If you have any questions, comments or suggestions for other columns, OR if you're interested in writing one, please contact us at info@sainteuphoria.com and let us know what you think!
A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO MIHMIVITES
A special message from writer/director Christopher R. Mihm...
I want to start by acknowledging that I understand that streaming movies is far more convenient than having a bunch of discs lying around. Still, I thought it'd be instructive to share with you all just how hard it can be on content providers like Saint Euphoria Pictures.

The Mihmiverse currently has 12 films (of 15, three were dropped without explanation) on the Amazon Prime streaming platform. In the month of June (which is a SLOW month because it's summertime) in ONLY the United States and United Kingdom, those 12 films were streamed for a total of 620,850 minutes. The average length of a Mihmiverse film is 82 minutes. When you do the math on this, that means ON AVERAGE, my films were watched over 7500 times on Amazon in June 2020. Given that many are shorter in length, it is probable they were watched several hundred more times during that same period. With the most popular being "The Giant Spider," with a running time of 71 minutes, this is entirely possible.

Again, June is a traditionally SLOW month, and, regardless of the COVID-19 situation, it has tracked similarly to previous years. So, given all of those seemingly impressive numbers, how much would you guess Amazon paid Saint Euphoria for that many minutes streamed? The rather sad answer is $196.48. Needless to say, this is not a sustainable practice for small creators like me. AND, with almost every other platform unwilling to even talk to low-budget indie creators without a middle man (who would generally take more than 50% of those paltry earnings), it gets even more dire.

Needless to say, if you like someone's work, make sure to support them however you can. Spread the word. Every watching eyeball helps. They may produce only pennies, but pennies do add up! Also, when given the opportunity, please buy physical media. The profit margins are much higher and, even if you don't need it, you can always donate it to libraries for others to experience! Also, make sure to buy related merchandise like posters and collectibles. Most importantly, if you can, buy stuff DIRECTLY from the creator. Again, every little bit helps!

Thank you for watching and enjoying the Mihmiverse, and I want to extend a gigantic thank you to all of you who continue to spread the word! I very much enjoy expanding this cheesy little universe and plan to keep doing it as long as I can!

— Christopher R. Mihm
CURRENT NEWS
As the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage, we here at "Saint Euphoria Central" hope this month's edition of the Mihmiverse Monthly finds you as healthy and happy as you can manage. We know you're all doing your best to mitigate the spread and keep your loved ones safe, so we wanted to take this moment to let you know you are all in our thoughts and look forward to the day when we can all enjoy some cheesy, Mihmiverse monster movies TOGETHER!


During this unprecedented time, writer/director Christopher R. Mihm and his family have been doing what they can to help "flatten the curve" by staying close to home and keeping to themselves. Of course, this doesn't mean the Mihmiverse isn't moving forward! As you should know, Mr. Mihm is currently "knee deep" in the editing process on his next film, the Mihmiverse "quarantine movie," "The Phantom Lake Kids in The Unseen Invasion!"

Using immediate Mihm family members and available locations in their home, the film was shot during an intense six week period from late April into early June. Everyone involved had a good time keeping busy and distracted during the initial uncertainty of our current era, and the ridiculous and comedic nature of the script definitely helped lift spirits.

Now that post-production is well underway, we thought it'd be fun to share an exclusive clip from the film to give everyone an idea of what to expect from this goofy little nugget of a movie. Check it out below!


Despite "The Phantom Lake Kids in The Unseen Invasion" being in the editing stage, it doesn't change the fact that the production still needs funds to complete the film! As such, we encourage you to contribute to the movie so you can see your name in the end credits—and help keep the lights on at Saint Euphoria Pictures!

In this all new Phantom Lake Kids adventure, Danny Johnson, his sisters Alice and Evelyn, and their wacky friends Butch, Chip, and Billy Blue find themselves stuck in the Johnson house during a government-mandated worldwide quarantine. When most of them inexplicably disappear in a flash of light, then reappear moments later, it becomes exceedingly clear this is no ordinary event! However, when Alice (Elizabeth Kaiser returning to a role she hasn't played since the character was introduced in 2009's "Terror from Beneath the Earth") doesn't return, the rest must meticulously (and hilariously) unravel the mystery behind her disappearance and the invisible forces behind it! Could it be...aliens?

