profile pic ian.jpg

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.

HORROR HUNTERS: You Will See The Doctor Now!

HORROR HUNTERS: You Will See The Doctor Now!

Fans of the Kicking the Seat Podcast (both of you) know Aaron Christensen as a frequent guest; as the star of one of my favorite films of 2012; as the editor of the essential books, Horror 101 and Hidden Horror, and as the proprietor of the fright-flick blog, Horror 101 with Dr. AC.

This Wednesday, Aaron adds "Reality TV star" to his résumé, as he and co-host Adam Rockoff explore the world of creepy collectibles in Shout! Factory TV's new series, Horror Hunters!

From the press release:

Horror Hunters is Scream Factory’s first foray into producing original premium unscripted series for the Shout! Factory TV digital platform. Made by and for fans of the horror genre, the launch of Horror Hunters serves as an important step in broadening the reach of Shout! Factory and its imprints as a tentpole new show for the streaming service. Horror Hunters will be livestreamed and then available for VOD viewing on Shout! Factory TV beginning October 28.

In Horror Hunters, horror experts Adam Rockoff and Aaron Christensen embark on a journey to discover some of the greatest collections of horror memorabilia in the world. At each destination, the Horror Hunters offer rare and valuable pieces from their own collections while attempting to trade for the most sought after, one-of-a-kind items they encounter. 

In the pilot episode, the Horror Hunters visit Frankenstein uber-collector Phil Meenan and come face-to-face with a working (and dangerous!) Jacob’s Ladder device.  Next, the Horror Hunters travel across Chicago to meet with well-known horror blogger Jon Kitley inside the infamous Kitley’s Krypt, where they propose an epic trade.

Because the show is made for the ultimate horror collector, Horror Hunters viewers will be encouraged to take a short survey to give feedback on the pilot following the livestream. This feedback from fans will guide the future of the show beyond its pilot episode, and each voter will be entered to win a Scream Factory Blu-ray prize package.

Check out the trailer below, and be sure to catch the pilot episode on ShoutFactoryTV.com this Wednesday, October 26 at 6pm PST (8pm CST). There'll be an encore presentation at 9pm PST (11pm CST).

You can also show Aaron some love by contributing to his annual "Scare-a-Thon". Throughout October, he binges horror movies, blogs about them, and then donates all the pledged proceeds to charity. This year, he's helping out the Greater Chicago Food Depository!

Hit up Horror 101 with Dr. AC. for more info, and send him a note of congratulations while you're at it!

The Kartemquin Fall Festival is Here!

The Kartemquin Fall Festival is Here!

SUICIDE SQUAD Gets an Assist with New "Extended Cut"!

SUICIDE SQUAD Gets an Assist with New "Extended Cut"!