film in development is a Sci Fi thriller on location in Iceland. The script is completed and there is quite a buzz about it. In fact, I have already been to Iceland to scout the movie for locations and I am very excited about this picture. Iceland is a wonderful location, unlike anything I have ever seen. People think that the entire country is covered in snow and ice, how wrong they are. It’s spectacular and our film takes full advantage of the secrets Iceland holds! I look forward to sharing more with the fans of HUSH who I hope will become fans of mine. Thank you for this opportunity to share the thoughts and journey. There is more to come!
Michael G. Kehoe with the head of a Spanish Film Fest.
Michael G. Kehoe at the Zed Dead Film fest.
*** Hush review by Sheila Renee Parker ***
Hush is a respected adaptation of supernatural events that delve deep into the human psyche. The film’s production is tastefully done and is void of any unnecessary vulgarity and unwanted nudity. The performances are well executed and believable, all the more reason to send chills directly to the bone. With its terrifying atmosphere and shockingly dark storyline, it easily leaves the viewer wanting more. Fortunately for us movie goers, this phenomenal short film has been created from the script of the feature film that will go into production under another title. Certainly exciting news!
Hush recieves a definite 5 stars from me! ~ Sheila Renee Parker
SHEILA RENEE PARKER