For each $20.00 donation, all contributors will be entitled to having a single name* of their choosing listed in the contributors section of the closing credits of the film and a customized, frame-able document certifying their contribution! Copies of the film and/or world premiere tickets may be pre-ordered as "add-ons" with the purchase of at least one credit.

IMPORTANT! Unlike previous Mihmiverse films, physical media copies of the finished film are NOT automatically included with a basic contribution. If you would like to receive a DVD or Blu-Ray of the film when it is released, you MUST order them separately!

Credits can even be given as gifts! Imagine the looks on the faces of your loved ones when they find out their names will be immortalized on the silver screen!

 
"The Phantom Lake Kids in The Unseen Invasion"
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR CREDITS
NUMBER OF CREDITS
*ON-SCREEN CREDIT(S)
Separate credits by commas, & or "and." 
DVDS (+$10 each)
BLU-RAYS (+$20 each)
WORLD PREMIERE TICKETS (+$10 each)
Is your mailing address outside of the U.S.?
(All non-U.S. mailing addresses will be charged a shipping premium for physical media.)

EXCLUSIVE CREDITS!

NOTE: If you purchase one of the following credits, writer/director Christopher R. Mihm will contact you shortly after to discuss your purchase!

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER — $500
Associate producers will earn IMBb and on-screen credits and will be allowed certain privileges of producership, including free, exclusive merchandise and other perks (TBD).
 
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER — $1000
Executive producers will earn IMBb and on-screen credits and will be allowed certain privileges of producership, including free, exclusive merchandise, set visits, and other perks (TBD).

*A single credit is defined as the name of one (1) person or corporate entity. Any credit requiring the word "and," an ampersand (&), and/or a comma (except when part of a legal company name) will constitute multiple credits and MUST BE paid for separately.

NOTE: The contributor program is an "equal exchange" program, which means specifically that those participating have NO SAY in the decisions or actions taken by anyone involved in the actual production of the film and are NOT entitled to ANY possible future profits earned by the film, derivative works, and/or merchandise created for or featuring elements from the film. Becoming an contributor does not entitle the participant to ANY ownership WHATSOEVER of the finished film or associated elements.

EXCLUSIVE MIHMIVERSE COLLECTIBLE ALERT!

Check out this rare, EXCLUSIVE "The Monster of Phantom Lake" collectible!

We were ORIGINALLY going to sell them at the "The Phantom Lake Kids in The Beast Walks Among Us" world premiere. But, with that event being moved to next year, we didn't want to wait to get them into the hands of true Mihmiverse collectors!

These impressive little handmade monster figurines were made by a very talented fan named Barbara Vest. They stand roughly a foot tall, and, most surprisingly, are constructed of very high-quality papier mâché!

Only TWO of these figurines are available and, once they're sold out, there will be no more. So, if you're interested in obtaining one, purchase yours NOW! This item is ONLY available for U.S.-based customers.

The Monster of Phantom Lake Figurine
$49.99 (+$9.99 shipping & handling!)
SOLD OUT!

GRAB A MONSTERS OF THE MIHMIVERSE PUZZLE WHILE THEY LAST!

Your opportunity to own one of the first-ever Mihmiverse jigsaw puzzles is QUICKLY fading! The very small stack of puzzles we have left has gotten much smaller and, once that stack is gone, we will not be making more!

This high-quality, 24" x 18" 500-piece puzzle features the official Monsters of the Mihmiverse promo photo and is available in EXTREMELY limited quantities—that are dwindling fast!

This item is ONLY available for U.S.-based customers. If you live outside of the United States and would like to purchase one, please contact us HERE to discuss your options!

Monsters of the Mihmiverse 500-Piece Puzzle
$29.99 (+$9.99 shipping & handling!)
 

PRE-ORDER "THE BEAST WALKS AMONG US" TODAY!

