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13X Studios Creator Talks to iHorror About Life Behind the Mask

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iHorror: Out of all of the avenues you could have taken to get into the horror vendor scene, how did you choose to customize Jason masks?

Rick Styczynski: After Halloween this year, I cosplayed Jason a few times and someone wrote me on Instagram and asked to buy my outfit. I said yes. As I was going to the Post Office to ship the package, a light bulb went off in head. That’s when 13X Studios was born! I got some masks and played around and I guess I just went with it. I pretty much just did Jason masks, after few months I started other creations.

Rick at MegaCon Orlando 2017

 

iHorror: Have you always been artistic?

RS: Growing up in Troy, New York I was always a jock. Baseball and basketball were my sports, so I never got involved in any artsy stuff. However this one time at Band Camp….Just kidding….I have an aunt that is artist, so I think that’s where all this came from.


iHorror:
When did your obsession with horror begin?

RS: I always was fascinated with horror. I always was fascinated with masks. Every year I would help my family decorate and it always made me happy. My father used to have this Frankenstein type mask that would always freak me out…We are still trying to find it as it’s somewhere in my sisters basement, but still no luck….
iHorror: What are some of the more memorable experiences at conventions you’ve had while selling your art?

RS: I have done two conventions so far. Spooky Empire and MegaCon Orlando. They were both amazing experiences. I have been going to Spooky for 8 years now, so to be part of the convention is really cool. I still will say this hands down; Spooky Empire is the best convention on the planet! The atmosphere is so chill, and everyone just has a great time. Also, the parties at Spooky are legendary….This year they are also crossing over with “Spooky Day at the Parks” September 22 and 23 at Coronado Springs in Disney. I will be selling exclusive masks for that event, they will be Disney Villain inspired!

Picture from Orlando Sentinel

 

iHorror: What doors has 13x Studios opened up for you?

RS: I got off to a pretty fast start in November getting my name out there and making moves. Then the unthinkable happened. Some random guy sent a picture of my Kevin Smith Silent Bob Mask to Babble on the Hollywood Babbleon Podcast with Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman. They talked about the mask and Kevin loved it. A few days later I received a call from Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash and a deal was made.

They have exclusive rights to my Dirty Hat Silent Bob mask. Memorial Day they were listed online and in their Secret Stash store in New Jersey. That was a dream come true as Kevin Smith inspired not just myself but many of us after he did Clerks. Now to be part of something so special…And everyone there is so nice, it’s beyond words.

Rick with Ryan James, producer of Shooting Clerks, Kevin Smith’s biopic.

Back to the guy who sent picture. His name was Arthur Lopez and he’s from Fresno, California. That’s all the info I had as Ralph Garman said his name…I tried and tried to find him to thank him but I didn’t have any luck. Then finally I got this Facebook message from him. It made me so happy, and we’re now friends!  Im actually making a mask for him this week. Without him sending that picture, who knows if Kevin would have ever seen my creation.

Silent Bob masks

Another special event I’m so happy to be part of is Hearts of Reality in Celebration, Florida. I am making an exclusive Tiki Mask that all of the reality stars of “Survivor” will sign.  The mask will then be part of the Hearts of Reality Auction on Ebay. The money will benefit GIVE KIDS THE WORLD which is the number one charity I deal with. Helping these kids is the greatest feeling you can have.

 

iHorror: Which mask is your favorite?

RS: My favorite mask is the Jason part 7 mask. I’m a big fan of Kane Hodder, and I had the privilege to get to know him this past Spooky Empire and pick his brain with some of his thoughts about the masks. I made him a mask of his favorite band “Twiztid,”

Kane Hodder signing one of Rick’s masks

I love making celebrity masks. I made Alice Cooper a mask and he fell in love with it. It’s so rewarding seeing people’s faces when they see my masks. It makes everyone happy, including myself, and it gives me a drive to go harder.

Alice Cooper with Rick’s mask made just for him!

