The initial concept for the magazine came about while Candace was still in Graphic Design school. She was given the task of creating a “mock” magazine cover, contents page, and main spread as a class assignment. Her brothers, Aaron and Ben, had just finished working on the film “The Redsin Tower” and she felt a horror magazine would be perfect. After graduation, she decided to pursue the idea of the magazine more intently. She began networking for movie submissions and in no time had 7 movies. Unexpectedly, she also received requests by artists who wished to submit their artwork. The magazine was now starting to take shape, and in 6 months time, assembled and released the first issue. Feedback was (and still is) very positve in the concept behind the magazine. We know of no other magazine currently on the open market that embraces independent films, artists, and writers at this level.

This magazine is for you, the independents of the world!

Original Concept Cover


Our intentions for this magazine are quite simple. To help independent film makers, writers, and artists promote their work and provide resources to accomplish such work. This magazine is expected to be released quarterly (December, March, June, September) and it's contents depend mostly on submissions from independent film makers, writers artists and advertisers.

Since this magazine is still in its infancy, the amount of resources contained within our pages are limited. We do however anticipate more resources will become available over time as the magazine grows and more talent, retailers, and vendors offer services and products.


Ratings

Independent films submitted for review are watched and rated on a scale of 1 to 5 by at least 4 GASP staff members in 8 separate catagories;

Story: The overall plot and how it is told.
Acting: The performance by all actors.
Editing: Continuity, flow, etc.
Effects: Visual, practical, CGI, etc.
Cinematography: What the camera sees.
Lighting: How lights are used.
Sound: The spoken dialog and sound f/x.
Music: How the mood is set.

The lowest rating per catagory is dropped and the average of the remaining ratings are posted per catagory in each review. The 8 catagory ratings are then averaged together and rounded to the nearest 1/2 point for the overall review rating.


Casting Couch

The casting couch is intended to assist independent film makers locate and hire available talent and services for their productions. Advertisers listed on the casting couch are independent talents and vendors. If you are interested in hiring a casting couch member, you must contact them directly via the information listed in their advertisement. GASP magazine does NOT provide the talents or vendors listed. If you wish to sign up and offer your talent or service, visit our casting couch page for more details.


Deep Cuts

“Deep Cuts” is a section in each review where any flaws or required improvements are listed. In many cases a deep cuts comment might be considered trival in which most viewers would not pick up on unless pointed out by a trained eye. It’s direct to the point and sometimes harsh but is intended to provide constructive criticism. DO NOT take it as a personal bashing on your hard work, it is meant as a critique.


Fresh Meat

“Fresh Meat” is a section designed to introduce new film makers. Most features falling under this catagory are first-time film projects where productions skills are still being developed. Rather than criticize everything that’s potentially wrong with someones hard work, we point out its strongest aspects and emphasize what’s right. We all started somewhere and it's nice to receive recognition and appreciation in such a demanding profession. Films falling into this section do not receive a rating.

The syringe in each review is the “Blood Meter”. It provides a quick indication to the amount of blood featured in the film. It goes without saying, the more blood in the syringe, the more blood contained in the film. If a film uses an excessive amount of blood, a full syringe with a puddle beneath the needle will be displayed.

The skulls are the review rating. Reviews can earn a maximum of 5 skulls. All 5 skulls are in place, but only the rating score is visible with the remainder darkened.