When a local man is suspected of having been transformed into a hideous monster, it's up to a scrappy gang of local kids (Danny & Evelyn Johnson, Butch, Chip, and their friend Billy Blue) to uncover the truth and save Phantom Lake County—and everyone in it—from certain doom in writer/director Christopher R. Mihm's tribute to the creature-features of the 1950s, the history of the Mihmiverse, and "Scooby Doo!"

The disc contains a high quality digital transfer of the film and several exclusive special features, including a blooper reel, two photo galleries, feature-length commentary with writer/director Christopher R. Mihm, English subtitles, Esperanto audio & subtitles and much more!

Feature Run Time: 1 hour, 19 minutes. Black & White, Widescreen, NOT RATED.

IMPORTANT! This item is pre-order only. All orders will ship on or around the premiere date!

$9.99 (DVD) / $19.99 (Blu-Ray)
(+$3.99 shipping & handling)
format: 

Check here if the shipping address is outside of the U.S.
Check here to include writer/director Christopher R. Mihm's autograph
NOTE: Autographs require removal of a disc's protective plastic wrap.
By selecting this option, you agree to allow us to do this!
STREAM THE MIHMIVERSE!
In addition to many of the films of writer/director Christopher R. Mihm being available on Amazon Prime, there are now OTHER options for streaming the Mihmiverse!

The entire Mihmiverse catalog (INCLUDING "The Monster of Phantom Lake: The Musical!") is available for on-demand streaming and digital download at Vimeo! Every film accessible through the Mihmiverse Vimeo page is of the highest quality transfer available to both rent and/or own! PLUS, every movie you purchase includes a blooper reel!



Drive-in Monsters is the official Mihmiverse Roku channel and is the place to find all the films of writer/director Christopher R. Mihm AND a curated collection of special features! We plan to add some really cool, exclusive content over time, so we encourage you to add the channel to your Roku lineup. To find the Drive-in Monsters channel, simply search for it through your Roku service!

To make sure we never have to charge a premium for the channel, we are currently collecting subscribers and star ratings so we can convert the channel to "advertiser-supported" (as opposed to a subscriber-based service). The more stars and ratings we receive, the better we are able to approach higher quality advertisers. The higher the "quality" of our advertisers, the more money the channel earns. The more money the channel earns, the more Mihmiverse content we make! It's a win-win for everyone!

SO, make sure that once you've installed the channel, you GIVE IT A STAR RATING—the higher the better! Then, be sure to tell everyone you know to install the channel and do the same! With your help, we'll be able to continue to bring you the best Mihmiverse-related content for years to come!


Amazon Prime's openly "hostile stance" toward independent films on its service has claimed yet another of the films of Christopher R. Mihm, specifically "Cave Women on Mars." Sadly, we don't think this will be the last Mihmiverse movie to disappear and, honestly, it's only a matter of time before they all disappear since Amazon seems hell-bent on removing films of a lower-budget stripe in an attempt to "clean up" its movie selection.

"Cave Women on Mars" joins "It Came From Another World!" and "Destination: Outer Space" in being inexplicably pulled from the service. Unfortunately, now that they've been removed, they can't be resubmitted and will NEVER be reconsidered by the service. There continues to be no explanation beyond vague boilerplate language about "customer quality standards."

To reiterate what we say every month, the Mihmiverse's days on Amazon Prime are numbered. As such, we encourage you to enjoy them through their service while they last. Just make sure if you START a movie, FINISH it! We've learned that can be a factor in the removal of films because the implication is that if a movie is started but not completed, it may not be of sufficient "quality" to be on its service!

Once you've finished watching something, give it a star rating...but only if your star rating is AT LEAST three. Anything below three stars negatively affects the film and potentially drags it toward the "removal threshold." If you feel so inclined, give it a review, but be honest! Tell the world what you think and maybe even let others know that there are MORE Mihmiverse films available to watch on the service! THEN, encourage everyone you know to do the same! The more streaming minutes the 'verse gets, the longer the films will remain—so feel free to view (and rate!) what's left of the collection!

Thank you for your help!
THE MIHMIVERSE MONTHLY AUDIOCAST
The latest episode of the Mihmiverse Monthly Audiocast has arrived!

This month, host writer/director Christopher R. Mihm talks about maintaining hope during hopeless times, compares the differences between streaming video and owning physical media, and considers the idea of a potential "Phantom Lake Kids" trilogy!