People know me and the way I work. I just keep going and going. It’s not just about money or getting your name in the limelight. I love inspiring people. I get emails daily of people telling me my drive and everything I’m doing is inspirational to them. That to me is what it’s all about. Go for your dream!

 

iHorror: Which mask is the most popular?  Or does it vary based upon the convention?

RS: The Jason masks are definitely the most popular. At Spooky Empire I sold masks that were darker in theme, and more pop culture and comic book related masks at MeagaCon Orlando.  However, Jason is still the main guy in charge. Who doesn’t like Jason?  Funny story though, my last hour at MegaCon a guy came over to me and said he was famous. I had no idea who he was. He opened up his wallet and his license said “Jason Voorhees”. It was so surreal!  I gave him a mask for free. I want him to be my new best friend!

Rick with a young Jason fan

iHorror: What made you branch out from the original Jason mask into other fandoms and categories?

RS: After a few months of making Jason masks I was messing around with some 3D paint and ended up making a Freddy mask.  It came out pretty sick!  So I picked some other characters that I wanted to try and I guess I just kept going it.

Two masks that I got lots of love for, well, and even some hate lol, is my John Wayne Gacy and Charles Manson masks.  A friend’s daughter of mine called the Manson mask “angry Jesus.” LOL!

Charles Manson and John Wayne Gacy masks

I just love going through pop culture and just making art.  Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. I made a Leatherface mask and, well, it was pretty horrible. It came out looking like Buffalo Bill from Silence of the Lambs! “Put the lotion on the skin or you get the hose again!”

iHorror: On average, how long does each mask take?

RS: I have found a way to speed up most of the Jason masks but I try to get all of the correct detailing, so that takes time. Each mask is usually a two day process when you take into consideration the sanding, primer, detail and protection. The other masks can even take longer as I paint everything by hand. No air brushes at 13X Studios.  Since I began selling in November 2016 I’ve sold over 700 masks, that’s a lot of hours mask making!

 

iHorror: Do you take custom orders?

RS: I do custom orders daily. I try to accommodate everyone and get a feel for what they want. I love trying new characters or different styles. Sometimes you just need to take a break from the same styles that I paint on a daily basis. In fact, I just got a custom order the other day for a Fifty Shades of Grey type bondage mask. Now that’s some freaky shit right there!

 

iHorror: What does the future hold for you and 13x Studios?

RS:  I feel like I haven’t even started my business yet, not really. I’m still in the early stages, but what I’ve accomplished so far is pretty awesome!  Not bad from an ex-Online Poker Player, bartender and DJ.

I guess Poker taught me to take more risks, so I’m using that strategy with my masks. I can’t even imagine what this Halloween season will bring. Aside from the conventions I’ll be doing and the online sales, my masks are also in Gods and Monsters.  Gods and Monsters is a famous comic book store in Orlando, Florida and I’ll be at their two year anniversary party selling my masks on Saturday June 17.  Fellow artists Morgan Wilson or Luxnova and Vaughn Belak who has personally helped me navigate this scene will be there as well!

The future looks very bright, and a lot of that has to do with Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash!

I also have an amazing model from Connecticut.  Her name is Cunnographic and she will be doing lots of work with me in the future!

13x Studios model Cunnographic

 

iHorror: Where can we see you next? What is the best way to reach you for orders as well as to see what work you have available on hand?

RS: I try to update all my convention appearances on social media. I just started a Twitter, but I also use Facebook and Instagram. You can search 13xStudios. A website is being worked on as my dot com name brings you to my etsy store www.13Xstudios.com.

Please be aware not much is in stock at the moment as MegaCon Orlando wiped me out, but I’m back to work tomorrow, dutifully cranking out masks daily. Ok my wife Dawn is walking up the stairs, I need to hurry and get a mask on and scare her. My daily routine.

Thank you iHorror. Keep inspiring all of us Horror buffs!

Rick signing a mask for a lucky customer

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

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‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

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the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

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