The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

(A forewarning to all within this thread) I am going to be very picky about this, since I knew last year that this was coming out. It was on a completely hush hush basis since we all know how detrimental the media can be in certain cases.

Anywho, why does it always have to be centered around the New York area, always in a bad light like a"vampires" may be taking over the world scenerio. Is it just me, or was that preview just a wee bit dark, foreboding and some what a case of the Guyana prophetic works. Hell, they even mention the vampire bible...

No wonder why society still has an undying hatred of sorts for the vampire in a theological aspect. The producers of the video seem to be putting the New York community in a bad light.

Yes of course, the New York Vampiric Underground is just cause for the producers to portray it this way, what with all the ritualistic content and what not. As well as it more then likely being a "best selling" video, but for whos profit? Is this really the way the vampire community wants to be represented, as common threats of the human nature? I thought we were past this point and just wishing to be accepted?

Anywho, I should wait for other comments before going any further with my views.

This movie WAS NOT supposed to come out in the States. It caused a HUGE upset and uproar in NYC.
It was on You Tube just as fast, taken back down. Until I saw this thread, I hadnt realized it was back up.
What you may not realize my brother is that alot of the scenes where alot of the ritual work is being done is in Paris.
Some of the party scenes are from NYC.
Thanks to finely done editing, you wont be able to tell the difference unless they say they are in NYC or France or wherever else.
Im personally against this being mass produced.
I agree that it is being presented as really dark. Some of the things presented may go on regularly and some may only happen for ceremonial things....either way, things are done in the "shadows" for a reason.
No one really speaks of their personal acts because its just that....Personal.

hmm, im 50/50 on this one. im interested to see how things will come about in the video, but also disatisfied at the fact on how they portray the vampire community. i wont know untill i actually see the video to know how i will feel really...

wicked bites blessed be, darla...

I have already downloaded a private copy of the flick itself, though I will not disclose the site I took it from...As the flick is not released as of yet.

I do agree with you though ~Traveler~, being as you are from Gotham. You may have first hand accounts as to what the flick consists of.

My assumptions were halfway accurate. Though as I always say, media loves to embellish for the hype even if it is detrimental to certain societies or individuals.

I do agree that there should have been references to the locations. Though I have only watched part of the flick thus far. I will give a more detailed and informed review of it by 01/26/09 at the latest.

(Continued from last post)

The youtube video had been put to the privacy setting, which means the leak came from the owner of the youtube channel itself.

I have a certain interview of myself involving the New Orleans Vampire Community as well, it is also on the privacy setting. Though in time, I will have leaked it out to individuals who know how to set the script properly onto other sites.

I have seen bits and pieces of this. I think that it will continue to cause....issues. Primarily because of the way it portrays the people involved.

I do not think it should be "mass marketed". I think it will cheapen it even more.

Why is there such an uproar from the Vampyre Community whenever the media launches another edition of "Real Vampires"? Those that allow themselves to be filmed or taped for TV and movies, no matter what they are told about distribution beforehand by the producers, can only blame themselves when their practices are revealed. There are some Vampyres who, for whatever reason, knowingly reveal themselves to the media. There are also those who would rather remain in the shadows, and shun any scene where cameras are present. Whatever is revealed is never how the Community sees itself, but there they are thanks to a rabid and exploitative Media. When will the true agenda of these producers, exploitation, be realized by those who are so naive to believe the Media is their allie? I sympathise with those, especially of Gotham Halo, who are angry about this release of "Vampyre", and am sorry they were betrayed.

It is not the fact of exploitation mind you, it is the fact that the making of it had to remain hidden until the movies release. Something to hide perhaps? Or not willing to get into arguements about a negative aspect about the community...Blood and those of whom portray themselves as non blood drinkers mayhaps.

This movie was completed a while back.
It was up on You tube for a short while early last year but vanished. I can only speak for those that I know (and some were in the movie and didnt know) when I say that it is and was frowned upon. We know the person responsible for allowing this to happen.

To me its the same as the "documentaries" on the History Channel. It shouldnt be done. The ones that allow it to happen by willingly going in front of the camera just want their piece of noteriety without regard of others feelings towards it.

If anyone is apart of any bigger org, you know that your actions are not just your actions but reflect on and affect the whole.

You must govern yourself accordingly and keep yourself in due bounds. This goes to everyone in all aspects of life. Just because YOU think its a good idea or harmless, YOU just made yourself a spokesperson for the group as a whole.

