KQEK.com --- The Great Tape Swap: A Salute to the 15th Annual Video Store Day 2025
KQEK.com Digital / Big Head Amusements / ArtScopeTO - Podcasts
Release Date: 10/18/2025
KQEK.com --- The Great Tape Swap: A Salute to the 15th Annual Video Store Day 2025
KQEK.com Digital / Big Head Amusements / ArtScopeTO - Podcasts
To mark the 15th Annual Video Store Day [VSD] in Anno 2025, I've recorded a short nostalgia piece originally published in the second issue of . “The Great Tape Swap or: How I Learned Even More About Films and People Thanks to VHS” is a true recollection of a special period when friends swapped VHS tapes and expanded their cinematic horizons, and discovered new genres and filmmakers – in my case, schlock, sexploitation, and direct-to-video B-movies. For a related (and rather barbed) blog on some of the piquant trends in home video, , which also contains links to prior...
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BHA+ Episode 03: Interview with filmmaker-musician schnudlbug - 2024-12-03
KQEK.com Digital / Big Head Amusements / ArtScopeTO - Podcasts
When Canadian filmmaker and musician Schnudlbug was making his short film Roach, part of the end goal was to produce a 3D film with very specific visual and sonic palettes, and a limited edition VHS release. In our lengthy conversation we touch upon the making of his film, which draws upon both cinematic influences and a background rich in practical skills, including editing, visual effects, sound design, and composing music with a special affection for noise. Also discussed is sourcing the physical elements to create a VHS release, and the thrill of presenting the film to audiences after...
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BHA+ Episode 02: A Formal Introduction to... BHA+ - 2024-12-01
KQEK.com Digital / Big Head Amusements / ArtScopeTO - Podcasts
Announcing the soft launch of BHA+ - my Patreon-sponsored media channel where I review vintage consumer, prosumer, and broadcast video gear; offer practical user info for filmmakers; feature test footage featurettes; publish podcast interviews in blog, audio-only, and visual versions; and feature serialized, historical examinations of unique gear. This podcast is both an Introduction to BHA+, and maps out my mandate to showcase, inform, contextualize, and support the preservation and creative use of vintage video gear from the 1970s thru the 2000s. Coming next: a podcast interview with...
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BHA+ Episode 01: Interview with recording artist & filmmaker Spookey Ruben - 2024-09-10
KQEK.com Digital / Big Head Amusements / ArtScopeTO - Podcasts
The first podcast from BHA+ - - is a lengthy conversation with Canadian-born composer, musician, and filmmaker , who celebrates his lengthy career with a tour that takes him to the U.S., Europe, and eastern Canada, including a one-day stop in Toronto on . Perhaps best known for his breakthrough hit "," Ruben will perform selections from his extensive songbook, and debuts his MIDI-triggered Crash Bang Theatre - both of which are tied to his other skillsets as a music video director and filmmaker. Prior to directing and enjoying a fruitful career as a solo artist, Ruben studied film...
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KQEK.com / ArtScopeTO --- Interview with abstract painter Donna Wise (2021)
KQEK.com Digital / Big Head Amusements / ArtScopeTO - Podcasts
For ArtScopeTO, I interviewed Toronto-based abstract painter Donna Wise on her unique techniques, and working during the 2020-2021 pandemic. Further info and stills are available via the . If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on and follow us on . Visit and for more info on the artist and samples of her fine work. Special Thanks to Donna Wise for her time, and Glenda Fordham at for facilitating the interview.
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KQEK.com --- Film historian Jason Pichonsky discusses restoring Julian Roffman's THE BLOODY BROOD (1959)
KQEK.com Digital / Big Head Amusements / ArtScopeTO - Podcasts
CanCon film historian, home video producer, and restorationist Jason Pichonsky discusses the premiere Blu-ray and DVD release of Julian Roffman's restored suspense-drama THE BLOODY BROOD (1959), from KINO Lorber, plus thoughts on John Huston's long unavailable PHOBIA (1980).
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KQEK.com --- Interview with composes Amin Bhatia & Ari Posner (2020)
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Composers Amin Bhatia and Ari Posner discuss scoring ANNE WITH AN E, CBC and Netflix's recent production of L.M. Montgomery's ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, as adapted by BREAKING BAD's Moira Walley-Beckett. Visit for additional , , , and read the by Mark R. Hasan for additional info and related links. Special Thanks to and , and Maike Eilert at White Bear PR. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us on and follow us on and .
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KQEK.com --- Interview with composer Austin Wintory (2019)
KQEK.com Digital / Big Head Amusements / ArtScopeTO - Podcasts
Composer Austin Wintory discusses scoring the new interactive full motion video game ERICA from Flavourworks, and published by Sony, and his compilation album REMNANTS. Music from both albums are available via . A prior interview from 2010 regarding Paul Solet's psychological shocker GRACE (2009) . Visit for additional , , , and read the by Mark R. Hasan for additional info and related links. Special Thanks to Austin Wintory, and Maike Eilert at White Bear PR. Visit for music samples, news, and media links. If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us...
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KQEK.com / ArtScopeTO --- Interview with photographer Pengkuei Ben Huang (2019)
KQEK.com Digital / Big Head Amusements / ArtScopeTO - Podcasts
For the latest edition of ArtScopeTO, I interview photographer Pengkuei (Ben) Huang, whose current eco-series SOLEMN PINES FADING THINGS is exhibited at Toronto's Urban Gallery (400 Queen Street East) from May 2-31st, as part of the 2019 . Huang discusses the genesis of his series, which examines the location and people in Japan's Tohoku region, and the lingering effects of the triple hit of an earthquake, tsunami, and the Fukushima Daiishi nuclear disaster in 2011. Further info and stills from the exhibition are available via the . If you enjoyed this podcast, connect with us...
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KQEK.com --- Interview with composer John Murphy (2019)
KQEK.com Digital / Big Head Amusements / ArtScopeTO - Podcasts
Composer John Murphy (28 DAYS LATER, MIAMI VICE) discusses scoring the BBC's lavish new 6-part mini-series LES MISERABLES (2018), based on Victor Hugo's epic novel; his main themes & use of the viola; and taking a break from scoring in 2015 after the album ANONYMOUS. Prior interviews with the composer from 2010 () and 2015 ()are also available. Visit for additional , , , and read the by Mark R. Hasan for additional info and related links. Special Thanks to John Murphy, and Adrianna Perez at White Bear PR. Visit for more info on the composer....
info_outlineTo mark the 15th Annual Video Store Day [VSD] in Anno 2025, I've recorded a short nostalgia piece originally published in the second issue of Film Fvckers. “The Great Tape Swap or: How I Learned Even More About Films and People Thanks to VHS” is a true recollection of a special period when friends swapped VHS tapes and expanded their cinematic horizons, and discovered new genres and filmmakers – in my case, schlock, sexploitation, and direct-to-video B-movies.
For a related (and rather barbed) blog on some of the piquant trends in home video, do check out the Editor's Blog at KQEK.com, which also contains links to prior VSD blogs, featuring some then-jarring trends, bits of graphic ephemera, and mentions of now long-gone shops that used to pepper Toronto's downtown and mid-town.
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