Also included: "The Kansas City Crypt" with Monster Movie Kid Rich Chamberlain and a little prognostication with Madame Magda of the Phantom Sideshow!

To download an .mp3 of the audiocast, click HERE, visit archive.org where the file is stored or download it free from Apple Podcasts!

Otherwise, if you'd like to listen to the episode right from this browser window, click the play button on the player below!

The Mihmiverse Monthly Audiocast is hosted by writer/director Christopher R. Mihm and is focused specifically on what's going on RIGHT NOW in the Mihmiverse. In addition, Mr. Mihm will discuss the monster movie-making process, touch briefly on the future of the 'verse, pontificate on random subjects, and be joined by guests from within and without the Mihmiverse. PLUS, each episode will include something unique you won't find anywhere else!

MIHMIVERSE FAN FOCUS
Welcome to the Mihmiverse Monthly feature where we talk to YOU, the fans! Every month, we choose a random Mihmivite and ask them a few Mihmiverse-related questions in an attempt to get to know them better and find out what they REALLY think about the films of Christopher R. Mihm!

This month, we interview "Louisiana" Marty Benoit!

Introduce yourself to the Mihmiverse!
I am Martin J. Benoit, a Louisiana native of Acadian (Cajun) heritage. Professionally, I have been using ink to create art based on Louisiana subjects since 1987. During my lifetime, I've worked on a farm, been a parts clerk, was a truck driver, did a couple of seasons as a ski lift operator, was on a grain harvester crew through the Midwest, and served a term on a city council. I've been an avid fan of monster films since I was a kid.

When and how did you discover the films of Christopher R. Mihm?
A couple of years ago, I was scrolling through Amazon's streaming movie selection and came across, "The Monster of Phantom Lake." I initially thought it to be an old movie I had never seen, but realized it to be a new, "old" movie paying homage to B-monster movies. I was hooked and searched out all available Mihmiverse movies to view. I now have a DVD collection with some of my favorites to watch over and over again.

If you had to pick just ONE, which of the Mihmiverse films would be your favorite?
It would have to be the one that started it all, "The Monster Of Phantom Lake." There are so many throwback references to those cheesy, old monster movies of the past. I mean, the kids run and run and run to get away from the monster who just plods along, but when a kid stops to take a rest and turns around, there the monster is! Classic reference to the movies I remember. Plus, I like that clever little song sung by the campfire.

Tell us how you, in particular, show your "Mihmiverse pride!"
I make my growing collection of Mihmiverse DVDs available for the viewing pleasure of guests at my newly opened B&B, the Blue Moon Bungalow. I figure that is the best way to share my love of—and introduce—these mostly family-friendly films to others. In addition, I enjoy contributor status in the end credits of several films.

Where would you like to see the Mihmiverse go in the future?
Because of my great fondness for "Danny Johnson Saves The World," the upcoming follow-up films "The Phantom Lake Kids in The Beast Walks Among Us" and "The Phantom Lake Kids in The Unseen Invasion," seems to be a good direction. Plus, some members of the cast and crew should be readily available. This, interspersed with other imaginative ideas as developed, may serve to keep the Mihmiverse "A-Rockin', A-Rollin', All the Way A-Ramblin'" for the enjoyment of my lifetime.
Want to be interviewed for a future edition of the Mihmiverse Fan Focus? Send an email to info@sainteuphoria.com and let us know! Maybe next month the subject will be YOU!
CLASSIC MOVIE OF THE MONTH
The Land Unknown (1957)
Directed by Virgil W. Vogel
Starring Jock Mahoney, Shirley Patterson and Henry Brandon

In this overlooked classic directed by Virgil W. Vogel, an Antarctic mapping expedition turns fantastical when, after encountering a heavy storm, one of its helicopters goes missing. Assumed to have crashed into the ice, it instead lands within a deep, seemingly sub-tropical crater populated by dinosaurs! While searching for the means with which to fix their damaged 'copter, the small crew (and a "hitchhiking" lady journalist played by Shirley Patterson) are treated to wild adventures of the prehistoric and "man-in-Tyrannosaurus-Rex-costume" type.