Very well Put my brother from another mother...

Though I can lend a bit of advice to those of whom are would be media enthusiasts...To please be aware that even if you are just "speaking for yourself", declare it aloud so the camera mic can hear you as plain as day. As well as state the obvious, even though much of it may seem to be common sense to you, the world still has yet to know what you know. The obvious would be to state "This is not be considered the be all end all by any means, and is only the view of one individual."

The above stated is very much common sense, but most of society has not learned proper communication skills. No offense.

So true. The bad thing is, you cant stop everyone. There will be some that slip through the cracks. And as a result, things like this will continue to happen. Now some go on television for other reasons. Michelle Belanger was on a show called Paranormal State last night. She was called in as a Psycic/ Medium to assist a family that was experiencing some kind of paranormal phenomena in their home.
The aspect of her being a vampyre wasnt even brought up. She was there for a bigger picture. Now there are some that would have jumped on that chance to broadcast the Community.

My view is this...

If you know you are vampire, and the whole of the world knows that you are vampire, after years and years of advertisements and media hype...Then it need not be mentioned. It would be respected. Belanger is very respected throughout the world.

She may be vampire, but she has many differant professions. Vampire = Life, this term is not and should not be considered a hobby or profession.

That was my point. There are those that take every possible chance to "show of" when it comes to this.
What you are is what you are no more no less. But you have those that use it for the hype and the "freak factor"

darkTravler~

a well stated last post, for culture ans society always seem to rear their head to make what sub-cultures deem worthy or right.

Love to see this documentry, was one about 10 years ago but it was not so indepth as this one. Yet going on the video what was for show for the camera and what wasn't. many intriging questions come to mind on the rest of the societies action after this is seen.

This film is not at all about "real vampires," but is instead nothing more or less than a self-serving showcase of those Humans who choose to glorify their own vaunted self images through the self-serving worship of their own pride, arrogance, narcissism and base selfishness in emulating the fictitious persona of the "vampire" to the detriment of all around them, including perhaps most of all... themselves.

- Upir'

From a 2min video i dont think one could say it reflects accurately on what goes on within communities around the world.

- What i do want to know is the full title of the video.

So is it accepted as a documentary? Will it not be rejected by some in the community?

An RE: to the requested true name of said move/documentary...It is entitled vampyres (2007) and has been submitted to the VR database as a movie entry.

if it may add insight ot the culture or society of ampires it is added to the data base for later discussion or to analise, much like the writngs in art or comics have been.

And seeing this is a documentry on the subculture of vampires in NY, it should be added if it is in its entirty.

Just to address the 2nd question :

How do you think this this movie will affect the general public opinion of the "modern day" vampire?

My own opinion is that going just by the clip I've seen, no-one is going to take modern day vampires seriously.

Now you know how I feel when 'mediums' turn up on this kind of thing....hell of a job being taken seriously as a Spiritualist *shrugs*...that's life.

Alrighty then, a brief synopsis regarding the docu-movie...

Well, the movie was aired on one of the following channels last year: History, Discovery, A&E. I cannot remember which one. It was the one that the narrator went to four major cities and wanted to know about the supposed "vampiric underground." The one if any one remembers that Don Henrie, Todd Sebastian and one other individual shouted Elorath before a commercial break? About a ritual with Don Henrie, Michelle Belanger, and Todd Sebastian atop a roof performing a somewhat clandestine ceremony? Where a presumed "wolf" was telling his side of how the term "lycan" was misused and misrepresented? About a certain "Court" where all the "Clans" and "Houses" within the city got together and where "Father Vincent" was introduced....Thats the one.

In my perspective, the movie was a basic documentary based on the practiced of alot of "fetish", mixed with half assed "esoteric" works that were basically mimiced by individuals that had a good grasp at how to perform a ceremony, but did not know what the bloody hell they were doing. It looked like a mock pagan ritual gone bad.

Some of the documentary had a good grasp on a couple of areas, such as the role(s) the vampire plays in modern society and how the individual feels that the vampire is a good stereotype for who and or what they are or claim to be.

It was very sensationalized to say the least. As I have stated before, there was more "fetish" in the documentary that I cared to see. In my mind, this is not what the vampire is all about.

