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Welcome to Kicking the Seat!

Ian Simmons launched Kicking the Seat in 2009, one week after seeing Nora Ephron’s Julie & Julia. His wife proposed blogging as a healthier outlet for his anger than red-faced, twenty-minute tirades (Ian is no longer allowed to drive home from the movies).

The Kicking the Seat Podcast followed three years later and, despite its “undiscovered gem” status, Ian thoroughly enjoys hosting film critic discussions, creating themed shows, and interviewing such luminaries as Gaspar NoéRachel BrosnahanAmy Seimetz, and Richard Dreyfuss.

Ian is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association. He also has a family, a day job, and conflicted feelings about referring to himself in the third person.

Indiegogo Campaign: THE ABSTRACT HEART!

Hey, indie film fans! Nathaniel Scott Davis and 1261 Pictures have launched an IndieGogo campaign to fund Davis' first feature film, The Abstract Heart! Davis, you may recall, is the budding talent behind the short films Angela and Deprivation--two disturbing and really smart little movies that showcased enough talent, heart, and imagination to make me want to see more.

The Abstract Heart is about a lonely guy who falls in love with a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. When she finds herself in trouble, he goes to extreme lengths to keep her safe. This campaign's crazily affordable perks range from special thanks in the film's credits to a producer title and a physical copy of the finished movie upon release.

Filming begins soon, which means they have just 7 days to raise $3,000--all of which will go to production costs like transportation, cast and crew accommodations, special effects, and post work once shooting is complete.

Friends, if you love new and original voices forging their own path outside the mega-budget studio system, please spread the word and dig deep for The Abstract Heart!

GREMLINS Screening Swag!

GREMLINS 30th Anniversary Screening!