Overall, I was extremely surprised by just how good this movie is. It starts a bit slow, with a few too many "helicopter-model-flying-in-front-of-snowy-stock-footage" shots but, once the crew arrives in the crater, the movie picks up significantly and we, the audience, are treated to a fun adventure. Sure, in the age of "Jurassic Park," the monsters look dated and fake, but they're absolutely perfect in a 1950's-drive-in-B-movie way.

I watched this film again recently and was quickly reminded why it ranks as one of my all-time favorites from the era. That, and the actor who plays the main character is named Jock Mahoney. Not "Jacques," but Jock. Weird!
— Christopher R. Mihm
THE TRIVIA CORNER
Vampires Suck!

There are currently 3038 movies listed on IMDb that either have "Vampire" in the title, or are about vampires in one way or another...and 365 of them have "Dracula" in the title! Out of the remaining 2673 non-Dracula titles, I've chosen 6 for this month's trivia corner!

At this rate, INCLUDING Dracula, I could go on for another 444 months...or 37 years! (I wonder what Sesame Street's Count would do with all these numbers..ah..ah...ahhh!)

Anyway, you've got two lists: "Titles" and "Plots." Your mission: sink your teeth into matching them up, and try not to go "batty!"

1. (1957) "The Vampire"
2. (1958) "Blood of the Vampire"
3. (1963) "The Kiss of the Vampire"
4. (1964) "Crypt of the Vampire"
5. (1967) "The Fearless Vampire Killers"
6. (1970) "The Velvet Vampire"

A. A professor, his apprentice try to track down a damsel in distress. It's dark, it's creepy, and it's a comedy about vampires. Roman Polanski directed and starred in this film with his ill-fated wife, Sharon Tate.
B. Is Laura Karnstein possessed by the spirit of an ancestor—who may have been a vampire? Her father, the Count, (played by the legendary Christopher Lee) thinks so—and so does her nurse.
C. A kindly small town doctor accidentally swallows some pills made out of dried vampire bat's blood (most likely from Walgreen's) and soon the town is a bloody mess.
D. When trouble strands a honeymooning couple in a small European village, they are rescued by an aristocratic family who may be more than they seem. I used the word "rescued" ironically.
E. Dateline Transylvania, 1894: A Prison warden and his crippled assistant perform bloody experiments on the inmates. The fact that the warden is anemic is a clue to his motives.
F Lee & Susan are invited to Diane's desert estate. Things get bloody when they realize Diane is a centuries-old vampire who wants them...both.
Scroll to the bottom of the Mihmiverse Monthly for the answers.
— Mike Cook
THE MONSTER OF PHANTOM LAKE: THE MUSICAL!
Did you know that "The Monster of Phantom Lake: The Musical!" is now available to be performed by schools and theatre companies nationwide?!

We offer carefully prepared materials of similar (or higher) quality than what you would receive from one of the big Broadway theatrical licensing companies. However, our independent licensing model allows us offer individualized service catered to your organization. When you decide to license a show with us, the success of your production becomes our number-one priority! Heck, the authors might even fly out to see one of your shows!

Production packages include scripts, orchestra books, and conductor/accompanist scores (condensed and full score options), all professionally printed in a beautiful and clean format. We even include rehearsal backing tracks that fully match the music printed in the libretto and on the cast recording CD! This is a great option for productions where using a live orchestra isn't possible, for "black box" style theaters, or when your group doesn't have a rehearsal accompanist regularly available.

We also include free logos for use in your advertising materials, and we can offer personalized graphic design as well as transpositions of vocal and orchestra parts on demand. Visit monsterofphantomlake.com to hear songs from the show, learn more about the script, and request a quote, perusal script, or license agreement.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mihmiverse DVDs & Blu-Rays are now available at SaintEuphoria.com, the online home of the films of Christopher R. Mihm. In addition, exclusive movie posters, collectibles, and other merchandise are now in stock. Everything is available in extremely limited quantities, so get yours today before they run out!
The Trivia Corner answers: 1-C, 2-E, 3-D, 4-B, 5-A, 6-F

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Saint Euphoria LLC 2020

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