To take this documentary on a serious level, I cannot do. Just a group of individuals living in what they prefer to call a subculture to have the excuse for a certain "fetish" at play. A simple reminder..."FETISH" does not make the vampire...PERIOD!

The interviews were the same ole same ole, what makes the individual think they are a vampire, what is the vampires nature in their eyes...Blah blah blah.

New Orleans was highlighted within the documentary, but unfortunately for the true members within the real vampire community, none save for Maven of House Mavenlore was interviewed. Personally I declined becuase it was as I had suspected...Just random exploitation of a certain community and nothing more. By the by, Maven is very respected and did call the group of individuals out on "living in a fantasy". That comment was commendable.

All in all, I give the documentary a 6 out of 10. Too much fetish, a bunch of individuals showing off their "fangs" and not enough individuals to be taken seriously enough. I mean come now...One of the most vampiric cities in the nation with well over 10,000 vampires...And only a handful were on camera? I don't think so...This is where I agree with ~Upir~ and his comment on the arrogance and self centered ideals...Just a group of individiuals wanting their faces on the camera and nothing more.

My question is...Where were the vampires? I saw little to none.

Oh, and to answer Todd Sebastians philosophy that "the spelling of the vam(i)re with an I is for the roleplayers and the spelling with a vamp(y)re with a Y is for the true calling? In my opinion, this philosophy is ass backward. The roleplayers has always been vamp(y)re with a Y...Don't kid yourself.

The Strigoivii philosophy that he surmised in his interview? Hell of a way to bring the ole VTM philosophy back into action. Romanian for "Living Vampire"? Give me a break.

But again, this is only my review...I am sure everyone has their own opinions and conjectures regarding this review. Too each their own and nothing within this post should be taken offensively.

(continued from last post)

Oh, and must I forget about the mentioning of the "Agmemnon prophesy"? The "blood harvest"? "Guyana"? yes, this area of roleplaying which was in the "book of Nod", was mentioned as well. Talk about taking a philosophy way to far. There is NO such prophesy unless the movie: Blade, VTM, and other aspects of popular literature and fantasy count.

MysticMoon edited:
Do you feel this movie is an accurate interpretation of the vampires in our society?

I reply:
It is absolutely accurate of some lifestylers, at least from what I can see. As for those who associate as "real vampires", whether they live a certain lifestyle or not, I have to say absolutely not. Granted, we are only getting a 2 minute clip here, so it's hard to determine what will be said or portrayed later in the show. If Michele Belanger and Father Sebastian are involved, I would lean toward at least the parts they're involved in being fairly accurate.

MysticMoon edited:
How do you think this movie will affect the general public opinion of the "modern day" vampire?

I reply:

I would honestly be more worried about how this movie with affect the general public opinion of those who dress for the "goth" lifestyle than modern day vampires. People seem to associate by image so it seems to me they would see this movie and how the people in dress (focusing on the extreme style of dress, not those who dress like the social "norm") and pin their fears, phobias, and anxieties on those who fit their ill-conceived stereotype.

I would definitely be interested in seeing this movie in full.

Okay without knowing everything and not claiming to.
I would assume that Todd had a lot to do with the making of this movie.
I believe this; due to the Paris/Gotham venues.
That being said.....Todd is all about the money.
I know of many things he has done that may have
been better if he could see past the dollar signs.

Besides that let them put out every movie they want to.
I will still be who and what I am long after the hype.
Remember, we do not tell everyone who we are.
Unless you want to be locked up that is.

So let the ones who want to, go to the media and
be close to the bright lights.
Me I will be back here drinking a beer waiting for the LOUD
BUG ZAPPER SOUND.

Bloody Kisses,
~Asar

What about a documerntary? Written, Directed, and Produced by the community. I am sure the community would clearly see their factions divide.

Most large groups have factions, nothing new there.

I would like to see a more balanced film, but then that would be of no interest to the money makers, if it's not fantastical or controversial would they be interested

I am very worried that this has come out to the public. I understand how some people might think this will help us come out of the coffin, but really look at the harm it could cause. The people who get to watching it and want to get involved in something over their heads and get hurt. But all I can do is bow and accept how things are happening.

Very true it may do harm than good, there is always that vairable to deeal with when we work with the cultures of society, many may find this against laws or state regulations and now persicution has once again started.

A parade is likely to draw staring glances, as well as cheers.. those who feel special for being " self created outsiders" should get a clue.